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Dr. Yi Kao, MD

Dr. Yi Kao, MD

Ear, Nose, and Throat*
45+ years of experience

Dr. Yi Kao, MD is a head & neck surgery otolaryngologist in State College, PA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 1976. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as UPMC Presbyterian and Mount Nittany Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.1 Star Rating
Based on 27 reviews 4.1 Star Rating (27 reviews)

Practice

3901 S Atherton St Ste 6 State College, PA 16801
Telehealth available

Dr. Kao is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Ear, Nose, and Throat

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Kao specializes in the areas of Otolaryngology & Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Kao's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Kao

4.1
27 ratings, 12 with a written review
5 star
74%
74%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
19%
19%

Your trust is our top concern.

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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Kao for over 25 years. He is an awesome ENT. He listens to all your concerns. I?ve had several procedures done recent, fully awake, and I had no fear or pain. My parents, husband, daughter and friends are his patients. Dr. Kao has perfected techniques and patented other surgical procedures. He is always the first ENT to use the newest technology. You?ll never find a better doctor.
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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Kim E – Mar 21, 2024
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Skilled, professional, compassionate, follows up on my care, and extremely helpful. I have full trust in Dr Kao.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Barbara – Nov 26, 2021
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He is a great doctor. God’s gift to humanity.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 23, 2021
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Very professional and takes time to talk to you and discuss options. I’ve been dealing with sinus issues for over a year before I decided that I had enough and Dr. Kao has been nothing but great with me.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Angie Thompson – Oct 24, 2019
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MY DAUGHTER HAD HER ADNOIDS AND TONSILS REMOVED IN DUBOIS,PA THE DR LEFT ONE OF HER TONSILS IN WHICH MADE HER ADNOIDS GROW BACK. AFTER BEING SICK FOR SEVERAL YEARS AS A SMALL CHILD AND THEN THE DR. IN DUBOIS PUT 5 SETS OF EAR TUBES IN MY DAUGHTERS EARS, PULLING ONE OUT IN THE OFFICE CHAIR, WHICH PUT A HOLE IN HER EAR DRUM. I TOOK HER TO DR. KAO....HE IS WONDERFUL! COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER DR. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE AND STAY OUT OF DUBOIS PA.
What went well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
RENEE – Oct 02, 2019
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Dr Kao does a great job of explaining what you need to know and options that you have ...
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 15, 2019
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Do not get surgery from him. He didn’t know how to numb the area properly (even after I asked for another injection). It didn’t take care of the problem. I am dealing with more pain than I was before, and it’s 6 months later. Take this seriously.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 14, 2018
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Dr Kao doesn't use anesthesia when doing the "clean out" second step of a nasal surgery. It's extremely uncomfortable and painful. When trying to communicate my concern, he responded angrily. I would drive to Hershey if you care about pain.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
State College, PA – Feb 14, 2017
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I would rate my experience with Dr. Kao 5/5 except that it was only after surgery that I was informed that the stent is considered experimental and not covered by insurance. I suppose I will be more vigilant next time I have surgical work done.
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
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
DougR in Rebersburg, PA – Aug 09, 2016
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I have been seeing Dr Kao for many years but I no longer see him. The last time I called to get an appointment for a severe sinus infection with facial swelling the women at the front desk told me I would have to wait for 2 months. I explained that Dr Kao tells me to get in right away so he can prevent more surgeries but they did not care and were very rude. I had to find another Doctor and now I have to have surgery. I really miss the old office staff, they were so nice and caring.
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Denise in PA – Jul 08, 2016
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I cannot recommend Dr. Kao enough. I first consulted with other physicians partnered within my primary care group. I'm so glad I opted for a second opinion because the endoscopic sinus surgery to repair my deviated septum was a breeze (compared to other recommendation of separate nose job and septoplasty). Dr. Kao is extremely knowledgeable and willing to take time to explain things (multiple times if needed). I'd recommend scheduling an appointment if you have any need.
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
Michael in State College, PA – Apr 14, 2016
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Having tried to make an appt for my college student, in most conversations, the staff was indifferent and not at all understanding nor caring. Having finally received an appt, this doctor was unprofessional, perhaps he thought he could speak to a student with less respect because a parent was not present. The staff and doc could take a lesson from the city in professionalism, instead of acting like they have never before treated humans. Also,I have 8 yrs experience working in a medical office.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Roberta Kleckner in Cranford, NJ – Mar 03, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. Yi Kao, MD is a head & neck surgery otolaryngologist in State College, PA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 1976. He is affiliated with medical...read more
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Portsmouth Naval Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 1983
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1977
  • Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College

    Medical School, 1976
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery®
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Self designated 
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.
  • English

  • Chinese

Dr. Kao is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Ear, Nose, and Throat

    Read our methodology

    Locations

    Practice

    Office3901 S Atherton St Ste 6 State College, PA 16801
    1

    Practice

    Office800 S Logan Blvd Ste 3100 Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
    2

    Practice

    Otolaryngology Group of Central Pennsylvania2505 Green Tech Dr Ste C State College, PA 16803
    3

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Penn Highlands Tyrone

      187 Hospital Dr
      Tyrone, PA 16686

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      86%
      Patients who gave a rating of 9 or 10

      11% higher than the national average

      86%
      Patients said their room and bathroom were always kept clean

      9% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • UPMC Presbyterian

      200 Lothrop St
      Pittsburgh, PA 15213
      Recipient of 9
      hospital awards

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      90%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      6% higher than the national average

      82%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      7% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Mount Nittany Medical Center

      1800 E Park Ave
      State College, PA 16803
      Recipient of 2
      hospital awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality