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Dr. Margaret Riesenberg-Karges, MD

Dr. Margaret Riesenberg-Karges, MD

General Surgery*
15+ years of experience

Dr. Margaret Riesenberg-Karges, MD is a general surgeon in Tucson, AZ and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2009. She is affiliated with medical facilities Oro Valley Hospital and Northwest Medical Center. She is accepting new patients.

4 Star Rating
Based on 24 reviews 4 Star Rating (24 reviews)

Practice

6885 N Oracle Rd Ste Dste Tucson, AZ 85704

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At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Riesenberg-Karges specializes in the area of General Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Recent Reviews
    Reviews made in the last 30 days. See reviews
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. See reviews
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Dr. Riesenberg-Karges' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Riesenberg-Karges

4.0
24 ratings, 24 with a written review
5 star
75%
75%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
25%
25%

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A caring and compassionate surgeon
I was referred to Dr. Karges by my PCP, when I complained of a bulge in my abdomen, accompanied by minor pain. Dr. Karges examined my and took the time to explain what my problem was in terms that were easy for me to understand. She then explained the recommended procedure, minor surgery, and my expected recovery process. She also discussed a preventative procedure for the other side of my abdomen, that would mitigate the surgery should the problem occur on that side, (a highly likely outcome). Throughout the entire process, office visits and surgery, Dr. Karges exuded not only competence but also caring for her patient.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 24, 2025
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She is very personable. I felt like I was talking to a sister. She made me feel comfortable.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 19, 2024
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Dr. Karges and team are very professional
I am 67 year old male. Unfortunately, my gallbladder was that of a 110 year old. My experience with Dr. Karges was exceptionally positive. From her office staff initial interaction to the final visit following my GB removal, the whole process was seamless and professional. Dr. Karges was direct, informative and patient with me throughout my surgical journey. Turns out she is a very competent surgeon as well. Dr. Karges was also very flexible in helping me get into surgery very quickly after determining that I could be in real trouble. I would highly recommend Dr. Karges.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 19, 2024
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Rude to the max
Not only was this covering doc extremely nasty and ill- informed concerning the patient in this case, she jumped all over me, the patient’s mother informing me I had no right to express an opinion as I was too close to the case despite being a medical professional myself but should just sit quietly and keep my mouth shut! She belittled the patient, placed doubt on her pain and diagnosis and Willy-nilly changed orders without regard for previous dr. or patient desires. Arrogant and condescending were two words that came to mind when thinking about her attitude.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sandra Smith – Mar 19, 2024
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Absolutely atrocious bedside manner
Unfortunately, her approach is very my-way-or-the-highway. She was insistent on continuing to try medical treatments that already had a proven track record of not working for me. Additionally, if questioned by a patient with anything other than absolute agreement, she resorts to name-calling, belittlement, and stereotyping. Family members also attending the visit are not free from her tongue lashing if they dare to say anything. She doesn’t hesitate to cancel and change PCP’s orders if she is filling in and disagrees with them. Avoid at absolutely all costs.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
no – Mar 19, 2024
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Rudest doctor I have ever visited
Meg Karges was the rudest doctor I have ever visited! Not only was she extremely rude, she showed zero compassion at my ever first visit with her! I recently had a major, life altering surgery where I had my fallopian tubes removed along with my ovaries & she proceeded to enter the room and attack me with a series of questions that I was not expecting! She grilled me and asked me ' why am I not back to work, why am I not working out, and multiple other questions that were simply combative and not indicative of a doctors manner. I'm already at a stressful time in my life and I don't need this additional stress. She doesn't know my history, she doesn't know that I also need a breast biopsy, I also have a slipped disc that causes me so much pain to walk. She didn't even bother to ask me anything before she began spewing comments about why Im not back at work! Forgive me for not knowing protocol after this type of major surgery! I am not sure why she was so rude!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Staff wasn't friendly
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
E D L Torre – Dec 07, 2023
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Best Doctor
one of the best doctors that i have been to in years. i don't understand the one complaint but you can't make some people happy. she was always up front with me, on my colon cancer. never had any problems with appointments. and the most important thing is she saved my life. i myself would recommend her to anyone.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 18, 2023
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Terrific, Caring Surgeon
Dr. Karges performed my surgery last year. (Robotic-assisted double hernia repair, which fascinated me). She is nice, patient, listens and explains things very well, and really cares about her patients. I had a very good experience and outcome, and I highly recommend her!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Happy Hernia Patient – Mar 28, 2023
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Horrible experience. After a long wait, found her to be a worthless egotistical smart aleck. Painful impalements were not removed by her.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Long wait times
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 02, 2022
