As the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice, our doctors and staff at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute have served the orthopedic needs of northwest Indiana since 1968 with offices located in Chesterton, Crown Point, LaPorte, Michigan City, Munster, Portage, Schererville, and Valparaiso – Cumberland. Our specialty-trained orthopedic doctors provide treatment for orthopedic injuries and conditions affecting the ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine, and wrist as well as specialized care in clinical psychology, joint replacement & revision, orthopedic trauma, pain management, podiatry, and sports medicine. **DME: By appointment only
| Thursday | 8AM to 5PM |
| Friday | 8AM to 5PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8AM to 5PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM to 5PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM to 5PM |
601 Gateway Blvd N, Chesterton, IN 46304
Do not waste your time with Dr. Bruell at this institution. After waiting over an hour for my initial appointment, I saw him for maybe five minutes (that may be being generous), upon which he sold me some soap and told me to wash my foot …
Fast and knowledgeable. The young ladybat the front desk educated me about my assinged work comp coordinator which proves she was knowledgeable about het job. And I really enjoyed the confident young doctor He gave me an injection in my shoulder with minimal pain and showed confidence. I like that!
Dr. Levenda and his nurse Kim were great and so was all his other staff. They were very professional. The visit was quick too!
Very knowledgeable. My husband had surgery with him and was extremely happy with his outcome
The staff are very helpful and very kind and DR Tompkins is awesome! He answers all my questions and all my wife’s questions! I will recommend him to my family and friends!
Dr. Rachel Stern helped me with my bunions, I was so ready to have surgery. She said lets try some shoe inserts first. I’m not joking my bunions are almost completely gone and I have no pain. This was within 6 months time. Thank you so much Dr. Rachel Stern.
They got me in 3 weeks sooner than my regular orthopedic Dr. I was pleased with the drs I saw and the care I received. I have surgery this week hopefully that goes as well as the rest has. Really like this place! Highly recommended!!
Dr Anderson did a great job on my shoulder and bicep repair, very professional from observation thru to post check-ups. The people in therapy are a great just as well; very thorough, professional but yet personal. I highly recommend Dr A. Anderson and the therapy group at Lake Shore Bone and Joint in Chesterton.
I feel like she realy listened to what I had to say.
If I could score a zero for dr Anderson and his staff I would!!! They collected $250 up front for services before the Dr. would even speak to me. This money is 100% refundable per United Heathcare and should have never been collect. Now his …
Quick and friendly. Took time to discuss issues.
I had to wait an hour to see the dr. Had to do with an appt prior to mine with lots of paperwork. Should have taken me back during that time as I had no paperwork.
Dr levange was very good. Whole staff was
I arrived a few minutes early. They were ready for me in a very short time. I left 10 after my scheduled appointment time.
By far the best staff I have come across. Dr. Anderson and her assistant both made me feel completely at ease, and they got me fixed up so quickly.
nurse kelly barnes is very thorough and shows so much compassion.
Dr Roa is great.
Friendly and explains what she is doing.
I have recommend Dr Roa to a few friends.
My first visit was impressive. The staff was friendly and professional. I was seen promptly at each step of the process never waiting more than a minute or two. Loved seeing the x-rays a few minutes later. This was a 100% positive experience.
As always my visit was excellent. He was very patient, answered my questions, and laid out a plan I fully understood and was very acceptable. Let me just say I am so going to miss him be he certainly has earned his retirement!
Dr. Thompkins was very thorough in his initial assessment. I appreciate a Dr that wants to be sure he is doing the best job possible for me.
I appreciate the excellent service I received from Kelly at B&joint! Thank you!
Compassionate and patient. A thorough understanding of each patient’s needs. I highly recommend this practice.
Anita is the most professional Doctor you can find and been my angel of pain relief for many years! God bless her!
I visited with Dr Nick Nendovich and his assistant on 5/13/19 and both of them were very compassionate and kind ( I cried a lot been through a lot with my previous doctor and all my surgeries and my pain) considering the amount medical …
This was my first time at this establishment. From the start all the staff was cordial and patient. Although every step was very quick I didn’t feel rushed. The initial interview and treatment was faster than I’m used to. The end result was amazing. 4 hours later I feel better than the past 3 months. Thanks.
