Dan S Heffez, MD, FRCS

I have seen Dr. Heffez in the past and returned all the way from Tennessee to see him again. I am very impressed by the staff communication and responsiveness to messages and calls. Exceptional performance. I also appreciated Dr. Heffez personally for his care and concern regarding the best options for my care personally.

Rockstars!

After being told by multiple neurologists and neurosurgeons in Indiana that I was "faking all of my symptoms for attention" and I was severely mentally ill, I had very low expectations going into my appointment. No one could figure out what was causing my various debilitating symptoms, and just blamed it on mental health as I didn't fit the mold for an easy diagnosis. Dr. Heffez and his NP were phenomenal. They actually listened and validated my issues, and I had the most extensive neuro exam by Dr. Heffez which showed myelopathy. They were great at explaining everything, and very clear in their instructions for moving forward. Moving forward, I would not trust anyone else with my care besides Dr. Heffez and his NP. I am so thankful I made the 6 hour trip to see Dr. Heffez and his staff!

Dr. Heffez was thorough in his examination and consultation.

I’m grateful that Dr. Heffez recognized the problem I was having with my back, and worked quickly with me to get me the surgery needed to end my struggle!

Love, love, Love this man. The best there is! Bed side manner is so comforting. Very through and my husband really appreciated his care and knowledge. There cleanest hospital I have ever been in. I've been in few around the country and haven't seen one say this level.

After one chiari surgery and a year of having my diagnosis be misunderstood, my husband and I made the trip to Milwaukee for a consult with Dr. Heffez. His examination and explanations were thorough. He explained my symptoms and a proposed treatment plan thoroughly. I had a second surgery, and within 3 weeks, felt like I was on the right track towards recovery for the first time in over a year. I returned to work at 5 weeks post-op. I recently took a new job as a Clinic Director at our local university. I would still be on disability and being treated with anxiety meds that were prescribed by a major medical network, if it were not for Dr. Heffez's expertise. My husband and I will forever be grateful.

Is the best at what he does. Surgery within 1 month of hearing his name from my neurologist! I was an honor nursing student and mom of 2 withwith 6 weeks left until graduation when I received the diagnosis of chiari malformation and my life was placed on hold due to being a "risk" to patients. I was also feeling like a bad mom due to not being able to barely take care of my children some says. He was thorough with his evaluation and noticed the need for surgery. Before I even left the hospital, I knew how much better I was. I still have a malformation in my neck that cuts off flow to my spinal cord that he is continuing to watch!

After years of no response and no help from my local team of specialists, my frustration led me to research nearly every neurosurgeon in the country. I wanted a doctor who would listen and spend enough time with me to understand my limitations, and devise a plan to actually help me get better. I found Dr. Heffez and immediately knew he was the neurosurgeon for me. I overnighted my MRIs to him and his office called me in less than 24 hrs. Yes, it was expensive over an above the typical medical fees -- multiple airline tickets and hotel rooms for me and my children who were taking turns being with me for surgery. It was worth it. At my first appointment, he spent at least an hour with me, and that is on top of his review of my multiple images and extensive medical history. He had another neurologist, Dr. Broderick examine me -- he also spent an hour with me. They answered all my questions and those of my daughter and husband. I left those appointments in tears because, finally,… someone heard me and knew what to do. I scheduled my surgery immediately. Columbia-St. Mary's was phenomenal -- they took such care with me before, during and after surgery. I felt not one ounce of apprehension. Dr. Heffez is a highly skilled, kind, thoughtful and detailed neurosurgeon. I have high standards for the physicians that care for me and my family, and he blew me away. I am so very grateful to Dr. Heffez.

I work in healthcare and this was probably the worst MD I've ever dealt with. No bedside manner, whatsoever. Did not greet me when he first came in the room and had an unbelievable amount of arrogance. I did not read the reviews before seeing him, however I have heard from the grapevine they had a poor experience with him as well. It's unfortunate because I was so excited to meet him because he is the "go to" guy for this specialty. Even though his attitude didn't sit well with me, the worst is that I came out of the office not feeling any different and it was a waste of time. I was hoping to at least be educated about my condition and I actually felt more confused. He verbally told me I had no restrictions but I had read differently when doing research. The after visit summery stated something different than what he verbally told me. So I have lack of trust for him. Initially I thought the PA that works with him was nice, however when I explained my concerns about not feeling good… about the visit with the MD she got defensive. I work in healthcare so when I get asked about referral for this specialty he will not be recommended.