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Department Internal Medicine and Geriatrics
Primary Location Independence Family Hlth Ctr
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Acute Care Medicine
  • Adult Medicine
  • Cancer Screening
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Comprehensive Care of the Adult Patient
  • Diagnosing Asthma
  • General Internal Medicine
  • Heart Failure Management
  • Home Nebulizer
  • Immunization
  • Internal Medicine
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+) Health
  • Mammogram
  • Men's Health
  • Outpatient Care
  • Pap Test
  • Physical Examinations
  • Presurgical Testing and Assessment
  • Preventive Health
  • Primary Care
  • Reproductive Health
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Treating Asthma with Bronchodilators
  • Women's Health
  • X-Ray
View all 26 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Addison's Disease
  • AIDS
  • Alcoholism
  • Allergies
  • Alzheimer's
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Bowel Disorders
  • Bronchitis
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
  • Headaches
  • Heart Disease
  • Heartburn
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • High Cholesterol
  • HIV
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Kidney Disease
  • Menopause
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease
  • Skin Conditions
  • Sports Injuries
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Urinary Tract Infection
View all 34 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About James Hekman, MD

Dr. James Hekman completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and medical school at the University of Chicago. He completed a primary care internal medicine residency and chief residency at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco. He was the recipient of French Foundation Award for Excellence in Primary Care, an award reserved for one medical resident of each of the training programs in San Francisco.

He is a primary care internist who is certified as a Fellow with the American College of Physicians. Internal medicine specialists, known as internists, provide general primary care while also having a greater depth of knowledge of organ systems and complex disease processes, skills especially important to the care of a person throughout their lifespan.

 He has held administrative leadership positions including Medical Director for Lakewood Family Health Center, Ambulatory Regional Medical Director for the West Region, and subsequently Medical Director for Northeast Ohio Ambulatory Operations. He has led initiatives that have promoted Continuous Improvement systems in Operations and has long been a proponent for the care of disadvantaged populations. He has worked throughout his career to advance equitable care for populations with high need.

 He has received awards for patient care and successful clinical operations and top marks in quality and patient experience by internal and external rating groups, including Best Doctors, Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Awards, and the City of Cleveland.

He holds positions as Assistant Professor of Medicine with the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine with the Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2008

Education & Fellowships

Residency - Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
Internal Medicine
San Francisco, CA
2004

Internship - Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
Internal Medicine
San Francisco, CA
2001

Medical Education - University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Chicago, IL
1996

Undergraduate - University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
1991

Professional Highlights

Certifications

  • Internal Medicine

Specialty Interests

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health,Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, Preventive Care and Hyperlipidemia, Continuous Improvement, Community Outreach, Health Equity and Operations

Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for James Hekman, 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 3/22/2024, Dr. Hekman 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

293 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 4.9
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 5
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

102 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024

I love Dr. Hekman! I wish all of CCF's doctors were as good as him.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

Dr Hekman has been instrumental in the overall improvement of my health and quality of life

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Very good doctor

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Hekman is a good man and an attentive doctor. So glad to have him looking out for me.

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Dr. Hekman is excellent; just difficult getting appointments.

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Dr. Heckman is a very busy man, alays difficult to get a appointment

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Dr. Hekman has always given me the best care!

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

The doctor always gives me excellent care.

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Dr Hekman is a great Doctor always kind and caring. I tell everyone about him

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Dr. Hekman is the best!! He has been my GP for early 20 years. I trust him completely. He is caring, thorough, personable, and reliable.

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

I am very happy and pleased that Dr. Hekman is my doctor. He shows concern for me and is interested in my well being and it means so much to me.

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Dr. Hekman is a great doctor and I know he has a ton of individuals who see him, which obviously shows what a good doctor he is

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

As mentioned previously, Dr. Hekman is an excellent doctor and I'm so glad that he works out of the independence office now because it's within 15 minutes away. I currently live as opposed to Lakewood, which is a drive

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Although Dr. Hekman is an excellent doctor my experience at Fairview Hospital was a nightmare. I've never been treated so poorly I was there from 11 AM in the morning till midnight. The following the same day which I think is ridiculous and the doctors and nurse nurse assistance were extremely rude.

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Dr Hekman is the top doc I have ever had. So grateful to have had him all these years

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

Dr. Heckman has been my internal doctor for 10 years, taking care of my health issues, has saved my life at least twice during my time as his patient. He is proactive and he listens to me and includes me with decisions. Best Internal doctor that CCF has to offer. Highly recommend his knowledge is second to none.

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

Dr is very busy, and it took a long time to get my initial appointment with him.

