Masking policy

Patients, help us protect our high-risk patients - please wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 exposure.

Effective 3/13/23, ARC transitions to optional masking for our staff and physicians, with required masking during specific situations. Read more.

Renewing Medicaid Coverage Update

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE) and passed a law that allowed you to automatically keep your Medicaid coverage (continuous Medicaid). Based on the new federal law, continuous Medicaid eligibility will end on March 31, 2023, so you need to renew your benefits when it’s time to ensure your coverage will continue if you are eligible.

Patients should look for notices from HHSC in YELLOW envelopes that say "ACTION REQUIRED" in RED lettering. Notices will come in the mail and/or via portal if clients chose electronic notices. They should respond quickly when they receive it.

If you don’t respond to renewal or information requests from HHS, you could lose your coverage.

Read more

Actualización Sobre Renovando la Cobertura de Medicaid 

Como respuesta a la pandemia de COVID-19, el gobierno federal declaró una Emergencia de Salud Pública (PHE, por sus siglas en inglés) y aprobó una ley que le permitió a usted mantener automáticamente su cobertura de Medicaid (cobertura continua de Medicaid). Según la nueva ley federal, la elegibilidad para la cobertura continua de Medicaid se terminará el 31 de marzo, de 2023, por eso necesita renovar sus beneficios cuando se llegue el momento para asegurar que su cobertura va a continuar si usted todavía es elegible.

Pacientes deben buscar avisos de la HHSC en sobres AMARILLOS con el texto “ACCIÓN REQUERIDA” en letras ROJAS. Los avisos llegarán por correo y/o a través del portal en línea si los clientes eligieron recibir avisos electrónicos. Deberían responder con rapidez cuando lo reciban. 

Si no responde a las solicitudes de renovación o de información de la HHSC, podría perder su cobertura.

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Michael Farris, PA

Michael M. Farris, PA Pronunciation Guide

Orthopedics
Spine
4.8of 5 | (478) | View Reviews
About our provider ratings

ARC Patient Feedback

Guide to ARC Patient Feedback and Ratings

Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) doctors, staff, and leadership are committed to providing our community with high quality convenient care. One of the ways we demonstrate this priority is through our online transparency.

You can review our provider ratings and comments on our web site with the confidence that they are all based on verified visits. We post all patient feedback relevant to the entire visit and only refrain from posting comments that are libelous, profane, or those that risk the privacy of our patients.

The below guide provides details about how we collect and share our patient feedback.

Who runs the survey?

ARC partnered with Binary Fountain to collect patient feedback about their doctor’s visit. We gather feedback from text surveys that are sent after the visit. Binary Fountain is an independent third party customer feedback company that provides the technology to collect the feedback and display ratings and comments on our web site. All ratings are submitted by actual patients and verified by ARC.

How do patients receive the survey?

Patients for whom we have a mobile phone number receive a text survey within two hours of checking in for their visit. Patients are asked to complete the survey and provide ratings and comments regarding their experience at different touch points of their visit. We use this feedback to recognize doctors and staff, identify issues we can correct, and enhance our care.

Do you post all positive and negative comments?

ARC posts all positive and negative patient feedback that is relevant to the entire visit. We refrain from posting comments that are libelous, profane, or those that risk the privacy of our patients.

What questions do we ask?

ARC asks questions that touch on the overall patient experience related to their visit. Anyone seeking detailed information about each question can view the ratings for each specific question on the Reviews tab on the provider bio page on the website. We calculate our provider star ratings based on the responses to question number six below. We calculate our location star ratings based on the responses to all the below questions.

  1. Rate how easy it was to make your appointment.
  2. Rate the helpfulness of the front-desk staff.
  3. Rate the helpfulness of the doctor's nurse and/or medical assistant (MA).
  4. Did the healthcare provider or doctor provide the care you expected?
  5. How likely is it that you would refer a friend/family member to this doctor or NP/PA?
  6. Please let us know anything that you particularly liked or disliked about your experience with today’s office visit.
  7. If you would like to be contacted about your visit today, please provide your phone number.

Why don't all providers display a rating?

Since more recent data provides a more accurate picture, we require a minimum of 30 patient surveys per doctor in the last 12 months before we post a physician’s rating.

Why can I only see comments from the last 90 days?

ARC physicians and staff review all comments and act to rectify issues. Since the purpose of the feedback is to allow us to improve the overall patient experience, we display the last 90 days of comments which are the most relevant for the practice.

Can anyone complete a survey or post a comment about a physician?

No. Only patients having an outpatient visit by an ARC physician receive a survey. The results are based entirely from patients who have actually been treated by the physician in our clinics.

How is patient information protected?

Comments are reviewed and approved prior to being published to the website. If a comment contains any personally identifiable information, that information will be removed from the comment.

Accepting new patients Available at Multiple Locations Joined ARC: 2017

512-443-1311 Book Now Look Up Insurance

About Michael M. Farris, PA

  • Michael Farris, an “Army brat,” lived in Germany and all over the United States before moving to Oklahoma for high school and college. When he’s not at work, Michael enjoys riding his motorcycle (when it’s not too hot!) and watching his children participate in athletics. His favorite Central Texas spot is the Devil’s Backbone in the Texas Hill Country.

I began working with an orthopedic spine surgeon part-time while in Colorado Springs. I found it to be very interesting and challenging at the same time, not only in the clinic, but also assisting in the operating room. That interest gradually evolved into my dedicated spine practice, which I really enjoy. Every patient I see gets 100% of my attention, to answer all their questions and develop a treatment plan for each one, so that each feels valued and heard during their appointment. Seeing my patients improve is the best part of my job.

Services

Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

An ARC provider can help determine the cause of your back pain and provide treatment to relieve or reduce discomfort.

Neck Pain

Neck Pain

An ARC provider can help determine the cause of your neck pain and provide treatment to relieve or reduce discomfort.

Telemedicine Visits

Telemedicine Visits

ARC offers telemedicine visits for primary and specialty care. Doctors can quickly evaluate you for a new health issue or follow up with you via a phone call or video visit from the comfort of your home.

Learn More

Locations & Hours

  • map
    ARC Cedar Park Building B
    801 East Whitestone Blvd Building B
    Cedar Park, TX 78613
    Get Directions

    512-259-3467 Fax: 512-406-7303

    Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    Sat-Sun: Closed
  • map
    ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics
    1301 West 38th Street Suite 102
    Austin, TX 78705
    Get Directions

    512-454-4561 Fax: 512-406-7330

    Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    Sat-Sun: Closed
  • map
    ARC Round Rock
    940 Hesters Crossing Road
    Round Rock, TX 78681
    Get Directions

    512-244-9024 Fax: 512-406-7342

    Mon-Fri: 7:15am - 9:00pm
    Sat: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm

    Mon - Fri: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

    Sat & Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm

    Call 512-346-6611 for an appointment. Last appointment is 30 minutes before closing.

    COVID-19 Curbside Testing

    Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 7:00pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

    Sat & Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

  • map
    ARC South 1st
    3828 South 1st Street
    Austin, TX 78704
    Get Directions

    512-443-1311 Fax: 512-406-6266

    Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 5:00pm
    Sat-Sun: Closed
  • map
    ARC Southwest
    1807 West Slaughter Lane Suite 490
    Austin, TX 78748
    Get Directions

    512-282-8967 Fax: 512-406-7351

    Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 9:00pm
    Sat: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm

    Mon - Fri: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

    Sat & Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm

    Call 512-346-6611 for an appointment. Last appointment is 30 minutes before closing.

    COVID-19 Curbside Testing

    Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 7:00pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

    Sat & Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Credentials

  • Board Certifications
    Certified Physician Assistant
  • Education
    BA in History, Northeastern State College, Tahlequah, OK, 1974
    Certificate: X-ray Technology, St. Francis School of Radiology, Colorado Springs, CO, 1980
    Certificate Program: Physician Assistant, University of New Mexico, Gallup, NM, 1983
  • Professional Positions
    • Member, American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Patient Reviews

OVERALL PROVIDER RATING

Rating based on "Did the healthcare provider or doctor provide the care you expected?"

