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Dr. Michael Forness, DO

Dr. Michael Forness, DO

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Michael Forness, DO is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Traverse City, MI and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Bronson Lakeview Hospital and Bronson Methodist Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 55 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (55 reviews)

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Orthopedics - Traverse City

880 Munson Ave Ste H Traverse City, MI 49686
Telehealth available

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Forness specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ • See hospitals
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Dr. Forness' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Forness

4.9
55 ratings, 44 with a written review
5 star
93%
93%
4 star
5%
5%
3 star
2%
2%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
0%
0%

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Heather Swisher-Snow
Dr Forness rebuilt our daughters hip when everyone told him to fuse it. She was 12 then. Now she is 39 had 4 babies naturally with this hip with no problems. It lasted 27 years and is just now getting an artificial hip. We would recommend him in a heart beat.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Tammy Swisher – Mar 20, 2025
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Very kind and thorough
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Very informative, and seemed calm and knowledgeable about the topic. Glad he went back to double check his x ray reading as it was different.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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He listened to what I had to say, and followed through with my wishes regarding my son.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Alright.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Dr Forness always explains things in a way that is easy to understand and gives us hope we are on the right track for improvement.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Great
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Dr Forness is by far the best surgeon my child has and she has several. Dr Forness always has a clear plan for care. We are incredibly grateful for him.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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We have been seeing Dr. Forness annually for years for clubfeet follow-up. He has always been caring and always asks how soccer is going for my son.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Good, casual. Our visit seemed routine for him and we could have used a bit more indepth details of the condition and it's management
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Very forthcoming, straight to the point, and a very nice doctor overall
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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He was very knowledgeable and able to talk in a way we understood everything for why we were at his office. He was very kind and friendly.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Great
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Always good and helpful
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Very good. Very knowledgeable and friendly great with my child
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – May 02, 2023
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Very informative. He seems genuinely concerned about my child's problem and what is happening to him.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – Dec 03, 2022
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Wonderful! So pleasant, great with kids, and a good overall experience
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – Dec 03, 2022
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He is an amazing doctor and surgeon. He went above and beyond for every appointment and surgery my daughter has had. He has called us personally to make sure he answered all questions and addressed all areas of concern before and after surgeries
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – Dec 03, 2022
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He is amazing, great doctor
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – Dec 03, 2022
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Dr. Forness has been extremely helpful with our orthopedic needs.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anonymous – Dec 03, 2022
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Know Before You Go

About Me

biography

Dr. Michael Forness, DO is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Traverse City, MI and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984. He is affiliated with...read more

  • Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital

    Fellowship Hospital

  • Bicounty Community Hospital (gme)

    Residency Hospital

  • Bicounty Community Hospital (gme)

    Internship Hospital

  • Midwestern University Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine

    Medical School, 1984
American Osteopathic Association®
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery®
- 
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

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Locations

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Orthopedics - Traverse City

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Orthopedics - Traverse City880 Munson Ave Ste H Traverse City, MI 49686
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Mackinac Straits Health System

    1140 N State St
    Saint Ignace, MI 49781

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    92%
    Patients who gave a rating of 9 or 10

    15% higher than the national average

    90%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital

    14700 Lake Shore Dr
    Charlevoix, MI 49720
    Recipient of 2
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    90%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    86%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Holland Hospital

    602 Michigan Ave
    Holland, MI 49423
    Recipient of 20
    hospital awards

    America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    91%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    7% higher than the national average

    80%
    Patients who gave a rating of 9 or 10

    14% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality