EverydayHealthLogo
DK

Dr. Dennis Kao, MD

Cleveland, OH

Accepting patients

Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital

    Who is Dr. Kao, General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist in Cleveland, OH?

    Dr. Dennis Kao, MD is a General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist, who primarily practices in Cleveland, OH with 2 additional practice locations. He is board certified. Dr. Kao is fluent in English, Chinese, and Tai languages, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Kao’s practice accepts Medicare, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Kao’s office.

    Is Dr. Kao board certified as a General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist?

    Yes, Dr. Dennis Kao, MD is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

    What languages does Dr. Kao speak?

    Dr. Kao and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:

    • Chinese

    • English

    • Tai languages

    What conditions does Dr. Kao treat?

    As a General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist, Dr. Kao diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Kao. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.

    Also known as:

    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Median Nerve Compression
    • Wrist Nerve Entrapment
    • Right Wrist Nerve Compression
    • Right Hand Numbness
    • Right CTS
    • Left Wrist Nerve Compression
    • Left Hand Numbness
    • Left CTS

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • G5603: Carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral upper limbs
    • G5601: Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
    • G5602: Carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper limb

    Also known as:

    • Osteoarthritis of the left thumb joint
    • Osteoarthritis of both thumb joints
    • Primary Osteoarthritis in Right Thumb Base
    • Osteoarthritis of the right hand
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Degenerative joint disease
    • Wear-and-tear arthritis
    • Arthrosis
    • Joint degeneration
    • Right Thumb Arthritis
    • Primary Right First CMC Joint Arthritis
    • Right Hand Thumb Base Osteoarthritis

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M1812: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, left hand
    • M180: Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joints
    • M1811: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint, right hand
    • M19041: Primary osteoarthritis, right hand

    Also known as:

    • Trigger Right Middle Finger
    • Trigger Right Ring Finger
    • Trigger Left Middle Finger
    • Trigger Left Ring Finger
    • Finger Injuries and Disorder
    • Tendinitis
    • Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Right Middle Finger
    • Right Middle Finger Tendonitis
    • Snapping Right Middle Finger
    • Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Right Ring Finger
    • Right Ring Finger Tendonitis
    • Snapping Right Ring Finger
    • Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Left Middle Finger
    • Left Middle Finger Tendonitis
    • Snapping Left Middle Finger
    • Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Left Ring Finger
    • Left Ring Finger Tendonitis
    • Snapping Left Ring Finger

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M65331: Trigger finger, right middle finger
    • M65341: Trigger finger, right ring finger
    • M65332: Trigger finger, left middle finger
    • M65342: Trigger finger, left ring finger

    Also known as:

    • Skin Numbness
    • Peripheral Nerve Disorder
    • Loss of skin sensation
    • Cutaneous anesthesia
    • Numb skin

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • R200: Anesthesia of skin

    Also known as:

    • Dupuytren's Contracture
    • Connective Tissue Disorder
    • Finger Injuries and Disorder
    • Dupuytren contracture
    • Palmar fibromatosis
    • Viking disease
    • Hand contracture

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M720: Palmar fascial fibromatosis [Dupuytren]

    Also known as:

    • Trigger Thumb
    • Finger Injuries and Disorder
    • Tendinitis
    • Stenosing Tenosynovitis of Thumb
    • Thumb Tendonitis
    • Thumb Locking

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M65311: Trigger thumb, right thumb
    • M65312: Trigger thumb, left thumb

    Also known as:

    • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
    • Hand Injuries and Disorder
    • Tendinitis
    • De Quervain's Disease', 'Washerwoman's Sprain
    • Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M654: Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]

    Also known as:

    • Right Wrist Pain
    • Pain
    • Wrist Injuries and Disorder
    • Aching right wrist
    • Sore right wrist
    • Right wrist discomfort

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M25531: Pain in right wrist

    Also known as:

    • Right Hand Pain
    • Hand Injuries and Disorder
    • Pain
    • Pain in right palm
    • Right wrist and hand pain
    • Right hand discomfort

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M79641: Pain in right hand

    Also known as:

    • Pain in Left Wrist
    • Pain
    • Wrist Injuries and Disorder
    • Left Wrist Ache
    • Left Wrist Discomfort
    • Sore Left Wrist

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M25532: Pain in left wrist

    Also known as:

    • Right Hand Ganglion Cyst
    • Connective Tissue Disorder
    • Right Hand Synovial Cyst
    • Lump on Right Hand
    • Right Hand Ganglion

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M67441: Ganglion, right hand

    What procedures does Dr. Kao perform?

    As a General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist, Dr. Kao performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Kao. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.

    Also known as:

    • Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery (Endoscopic)
    • Trigger Finger Release Surgery
    • Wrist Ganglion Cyst Removal
    • Wrist Bone Removal
    • Small Hand/Finger Tumor Removal
    • Endoscopy
    • Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
    • Wrist Endoscopy for Carpal Tunnel
    • Transverse Carpal Ligament Release
    • Tendon Sheath Incision
    • Trigger Finger Tenolysis
    • Finger Tendon Release
    • Hand Tendon Surgery
    • Ganglion Excision
    • Wrist Cyst Surgery
    • Dorsal/Volar Ganglion Removal
    • Partial Carpectomy
    • Wrist Bone Excision
    • Carpal Bone Removal
    • Hand Soft Tissue Excision
    • Finger Tumor Removal
    • Vascular Malformation Excision Hand
    • Subcutaneous Hand Lesion Removal

    CPT Codes:

    • 29848: Endoscopy, wrist, surgical, with release of transverse carpal ligament
    • 26055: Tendon sheath incision (eg, for trigger finger)
    • 25111: Excision of ganglion, wrist (dorsal or volar); primary
    • 25210: Carpectomy; 1 bone
    • 26115: Excision, tumor or vascular malformation, soft tissue of hand or finger, subcutaneous; less than 1.5 cm

    Also known as:

    • Injection for Tendon or Ligament Pain
    • Tendon sheath injection
    • Ligament injection
    • Plantar fascia injection
    • Soft tissue injection for pain

    CPT Codes:

    • 20550: Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (eg, plantar "fascia")

    Also known as:

    • Deep Biopsy of Forearm or Wrist Soft Tissue
    • Biopsy
    • Forearm Muscle Biopsy
    • Wrist Soft Tissue Biopsy
    • Deep Tissue Biopsy Arm

    CPT Codes:

    • 25066: Biopsy, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist; deep (subfascial or intramuscular)

    Also known as:

    • Removal of Superficial Implant (Wire, Pin, or Rod)
    • Removal of Deep Surgical Implant
    • Removal of Implant from Finger or Hand
    • Buried wire removal
    • Pin removal surgery
    • Rod removal (superficial)
    • Hardware Removal Surgery
    • Buried Implant Extraction
    • Orthopedic Implant Removal
    • Hand Implant Explant
    • Finger Device Removal
    • Hardware Removal Hand

    CPT Codes:

    • 20670: Removal of implant; superficial (eg, buried wire, pin or rod) (separate procedure)
    • 20680: Removal of implant; deep (eg, buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod or plate)
    • 26320: Removal of implant from finger or hand

    Also known as:

    • Small Joint or Bursa Injection/Aspiration
    • Joint Tap
    • Bursa Fluid Removal
    • Small Joint Injection
    • Arthrocentesis

    CPT Codes:

    • 20600: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, small joint or bursa (eg, fingers, toes); without ultrasound guidance

    Also known as:

    • Hand or Finger Cyst Removal
    • Ganglion cyst removal hand
    • Tendon sheath lesion excision
    • Mucous cyst removal finger

    CPT Codes:

    • 26160: Excision of lesion of tendon sheath or joint capsule (eg, cyst, mucous cyst, or ganglion), hand or finger

    Also known as:

    • Hand Tendon Transfer
    • Carpometacarpal Tendon Transplant
    • Dorsum of Hand Tendon Surgery
    • Tendon Relocation in Hand

    CPT Codes:

    • 26480: Transfer or transplant of tendon, carpometacarpal area or dorsum of hand; without free graft, each tendon

    Also known as:

    • Wrist or Hand Joint Replacement (Interposition)
    • Intercarpal Arthroplasty
    • Carpometacarpal Joint Replacement
    • Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty

    CPT Codes:

    • 25447: Arthroplasty, Intercarpal Or Carpometacarpal Joints; Interposition (Eg, Tendon)

    Also known as:

    • Wrist Tendon Sheath Release
    • De Quervain's Release
    • Wrist Tendon Decompression
    • Extensor Tendon Sheath Incision

    CPT Codes:

    • 25000: Incision, extensor tendon sheath, wrist (eg, deQuervains disease)

    Also known as:

    • Forearm or Wrist Tendon Lengthening/Shortening
    • Forearm/Wrist Tendon Transfer
    • Tendon Adjustment Surgery
    • Flexor Tendon Surgery
    • Extensor Tendon Surgery
    • Wrist Tendon Repair
    • Tendon Transplant (Arm/Wrist)
    • Tendon Graft (Forearm)
    • Flexor Tendon Transfer
    • Extensor Tendon Transfer

