Testimonials & Reviews
Montana Colon
Michael Zehnpfennig, M.D.
Colorectal Surgery located in Missoula, MT
Dr. Michael Zehnpfennig always appreciates feedback from his valued patients. To date, we’re thrilled to have collected 7 reviews with an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars. Please read what others are saying about Dr. Michael Zehnpfennig below, and as always, we would love to collect your feedback.
Erin M.
Submitted 08/22/24
I want to say that I very rarely leave reviews, but I felt I just had to do so in this case to ensure you know that you have found a hidden gem in Dr. Z. If you don’t want to read a long review, the short of it is that Dr. Z and his staff are the best, and, if you are wondering if you should call him or someone else, go no further. You have found the best of you are reading this review.
The long of it is this: I came to Dr. Z after receiving malpractice level treatment from another physician and had been experiencing extreme pain as a result. He knew exactly what to do, and it WAS NOT what the other doc had done. He is kind and very communicative, and his staff has also ALWAYS been very helpful, responsive and kind, too, even over the phone, That was not the case with the previous doc. Being in severe pain makes it challenging emotionally to deal with staff members that are not kind, and Dr. Z’s staff seem to understand that with their A+ level care. I have had to see Dr. Z multiple times, because of what had been done to me by someone else, so this review is written from a repeat patient. After receiving care from Dr. Z., it was clear that the other doc, who had previously harmed me and was in the same profession, did not know what she was doing. I want to make clear that the other doc was not in Missoula or in Dr, Z’s practice. Dr. Z takes time to make sure you know what he is going to do and is proactive in getting patient consent. He is a true professional and very knowledgeable. He also let me know that I might need a different procedure, if the this didn’t work, and he made clear that doing the other procedure was not in his specialty and that he could refer me out. I have severe complications associated with long COVID and see multiple specialists, and it was so nice to have a doc who knows what his limitations are and are not. It is also such a relief to have someone who was clear about the treatment, what I should expect and the potential and likely outcomes. Dr. Is so contentious about not causing harm. If there were more stars, I would give them all to him. We are lucky to have a specialist like him in this state and region, and it is well worth traveling multiple hours to receive treatment from him. Dr Z is also very helpful in ensuring that he only scheduled in-person follow up treatment as necessary, as he took the time to acknowledge that I was coming from out of town, and it was clear to me that he does not do procedures that are not necessary. This conservative attitude toward treatment can be rare these days, as docs are paid for dollars brought in. My health care insurance requires preapproval for all procedures, and Dr. Z’s staff was not only very knowledgeable on how to do so, but they did so timely and even called me to let me know that the treatment had been approved. I truly could go on and on, but I think I have covered it here enough for any potential patient to know that Dr. Z is the BEST, and, if you are wondering if you should call for a consultation because you have GI issues, the answer is YES. I would also recommend him to anyone who wants a second opinion on GI treatment. It is not worth having treatment that could cause more harm than good. I am just so grateful that he chose to work in Montana, that I was referred to him and that he was taking new patients. Thank you to Dr. and all the staff in his office. I hope you know how wonderful you are!
Kim L.
Submitted 03/06/24
**A Life-Altering Experience with Dr. Michael Zehpfennig, MD - A Beacon of Hope and Healing in Missoula, MT**
How do you begin to thank someone who has not just changed, but potentially saved your life? My journey to gratitude began unexpectedly and most serendipitously on Valentine’s Day 2024, a day marked not by the celebration of love in the traditional sense, but by a life-saving discovery made during a colonoscopy. This procedure, prompted by a persistent side pain and undertaken three years ahead of the recommended schedule, unveiled a hidden adversary: a 3cm cancerous tumor nestled within the cecum, betraying its presence through my appendix.
Retiring after an enriching career of 50 years at the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, 28 years as CEO on January 31, 2024, I decided to prioritize my health starting in February. Little did I know, this decision would lead me to Dr. Michael Zehpfennig, MD at Montana Colon, Missoula MT, through a pivotal referral by my primary doctor, Carol Bridges. Dr. Bridges, my guardian angel through this ordeal, introduced me to a figure who would come to epitomize the pinnacle of medical expertise and compassion.
