Please be aware of an email phishing scam that looks like a survey from MyChart. Bozeman Health MyChart will never send a survey offering free services and will only communicate clinical information to patients.
Do not click on any email links in suspected emails. Click here to learn more.
Clinic: Bozeman Health Surgery Clinic
Address: 925 Highland Blvd., Suite 1100, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406-414-4550
Fax: 406-414-4599
Languages: English
Education:
Fellowship:
Residency:
Professional Memberships and Activities:
Certification and Licensure:
Special Interests:
Status: Active
Accepting New Patients: Yes
Insurance accepted:
Allegiance-Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Choice Health / Multi-Plan / Aetna, InterWest Health, Medicaid, Medicare, MT Health Co-Op, Pacific Source, United Healthcare
Biography:
Michael Zehnpfennig, MD, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and fellowship-trained in minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery. He provides specialized care for conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, rectal prolapse and complex anal fistulas. Dr. Zehnpfennig has advanced training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques that may offer patients alternatives to more extensive surgery. His experience includes transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for selected rectal tumors, natural-orifice specimen extraction for colon resection, robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse, and surgical repair of complex anal fistulas, including endorectal advancement flap and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedures. He also performs advanced robotic and hybrid procedures for complex abdominal wall hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction.
His specialized training and experience help expand access to advanced colorectal surgical care in Montana, allowing patients to receive complex care closer to home. He works with each patient to identify the least invasive approach that can safely and effectively address their condition, with the goal of helping them recover and return to the activities that matter most. Dr. Zehnpfennig earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and completed his general surgery residency at the Detroit Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
He has practiced surgery in Montana since 2011, caring for patients in Butte and Missoula before joining Bozeman Health. During his career, he has served as a trauma medical director, chaired a robotic surgery committee and taught medical residents. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Hernia Society.
Outside of work, Dr. Zehnpfennig enjoys general aviation and holds a private pilot’s license with an instrument rating. He also enjoys backcountry, alpine and Nordic skiing and traveling with his family.
Philosophy of Care:
“I believe surgery should be about more than treating a diagnosis. It should help patients return to the activities and the life they want to enjoy. My approach starts with understanding what matters most to each patient and making sure they understand their diagnosis and treatment options. When surgery is appropriate, I look for the least invasive approach that can safely and effectively address their condition. I use minimally invasive and robotic techniques when they offer meaningful benefits for the patient.
My goal is to bring advanced colorectal surgical care to Montana while providing the personal attention, clear communication and support every patient deserves.”
Your journey to recovery begins at Bozeman Health Spine + Joint Institute (SJI) with one of our local orthopedic partners. To request an appointment, simply click the button below and you will be contacted to schedule your next steps. If you are inquiring about spine surgery, you will need to have your primary care provider make a referral to Dr. Ben Smith with Bridger Orthopedic. Spine surgery appointments are not available through the request portal at this time.