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I drove 45 minutes to my appointment and it was cancelled due to emergency surgery. It was annoying but I understand that stuff happens. I rescheduled my appointment during the day while my kids were in school and it was rescheduled by dr karges to exactly when they got out. So I hired a babysitter and drove the 45 minutes to her office, only to be seen for 30 seconds told what I’ve been seeing drs for months for didn’t exist in my body because she couldn’t feel it and then told to get an ultrasound I already had an appointment for. She said she would be right back and I had a ton of questions but she never came back, didn’t tell me to schedule a follow up or anything. Also fun fact, what is believed to be wrong with me doesn’t always show up on ultrasounds. So even if I get she can still not believe me. I am defeated and astonished to be treated this way by someone who is supposed to help.
What went well
  • Office environment
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lauren – Apr 16, 2021
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I saw Dr. Karges for presurgery consult, surgery, and 2 post surgery follow up visits. She was very professional and easy to talk with. She explained the procedure and always asked if I had any questions. The surgery was a complete success with no problems. I would highly recommend Dr. Karges as a surgeon.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
THOMAS J ENNEN – Feb 24, 2021
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Wonderful bedside manner. Great with patients and staff as like.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Heidi L Baker – Nov 14, 2020
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Had surgery done and it went well. She followed up after my surgery to talk with my family. Very gentle and kind.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Emmy Jean?? Smith – Aug 19, 2020
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She treats her staff and inpatient nursing terribly!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 11, 2020
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I just had inguinal hernia surgery performed by Dr. Karges yesterday. She was recommended to me by the Oro Valley Hospital emergency room staff (who were absolutely wonderful, by the way). I was able to get an appointment pretty quickly, first of all, so I liked that right off the bat. I liked the office staff, too (I’ve dealt with Lupita and Kim and really enjoyed working with both of them, EXTREMELY helpful!). Dr. Karges was an excellent communicator, she examined me, confirmed the need for surgery, explained why it happens (the hernia), how to repair it, what the risks are, and what recovery is generally like. She put me at ease. She listened well. She was likable as well. I don’t have enough room here to go into as much detail as I’d like but the surgery was outstanding! Here I am a day later with minimal soreness and pain, very little bruising, a beautiful looking set of small (laparoscopic) incisions, and it seems like I’ll have a very smooth recovery! Very happy
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Michael Press – Jul 12, 2020
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Very satisfied by her ability to communicate in simple terms and her effectiveness to answer questions. She really took the time to listen to my needs, questions, and concerns. I am very happy to have found someone who demonstrates compassion and empathy, I know my procedure will go well. I feel educated and empowered. Kindly, Maria
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Maria – Jun 27, 2020
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I first liked Dr. Karges when she didn't rush me on my appointment for abdominal surgery. She spent time with me, answered all my questions, explained the procedure thoroughly, and recommended future health practices. The surgery went well, followup was thorough, and I highly recommend her. Very professional - and friendly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Judy Cummings – Jul 13, 2019
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I recently had surgery by Dr. Karges and she is excellent. Has a great bedside manner, explained everything thoroughly and shows she cares. The surgery came out great, no complications. I highly recommend her for anyone that needs surgery. I can't say enough good things about her. The surgical staff was also great, they were kind and caring and looked out for us. I recommend them as well. Thankyou very much Joe and Dawn Sosa
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 15, 2019
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I was born and raised in Rochester MN with the Mayo Clinic in my back yard so I was very nervous about having surgery in Sierra Vista. I have had TWO surgeries with Dr. Karges in the past year and I am so comfortable with her. I had excellent results with both surgeries, and she made me feel like I was her only patient at each visit. She was very careful to hide the scars as much as possible. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Karges as a general surgeon!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 08, 2019
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A very professional and caring Doctor. She took the time to explain everything to me. I would definitely recommend her to everybody I know. Helen Morehouse
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Helen Morehouse – Feb 22, 2019
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About Me

care philosophy

I vow to treat you exactly how I would want myself or my family treated. I will give you an honest opinion about your treatment options with the goal of not only helping you feel better, but keeping you safe.
  • General 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.

  • Bassett Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 2016
  • Saint Louis University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 2009
  • Saint Louis University

    Undergraduate School, 2005
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Surgery®
General 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.

Locations

Practice

Sonoran Sky Surgical6885 N Oracle Rd Ste Dste Tucson, AZ 85704
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Oro Valley Hospital

    1551 E Tangerine Rd
    Oro Valley, AZ 85755
    Recipient of 2
    hospital awards

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

    83%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    72%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    3% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Northwest Medical Center

    6200 N La Cholla Blvd
    Tucson, AZ 85741
    Recipient of 4
    hospital awards

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

    80%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% lower than the national average

    70%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    5% lower than the national average

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