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Title Section Head of Hand Surgery
Department Plastic Surgery
Primary Location Fairview Hospital
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English, Taiwanese
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Fairview Hospital
Primary Location

Fairview Hospital

Appointment:
216.476.7000
Desk:
216.444.6903

Additional Locations

Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Amputation
  • Arm Reconstruction
  • Benign Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery
  • Brachial Plexus Reconstruction
  • Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
  • Fracture Care
  • Hand Reconstruction
  • Hand Surgery
  • Neck Surgery
  • Nerve Biopsy
  • Nerve Transfer Surgery
  • Peripheral Nerve Decompression/Transfer
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI)
  • Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)
  • Thumb Reconstruction
  • Upper Extremity Surgery
  • Wrist Reconstruction
  • Wrist Surgery
View all 19 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) Palsy
  • Arthritis of the Hand
  • Arthritis of the Thumb Base
  • Arthritis of the Wrist
  • Benign Soft Tissue Tumors
  • Brachial Neuritis
  • Brachial Plexus
  • Brachial Plexus Injury
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Dupuytren's Disease
  • Finger Sprains
  • Fractures of the Hand
  • Hand and Wrist Injuries
  • Hand Problems
  • Nerve Compression of the Hand
  • Nerve Diseases
  • Nerve Injuries
  • Nerve Tumors
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Neuromas
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Neuropathy - Diabetic
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Peripheral Nerve Disorders
  • Peripheral Nerve Injury
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN) Palsy
  • Trigger Finger
  • Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
  • Wrist Diseases
View all 33 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Dennis Kao, MD

Dennis Kao, MD, is a hand surgeon and peripheral nerve surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. He received his medical training from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He then completed plastic surgery residency and hand surgery fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Following his interested in microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery, he completed an additional fellowship at Chang Gung Hospital in Taiwan. 

Dr. Kao’s special interests include reconstructive hand surgery, peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injuries, and treatment of neuroma pain. 

He is board-certified in plastic surgery, with certificate-added qualification in hand surgery. His main clinical interests include endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, peripheral nerve transfer, brachial plexus reconstruction, thoracic outlet syndrome, and surgical management of neuroma.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2021

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Microsurgery
Taoyuan, Taiwan
2011

Fellowship - Medical College of Wisconsin
Hand Surgery
Milwaukee, WI
2010

Residency - Medical College of Wisconsin
Plastic Surgery
Milwaukee, WI
2009

Medical Education - THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH
Medical Doctor
GALVESTON, TX United States
2003

Undergraduate - University of Washington
Seattle, WA United States
1998

Certifications

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery - Hand Surgery

Specialty Interests

Hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, brachial plexus surgery, neuroma surgery

Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Dennis Kao, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 9/29/2024, Dr. Kao has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

265 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.8 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Listens 2.3
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.8

51 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2024

Dr Kao very kind

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2024

Dr. Kao was very thorough with his exam and wanting to know my past medical/surgical history with my wrist. He entered the room with a printed copy of my X-ray, and used that to explain what he was seeing and able to confirm with his exam. His treatment plan is much more concrete and focused on resting the area, whereas my prior provider did not provide strict bracing protocol and was discussing surgical options.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

I would highly recommend Dr Kao

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Dr Kao and his staff truly care about their patients.

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2024

Fantastic provider

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2024

I appreciated Dr. Kao's patience with me as I was anxious about our appointment.

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024

Very good experience. I'm not going back because the doctor said I could go to U of M which is closer to me. I loved the Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Everything is so far is going very well the service has been really good and I love doctor Dennis Kao he is an awesome person and a doctor I would definitely recommend to anyone that ever has any problems that I have

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Dr Dennis Kao he has an awesome person and a good position and he does a very good job and it does explain everything I would definitely recommend him to anyone that needs help

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

This appointment was scheduled at the registrar's desk after my last OFV with Dr. Kao. It was a six month follow-up visit, so finding an appointment at on a convienient date and time was not a problem. I recall that the person who scheduled the appointment was friendly and efficient.I did have a question after my last visit. When I called the operator transferred me to the office, and I was connected with a nurse, who answered my question.

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

When I tore a tendon in one of my fingers, I was glad to have chosen to be seen by Dr. Kao. He is very thorough and did what I thought to be an excellent job of explaining what had happened and the course of treatment. I follow-ed his instructions and am very please with the outcome, which was better than anticipated.

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

Very helpful and polite. I felt like I got further with Dr. Kao then anyone else.