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

I prefer early morning appointments, but Dr. Hekman doesn't see patients until afternoon.

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

Dr. Helman is a great guy and an excellent provider.

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2024

Dr. Hekman is the kindest, most helpful and engaged PCP I have ever had. He's an angel.

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

Dr. Hekman is an outstanding doctor. He shows interest, compassion, and care during every visit. He follows through on all commitments and gives excellent advice and support.

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

Dr. H is the best, All Doctors should learn patient care from him he is exceptional

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2024

Dr Hekman is very thorough and twice has discovered serious health problems that might have gone unrecognized. He is also very empathetic, I feel lucky to have him as my doc.

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2024

Dr. Hickman was the best doctor I ever had. It is understandable that he can not take any more patients.

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024

Dr.Hekman is an exceptional doctor he's compassionate about what he does. He takes the time needed to address and issues. He takes all necessary steps to ensure my health is number 1. I wish there was more Dr.Hekman's!!!!

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2024

Dr. Hekman is great.

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024

THANK YOU DR HECKMAN FOR YOUR CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL CARE OF MY MEDICAL NEEDS FOR YEARS AS YOU HAVE MOVED I HAVE MOVED WITH YOU IN A TIME WHERE MOST IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY IS HAVING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR MEDICAL NEEDS AND YES THEIR ATTENDING Physician I THANK AND PRAISE GOD FOR YOU BEING A BLESSING IN MY LIFE AS MY DOCTOR. GODBLESS

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Dr Hekman is the very best!!

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2024

Dr Hekman is the BEST!

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

Dr Heckman is one of the best at CCF, do not bury him with administrative responsibilities and ultimately burning him out.

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Dr. Hekman and his staff have always provided an environment where I have always felt safe and comfortable to express any medical issues or concerns. I hope they are able to continue there high level of care for the Northern Ohio community. They do a great job!

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Dr Herman has been an excellent provider for almost 8 years for me. He always listens,cares and is very affirming. I would drive hours to to see him.

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024

There's an issue going back to my March 13 appointment. Sue to "abnormal" cells in my anal pap-smear culture. Dr. Hekman recommended a follow-up with Jacob Sadik. The first Issue Is, I was unable to book an appointment in Lakewood until September 18. Then, because I got on the wait list, the appointment was rescheduled to July 17. On Monday, July 15, Chelsea from Dr. Sadik's office called and stated that the appointment had to be rescheduled with another provider because Dr. Sadik Isn't qualified for the necessary follow up. He needs to participate in some continuing education and get certified. I made an appointment with Dr. Joseph Trunzo, which not only Is at an Inconvenient location (I don't have a car), but Is dragging out my follow-up appointment even more than It already was. I don't like loose ends things hanging over my head. Considering that Dr. Hekman works in an administrative capacity in addition to his medical practice, It's .disappointing and concerning that he w ould refer me t o a provider who is not qualified to address the issues necessary to conduct my follow up.

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

This was my first visit with Dr. Hekman. He went over my medical information thoroughly. Asked lots of questions to get to know me. I was able to ask him plenty of questions. He answered each and every one. I am very pleased with his care.

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Dr Hekman just has a way of making me understand what is in my best interest. For example, I didn't want to have another chest xray but I did it because he took the time to explain that it was important for my care. He listens, too.

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Dr. Hekman is really superb. Conscientious, courteous, and responsive. I feel very comfortable with him as my PCP.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2024

Dr Hekman is the best! I am so grateful to have him looking out for me.

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024

Great doctor and medical assistant

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024

Dr. Hekman is a first rate physician. He is thorough, courteous, and a thorough professional.

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2024

Dr. Hekman is a wonderful physician

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

Dr Hekman is the ultimate professional. Through, kind and compassionate.

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

Dr. Heckman is always very professional, caring and respectful.

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

I've seen Dr Hekman in five different locations over at least 12 years

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

Dr Hekman clearly read my file and caught up with my two major surgeries I had since I was last seen by he or his associates. I am very pleased with his care. I do feel taken care of

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

Dr Hekman is an amazing physician and should be permitted more time for patient care slots.

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024

Dr Hekman is the best!!!!!

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Wonderful doctor! Listens to my complaints and offers advice!

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Dr. Hekman is an amazing provider. He is kind, thoughtful, and a so helpful. Honestly, I could not ask for a better primary care provider.

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

As Always , Dr. Hekman was thorough and caring about my health.

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

The best primary care doctor I have ever had

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Dr Hekman is a superb physician. Very knowledgeable and caring

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Very difficult to schedule for the time I wanted with Dr. Hekman. He is very busy.