My husband used Dr Rebecca Anderson for hand surgery and she is a good surgeon but terrible at follow up.
She forgot to write down our next appointment after surgery and didn’t schedule …
Absolutely wonderful! Don’t know what I would do without her
She is a great doctor, friendly, she did a carpal tunnel syndrome surgery on my left hand .I would highly recommend her as a doctor.
Very pleasant and took time ask questions and wanted to know what questions I had.
Very professional team, short wait time, Dr. Rebecca Anderson was very personable and actually listened to and addressed my concerns. After having the surgeon and ER doctor tell me to stop nursing my newborn because of medications they …
Dr. Rao and her staff are very good in what they do.
Dr Rao and staff are kind and welcoming. Appt ran extremely close to on time and Staff were friendly and answered any questions.
Doc was extremely thorough, answering all my questions and concerns pertaining to the inevitable surgery. His honesty and professionalism, as well as his ability to make the symptoms and ultimate affects of forgoing my surgery simplified……it doesn’t get better than that……
Timely service and super friendly staff and doctor.
Absolutely phenomenal!!! All the staff is so sweet and fast!!! They always return calls and are on it each time I’ve needed them! Dr. Szczesniak did both of my hip replacements and the relief has been astounding!!! Highly recommend!
Nurse practitioner Kelly Barnes Is always Polite and asked questions about my health concerns and give me good advice about what I should do for my health and also to maintain my pain management.
Saw Dr. Thompkins a year ago. I received 2 neck surgeries last year. He was very concerned of my pain. Ordered MRI and needed immediate surgery. I Damaged my neck 4 months later and performed another surgery on me. Highly recommend him. Explains my MRI in detail of what is going on.
Dr Rao and Dr LeVenda and staff were fantastic.. Dr LeVenda did my total reversal shoulder replacement, the day after surgery, I felt like I never had a surgery…
Kelly is very sweet and explains things very clearly.
Excellent help you couldn’t ask for anything better for medical advice I give her a 10+ thank you
Love this office. On time, quick, efficient, answers all my questions.
Dr Damitz has taken excellent care of me and my situation for several years now. He has been extremely professional in his care and advice of healing for me. I still have much more to go to get through my problems but due to the extensive …
She understood my problems and set me up for back injections.
I have had the best experience with this business. The OTPT therapists in Chesterton are hands down the most kind and caring people. I was in so much pain and so I went in to see what they could do to help me. One of my pins in my wrist …
Damitz and his staff are absolutely amazing! My son was seen for his toe and their patience was great, didn’t feel rushed. Very caring. I’ve seen multiple foot doctors for myself, and I couldn’t praise this staff enough!
Dr Damitz has the best bedside manner of any of the doctors that I have experienced at LBNJ. He is very compassionate, and takes the time to listen to your problem. He takes what you are telling him seriously, which is priceless. I have …
Very courteous and kind atmosphere. Doctor Thompkins seems sharp and concerned. I look forward to working with him for my issues. …
Kelly is so professional, yet so kind! She’s top-notch!
Went in to the Podiatrist for a cortisone injection. Dr. Brian is wonderful, makes you feel relaxed and less nervous. I called on Monday and they seen me on Wednesday. Dr Brian always takes the time you need. Best doctor ever
She makes sure you have the answers to all your questions… She & her staff are amazing!
The best staff and Doctors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with from the minute you walk into the building. Dr. Rao and her team along with Susan Fazekas and her team are outstanding. They are looking out for you and trying to help …
Got in on time and Dr finally spent time explaining why I’m having the issues I’m experiencing
I really like Kelly. She listens and really try’s to help. She is Great!!
Loved Dr. Rao and her entire staff. Very warm and professional. Not Sure that injection has helped me but the procedure was painless.
You can tell that Kelly cares. She wants to educate you on the underlying situation and answer your questions with honesty and compassion.
Dr. Aaron Anderson is one of the best referrals I have received. Dr. Anderson knows is stuff. Dr. Anderson gets down to the business of resolution. I recently had surgery dealing with fixing my carpal tunnel and tennis elbow. I feel a …
Krista is a very sweet Nurse Practitioner who is always kind and has a very good ear to issues you are dealing with.
