Although the condition I was in for was not fun I had a really fantastic experience from start to finish. One of the biggest things for me was the communication--he's super easy to talk to, actually listens to your concerns, and explains everything in a way that makes sense. I never felt rushed or like my input didn't matter. The procedure went well and recovery was exactly as he communicated. Overall the results have been great and the recovery was way smoother than I expected. The whole office vibe is professional but also very friendly and welcoming. If you need an ENT who is both highly skilled and just a genuinely nice person, Dr. Kangelaris is definitely the one to see! Highly recommend. read more

Here's the updated review with your additional paragraph on imperfections: Dr. Gerald Kangelaris and the team at San Francisco Otolaryngology are fantastic. The practice is staffed by incredibly caring doctors and run by an unbelievably warm and efficient staff. I especially want to give a shout-out to Sylvia at the Union Square office, who was not only very warm and compassionate as I felt nervous about my CT scan but also went above and beyond to get me a cup of hot water for my tea. That gesture was so thoughtful and reminded me of flight attendants who have very serious safety jobs but are also warm and attentive. At the other office, I really appreciated Jackie, who was very helpful with scheduling. Carol, who did the CT scan of my sinuses, was unbelievably compassionate and managed to calm me down without even realizing it just by her presence. One of the highlights of this practice is the exceptional approach to informed consent. The informed consent for the CT scan was the best I've seen, comparing the radiation exposure from the scan to the amount one gets in everyday life. This visual and relatable comparison is fantastic. As a law professor specializing in the ethics of informed consent and decision-making, I found this example to be excellent--on par with the LASIK procedure and research studies I've seen at UCSF, where the attention to informed consent is exceptional. There were a few imperfections in the medical care that I want to highlight. Communication with the doctor is through a medical assistant rather than directly, which isn't ideal. Additionally, I noticed some inconsistencies in advice, such as whether to start antibiotics right away or delay for a month until my next appointment. Another imperfection, which seems somewhat typical of practices not affiliated with academic hospitals, was a slight unfamiliarity with some research questions. For example, I had asked whether sinusitis is associated with other risks, such as cardiac risk or systemic inflammation. The doctor confidently said there hadn't been any studies on the topic, but I later found out that studies have been conducted. To be fair, I can't speak to the quality of those studies since I'm just a law school professor who studies studies, not a doctor or medical school professor! Despite these imperfections, I really appreciated that Dr. Kangelaris didn't push surgery, even though that's obviously a profitable option. Instead, he took a thoughtful, non-surgical approach by first suggesting a CT scan to assess the situation and then doing a culture to identify the best antibiotics, even mentioning that a longer course of antibiotics might be necessary. The office itself is beautiful, clean, and conveniently located, though parking at both locations is on the expensive side. Overall, this is an excellent practice with warm, attentive staff and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care. Highly recommend! read more

Gerald T Kangelaris, MD - Informed consent poster - Ear Nose & Throat Near Me - San Francisco, California

I don't usually post reviews, but for Dr. K., I think it's required. I highly recommend Dr. Kangelaris as a Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. He is one of those rare doctors who is interested in the person, but also highly committed to finding a resolution to the issue at hand. He does so with compassion and sensitivity and takes the time that is needed in the visit, but also engages with clarity and specificity. His staff is attentive and supportive. It's like being with an "old school doctor" in today's crazy and manic world. And in these times of higher medical prices and challenges with insurance companies, he was willing to have difficult conversations around navigating the costs of services, while not having it impact the care that is needed. read more

I had been to several doctors before meeting Dr. Kangelaris. They all told me that my condition was something I should probably learn to live with, and that there wasn't a treatment. Dr. Kangelaris was the first doctor who came up with a plan and wouldn't give up. Today, I am very happy with the results and couldn't recommend him enough. He's actually a nice guy too. Oh and all of the staff are great to work with as well. If you have a need for an ENT, you can't go wrong here! read more

One of the best doctors I've seen. Great bedside manner, took the time to explain my diagnosis and next steps, felt confident in his treatment. read more

I saw Dr Gerald Kangelaris two years ago for some auditory sensitivity that I was struggling with. He was hands down was of the most caring and attentive doctors I've ever talked to. I really appreciated him taking the time to go over my auditory test results and my self reported experience and symptoms and really listen to me and offer me advice for next steps. I so appreciated being taking seriously and not feeling rushed. He really empowered me to seek out further help and assessment with his help and was able to find out what was going on. BIG thank you to Dr Gerald Kangelaris. What a great and caring doctor. In addition, the office staff at San Francisco Otolaryngology Medical Group were super friendly and caring as well. Highly recommend :) read more

I think Dr Kangelaris may be the most thoughtful and caring doctor I have ever interacted with. He performed sinus surgery on my daughter in December which went well and she is very satisfied with the surgery and after care. When I began to have sinus issues I booked with him. My case is complicated and he took the time to listen to the myriad of issues I have been having and was thorough in his exam and was very calming throughout the visit. I highly highly recommend him as a surgeon and doctor. read more