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Dr. Hekman is exceptional as a physician. He has been my doctor a very long time and remembers every detail.

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Dr. A listener who listens to understand, very detail oriented and patient centric

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

I'm very happy with my care team, and Dr. Hekman is outstanding. I've followed him through two moves now, and will continue with him with whatever office / practice he chooses to work out of.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

Dr Heckman truly provides me with best possible care. He listens to my concerns he cares about me, his advice has saved my life. He recently moved office I have ability to follow him to new location and I will.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Dr. Hekman is smart, caring, and compassionate. Excellent doctor.

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Dr. Hekman is fantastic!

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

What a treasure for my wife and I to both be his patient. Our sons father-in-law told us that Dr. Hekman was his favorite doctor at Kaiser Permanente. And he said that before he knew that we were seeing him at Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

This was one of the better recent visits with Dr. Hekman. He seemed more focused on me than sometimes in the past.

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

Dr Hekman is a wonderful physician!

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

Dr Hekman is a superb clinician

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Dr. Hekman is an excellent, highly competent, and caring physician who tries to do his best for all of his patients. However, his workload is much too great; he cannot be in two places at once.

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Great Doctor

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

He a Great Doctor

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Even though the flow was not perfect, I gave it high marks because this was Dr. Hekman's very first day at a new facility.

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Dr Hekman has always been the epitome of a sincerely caring health provider who wouldn't give in to easy answers and looks for the root cause to prevent further issues or future complications or recurrences.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Dr. Hekman is always booked more than six months in advance. Makes it awfully hard to schedule six-month follow-ups.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Once you get in, he's great!

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Dr.Hekman is excellent.

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Excellent physician, Dr heckman outstanding, attentive, empathetic. Nurse Walter was excellent as well

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Dr. Hekman is an angel. His concern, kindness and attention are wonderful.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Dr. Hekman is great he books out very quickly. But I'll wait to see him.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Dr Hekman isa great Doctor

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Doctor Hekman has been my primary care physician for over 5 years now since moving to Lakewood and he is absolutely GREAT. I always feel like he listens to me and understands any medical concerns that I may have.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

What a blessing to have him as my physician and the physician of my wife

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Dr. Hekman is consistently attentive to my concerns and questions. He communicates well and is an excellent provider. Glad he is my primary care doctor.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

Excellent care was provided. The team is outstanding and Drm Hekman is an exceptional physician.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

My favorite doctor

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2024

Excellent doctor! Have been in his treatment for many years!

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2024

Dr. HEKMAN is excellent. Very difficult to get appointments though.

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2024

Anyone that has Dr. Hekman as a PCP is darn lucky .

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Dr Heckman takes the time necessary addressing my issues he knows my health history and is genuinely concerned about me.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Excellent doctor

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Excellent doctor very caring

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024

Dr. Hekman is a wonderful caring doctor. I feel he truly care about my well being. He is the best!

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024

Dr Hekman is a very popular doctor! Scheduling to see him can be difficult unless you are able to waits for months at times.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2024

Dr. Hekman has always shown compassion and listened to my health concerns intently. In addition, he makes reasonable and timely recommendations for preventative health and provides me with excellent resources. I couldn't be happier with the care I receive.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Dr. Hekman is terrific.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr. Hekman has been my internist for years and has always been accessible and helpful when I needed physician's care or consult.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

I always feel respected and listened to by the provider.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

Dr. Hekman is the most thorough physician I've ever dealt with. He truly cares about his patients.

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2023

I've been seeing Dr. Hekman for almost 14 years. I wouldn't want to see anyone else. He is caring and understanding.

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2023

I never had any issues with my doctors appointments, I have the best doctor James Hekman.

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Dr Hekman saw me as an emergency add on to his schedule. I appreciate his concern for my well being.

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023

Is there a rating higher than very good? I would say excellent!

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2023

I am very fortunate to have Dr. Hekman as my primary care physician. His listening skills are outstanding and his interventions always helps me.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

We have to make our appointments a year in advance and it is still difficult. Dr. Hekman is worth the wait, but it should not be this difficult to schedule.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

Dr. Hekman is kind, compassionate, caring, and a superbly knowledgeable physician. He is a fantastic primary care physician. We drive 70 miles and have appointments a year in advance - he is worth it!!

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

Excellent 5 star Dr.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

His office staff is very pleasant. However, because Dr. Hekman is so busy, it is often difficult to get appointments when we want them, even 6 months to a year in advance.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Hekman. He is wonderful--compassionate, knowledgeable, thorough, personable. He is very interested in his patient's well-being and communicates empathy and caring.

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