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Dr. James Headrick, MD

Dr. James Headrick, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. James Headrick, MD is a cardiothoracic surgeon in Chattanooga, TN and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Headrick has extensive experience in Thoracic Surgical Procedures. He graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1991. He is affiliated with medical facilities CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga and Parkridge Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

5 Star Rating
Based on 48 reviews 5 Star Rating (48 reviews)

Office Hours

Monday

9 am
to
5 pm

Tuesday

9 am
to
5 pm

Wednesday

9 am
to
5 pm

Thursday

9 am
to
5 pm

Friday

9 am
to
5 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed
Call us 24/7 to securely book an appointment
2108 E 3rd St
Chattanooga, TN 37404

Locations

CHI Memorial Chest and Lung Cancer Center

CHI Memorial Chest and Lung Cancer Center2108 E 3rd St Chattanooga, TN 37404
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions
New Patient?
(423) 225-5327

At a Glance

  • Areas of ExpertiseDr. Headrick specializes in the areas of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery & Thoracic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top HospitalAmerica's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals

Experience Check

Search for experience in a specific area

Dr. Headrick's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Headrick

5.0
48 ratings, 38 with a written review
5 star
100%
100%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
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1 star
0%
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Awesome doctor. Spends time and listens to you
I came in from Nashville to see him. We didn’t hit traffic so I was an hour early. He saw me within 10 mins. He has the nicest staff that I have ever seen in an office. Dr Headrick spends as much time as you need and explains everything. I left there with no worries and felt much better about things. I highly recommend this Dr.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 09, 2025
Thank you for your kind comments! We are... Read More
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Office staff pleasant and work well to schedule visit. Doctor explained everything very well and answered all questions. Never felt rushed. Short term and long term plan of care discussed including my input. Quick response time to office calls with questions and medication refills.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 17, 2022
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GREAT--SECOND SURGERY ON MY LUNGS !!! I WAS BEING TREATED IN DOTHAN AL FOR MY LUNGS AFTER BEING IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ALMOST A MONTH !! DR SINCLAIR CAME IN AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO!!??? I WAS ANGRY I IMMEDIATELY CALL UAB B-HAM HOSPITAL !! THEY ALMOST IMMEDIATELYSTARTED SURGERY ON MY LEFT LUNG !! MY MAIN PROBLEM WAS WATER WATER IN MY LUNGS AND AROUND HEART!! AFTER THIS SURGERY WHICH THEY WERE GOOD !! MY RIGHT LUNG STARTED CAUSING PROBLEMS I CALLED MY DAUGHTER IN CHATT. TN FOR ADVICE .. !! WE SEARCHED AND FOUND DR HEADRICK. HE WAS VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! I WENT TO CHATT. TN--ERLANGER HOSPITAL !! DR HEADRICK AND HIS STAFF MEET WITH ME AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AND COULD MAYBE CURE IT
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
WATER ON LUNGS AND HEART!! – Sep 07, 2020
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Before my 1st office visit, the stage was set for great expectations as former patients sang Dr. Headrick's praises. I was even contacted ahead of the visit with reassuring information. Dr. Headrick--and all of his staff-- have always been kind and courteous and have spent unlimited time with me during office visits.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Susan Westbrook – May 21, 2020
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Dr. Headrick went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. He even called me in the evenings to check on me. He shows more concern for his patient's well being than any other doctors I've known. I highly recommend Dr. Headrick.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Thomas K. – Oct 18, 2019
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Outstanding Dr. and staff. Everyone has been extremely helpful post surgery.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 17, 2019
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I would recommend Dr. Headrick to anyone. The moment I walked in this door for the first time I was pleasantly surprised by the greeting of both Rita and Ranci. Don't change anything!!!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 28, 2019
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Yes! Dr. Headrick has operated on me twice and has made me feel optimistic about my health. He's the best!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 12, 2019
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Dr. Headrick and his staff are an answer to prayer! We are so thrilled with dad's progress. He made us feel like dad was his only patient. We had total confidence in his skill as a surgeon, and were very pleased with how comfortable he made us all feel.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 12, 2019
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Headrick and his staff. They are always friendly and extremely helpful when anything is needed. Their office atmosphere is truly one of a kind from the welcoming smile of Miss Rita and warm greeting from their sweet service dog Ransi to the coffee and cookies. We have never felt rushed during our office visits....Dr. Headrick takes as much time as we've needed to ensure all of our concerns and questions are addressed. He is truly one of the best!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lynn O in Adairsville – Feb 20, 2019
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From the initial diagnosis of cancer through surgery and follow up appointments, Dr. Headrick and staff have been efficient, respectful, compassionate, and thorough in treatment and communications. Take the time to work us in even when we walk in the office with smiles and attention to needs.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ronald N. in Chattanooga, TN – Feb 15, 2019
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World class surgeon, terrific office staff, and an adorable dog to boot.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Clay B. in Chattanooga, TN – Jan 29, 2019
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I always tell people how wonderful and caring the whole staff is. And how much they mean to our family. And how much they have done for Chip.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
James B. in Chattnooga, TN – Dec 27, 2018
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I would highly recommend Dr. Headrick and his team. Their professionalism and CARING gave me a confidence and peace about all the decisions we made. Loved Miss Rita and Miss Ransi.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jeanne S. in Centerton, AR – Dec 12, 2018
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This Medical office is one of the best that I have ever taken my dad, mom, or myself. Everyone is kind, friendly, and seems to do their jobs well with the patients and family in mind.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Teresa P. in Rocky Face, GA – Dec 11, 2018
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Dr. Headrick and staff are fabulous. he is a wonderful surgeon-the very best! He saved my life. Couldn't have found a better doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Joy B. in Ooltewah, TN – Nov 29, 2018
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Highly recommend Dr Headrick. Excellent surgeon and his staff goes above and beyond to make sure you understand your problem and the treatment. Words cannot express how grateful I am that I was sent to Dr Headrick. Love this wonderful group of people. Wish I could give more than 5 stars.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
G Jewell Guffey in Soddy-Daisy , TN – Nov 27, 2018
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We would absolutely recommend Dr. Headrick to anyone! His professionalism and kind, caring treatment of his patients has been such a comfort with my care. His staff is excellent, also!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
William G. in Signal Mountain, TN – Nov 20, 2018
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Dr. Headrick is an excellent surgeon with a terrific bedside manner. Office staff is the best!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Pam F. in Hixson, TN – Nov 20, 2018
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I am now cancer free thanks for Dr Headrick's timely removal of my left upper lung lobe for non-small cell cancer. I was one of the early diagnosed lung cancers discovered by low dose CT scan when I had a clear chest x-ray. He was prompt getting me operated on. I call my cancer "my 64 days of lung cancer" because that was about the length of time from abnormal CT scan to biopsy to removal. Thank you Dr. Headrick.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Kathleen M. in So. Pittsburg, TN – Nov 15, 2018
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About Me

care philosophy

In accordance with my Cardiac-Thoracic training at Mayo Clinic I have always practiced with the Clinic?s motto close to my heart, ?the patient?s interest is the best and only interest to be considered.? Illness weighs heavy on the patient, affecting al

biography

I grew up in Chattanooga and went to high school locally.  My father was a Cardiothoracic surgeon in Chattanooga, TN and my uncle was the surgeon in South Pittsburg, TN.  I initially did not plan to follow in my father's foot steps...read more
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester

    Fellowship Hospital, 2000
  • University Tenn/erlanger

    Residency Hospital, 1997
  • University Tenn

    Internship Hospital, 1992
  • University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1991
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Affiliated Hospitals

  • CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

    2525 Desales Ave
    Chattanooga, TN 37404
    Recipient of 23
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    84%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    8% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Parkridge Medical Center

    2333 McCallie Ave
    Chattanooga, TN 37404
    Recipient of 43
    hospital awards

    America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    83%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    78%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality