Dennis Kao, MD
Additional Locations
Plastic Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5729
- Desk:
- 216.444.6903
- Fax:
- 216.444.9419
Treatment & Services
- Amputation
- Arm Reconstruction
- Benign Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery
- Brachia Plexus Reconstruction
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Fracture Care
- Hand and Arm Reconstruction
- Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
- 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
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) Palsy
- Arthritis of the Thumb Base
- Arthritis of the Wrist & Hand
- Benign Soft Tissue Tumors
- Brachial Neuritis
- Brachial Plexus
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Broken Bones
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- DeQuervain's Disease
- Dupuytren's Disease
- Finger Sprains
- Fractures Of The Hand
- Hand and Wrist Arthritis
- 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 and De Quervain's Disease
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
- Wrist Diseases
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout 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
Appointed
2021
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Microsurgery
Taoyuan,
Taiwan
2011
Fellowship - Medical College of Wisconsin
Hand Surgery
Milwaukee,
WI USA
2010
Residency - Medical College of Wisconsin
Plastic Surgery
Milwaukee,
WI USA
2009
Medical Education - The University of Texas Medical Branch
Medical Doctor
Galveston,
TX USA
2003
Undergraduate - University of Washington
Seattle,
WA USA
1998
Certifications
- Plastic Surgery - Hand Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
Specialty Interests
Hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, brachial plexus surgery, neuroma surgery
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
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 10/10/2022, Dr. Kao has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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.
172 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.8 | |
| Listens | 4.1 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
34 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Mar 2, 2023
The doctor and staff were outstanding
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
Dr. Kao was excellent and would refer him and want to use him again if needed. He was very good in his explanations and what I should expect.Very good surgeon.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023
Dr. Kao has very good bedside manor
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2023
Dr Kao listened carefully and answered all my questions.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2023
Scheduler was courteous & helpful. My PCP (Dr. Mark Mekhail) suggested several physicians who were appropriate for my hand issue.
Reviewed on Feb 1, 2023
I would recommend anyone to DR. Kao in his field. I'm thankful for his expertise and got me back to work and daily duties. He was attentive to my needs during surgery and my aftercare and therapy.
Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Dr kao was amazing
Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Dr. Kao was wonderful during my consult with him. He was patient and kind while I asked my series of questions. I am now at ease and ready for my surgery with Dr. Kao.
Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Dr. Kao is the best! He is patient and explains all of the complex medical stuff in a way for the patient to easily understand.
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Kao. He genuinely cares for his patients and spends as much time as needed with them during their appointments
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022
I am so impressed with Dr Kao. He is so nice, so easy to understand, explained my case so simply and easily. I wish more doctors were like him.
Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022
Dr Kao was excellent!
Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022
Dr. Kao is among the very best physicians from whom I have ever received care.
Reviewed on Dec 12, 2022
Scheduling was fast and easy! Dr Kao was awesome and informative
Reviewed on Dec 5, 2022
Dr Kao explained to me and my wife what he thinks would help for. We were pleased with what he said we said let's do the surgery on my right hand.
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022
I WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH MY APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD BY THE DR TO LET HIM KNOW IF I AM STILL HAVING PAIN ABOUT 3 TO 4 WEEKS FROM NOV 30TH
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2022
Dr. Kao was very helpful and understanding with my issue. We have talked about a potential surgery next year.
Reviewed on Oct 6, 2022
The gentleman was working with Dr.Kao. He introduced himself.i can't remember his name. He looked at my wrist. We talked about how it looked and how it healed and he was taking my stitches out as Dr.Kao intered the room . Dr.Kao discussed with me on the care for my wrist after the stitches were out and discussed my returning to work. Professional work well done
Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022
Excellent care. Complex surgery well explained. I give Dr. Kao and his team 5 stars
Reviewed on Sep 7, 2022
The Labor Day weekend was part of the reason I was unable to get in sooner. Also I was informed Dr Kao was the only hand specialist available in this area for much of September due ton2 other providers out of town
Reviewed on Sep 1, 2022
Dr. Kao is a very concerned caring person. He explained everything throughly. What to expect,how long I'd be laid up,answered all my questions and took the time to do so.
Reviewed on Aug 29, 2022
Dr Kao was excellent. He did a thorough exam and gave me the options and outcomes. I was able to make an informed and thoughtful decision to proceed with surgery. He is very personable and easy to talk to. I would recommend this surgeon without reservation. He really listened to my needs and expectations in regard to Carpal Tunnel Surgery 5 Stars.
Reviewed on Aug 15, 2022
Doctor Dennis Kao was very gentle and competent
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2022
Doctor was Very ATTENTIVE. And comfortable with the removal of stitches when the time comes.
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2022
Dr. Kao has taken excellent care of me for the past 9 months. He is always willing to answer all questions during our visit and on MyChart. I highly recommend him.
Reviewed on Jun 9, 2022
Very well taken care of by staff and Doctor.
Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022
Dr.Koa is an amazing Dr. He listen carefully to what was explained my problem .he explained everything to me even show me on my mri where the injury was and what kind it was. When checking my wrist our he was gentle and observant and knew what he was doing. The nurse practitioner that was there was focused and watching the Dr. And they discussed the problem. Very nice man.
Reviewed on Jun 1, 2022
The doctor and the helper were very good!!
Reviewed on May 23, 2022
Was a very good meeting with dr kao
Reviewed on May 12, 2022
Never had any questions answered by doctor kao I don't really know what's wrong with my hand I only took 2 xrays and he gave me 2 different reasons why my right hand is still having pain the last visit he used the same xray to tell me a new problem
Reviewed on Apr 25, 2022
Dr. Kao is top notch!
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2022
I like what the Doctor explained to me and listen to my issues and provided me with what I needed Thanks to my Doctor
Reviewed on Apr 4, 2022
Dr. Kao explained my injury and treatment thoroughly. He was patient and very kind. He answered all my questions. I would recommend him to others.
Reviewed on Mar 23, 2022
Dr Kao was outstanding.