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Department Internal Medicine and Geriatrics
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Acute Care Medicine
  • Adult Medicine
  • Blood Glucose Test
  • Blood Tests
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Challenges and Choices of Aging
  • Complete Physical Examinations
  • Comprehensive Care of the Adult Patient
  • Contraception
  • Destruction of Skin Tags
  • Diagnosing Asthma
  • General Internal Medicine
  • Genitourinary Exams
  • HIV Testing
  • Immunization
  • Internal Medicine
  • Mammogram
  • Medication Interactions Quiz
  • Medication Management
  • Men's Health
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Outpatient Care
  • Pap Test
  • Peak Flow Meter
  • Prevention and Wellness
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Primary Care
  • Screening and Testing
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Treating Asthma with Bronchodilators
  • Urine Protein Test
  • Women's Health
View all 32 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Allergies
  • Alzheimer's and Dementia
  • Anemia
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Atherosclerosis (Vascular)
  • Avoiding Dehydration, Proper Hydration
  • Back Pain in Athletes
  • Bacterial Vaginosis
  • Bronchitis
  • Cellulitis
  • Chickenpox
  • Chlamydia Trachomatis
  • Chronic Illness
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Common Cold
  • Constipation
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Cough
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Dermatitis
  • Dermatitis - Contact
  • Diabetes
  • Diarrhea
  • Disease Prevention
  • Diverticulosis
  • Dyspnea
  • Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
  • Eczema
  • Edema
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
  • Falls
  • Female Incontinence
  • Fever
  • Gas (Digestive)
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
  • General Infectious Diseases
  • Growth Failure in Children with Kidney Disease
  • Hay Fever
  • Headaches
  • Heart Disease
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Heartburn
  • High Cholesterol
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Hypertension - High Blood Pressure
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Kidney Infections
  • Lateral Epicondylitis/tennis Elbow
  • Menopause
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Middle Ear Infection
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Pneumonia
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Ringworm
  • Rosacea (Adult Acne)
  • Scabies
  • Sciatica
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease
  • Shingles (Varicella-Zoster Virus)
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
  • Strep Throat
  • Sunburn
  • Syncope
  • Tension Headaches
  • The Poison Plants: Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Tonsillitis
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Vaginitis
  • Venous Insufficiency
  • Yeast Infections
View all 92 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Craig Nielsen, MD

Craig Nielsen, MD, FACP, is a staff physician in the Department of General Internal Medicine, located on the main campus of Cleveland Clinic. He was appointed in 2002 subsequent to serving as associate staff physician, assistant staff physician and clinical associate of that department. In addition to his current appointment, he also serves as program director of the Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program, Vice Chairman of Education for the Medicine Institute, Vice Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland. Dr. Nielsen is board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His special interests include preventive medicine, alcoholism, diabetes and men's health.

Dr. Nielsen received his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Vermont. He  has been named as a "Top Doc" by Cleveland Magazine from 2006 to 2011. In 2009, Dr. Nielsen was recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the quality of his care of diabetics (Diabetes Physician Recognition Program).

He has authored and presented a broad range of topics including hypertension, alcoholism, cervical cancer screening, preventive medicine, suicide and medical education. Dr. Nielsen is a member of the Medical Student Promotion and Review Committee, the Governor's Advisor Council of the Ohio Branch of the American College of Physicians(ACP), and the Cleveland Clinic Graduate Medical Education Committee, among others.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1997

Education & Fellowships

Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Internal Medicine
Cleveland, OH USA
1997

Medical Education - University of Vermont College of Medicine
MD
Burlington, VT USA
1994

Undergraduate - Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL USA
1990

Certifications

  • Internal Medicine

Specialty Interests

Diabetes, lipids, hypertension, Heart Disease, preventive medicine

Awards & Honors

  • Cleveland Clinic Department of General Internal Medicine – Physician of the Year Award, 2004
  • Cleveland Clinic Department of General Internal Medicine – Teamwork Award, 2004
  • 'Top Docs,' Cleveland Magazine – 2006 to 2011
  • CCF Internal Medicine Residency Program - Best Internal Medicine Senior Morning Report Staff Award: 2004-2005
  • CCF Internal Medicine Residency Program – Teacher of the Year (General Internal Medicine) – 2005-2006
  • CCF Internal Medicine Residency Program – Teacher of the Year (General Internal Medicine) – 2007-2008
  • Scholarship in Teaching Award, Case Western Reserve University  - Program Directors Certificate Program - 2010
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Craig Nielsen, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 11/27/2022, Dr. Nielsen has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

152 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
5 out of 5
Explains 5
Listens 5
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 5
Patient Rating of Doctor 5

51 Patient Comments

Reviewed on May 8, 2023

Dr. NIelsen and his staff are exceptional I feel fortunate to have him as my PCP.

Reviewed on May 1, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is a excellent doctor, I been seeing him for at least twenty five years

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

I had a great experience at my appointment with Dr. Craig Nielsen.

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

Great Experience, Everything went very well. I have no other comments at this time.

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

D Nielsen has been my doctor for three decades. He is an excellent clinician and diagnostician. I feel very fortunate to be his patient.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

My appointment was scheduled in Dr. Nielsen"s office by an MA at the end of my last appointment. Much easier than the Clinic central scheduling system, which is very difficult to use.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is absolutely tops. He is brilliant, really cares about his patients and their lives as well as their health. It is impossible to overstate how excellent he is and what a nice person he is.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is probably one of the most truly caring people in the Cleveland Clinic system. I feel very fortunate to be his patient, as I know he really knows me and what I may need. He knows about my life beyond just the medical part and is truly interested in helping me live a good life and extending my years.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

Always is pleasant and a true professional. I'm very lucky to have him as my doctor.

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is a wonderful physician, always caring and knowledgeable. We are grateful to him for being our doctor and the Cleveland Clinic for Dr. Nielsen being on staff.

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is one the very best doctors I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know over the many years we have had doctor/patient relationship. He is friendly, respectful, and thorough. Thank you, Craig!!

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023

ALL ANSWERS FOR DR. NIELSEN ONLY

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023

Very caring physician

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

Very pleased with the thoroughness and competency of my doctor

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

I feel fortunate to have him as a doctor. I'm confident that my health is in good hands

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

I'm glad you're sending this survey. I always have a good experience with all the doctors and most of the others. It I've had some poor experiences that doesn't match with the excellent medical staff

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is always focused on hearing what I have to say. He is an excellent listener and addresses my concerns accurately by comment and a thorough follow up plan.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Dr. Craig Nielsen is the ultimate doctor's doctor. Very personable. As someone who has done research on the doctor-patient interaction I give Dr. Nielsen an A+!!!!!

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is SO EXCELLENT!We're so thankful to have him as our PCP!

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2023

Dr. Nielsen is one of the most caring and efficient physician that I have ever met. He goes above and beyond and is so caring. There needs to be more doctors like him. I cannot say enough good things about him. Nowadays people just don't care anymore but Dr. Nielsen broke the mold. I am so thankful to be able to help him as my doctor. I wish everybody could have him because he is simply the best.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2023

The Doctor was awesomeThank you for caring.

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2023

Dr.Neilsen is a great Dr.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2023

Everything regarding my appointment with Dr. Craig Nielsen was very good.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2023

The entire Staff worked very well together. I am very happy regarding my appointment with Dr. Craig Nielsen.

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

Dr. Nielsen has been my doctor for more than 20 years and I can only express praise for his care.

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2023

Dr. Craig Nielsen is the best!!!

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023

Dr Nielsen is one of the kindest, most wonderful people I have ever met. He truly cares about my welfare and well-being.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2023

Dr. Neilsen is the best. I recommend him to anyone who needs a doctor

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2023

Dr Neilson does a fine job of following up on on my concerns he responds immediately and is open-minded and understanding I am happy that I finally found a great doctor

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2023

Dr.Nielsen was thorough, read my history before my visit, gave me time to talk about my concerns and clearly listened. He was professional, but friendly and made me feel he was committed to helping me feel better.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2023

I appreciate Dr. Nielsen's genuine concern for the issues I have with my health. He is patient, willing to listen, and to also make suggestions that allows me to have some input in my care.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2023

Dr Nielsen was excellent, great listener, caring and excellent responses to my questions and concerns.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023

If I could rate a "Very Good-Plus" for Dr. Nielsen, I would do so on every listed area. I believe the Cleveland Clinic is fortunate to have such a professional, personable, and caring physician on its staff. Physicians who exhibit "human" traits are few and far between.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

Dr. Nielson is an excellent doctor and I feel lucky to have him as my PCP.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2023

Dr nielsen is excellant dr I am very lucky to have him he respects the decisions that I make about my health

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2023

Dr. Craig Nielsen is a superb physician. He is caring and knowledgeable, and always responsive to all our messages. We are grateful to him and to Cleveland Clinic for his being on staff.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2023

Very personable, Amazing physician

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Dr.Nielsen is absolutely one of the very best and most caring doctors ever. He Is very caring about my life and my situation as I age, checks to see that my home situation Is working well (yes, we have family that makes sure all needs are met) and not only notes current problems and conditions, but anticipates what may possibly be needed in future. I have never had anything but an excellent experience with him.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

This was a post ED follow-up appointment and Dr. Nielsen got me in very promptly, which was SO appreciated.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2023

Dr. Nielson is a very compassionate and knowledgeable person as well an excellent listener which definitely contributes to his understanding of any and all issues.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2023

My provider was very professional, but caring and concerned about my well-being.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

Dr Craig Nielsen is a very good doctor and his diagnosis is very accurate.

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022

Care provider is always professional, thoughtful and someone I would highly recommend.

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2022

FYI...I love my Dr.

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2022

Wonderful care by dr. Very thorough. Best ever!

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2022

I am 80 yrs old..Dr. Nielsen is the best PC doctor I have had in all these years

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2022

There is no doubt..that Dr. Nielsen cares for me as a patient and a human soul.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2022

At this time I can only think of one other doctor I have ever been to that has ever shown such care as Dr Nielsen the only person I ever had other than him was Dr Esther Rehmus my oncologist He listened he showed me things on the screen he answered so many questions that I had written down he put me at ease even though I know that I have this non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver he really answered the many things that I asked him as I sit here I am in tears because he was so kind to me and answered things for me

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2022

Dr. Nielsen is an excellent physician. I would recommend him to anyone.

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2022

Recommended my girlfriend to dr nielsen as her primary care doctor he accepted very happy

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2022

Dr. Nielsen is the best!

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