Roger Kao, MD

Dr Roger Kao is superb, and my experience with him exceeded my expectations. He is natural /​humble and easy to converse with; he took all the time needed to explain all the details to me, not like some other doctors who cut conversations short with patients. His execution of the colonoscopy procedure was painless and his report is detailed and clear. His follow up with me is also great; talking to me over the phone for an extended period of time which I truly appreciate. I am thankful to Dr Roger and to his good staff.

Dr. Kao is simply wonderful. He’s been incredibly competent and understanding, more than any other G.I. I have ever been to (and there have been several). I can not recommend him more. Like most people it’s not the most fun thing ever to discuss one’s innards, but he makes it as painless as possible. Most importantly he’s radically reduced my pain, and improved my life, for which I’m grateful.

Here is a letter I just sent to Dr Kao. I cannot explain my recommendation any better.
«I want thank you and your staff for the excellent service I received last Friday, March 4^th at your Laurel St facility.​
My apologies in advance, but other than Dr Kao, I have forgotten the names of the ladies who served me. I tried to make a mental note before my procedure, but it was lost during my journey in Fentanylville.​
What I do remember was that my arrival was greeted by the receptionist with a warm smile and friendly interaction. Thank you! The technician who set my initial IV and placed a warm blanket on me was incredibly nice and took her time to ensure my ease. Thank you!​Your assistant in the procedure room (Kathy?) was just the best to speak with and prepare me. I actually do remember our DIY commonalities. Thank you!​
I cannot finish without acknowledging my doctor. I very much thank you for your attention and care to detail from our first initial consultation to the post review and summary you gave to my girlfriend and I (although I don? t remember).​
This office team provided me an experience that made me feel relaxed and secure. The professionalism, sincerity, and positive attitude of you and your staff has been the best experience I’ve ever encountered at a medical office of any kind. Thank you!».

Roger Kao is an outstanding gastroenterologist. I’d been suffering from constant chronic stomach spasms, and Dr. Kao quickly found a solution to my problem. I highly recommend Dr. Kao to everybody in SMC looking for a gastroenterologist.

I had been suffering from episodes of intense nausea, vomiting and stomach pains for two years, increasing in both frequency and intensity resulting in hospitalization from the resulting dehydration. That was fortunate for me, as Dr. Roger Kao happened to be on site at Sequoia Hospital at the same time I was being treated. On this third trip to the ER in a year and a half, I was admitted to the hospital. Upon my admission, Dr. Kao immediately assumed a leadership role among the small team of doctors from different disciplines that worked together to get to the bottom of my medical issues. Although I had been seen in the ER often and admitted to the hospital, the best diagnosis I had received up to this point was the «worst flu ever». This was particularly frustrating since my condition had become so frequent and severe that I lost over 50 pounds and was dismissed from my senior executive position in Silicon Valley and placed on medical leave.
Dr. Kao has a gentle, caring and compassionate bedside manner. Dr. Kao explained to me in detail what my symptoms indicated and what else he needed to explore to come to a final diagnosis. Dr. Kao was well versed in all of the tests and treatments, both new and old, that could be helpful in determining what was going on. He consulted with colleagues from both Stanford and California Pacific medical centers, both leaders in the study of GI diseases and conditions, throughout the first year he was in charge of my case. Dr. Kao arranged for a thorough battery of diagnostic tests, and kept me informed as to the reasons why each test was necessary, what each test would tell us, and what limitations each test presented. Dr. Kao’s confidence in his ability to ultimately give me a definitive diagnosis kept my spirits high. In the end, Dr. Kao was able to successfully diagnosis my condition and propose a treatment plan. I was further impressed as he worked with me and my family to adjust the specific medications and their doses to give me the most relief. My condition is now under control and I experience its symptoms far less often than before. I am extremely pleased with the medical skills of Dr. Roger Kao, and believe his manner of dealing with patients is among the best I’ve ever experienced.

If you have IBS and want to change your life, call Dr Kao as soon as possible! I went from struggling with IBS for over 50 years to living as close to normal as possible. Please give him an opportunity to help you. May I suggest that you put your story on paper for your visit. Narrow it down as much as possible. Those of us that have been struggling for years have an extensive history. That visit could last too long. I think that’s where some of the negative comments come from on this site. I had bullet point details of my life long struggle. The doctor pulled out a few facts and asked questions. All in all the visit was thorough.
My family doctor is awesome. He just didn’t understand my problem. After going to him for 25 years we have history. He also has all of my records. Dr Kao doesn’t have that and doesn’t have time to hear all of the history. That’s my opinion, not his. I sent my records up ahead of time. When we met we got down to business. Discussed the important areas. I walked out of there with a new perspective.
I am thankful for Dr Kao and his vision to help those that are a mystery to most doctors. I went from taking 4 medications to one!
If your sick of being sick call him today. You will be glad you did!!!

I originally saw Dr Kao about 5 years ago following an emergency visit to the ER. I absolutely loved his care, knowledge and bedside manner back then. At that time I had a colonoscopy by him. Two weeks ago I was told by my cardiologist to see a gastroenterologist asap and of course I contacted Dr Kao. I am still under his care and had an endoscopic procedure with him a week ago. Anyone who is looking for a gastroenterologist who has a great bedside manner and takes his time to discuss your needs and concerns should make their appointment with Dr Kao. You will feel comfortable and well cared for. The office staff and medical staff are the best as well. I’m very happy knowing I have him as my «go to» in the future.

I was referred to Dr. Kao by my primary care physician and he met all expectations (set high!) by the referring doctor.
During office visits Dr. Kao spent abundant time discussing relevant topics with me, and not a single time I felt rushed or not treated as a partner or, plainly put, as an adult. When I needed to go through a procedure I felt utter confidence in the quality of the services provided. I’m very happy with my visits and hold complete trust in Dr. Kao.

I would highly recommend Digestive Care Associates, specifically Dr. Roger Kao. They have a very clean, nice office. The staff at the front desk are very helpful and friendly, thoroughly explaining all the papers they gave me to fill out. I had no wait time in the reception area and when I was taken back I saw the Doctor immediately, no waiting in the room alone. It can be uncomfortable and frankly embarrassing to talk about stomach issues with someone you’re meeting for the first time. Dr. Kao was extremely easy to talk to and put me at ease right away. He answered all my questions and explained all the possibilities for my condition in a way that was easy for me to understand. I left my appointment feeling confident in my treatment plan and hopeful.
My follow-​up appointment was the same as my first. A quick check-​in and then straight back to see Dr. Kao. I have made significant progress since my first visit. I love that Dr. Kao doesn’t want to stop at much better, but wants you to feel 100% everyday. He is a great doctor who really cares and puts in the time to make sure you feel comfortable with your treatment plan and get results.
I also loved the reminder service they have. It comes to you as a text and you send back a number to either confirm, cancel or reschedule your appointment. It makes it very quick and efficient system.

Dr. Kao is one of the nicest doctor I have ever seen. He is a good listener and a great consultant. The procedure was seamless. I trust him and highly recommend him.

My experience with him yesterday was very bad, there might have been good views about him.
My experience was not good, he made me feel bad about myself, wanted to do the colonscopy in less than a week notice. I told him no and kept wanting me to make quick answer right away, and I told him no several times. Plus I told I was a disable adult and he seem to think that I did not know how I could be and if I did have a mental doctor that told me and had lots of testing to prove that. Plus he was very controlling and I felt like little kid and thought that I was stupid or dumb not having a colonoscopy sooner than now in my early 50 or even two years ago when I was in my early 60’s and I told the doctor that I broke my right elbow 2 1’2 years and it is still taking a long time to heal and move even with 1 year and ½ of therapy, and told me that was no excuse not to have the colonoscopy sooner than now.
I told him that I am wedding officiant and have lots of weddings now and have to deal with them right now, and would prefer to have the end of year, and plus I dealing with other issues with my life right now.
And then the doctor kept saying it is only 1 day of your life to have this done right away, maybe two days depending on how I do with procedure afterwards.
I made an appointment on first week December, but I really not sure that I will be keeping the appointment, yet unless I find another gastroenterologist from my insurance company, for I was shaking and very upset with the doctor and what he had said to me and I felt afterwards. Right now I don’t feel comfortable to have this doctor touch me anywhere on my body at all.
The office staff was nice and the office was clean, but that is not a reason to have this doctor be my doctor!

Dr. Kao is one of a kind — he has consistently been an outstanding partner in helping me manage a chronic condition and explore new potential treatments. He is thoughtful and kind, professional and yet entirely approachable, and supremely dedicated to delivering superior care. The Digestive Care staff is superb as well — friendly, accommodating, helpful, and good at their jobs. Every single visit over the last 4 years has been an exceptional experience and I wouldn’t dream of going to a different doctor or practice group.

I have seen DR. Kao for just about a year now and I can’t say enough good things about him and his staff. I Live over 3 hours away, however DR. Kao is so worth the drive. When I first seen DR. Kao I was so scared, he took the time to talk with me and to make me feel very comfortable. I had to have a colonoscopy, mind you for the prep I had to stay the night in Red Wood City get a hotel BUT I would do it all again to have a Doctor like DR. Kao. It was a breeze!!! He made me feel so comfortable. Since then I have had to call DR. Kao about some IBM problems and his staff has always been very nice and understanding, he always calls me back the same day. DR Kao knows just what to give me to calm down my IBS and to help me feel so much better. There is no other DR I would ever want or go to. DR. Kao is very exceptionally friendly with a wonderful bedside manner. I appreciate him and his staff!!!

I just went in for my second colonoscopy at a three year interval due to family history and other. This is still just the most professional and efficient medical practice I’ve experienced. A nice new development is that there is now a new safe and easier to take prep called Suprep that can be used. This makes the least pleasant aspect of the procedure really quite easy. Thank you Dr. Kao, nurses and staff! See you in five years.

I have been suffering with ibs for 5+ years. I have been to 5 doctors including 3 gastros, worked with different dietitians and still no relief.
In my opinion with ibs, the devil is in the details. Dr kao has the courtesy to pay attention to the details. I feel like in this day, it is impossible to get a doctor to actually listen to you.
One time I had a doctor sit in front of a computer reading and typing away as I talked about my intimate stomach distresses, he dismissed everything that I said, tells me that I’m doing fine and then has the audacity to charge me $ 100 for less than 15 mins of his priceless time.
Dr Kao is not this doctor at all…
But beyond the common sense stuff that every patient should expect from every doctor, Dr. Kao made a personal commitment to help me through my ibs and has been very accessible to me thus far…
We are still early in the treatment, but this last month has been the best ‘stomach month’ I have had in years– and dr Kao has a lot to do with it. I hope he continues his excellent care and sees my treatment through.
Thank you dr Kao!
–Eric from the East Bay

I recently had a colonoscopy performed by Dr Kao and I have to say he was amazing with follow up and recommendation. I felt he really put time into explaining my next steps and was straight forward about what had to be done. I truly respected his advice — every recommendation he gave me were as impressive as he was for me. That gave me confidence that I was making the correct steps & decisions for my prognosis. Thanks Dr. Kao!

I was referred to this Dr. Read these reviews, and thought this would make me feel better about a very uncomfortable pre-​procedure appt. Just the opposite. At my appointment this Dr just cut me off before I could answer and detail my symptoms. I was rushed out the door because the scheduled my appt at 4:30 and needed to leave at 5. I arrived eArly at 4:00.
I left flustered and almost in tears. He stressed me out, has no idea of all of my symptoms. I do not feel I can trust him with this procedure if he doesn’t’ gave time to even listen to my symptoms. His report listed that he ran test on things he never tested. I did get a chance to state this directly to him.
I am sure he is qualified. But I need to feel confident and trust that the procedure won’t be rushed. I do not want it causing me more problems

I am reviewing Dr. Kao from the experience that my wife had when she had went in to see him due to some stomach ailment. Dr. Kao is very personable and listens to you fully before he speaks. Very professional and really cares about his patients. His office is able to do the procedures in house so there’s no need to go to a separate surgical center which is much more convenient. When the time comes for me to go see a gastroenterologist, I definitely will come to see Dr. Kao.

One of my very first Unilocal reviews, and for a colonoscopy at that. I’m attaching my blog post on the importance of it, and my experience with it below, but the highlights with Dr. Kao are this:
1) exceptionally friendly with great bedside manner
2) totally clear about the process and what to expect
3) exceptional communication skills and thorough follow-​up
Dr. Kao was referred to me by my PCP, who said he also had exceptional medical skills. Overall, a great experience. Learned that a lot of people don’t do their colonscopy b/​c of anxiety, if there were more doc’s like Dr. Kao there would be more people getting preventive procedures.

This Doctor is a money SCAMMER…
I went to see Dr. Roger Koa because I had one external hemorrhoid that was really bothering me. I paid the deductible and went into the private room. He looked at the hemorrhoid and told me that he could not help me with external hemorrhoids without surgery. I told him I would think about have them surgically removed.
He then asked me if he could take a look inside my rectum and look around. I told him that was fine. He took a look (Anoscopy) and told me that I had some interior hemorrhoids that needed to be banded. I asked him how much and he told me each one would cost around $ 300-​$ 400 cash ($ 900 through insurance) each and that I would need to have them removed at separate times. That is three different procedures.
I went to another doctor the next week, and that doctor told me that everyone has Hemorrhoids and that they would go away on their own. It is now 4 weeks later and the external Hemorrhoid is gone and the internal Hemorrhoids have completely subsided.
I then got a bill in the mail and it said I owed him another $ 100. He charged me for the «anoscopy.» He never explained that the «anoscopy» was extra money over and above the deductible.
This guy is such a scam. Please go to a «real» hospital with genuine doctors. This guy will take your whole paycheck.