Thank you to Dr Levenda’s Physcian Assistant. She answered all my questions, and gave great counsel on management of the arthritis in my knee. I learned some new strategies.
Kelly went above and beyond to help me and it was really appreciated. Thanks Kelly
Kelly listened, seems to have good knowledge of the situation I am in. She is cautious and thorough.
Dr. Rao is so gentle. I never felt any pain while receiving any pain management injections. I would highly recommend her for pain management.
Great visit. Dr was very helpful. The procedure was great and painless. My knee feels great. I can finally walk without a limp again. Thanks again.
Dr.Anderson examined my need told me my options and gave me plenty of time to think about it. Day of surgery went well. Everyone was very personable and helpful.
Everyone is very caring & took the time to answer my questions
Doctor Maria had a different approach and was right on!!! Listened to me heard me out.
Stephanie MA was wonderful and Dr Anderson gave me great news and addressed all of my concerns.
Dr. Rao is the best pain doctor. She really cares and is so gentle with pain injections.
I always feel like she truly listens to me and my concerns. I never feel rushed or like I’m a bother! I’m very appreciative of her and everyone in the office!
I get results every visit, so I know I’m being heard. That’s very important when you’re in pain.
Nothing but amazing experiences with this place.
Cassie Layne, Heather nath, Aaron anderson and especially Dr. Thomkins and his entire surgery staff yesterday. …
Dr Rau is not only professional but easy to talk to. She is very good at what she does. Everyone I have worked with in this organization is great. Totally satisfied.
Everything was ok for the most part, waited 6 hours for a 20 min surgery which I thought was insane. The receptionist at the urgent care in portage is extremely rude. Everyone else was very nice but she needs to be removed for sure
Lakeshore is the best! I see 6 doctors and PA’s there for arthritis, back injuries, orthotics, and rotator cuff. They’re abilities to make me feel better, and able to function normally are pretty incredible! And – without surgery so far, and I’m almost 70.
Went to Doctor Izynski for years but sadly he retired. Dr. Damitz did my foot surgery I had been putting off. At first very scared to have new doctor fix my foot. Dr. Damitz was up to date on newest procedures and latest cons. Thank God! …
The staff here are wonderful but Dr. Miller was a bad experiences he was an a rush with me and really didn’t do anything for the pain I’ve been having for 3 weeks. He told me things I was already doing, but aren’t working out. It was a waste of time to go too this specialist.
Dr. Levanda and his nurse Kim are very professional, caring, organized, and compassionate. Kim was very consistent from beginning to end with getting things scheduled. She went over and beyond what her job entails to make sure i was …
She is very attentive and always has a solution for the next step in making me more comfortable.
Everyone at LBJI is always nice listen to concerns and address them in a timely matter
I feel like a 5 star rating is not enough. 7 out of 5 would better describe Dr. Thompkins and his staff . His knowledge of the Spine, Surgical skills, bedside manner and compassion are second to none. His office staff are kind,friendly and …
I was in pain with bad knee joints for the past 6 months. Haven’t been sleeping well because of knee joint pain. I received an injection of steroids in each knee. I slept well last night for the first-time in many weeks. I am a lot …
Very caring and thorough staff. Explained all procedures and plan for future treatment.
Very personable and courteous.. Takes the time to answer any questions I may have. The same kudos for his excellent staff.
J. Renehan
Dr. Rao is amazing! She explained everything about my procedure and also walked me through everything she was doing to my back. I definitely recommend Dr.Rao to everyone. Thank you Dr. Rao for making me feel comfortable at your office and with the procedure.
Really nice and knowledgeable but needs to speak up and slow down to understand.
We love Dr. Levenda and his staff. He did a labrum repair and a bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder a few months ago, and when my daughter tore her Achilles, he did her repair. She was back to playing basketball within three and a half months!
Great bed side manner. She explained what my injury is and how she wants to treat my shoulder. I received a steroid injection That with Started working and providing relived hours after.
Dr Anita Rao and Annie, are the best! They always present themselves with a listening ear & positive attitude, which can’t be easy all day working with pain management patients. Dr. Rao knows her specialty very well and has helped me for the past 5 years to have the best life I can with my condition.
Love dr.Rao. She has worked with my husband for several years so i had also met her. Now she is helping me. Wish I didn’t have to wait so long to see her when I am in pain but then I know she has many people who love her level of care! May God bless her rich!