4.8out of 5

ARC Patient Feedback

Guide to ARC Patient Feedback and Ratings

Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) doctors, staff, and leadership are committed to providing our community with high quality convenient care. One of the ways we demonstrate this priority is through our online transparency.

You can review our provider ratings and comments on our web site with the confidence that they are all based on verified visits. We post all patient feedback relevant to the entire visit and only refrain from posting comments that are libelous, profane, or those that risk the privacy of our patients.

The below guide provides details about how we collect and share our patient feedback.

Who runs the survey?

ARC partnered with Binary Fountain to collect patient feedback about their doctor’s visit. We gather feedback from text surveys that are sent after the visit. Binary Fountain is an independent third party customer feedback company that provides the technology to collect the feedback and display ratings and comments on our web site. All ratings are submitted by actual patients and verified by ARC.

How do patients receive the survey?

Patients for whom we have a mobile phone number receive a text survey within two hours of checking in for their visit. Patients are asked to complete the survey and provide ratings and comments regarding their experience at different touch points of their visit. We use this feedback to recognize doctors and staff, identify issues we can correct, and enhance our care.

Do you post all positive and negative comments?

ARC posts all positive and negative patient feedback that is relevant to the entire visit. We refrain from posting comments that are libelous, profane, or those that risk the privacy of our patients.

What questions do we ask?

ARC asks questions that touch on the overall patient experience related to their visit. Anyone seeking detailed information about each question can view the ratings for each specific question on the Reviews tab on the provider bio page on the website. We calculate our provider star ratings based on the responses to question number six below. We calculate our location star ratings based on the responses to all the below questions.

  1. Rate how easy it was to make your appointment.
  2. Rate the helpfulness of the front-desk staff.
  3. Rate the helpfulness of the doctor's nurse and/or medical assistant (MA).
  4. Did the healthcare provider or doctor provide the care you expected?
  5. How likely is it that you would refer a friend/family member to this doctor or NP/PA?
  6. Please let us know anything that you particularly liked or disliked about your experience with today’s office visit.
  7. If you would like to be contacted about your visit today, please provide your phone number.

Why don't all providers display a rating?

Since more recent data provides a more accurate picture, we require a minimum of 30 patient surveys per doctor in the last 12 months before we post a physician’s rating.

Why can I only see comments from the last 90 days?

ARC physicians and staff review all comments and act to rectify issues. Since the purpose of the feedback is to allow us to improve the overall patient experience, we display the last 90 days of comments which are the most relevant for the practice.

Can anyone complete a survey or post a comment about a physician?

No. Only patients having an outpatient visit by an ARC physician receive a survey. The results are based entirely from patients who have actually been treated by the physician in our clinics.

How is patient information protected?

Comments are reviewed and approved prior to being published to the website. If a comment contains any personally identifiable information, that information will be removed from the comment.

  • March 16, 2023

    Everyone delivered great care with very pleasant dispositions. You can tell the PA and nurse work well as a team.

  • March 15, 2023

    Caring professional

  • March 15, 2023

    Mr. Farris is an amazing provider and always helps me. Nurse was an absolute delight and so helpful and friendly.

  • March 13, 2023

    Staff was efficient and had useful info on next steps. They addressed all current questions.

  • March 8, 2023

    I arrived early to my appointment, but still had to wait over 30 minutes to see the nurse & PA. In this day ARC should have the schedules down to a science. I will never visit you Round Rock location again.

  • March 8, 2023

    PA Farris and his staff were great. They gave me hope my condition could be might be resolved. Thank you.

Resources

Additional Resources

Michael Farris is currently accepting new patients.

Ages Seen

Children (ages 3-11)
Adolescents (ages 12-18)
Toddlers (ages 0-2)