Dr. Zehpfennig is a paragon of robotic surgery, a field where precision, skill, and a deep understanding of the human body converge. His demeanor is a blend of confidence and humility, his approach both thorough and kind. From our first meeting, it was evident that Dr. Z is not just a surgeon but a caregiver who extends his commitment to his patients beyond the operating room. He offered me his personal cell phone number, insisting I call anytime, and in a gesture of unparalleled care, he called me every day for the first week post-surgery.
When faced with the overwhelming question of how to thank someone who has granted you more time on this earth, Dr. Zehpfennig’s reply was both profound and telling of his character: “Support our nurses, who are working without a contract.” This response added yet another layer to my respect for him, highlighting his humility and deep-seated care for the entire healthcare ecosystem.
I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Zehpfennig, not just for his surgical expertise, but for the hope and comfort he provided during the most challenging time of my life. His statement after pathology that I was Cancer free, was one I will treasure for my lifetime. His professionalism, combined with a genuinely caring heart, makes him a standout in the medical community. I urge anyone in need of surgical care to place their trust in Dr. Zehnfennig - a decision that could very well change your life as it did mine.
Missoula, MT, is indeed fortunate to be home to such medical excellence, embodied not only by Dr. Zehnfennig but also by the dedicated staff at Community Medical and St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula Advanced Imaging (Jenny McGuinn, Casey S) , Cost Care (Carol Bridges), and Gastroenterologist (Dr.Willis). Pre-op nurses, surgical nurses. Anastasia. This collective excellence stands as a testament to the exceptional medical care available in our community.
To Dr. Zehnfennig and everyone who played a part in my journey, my heart overflows with gratitude. You have not just given me a second chance at life; you have enriched it beyond measure.
Hans L.
Submitted 12/12/23
Throughout the Thanksgiving week, I was admitted to the CMC, requiring immediate surgery. Although occurring throughout the mid-week holiday and weekend, while many support staff are home for the holiday, Dr. Zehnfennig consulted with us and ensured necessary tests were quickly ordered, and results obtained in an amazingly timely fashion.
And, although for at least a portion of this time he wasn't the physician on call, Dr. Michael Zehnpfennig personally, and through his nurses, checked in to ask how I felt, physically examining me and my post surgical condition.
Dr. "Z"s amazing focus, and his calm and unassuming manner put my entire family and I at ease. Several of his own colleagues and others we spoke with at the hospital had personal experience and or relatives that recommended him, including one whom stated they wished he had performed their own gallbladder surgery!
Undergoing the most major surgery of my life was successful and Dr. Zehnpfennig performed it all without a single hiccup.
How fortunate Montana, and the surrounding region is to not have to travel too far for this quality of surgical care.
Robert N.
Submitted 05/13/23
Dr. Z. provided excellent medical service and surgery which saved my life. At our first appointment he immediately reassured me with clarifying the diagnosis and presented the plan in terms I understood. He took the time to listen to and answer my questions. He was clear and calm which greatly helped me cope with a serious condition. It meant a great deal to be confident and to know what to expect. During the second surgery that I required Dr. Z. even operated on Thanksgiving Eve into the late hours. Following both surgeries he provided excellent follow up and I was encouraged to keep an open channel with him for monitoring my post op care. He in fact called me daily the following week so I knew how to proceed during those critical days as a result. I can report my successful recovery six months post op. He continues to provide consistent and effective support as needed. I recommend without reservation his professional services on my behalf as well as his excellent staff. Thank you...
Joel M.
Submitted 05/12/23
I was in the ED and needed my Gall Bladder removed, but the surgeon on call was too busy so Dr Z stepped in on his day off to do the procedure. Courteous and informative.
Thank you.
Christopher H.
Submitted 01/25/22
Great Dr. With great manner and respect
Dana M.
Submitted 01/20/22
I liked him! It was hard as a deaf person, and I don’t even know what he looks like, but he fixed me up and wrote on the eraser board for me.