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Dr. Richard Cristea, MD

Dr. Richard Cristea, MD

Neurology*
35+ years of experience

Dr. Richard Cristea, MD is a neurologist in Merrillville, IN and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Cristea has extensive experience in Headache. He graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in 1988. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Community Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital. He is not accepting new patients.

3.9 Star Rating
Based on 47 reviews 3.9 Star Rating (47 reviews)

Practice

521 E 86th Ave Ste Z Merrillville, IN 46410

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Cristea is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital Winfield, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Cristea specializes in the area of Neurology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. Cristea's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cristea

3.9
47 ratings, 19 with a written review
5 star
68%
68%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
4%
4%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
26%
26%

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Great Dr. and staff
Dr. Cristea was very thorough in informing me of my diagnosis and concerns spent time discussing my questions and didn’t feel rushed. Staff very knowledgeable, kind and efficient! I highly recommend Dr. Cristea! Gave me follow up appointment med sample and Dr referral for another issue
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
Cheryl Harlow – Feb 27, 2025
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I like Dr Cristea
Telehealth
I like Dr. Cristea when I started seeing him in 2017 but he referred me to Dr. Suwan who admittedly only does injections for him had violated my privacy during a telehealth visit. I could hear the other person in the background about what I was saying. I had to fire them as my physicians.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Luke Daw – Jun 26, 2024
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uncaring
rushed through my test, didn't talk to me, just did the test and ignored when i asked for a break. left immediately after the test was over while i was having asthma attack from it. do not recommend.
What went well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
May 03, 2024
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Polite and Professional I felt very comfortable.
He answered my concerns regarding my visit.
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
Earma – Nov 08, 2022
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Had our 1st, & last visit with Dr. Cristea. 1st impression was so arrogant! Trying to impress the 2 med. students observing in office, often referring to them, instead of us. I brought a few pertinent files from my husband's past medical history, thought it would give insight to his present condition. Dr. C. didn't even read them, just scoffed them off, telling them "this is what happens when people hop from Dr. to Dr."I had records & test finding transmitted to Dr. C's office from another Dr.'s office a couple days prior. Dr. C. said he didn't receive them, I checked the front desk, they were sent, he had them. My husband had spine surgery last year, when Dr. C. saw the name of the Spine Dr. he said "If you're going to continue being his patient, I will not treat you.I inquired why, he said "Don't you read the newspapers"? I did read on Healthgrades that Dr. C. was brought before the Board, re: medication & PROFESSIONALISM. He had to complete 16 hrs. education, it didn't do any good!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
No results
12 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 10, 2021
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He is so knowledgeable, has a good bedside manner and takes time to explain things. I was able to get in quickly for the initial appointment which is rare. I have received more accurate diagnoses, and feel every one in his office treats me with respect. I would recommend him.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
D. Gray – May 21, 2021
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He was nice on the first visit. Made it sound like he'd help me. Not the case. He had me take every test possible. I did everything he told me. I didn't miss any appts or tests. After he gets my money, then he rushes me in and out. I still have major issues going on and he pretty much has given up on finding answers. He is condescending. Acts like he is above everyone. The MA doesn't put my correct symptoms in the computer. I had to tell her to correct it. As she was doing it, he pops his head in the door basically rushing her so he can get me in and out fast. It's a big hoax. They do every ct scan, breathing test, sleep study, diet doctor, etc in this building. They're definitely padding their pockets. He likes to refer patients to his brother who's the sleep dr in the building, Dr Salberg. Dr Cristea is VERY hyper, to the point of making me wonder why, if you know what I mean. It's a full time job running back and forth to every test and every appt. I won't go back there. Next!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
11 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dee – Apr 30, 2021
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Worst patient care I’ve ever experienced! They never ever return any of your calls, they treat you like an addict even when you’ve got a perfect record of filling on time. I can’t express how truly crappy this office staff is! Tabitha is by far the worst and needs to find a new job where people’s lives aren’t on the line. You also pay your specialist copay every time you go but they will only put you with the doctor every 3 visits the rest are with NP...communication is not their strong point.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 19, 2019
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The office staff is rude, they don’t return calls or countless messages that were left pleading for help from my husband trying to help me deal with my MS and depression. I went to every referral and every random test he suggested. he’s a referral addict and pushes u off to other “specialists” in his group of doctors making sure to spread around my $. Also u pay to see a neurologist but u only get to see the actual doctor you’re paying to see every 3 visits..nurse practitioners for the of visits
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 19, 2019
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His MA is TERRIBLE AT RETURNING CALLS, getting prescriptions filled or doing anything!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 13, 2019
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Once again, the entire Neurological Institute is a complete and utter scam. If I were to rate their services I would rate them at a negative 5. This is the worst group of physicians I have ever dealt with in my life.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 05, 2019
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Dr. Cristea is a rarity. He is brilliant and takes the time to be with you to talk with you and to perform all the tests necessary to really find out what is wrong and how best to fix 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
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 02, 2018
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Patient advocate
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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 02, 2018
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Excellent
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
Apr 02, 2018
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Simply 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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 02, 2018
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Could not ask for a more knowledgeable Neurologist. Slightly different bed side manner, but he has his patient’s best interest at heart at all times. He goes far above and beyond to provide exceptional care! Wonderful staff too! You are in the best of hands with this 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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
MDR in Saint John, IN – Oct 25, 2017
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We were very thankful to get a same day appointment. Dr.Cristea was very friendly. Was able to diagnose pt with no problem. We had already been to three other Drs and they had no idea.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sean in Crown Point, IN – Aug 22, 2017
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Does testing fur money and to rape your insurance BEWARE THIS OUTFIT IS BAD NEWS
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Anonymous in Portage, IN – Sep 13, 2016
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Experience ear/throat pain for over five years. Saw three ENT doctors and they were not able to make a proper diagnoses. First visit I received correct diagnoses and now on the road to recovery,
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sharon L. Sharp in Crown Point, IN – May 17, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. Richard Cristea, MD is a neurologist in Merrillville, IN and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Cristea has extensive experience in Headache. He graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in 1988....read more
  • Neurology

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

  • Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School

    Medical School, 1988
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology®
Neurology
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. Information last updated March 29, 2025. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Board actions foundState licensing board

Locations

Practice

Unavail521 E 86th Ave Ste Z Merrillville, IN 46410
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital

    25 N Winfield Rd
    Winfield, IL 60190
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

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

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    80%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    15% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • St. Mary Medical Center

    1500 S Lake Park Ave
    Hobart, IN 46342
    Recipient of 1
    hospital award

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

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

    89%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    5% higher than the national average

    82%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    7% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Community Hospital

    901 MacArthur Blvd
    Munster, IN 46321
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Superior clinical outcomes in the care and treatment of stroke

    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

    81%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    6% higher than the national average

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