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Dr. Kao answers questions and informs you regarding my condition.

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024

The doctor was very nice and explained everything regarding what to expect after treatment. It was a pleasant experience (aside from the treatment, which hurt, but that's not his fault). I would go to him again.

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2024

I really like Dennis kao very good doctor he explained my situation and what my precise surgery steps and answered all my questions

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2024

Doctor Dennis Kao was the best I understand everything that he explained and procedure that has to be taken 100% the kind of doctor any patient would want

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

Dr. Kai was very pleasant and gave clear instructions for post care

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Dr Kao very professional he is listening and explain,very appreciated Thank You!

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Very nice Dr. Explained everything very well.

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Dr Kao is very thorough in outlining treatment options.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Kao,Dennis, MD IS A VERY AWESOME DOCTOR

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Good Experience, with my MD MR.KAO,DENNIS!

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

The wait time to see some of the doctors is too long. When I left one of my doctors who wanted to see me in 4 months, (this was in June) I was told he didn't have any available appointments the rest of year and the next year's calendar wasn't set up yet. I was told to call back in 4-6 weeks. When I did I was given an appointment in February.

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

I plan to go back to him for follow-up.

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Dr was compassionate about my condition and very thoughtful.

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

He is a great doctor

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Dr. Kao was gentle and thorough. He explained the problem behind the pain was experiencing in my wrist. To further insure I understood the nature of the problem he drew a diagram on the X-ray I had just received. This was amazing and made my understanding very clear.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Dr Kao is an excellent physician. Explained the surgery in detail and was also very interested in the follow up PT. . Highly recommend !!

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Dr Kao is very willing to explain anything you don't understand. I like his easiness to talk to him and his willingness to laugh.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Dr Kao and his nurse were impeccably professional and kind. Exceptional bedside manner. Would recommend this team to anyone.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

On Saturday in December, I was told by ortho that I would have a 10 delay in seeing a provider for evaluation a broken finger - X-rays and radiology already diagnosed the break. Dr Kao's office got me in on Monday morning when I called. They provided exceptional care and concern and helped get me back to work as quickly as possible.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Dr. Kao provides excellent treatment. Listens, explains.

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

I understood all of the Doctor explanation. He is very nice

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Overall, my appointment with Dr. Kao was very productive due to his extensive expertise and thorough approach. I was deeply impressed by Dr. Kao's willingness to dive into my symptoms in detail and his comprehensive examination. I hold great respect for the invaluable insights he shared, guiding me toward potential solutions within the vascular department.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

Dr. KAO demonstrates strength in Demeanor, profession as an orthopedic surgeon and humanity (kindness). I truly believe he wanted to listen and answer my questions as well as offered details about my condition I didn't know to ask about. Good man.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024

The doctor explained everything so I could clearly understand and gave me options

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Dr Kao is top of my list for compassion and care

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024

Very pleased with Dr. Kao !!!

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

He's a great doctor He's atleast trying to Help me save my finger an admire that he's awesome

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Dr Kao is excellent!!!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

Dr Kao and his student were both extremely good listeners. They took time with me Explained risks and options, which allowed me to make an informed decision I was very pleased.

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2023

Dr Kao is outstanding.

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2023

Amazing doctor. Does a great job of explaining things to someone unfamiliar with medical terminology. Also, has a great personality. Makes you feel as valuable as a famous person and that's a big thing.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023

The doctor was very insightful on my condition

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2023

Let me tell you thisDr. Kao did surgery on my left hand last year & was awesome. He did my right hand 3 weeks ago & was just as awesome fantastic and caring! He is a GEM! Just cannot say enough good about him. I have been recommending Dr. Kao to friend's & family & others I don't even know well. I wish every Doctor could be as caring kind wonderful as he is! Interns should train under him in the respect kindness concerns he shows!

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Dr Lao was excellent, personable, explained in detail what the problem was and treatments available.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Have already recommended the Dr.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2023

Kao is an excellent dr. I trust and like him very much.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023

Dr Kao immediately identified my injury and help me discover I have perpherial nerve damage and the other Dr dismissed me and told me NOT toCome back because he can't help me.Dr Kao has helped save my life just with oneExam of my hand.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023

Dr Kao is an excellent Dr and don'tDiscriminate with peopleThe past Dr refused to examine my head and tried to convince me my head injury is migraines.3 years of constant head pain in the brain area connected to Perpherial nerve

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

The two doctors that worked with were excellent.

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