    CPT Codes:

    • 25280: Lengthening or shortening of flexor or extensor tendon, forearm and/or wrist, single, each tendon
    • 25310: Tendon transplantation or transfer, flexor or extensor, forearm and/or wrist, single; each tendon

    Also known as:

    • Injection for Dupuytren's Contracture
    • Collagenase injection for Dupuytren's', 'Enzyme injection for hand contracture', 'Dupuytren's disease injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 20527: Injection, enzyme (eg, collagenase), palmar fascial cord (ie, Dupuytren's contracture)

    Also known as:

    • Finger or Thumb Amputation
    • Digit Amputation
    • Finger Removal
    • Thumb Amputation Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 26951: Amputation, finger or thumb, primary or secondary, any joint or phalanx, single, including neurectomies; with direct closure

    Also known as:

    • Short Arm Cast Application
    • Elbow to Finger Cast
    • Forearm Cast
    • Arm Immobilization Cast

    CPT Codes:

    • 29075: Application, cast; elbow to finger (short arm)

    Also known as:

    • Short Arm Splint Application
    • Forearm to hand splint
    • Static arm splint
    • Wrist and forearm splint
    • Arm immobilization splint

    CPT Codes:

    • 29125: Application of short arm splint (forearm to hand); static

    Also known as:

    • Open Surgery for Complex Wrist Fracture
    • Distal Radius Fracture Repair (Open)
    • Wrist Fracture with Internal Fixation
    • Complex Radial Fracture Surgery
    • Epiphyseal Separation Repair (Wrist)

    CPT Codes:

    • 25609: Open treatment of distal radial intra-articular fracture or epiphyseal separation; with internal fixation of 3 or more fragments

    Also known as:

    • Hand Cord Manipulation After Enzyme Injection
    • Dupuytren's cord manipulation', 'Enzyme injection for Dupuytren's
    • Palmar fascia treatment

    CPT Codes:

    • 26341: Manipulation, palmar fascial cord (ie, Dupuytren's cord), post enzyme injection (eg, collagenase), single cord

    Also known as:

    • Open Repair of Hand Bone Fracture (Metacarpal)
    • Metacarpal Fracture Surgery
    • Hand Fracture Fixation
    • Broken Hand Bone Surgery
    • Metacarpal Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)

    CPT Codes:

    • 26615: Open treatment of metacarpal fracture, single, includes internal fixation, when performed, each bone

    Also known as:

    • Ganglion Cyst Aspiration or Injection
    • Ganglion Cyst Drainage
    • Cyst Fluid Removal
    • Ganglion Cyst Treatment
    • Cyst Injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 20612: Aspiration and/or injection of ganglion cyst(s) any location

    Also known as:

    • Hand or Finger Tumor Removal
    • Hand Soft Tissue Tumor Excision
    • Finger Vascular Malformation Removal
    • Subcutaneous Hand Tumor Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 26111: Excision, tumor or vascular malformation, soft tissue of hand or finger, subcutaneous; 1.5 cm or greater

    Also known as:

    • Finger Splint Application
    • Static Finger Splint
    • Finger Immobilization
    • Finger Brace

    CPT Codes:

    • 29130: Application of finger splint; static

    Also known as:

    • Carpal Tunnel Injection
    • Corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel
    • Local anesthetic for carpal tunnel
    • Wrist pain injection
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 20526: Injection, therapeutic (eg, local anesthetic, corticosteroid), carpal tunnel

    Also known as:

    • Open Surgery for Finger/Thumb Fracture
    • Phalangeal Shaft Fracture Repair
    • Finger Bone Internal Fixation
    • Broken Finger Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 26735: Open treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb, includes internal fixation, when performed, each

    Also known as:

    • Finger Tendon Repair
    • Flexor Tendon Repair
    • Digital Tendon Surgery
    • Hand Tendon Repair

    CPT Codes:

    • 26356: Repair or advancement, flexor tendon, in zone 2 digital flexor tendon sheath (eg, no man's land); primary, without free graft, each tendon

    Also known as:

    • Hand Extensor Tendon Repair
    • Extensor Tendon Surgery Hand
    • Finger Tendon Repair
    • Hand Tendon Reconstruction

    CPT Codes:

    • 26410: Repair, extensor tendon, hand, primary or secondary; without free graft, each tendon

