Dr. Michael Tjarksen, MD

Just left his office and had to say wow, there's a reason why his reviews are not that great. He shows up to my appointment with a mouth full of food, then asks me a few general questions about what's most important to me. He does not review my imaging, no physical testing, or reads the clip chart of issues I filled out. After no more than 4.5 minutes (1 of which was digesting food) leaves me with his PA to discuss surgical options. As a new patient, I simply couldn't believe it.

I have read several unfavorable reviews concerning Dr. Tjarksen’s demeanor being unacceptable. This has NOT been my experience whatsoever. Dr. Tjarksen has always been extremely professional in my presence. Beyond that, he has always been generous with his time and extremely thorough and detailed in his explanations concerning my lumbar issues. While it could be accurately said: that he is TO THE POINT and perhaps very MATTER OF FACT to use common phrases. I much prefer that from my treating physician, especially a surgeon. I want to hear it LIKE IT IS. I highly recommend Dr. Tjarksen to anyone who is experiencing spine issues. He has done wonders for me.

This doctor is EXTREMELY RUDE. I saw him for hip pain a year ago and he was rude then, but I really thought maybe it was that I caught him on a bad day. Saw him again today, he was 45 minutes late coming in(apt was at 1030 and he didn't come in until 11:15am!)for a follow up after over a year of constant pain. I sneezed due to allergies and was wearing a mask, but he refused to even do an exam or come near me despite access to a mask because he 'had family coming in' and 'people lie about what they have and don't know'. He then told me my spine 'looks completely healthy' despite MRI results that show the opposite. When I tried to explain that my primary doctor who referred me asked to do an MRI of my HIP, NOT BACK, he RUDELY interrupted me and said 'CAN I TALK??'. I started to tear up and didn't say anything. He referred me to pain management and left the room. He spent about FIVE minutes with me and didn't even do an exam, despite saying he did in the physician notes. I left in tears!

Tjarksen I’m sure was a great surgeon back in the day, but is so careless with his work now. I walked into my consolation with this man and he said “I don’t remember you, are you even one of my patients”. He didn’t look at any X-rays or reports before seeing me and then dismissed me with saying to maybe try stretching. Don’t recommend him to anyone that needs real medical advice.

He was very patient with me. Properly took the time to discover my problem. Was very clear as to what the next procedure will be. Spent two hours to diagnose me.

Was referred to Dr Tjarksen for severe lower back pain. I've been through PT, steroid shots, rest etc. Finally had lower back surgery with dr tjarksen. eight weeks out and things are progressing well.

I saw Dr. Tjarksen in 2017 due to major back pain. I ended up having spinal stenosis surgery with a different doctor as I was put off by his bedside manor and his blunt demeanor.

We come to doctors because need them when we are suffering and to seek care. Instead, this man told my father that he was faking the injuries he came to him for. He also told my father that he needs to find psychiatric care. What?! He didn’t believe anything my dad told him. He truly is hurting and as his daughter it is one of the hardest things to help him through. Why would my dad make up this pain he’s having? Lastly, along with many other things, Tjarksen told him he needs to be more like the Milwaukee bucks player, Giannis, because he played with a hyperextended knee. So my 50 year old father needs to toughen up and do his job like Giannis did. That is a verbatim sentence that came out of this DOCTORS mouth. I don’t know about you but what kind of doctor says that to a patient that is seeking you out for care? Why compare to extremely different cases? I just want other people to see what kind of “professional” doctor he is. I’ve never been more disappointed in the medical field.

I have had three interactions with Dr. Tjarksen, and he always seemed in a hurry to get out of the room and on to other patients. I don't know why, except that I was not a surgical candidate.

What an absolute joke. I could not tell if he was trying to be funny or just grossly incompetent. I went to see him for my scoliosis which I have had all of my life and the first thing he says is you don't have scoliosis. I don't believe him. We go out to look at the x-rays and as I'm looking at the dramatic "s" shape of my spine he says "see?" I didn't know what to say. I asked him if that was scoliosis and he said no, and drew two lines on the screen and said they're perpendicular. "Are you serious?" I asked as the lines were Not At All perpendicular. He says "close enough." Done.

Doctor Tjarksen is no less than a wonderful doctor. He has a very pleasant bedside manner, explains all of his medical recommendations in easy to understand language and really cares about his patients. He is honest and trustworthy. I trust him with my life.

Very thorough in explaining options before surgery as the last approach to the solution. I would definitely recommend Dr. Tjarksen to family and friends.

When I first saw some of Dr Tjarksen’s reviews I was concerned and I already had an appointment with him.. I called my Dr and my sister called hers and both said the same thing “He’s an excellent surgeon “: My sisters Dr even said that he refers his family members to him. This put my mind at ease. Dr Tjarksen is a very caring doctor! I had an extensive surgery on my spine and I would recommend him to anyone.

Very kind, very knowledgeable doctor. Busy, but takes time to answer your questions. Excellent surgeon. Always in a good mood and smiling.

One year ago I had 4 lumbar vertibrae fused including 4 laminectomys. Dr Tjarksen was an excellent surgeon and his PA was a perfect addition to the experience. He was conservative in his treatment but ultimately major surgery was the solution to decades of back pain. He came highly recommended by my general physician along with inquiries of many others. I would highly recommend him.

personable, knowledgeable, to the point. I'm more than happy with this Dr.

Very knowledgeable and kind. Advice: he is an extremely busy doctor, just like all modern doctors. Be careful to get to the point immediately if you want your questions answered or he may jump to conclusions about what you are going to say.