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Dr. James Chao, MD

Dr. James Chao, MD

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. James Chao, MD is a plastic surgeon in Encinitas, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York University Grossman School of Medicine in 1993. He is affiliated with medical facilities Sharp Memorial Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He is accepting new patients.

3.4 Star Rating
Based on 15 reviews 3.4 Star Rating (15 reviews)

Practice

499 N El Camino Real Ste C200 Encinitas, CA 92024

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Dr. Chao's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Chao

3.4
15 ratings, 7 with a written review
5 star
60%
60%
4 star
0%
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3 star
0%
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2 star
0%
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1 star
40%
40%

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Could care less about patient health or his staff
Long wait times, shuffled from exam room to exam room, had 3 total visits (based on hospital ER referral to him for fractured finger), 1 visit had over 2 hour wait, other visits long 30 plus minute wait times in exam room (often felt like they forgot about me), his exams were superficial at best and felt rushed to just get done with you, other than using his live x-ray machine to confirm healing, I got nothing out of his visits that I couldn't figure out myself online. His office operations were even worse, no follow up for required PT referrals (I just did my own PT), poor scheduling practices (when they actually pick up phone), if you leave a message don't expect a call back, and also when greeted by the receptionist and have a pending bill due...expect that you get reminded immediately to deal with it versus receiving a genuine greeting first. Stay away from this practice if you can, OASIS MD James Chao
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • 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
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Apr 27, 2025
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Do not go this this man! Within 12 hours of surgery, I was in excruciating pain. He had no one on call and was unable to be reached. I went to the ER and when they finally reached him, he refused to come see me. Further, he directed the ER staff NOT to remove the dressings. I ended up with serious complications of a vascular compromise requiring hospitalization. I ultimately had to have my finger amputated and have lost grasp function in my hand. I am scheduled for a fourth surgery to attempt to improve damage he caused. I live in constant pain. It has been 5 years and everyday I regret my decision of choosing Dr. Chao. Stay far away from this guy!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
deborah l hill – Jul 25, 2020
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Dr. James Chao and his entire staff are one of the most professional medical offices. He operated on both my hands so that I could continue to have full use of them. I have know him for many years and have trusted his judgement completely as he always has my best interests at heart.
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
Sally M. McKay in Oceanside, CA – Jun 15, 2017
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After I survived breast cancer, Dr. Chao tried and failed THREE TIMES to perform reconstructive surgery. After his third botched attempt, he had to do emergency surgery to remove one of my implants, leaving me with scars, folds, and excruciating pain where my right breast is supposed to be.
What went well
  • Office environment
What could be improved
  • 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
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
San Diego, CA – Jun 08, 2016
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Oasis MD and Dr. James Chao were absolutely amazing. I would recommend him to anyone. My results were fantastic and I can honestly say I feel better in my skin now than I ever have in my life. If I ever need any more plastic surgery, he is who I will call. His staff was also extremely amazing. Everyone was helpful, professional, took the time to answer my questions and concerns and always there when I need them.
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
Murrieta, CA – Apr 02, 2016
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Dr. Chao is a kind man. Excellent at explaining procedures to patients and family. Very humble man.....introduced himself as Jim! Highly recommend him!
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
Sally C. in Minnesota – Feb 16, 2016
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Dr. Chao is a miracle worker. He is a wonderful surgeon. His bed-side manners are very good as well.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Lorraine Ralston in Encinitas, CA – Jan 08, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. James Chao, MD is a plastic surgeon in Encinitas, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York University Grossman School of Medicine in 1993. He is affiliated with medical facilities Sharp Memorial Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He is accepting new patients.
  • Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive 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.

  • New York University

    Fellowship Hospital, 1999
  • Nyu/irps

    Residency Hospital, 1998
  • New York University Grossman School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1993
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Plastic Surgery®
Plastic 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.

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Locations

Practice

James J. Chao MD Facs.499 N El Camino Real Ste C200 Encinitas, CA 92024
1
Office8200 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942
2
Faculty Physicians and Surgeons of Llusm27699 Jefferson Ave Ste 201 Temecula, CA 92590
3

Practice

Oasis MD Inc.8901 Activity Rd San Diego, CA 92126
4