    Also known as:

    • Brachial Plexus Nerve Block
    • Shoulder Nerve Injection
    • Arm Pain Injection
    • Imaging-Guided Nerve Block

    CPT Codes:

    • 64415: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; brachial plexus, including imaging guidance, when performed

    Also known as:

    • Ulnar Nerve Release or Repositioning at Elbow
    • Spinal Nerve Transection
    • Ulnar Nerve Transposition
    • Cubital Tunnel Release
    • Elbow Nerve Surgery
    • Neuroplasty Ulnar Nerve
    • Spinal Nerve Avulsion
    • Extradural Nerve Cut
    • Nerve Root Sectioning

    CPT Codes:

    • 64718: Neuroplasty and/or transposition; ulnar nerve at elbow
    • 64772: Transection or avulsion of other spinal nerve, extradural

    Also known as:

    • Axillary Nerve Block Injection
    • Armpit nerve block
    • Axillary nerve pain injection
    • Shoulder nerve block
    • Guided nerve injection

    CPT Codes:

    • 64417: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; axillary nerve, including imaging guidance, when performed

    Also known as:

    • Major Arm or Leg Nerve Repair
    • Peripheral Nerve Surgery
    • Nerve Reconstruction Arm/Leg
    • Open Neuroplasty

    CPT Codes:

    • 64708: Neuroplasty, major peripheral nerve, arm or leg, open; other than specified

    Also known as:

    • First Stage of Nerve Transfer Surgery
    • Nerve Pedicle Graft (Stage 1)
    • Nerve Transfer Procedure (Initial)
    • Nerve Reconstruction (First Stage)
    • Peripheral Nerve Transfer

    CPT Codes:

    • 64905: Nerve pedicle transfer; first stage

    Also known as:

    • Skin Substitute Graft (Small Area)
    • Artificial Skin Graft
    • Wound Covering Application
    • Skin Replacement Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 15275: Application of skin substitute graft to face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits, total wound surface area up to 100 sq cm; first 25 sq cm or less wound surface area

    Does Dr. Kao accept my insurance?

    Dr. Kao accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.

    What insurance plans does Dr. Kao accept in Cleveland, OH?

    Dr. Kao in Cleveland, OH accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.

    Top Insurances

    • CareSource

    • CVS Health (formerly Aetna)

    • Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)

    • Humana

    • Medical Mutual

    • Medicare

    • State of Ohio

    • State of Tennessee

    • The Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley

    • UnitedHealthcare

    View All Insurances

    Where is Dr. Kao's office located?

    Dr. Dennis Kao's Primary Practice

    9500 Euclid Ave

    Cleveland, OH 44195

    Get Directions

    Dr. Dennis Kao's Practice 2

    11011 Meridian Ave N Ste 201

    Shoreline, WA 98133

    Get Directions

    Dr. Dennis Kao's Practice 3

    325 9th Ave

    Seattle, WA 98104

    Get Directions

    What is Dr. Kao's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.

    Dr. Kao's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1265503619.

    What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Kao?

    Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Kao

    What is Dr. Dennis Kao's specialty?

    Dr. Kao is a General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist near Cleveland, OH. A surgeon specializing in the medical, surgical, and rehabilitative management of the upper extremity focuses on the investigation, preservation, and restoration of structures that directly impact the form and function of the hand and wrist. Contact Dr. Kao to book an appointment today.

    Is this Dr. Dennis Kao affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?

    Yes, Dr. Kao is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Fairview Hospital, Marymount Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital, Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital, Meadville Medical Center which are a Castle Connolly Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals

    Where can I learn more about General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist?

    Explore General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist with insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.

    Is Dennis Kao accepting new patients in Cleveland, OH?

    Yes, Dr. Dennis Kao is accepting new patients at this time.

    Does Dr. Dennis Kao offer online booking?

    Please contact Dr. Kao's office for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.

    How can I make an appointment with Dennis Kao?

    Please contact Dr. Kao's office for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.

    Which board certifications does Dr. Dennis Kao have?

    Dr. Dennis Kao is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

    Other General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist Near Cleveland, OH

    GK

    General Surgeon - Hand Surgery Specialist

    acceptingPatients-iconAccepting patients
    Cleveland, OH
    SB

    Plastic Surgeon

    acceptingPatients-iconAccepting patients
    Cleveland, OH
    WC

    Plastic Surgeon

    acceptingPatients-iconAccepting patients
    Cleveland, OH
    See All Specialists

    Doctors by Category

    Specialists