Dr. Craig A. Backs

Name: Dr. Craig A. Backs
Specialty: Internal Medicine 
Qualification/Board Certification: MD; Board certification not specified
Affiliation: HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital
Locations: Springfield, Illinois
Languages Spoken: English
Accepting New Patients: Contact office to confirm
NPI Number: 1124043252

About the Doctor

Dr. Craig A. Backs is an internist practicing in Springfield, Illinois, with over 21 years of experience. He received his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at Southern Illinois University. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals, including HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Springfield Memorial Hospital. Dr. Backs has earned a perfect 5/5 patient rating from 19 reviews, the “Patients’ Top Choice” designation, and five patient awards for making time for patients, listening attentively, and demonstrating great bedside manner. He has expertise in coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, bronchitis, and diabetes. He accepts United Healthcare, Elevance, and Medicaid. Patients highly recommend him for his follow-up care, time spent during appointments, and caring attitude.

• Graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

• Residency and Chief Residency in Internal Medicine at Southern Illinois University

• Over 21 years of clinical experience

• 5/5 patient rating (19 reviews); Patients’ Top Choice with 5 awards

• Expert in coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, bronchitis, and diabetes

• Affiliated with HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Springfield Memorial Hospital

• Accepts United Healthcare, Elevance, and Medicaid

Education & Training

Medical School – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Residency – Southern Illinois University, Internal Medicine 
Fellowship/Additional Training – Southern Illinois University, Chief Residency, Internal Medicine 
Undergraduate – Valparaiso University, BS, Chemistry and Biology 

Medical Conditions Treated

• Coronary artery disease

• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke risk, carotid artery disease)

• Bronchitis

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hypertension

• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Heart failure

• Thyroid disorders

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Medical Procedures Performed

• Comprehensive adult physical examinations

• Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

• Cardiovascular risk assessment

• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) interpretation

• Pulmonary function testing (inferred)

• In-office laboratory testing and result interpretation

• Preventive health screenings (cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure)

• Immunizations and vaccinations

• Medication management and reconciliation

• Coordination of specialist referrals

Services Offered

Dr. Craig A. Backs provides comprehensive internal medicine services for adult patients, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic and acute medical conditions. His practice emphasizes thorough follow-up, attentive listening, and a caring bedside manner. He offers annual wellness exams, cardiovascular risk assessments, diabetes and hypertension management, and treatment for respiratory infections such as bronchitis. Dr. Backs coordinates care with cardiologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists when needed. Patients benefit from his extensive experience and his commitment to spending adequate time during appointments to address all concerns. Lab testing, EKGs, and preventive screenings are available in conjunction with office visits.

• Annual physical exams and preventive health screenings

• Management of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease

• Diabetes care (blood sugar monitoring, medication, lifestyle counseling)

• Hypertension and cholesterol management

• Acute illness treatment (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary tract infections)

• Chronic disease education and self-management support

• Preoperative medical evaluations

• Medication reviews and optimization for polypharmacy

• Coordination of care with HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Springfield Memorial Hospital

Accepted Insurances

• Elevance (EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)

• United Healthcare (Medicaid)

• Accepts Medicaid

Practice Locations

Address: 2921 Greenbriar Dr, Ste C, Springfield, IL
Phone: (217) 321-1987

Hospital Affiliations

• HSHS St. John’s Hospital – Springfield, Illinois

• Springfield Memorial Hospital – Springfield, Illinois