Krista is a nice NP. She seems to care about her patients.
Staff and doctor are friendly and helpful. No long waits in waiting room.
I had foot surgery 12/22/21. From start to finish I was treated like family by Dr Damitz and his staff! Shout out to Danielle his nurse! Big shout out to rest of the staff too! Dr Damitz is an incredible doctor who really cares about his patients! If I could give him a million stars I would!
I have been his patient for years, had both of my knees replaced about year ago, Dr Szczesniak is very caring from the first visit till today. He is knowledgeable and expert in his field and always makes time to listen to me. He is one in the million.
Great Doctor takes care of my shoulders and knee
I could not be more pleased with my overall experience with Dr. Levenda, his staff, and how quick I was able to get an appointment. This was the best experience I’ve had with an Orthopedic doctor and unfortunately, I’ve seen a few.
Doctor Rao was extremely gentle and very informative she made me very much at ease, since I went in there with a lot of anxiety. I made it through the procedure literally pain free…only discomfort was the numbing at the start a slight …
My bone Dr from LSB&J referred me to this pain specialist at the sane institution. At the pain drs visit I was scheduled to see the PA.I felt as I was being rushed by the PA & I had to catch the PA running out of the room to ask her …
This was my second time here for a shoulder issue. I was being looked at before I could finish my paperwork. The staff was awesome and friendly. Dr. Musgrave was great and addressed all of my concerns. Hopefully I won’t need to go back …
Kelly was very friendly n didn’t rush the apt…all the info was not there so she had to find it…my scans were done at the Hospital n not in the system….but she took the time to look it up…she explained everything..was very happy with the apt…
Great visit. Krista is very personable and really cares about her patients.
Dr. Damitz is always willing to listen to your concerns and opinions about your needs. Thanks Doctor Damitz.
Dr. Thompkins HAS BEEN AMAZING. I had a posterior spinal fusion. He is super friendly and very professional all while comforting his patients in their concerns. He is very detailed in explaining the procedures and makes you feel that you …
Dr.rao and staff were awesome.. great personality and answered any questions I had..
I Thank you so much for your kindness when I visit . Dr. Kelly Barns she answers everything I needed to here I appreciate her And thanks again
Love Dr Stern and her nurse Marla!
Always great service and good care !
The best!
Always professional and friendly. Most of all they helped me with my back pain. What a blessing.
Dr Rao is a wonderful, caring and compassionate doctor. I never felt rushed during my appointment. She listened to everything I had to say and came up with a treatment plan tailored for my needs. I totally trust her expertise and will continue to be her patient for as long as I need to. Thank you Dr Rao
Dr Barnes and the entire staff are terrific. She listens to my concerns and takes time for my questions & finds solutions. I would highly recommend this pain management group!
This was the fastest and most efficient doctors appointment of my life. In a matter of 45 minutes I was called in, had x-rays, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment with a follow up plan. It all happened so fast I barely had time to fill out …
Dr Damitz put me at ease about an upcoming surgery. His nurse was kind and welcoming too.
Always see Emily getting a cortisone shot. She couldn’t be any better. Love the girl.
Dr. Rao has a terrific bedside manner. She explained the procedure and answered all questions. Procedure went smooth, highly recommended.
My husband had a recheck schulded with a NP who left LSBJ he was reschulde with Kelly Who was uninformed of his back issues, we felt she didn’t look at his chart because she didn’t know what his back issues were so she assumed all his pain …
Always timely, pleasant staff. Dr. Anderson is confident, informative and reassuring.
Aron is a great doctor. He is caring and friendly, and will spend time answering questions. They also got me in and out quickly and efficiently.
Kelly Barnes is great to work with on maintaining pain management for my many spine surgeries and issues. I feel confident I am getting the best care possible
Dr Musgrave and his staff were very informative and friendly. Most importantly they were genuinely concerned about my medical needs and went out of their way to answer all my questions. When I left my appointment I felt that I had definitely made the right choice for my upcoming hip replacement surgery.
Dr Rao is great. I have complete confidence in her. She is just so personable. She is someone that you love to have as a next door neighbor. She is such a busy lady though you probably wouldn’t see her to often.
The entire staff as well as Dr. Levenda are so knowledgeable, caring, and professional. We will not go anywhere else.
Recently had surgery at the surgical center and it was amazing. Everyone cared …
This was my 2nd visit to Dr. Anderson for bursitis of the shoulder and a 1st visit for a broken finger. I appreciate the efficiency with which he handles my visit. He assessed and gave me an ultrasound (I think) guided injection, directly …
This was my first surgery, first knee replacement. They made me feel so welcome, so friendly, very professional,….Dr. Levenda and team are the best!!!!
I wrote a review before that was bad but it just keeps getting worse. Trying to get things resolved with their incompetent doctors they have. And they don’t seem to care about anyone. Will never return. Will be continuing to work with my …
We were so very grateful to get in to see the doctor the very day I called, due to an emergency. All the staff was very friendly and helpful. Dr. Anderson and Megan were very knowledgeable and professional. We feel like we’re in very good hands!!
Dr. Musgrave was very thorough and the treatment has decreased the pain I was having. Thank you!
Very nice and friendly support staff. Dr. Stern is a pleasure to see with her upbeat and knowledgeable manner.
The staff and doctors at Lakeshore have been amazing and very helpful. Throughout the process with my back issues, they have been kind, understanding, and very helpful!
Dr. Anderson is great! Always takes his time and is very easy to talk to. His staff is great too!!
Maria listened intently to my assessment of the situation, reviewed my xrays and gave me several options on how to proceed. My only regret is that she wasn’t recommended sooner.
She is a very good doctor.She takes her time to talk to the patients and explain what happened and what treatment that she will be doing.I had a L1 compression fractured in my back I was very happy with how she explain on the x-ray on what …
I had an excellent experience at my appointment with Kelly! I feel confident that I will get an answer as to why I am having pain & swelling in my feet.
Dr DAMITZ took time to listen to my problem. He ordered several lab tests and an MRI. He listened to what is going on and chose how to address my problem. The entire office is so helpful. I will always choose this office.
I love that she made my experience practically pain free with conversation to take my mind off of what she was doing.😊👍 …
Wonderful people! Maria is the best so far, lol not finished being treated.
Dr. Rao is the most caring Dr. I have met. She is always on time, listens to your situation and orders the right medication, or x-rays, or MRI, etc. Dr. Rao truly cares and always wants to do the best care she can do for her patients.
I was in and out, including paperwork and an X-ray in under 45 minutes. I was brought into the exam room at my scheduled appointment time and the doctor was in just a few moments after. Much better than past experiences with previous NP.
I have been a patient here for approximately 9 years and have been treated by Dr. Rao, Dr. Levenda, Dr. Thompkins, and their staffs. LBJI cares about addressing my physical and mental needs. Most recently I saw my pain management team, Kelly Barnes, Dr. Rao, Anthony, and Annie. They still laugh at my corny jokes. ❤️
Got in right away which was great. The physician aSsistant, Natalie, was very attentive and really listened to me. She gave me options. I could not have asked for more. Staff were very nice.
I have had multiple Surgery’s in my Right Leg. I have tried someone in
Valparaiso and was very disappointed.
I made an appt with Krista. We discussed my issues and how to resolve them. She …
Don’t make the mistake of going here. The doctor will sit with you for 2 minutes and not even do an exam but you will get charged $1,000 for it. They claim it’s to cover the cost of care for a fracture. How can they charge for appointments …
Outstanding care Dr. A. Rao takes time to listen to patient concerns without out judgment. Very professional at all times and truly shows empathy and compassion to her patients.
Dr Damitz goes above and beyond. He is very helpful and his nurse as well. Highly recommended.
Kelly Barnes is compassionate, knowledgeable and really listens to you. She is an excellent pain management doctor.
Always a pleasurable experience. All the staff are professional and courteous. Treatments are fast and efficient.
Maria listens to what you have to say. She works diligently to figure out where my pain stems from. She cares and takes the time she needs to work with me.
Dr. David Mustgrave is an awesome Doctor, he did a wonderful job on my right knee in September, after rehab, I went Lakeshore Bone & Joint for therapy and the staff there was great, worked me out very good, so professional, kind and caring. …
I was enamored by the staff and the Dr. Very pleasant experience. From the greeters to the check in receptionist to the xray techs to the medical assistant to the Dr. Highly recommend this place!
Dr. Stern was extremely professional, upbeat and put me at ease during the entire appointment. her staff was terrrific.
Staff is very kind. Minimal wait times. Doctor listens, took his time, and explained results of test in manner that was easy to understand.
Dr.Levenda is Great Doctor along with Dr.Musgrave as a 3rd Surgery with Dr.Levenda in January 2023 on Right Shoulder for repairing a acromion fracture that isn’t healing properly on it’s own as hopefully the plate & screws & bone graft & …
Kelly is a very nice person,a very good representation of lake shore .she takes interest in patient concern .Kelly was a great selection to fill position that became open …
Dr Damitz is absolutely fantastic! He truly listened to my concerns and made me one of the happiest patients when I left his office.
Dr. Rao is amazing! Love her. She gets to know her patients, remembers you, and is so kind. She explains things throughly and in a way you understand. Answering any and all questions.
Krista is the best. She’s professional, knowledgeable & she cares. My experience has always been a very good one here.
Dr. Rao and everyone o came in co tact with at LSB@J could not have been kinder. What I thought would be a painful experience was totally painless. Dr. Rao was wonderful on explaining my issues also.
Krista was great. She listen to me . Although wait time for appointments is too long as with most doctors. But she was vary helpful helping me with my problems.
Dr Rao and her staff were great! Very friendly and professional . Explained everything to me and made me feel
comfortable. I highly recommend them!
Dr. Maria Breidigan is amazing. Her nurse is so sweet and extremely funny. The front staff are so helpful and friendly.
Chesterton facility is always welcoming. Dr.Rao is great, just love her. Very thorough and easy to talk to. Her staff is always friendly and caring.
Krista is always very helpful very compassionate and worries about us as patients and doing what is in our best interest. To be honest I could not ask for a better doctor to help me with my injuries and stuff.
Emily is friendly, knowledgeable and kind.
She makes sure to answer all my questions and my knee injection was nearly pain free!
She is the best!
Dr. Rao is awesome! She is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about her patients. I’d travel anywhere just to make sure she was my back Doctor! All the assistants there are very friendly and helpful. I’d reccomend Dr. Rao and her staff to everyone!
I really love all the Dr’s I’ve seen here. They all seem to genuinely care and give each patient personalized attention. I can always get in when needed and they have early and late appointments to accommodate my schedule.
I had my initial appointment with the nurse practitioner regarding recurring issues with pain in my knee, my lower back, and my hip. Maria specializes in non-invasive spine approaches. She was a very good listener and quite empathetic. I look forward to resolving this ongoing problem with her assistance.
The staff was very caring and made my experience not so scary. The doctor was very informative and talked me through everything, and has an excellent bedside manner! With no doubt I would recommend this facility and staff to anyone!❤️
She is great. The approaching storm made it difficult for the entire staff. They were forced to overbook to try to take care of everyone. She still took as much time as needed to answer my questions, just a bit quicker.
Thank You
Dr. Nanodovich is AMAZING! Always makes you feel important and at ease. Takes time with each patient. He solved my back issue 5 years ago, and I’m confident he will do the same again!
Dr. Anderson treated me after my accident. Ended up having shoulder surgery in January. My whole experience has been top shelf. Appointments are always on time or early. Dr. and Dr. Anderson have exceeded all of my expectations.
Kirk not only helped my wrist get back to somewhat normal after surgery, but he also was so kind to my kids and included them during my physical therapy. He gave me great exercises to recover and also made the whole process less stressful. Very thankful for him and Dr. Rebecca Anderson! 10/10 experience.
Kelli is very easy to talk to! She is attentive & you are able to ask questions about your concerns & how those can be addressed without feeling like she is rushing out the door! She offers the invitation to reach out to her if any issues …
I came the 20 minutes before my appointment as directed and checked in promptly. My appointment was on time at 10:30. The nurse had prepared the injections. Once the physician assistant arrived, she introduced a nurse who was in training. …
Dr Rao is very knowledgeable and explains things in terms you can understand. She has a great sense of humor and truly cares for her patients. Her staff is professional and caring. I highly recommend her for any pain management issues.