I called on a Friday with sudden hearing loss. Their office moved schedules and were so incredibly accommodating, knowing the risks of what could be happening. My toddler daughter has been a regular patient of another ENT office and they simply told me they couldn't see me, with no other helpful solutions or options-- I understood at the time but seeing the lengths at which Dr. Kangelaris' office went to in order to see me on a Friday was absolutely amazing. I was in Tahoe the morning I called and the office even looked up Tahoe ENTs I could potentially call - the other office didn't do that. Even with the scheduling miracle aside, Dr. Kangelaris could not have been more amazing. He was informative yet honest and straightforward, unbelievably patient, and so kind. My understanding was they fit me in despite him needing to leave to go to his daughter's birthday. As someone with a doctor in the family, I understand the frustrations of last minute patients making someone late to a gathering. I could not have thanked them enough, but he was so gracious, patient, and made sure I felt like I had all the info I needed before I left. I really cannot speak more highly of Dr. Kangelaris and his office. read more

Seen Dr. Kangelaris a few times over the years. Thoughtful, kind, and really takes the time to listen and engage in thoughtful dialogue. I wish every specialist was like him. read more

Wonderful doctor, wonderful person. I would make Dr. Kangelaris my doctor of everything if I could. From the moment he walked through the treatment room door, his kindness, warmth, and thoughtful care were beyond expectation - he treated me like I had been his patient forever. After suffering an ongoing issue with my ear for weeks, I knew that I was finally in the right hands. As other reviews highlight, he really does take the time to listen to your symptoms and concerns, and to thoroughly investigate the issue to come up with the best treatment plan. Just the best! read more

Dr. Kangelaris is a phenomenal doctor! If you're looking for an ENT, look no further. He's knowledgeable, friendly, truly cares about his patients, and always goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable as a patient. Highly recommend! read more

Dr. K is a genuinely nice guy with a cheerful, positive attitude. My PCP referred me to him after two unsuccessful attempts to solve a sinus infection problem. The treatment plan he recommended was aggressive and unique and has resulted in a positive outcome. It's been over two weeks since my first visit and I feel great; it appears the issue has been resolved under the care of Dr. K. Fingers crossed! read more

Although I am a Kaiser Permanente member, I went to see Dr. Kangelaris on the recommendation of my cousin and aunt. And I'm so glad I did. He's so very nice, empathetic, upbeat and he listens. He asks lots of questions to get a complete picture of your issues(s), and he leaves no stones unturned. He's my new ENT moving forward despite the fact that I'll have to pay "out-of-pocket" to see him instead of the mere $5.00 I would pay to see a Kaiser ENT. He's that worth it!!!! And if you know me, you'd know he must be darn good for me to pass up paying only $5.00..... We call that " AXIOS"..... look it up!!!! read more

It was just so distracting and uncomfortable having this doctor pat my knees and legs several times during our interaction. He seems like a good doctor but how is this okay? I'm just not sure I want to go back, despite these stellar reviews and no matter how attentive. I really wanted to scream HANDS OFF! read more

Being sick during a pandemic is challenging and it was such a relief to find out about Dr. Kangelaris. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, inquisitiveness, and straight forwardness in helping me solve a complicated problem. Also his office was great about getting me immediately scheduled for the various things I needed. Though I still don't know what to do about my trigeminal nerve pain, this will be the first doctor I call if I ever have any ENT issues. read more

Great experience with Dr. Kangelaris and his team. I've experienced intermittent noises in one or both ears, which is both frustrating and frightening, and the doctor was able to diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment plan that actually works. Any follow up questions I've had have been answered quickly and efficiently by the doctor and his super nice assistant, Zach. I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you! read more

Dr. Kangelaris performed surgery on my nose that corrected a deviated septum. His surgery felt super skillful and I am happy with the result and I breathe much better. read more

WOWWWWW this doctor convinced my 7-year-old son to stick a flexible tube through his nose to look at his vocal cord nodules. My kiddo had this done once before and was dreading it, but somehow Dr. Kangelaris managed to speak to him completely on his level and let the intubation happen. Dr. K was thorough but efficient, and he let me record the screen along with his narration on my phone, so that I'll have this as a record. As a side note, he is just a NICE, really genuine guy. I live down the peninsula but made the drive up based on reviews, and I'm glad we did. We have more insight now into my son's condition! read more

Dr Kangelaris performed two surgeries on me to help me breadth better ! He is a good listener and highly skilled. My recover was super smooth. read more

Articulate and knowledgeable, everything you'd expect in a medical doctor. His staff is friendly and competent, too. I'm super Type A...but even I can't find fault. If you're reading these reviews because you're in search of an ENT doctor... stop looking and give them a call already. read more

I had been suffering breathing issues for awhile, and couldn't figure out what was wrong. I went to two other ENT's before I found Dr. Kangelaris. The other two doctors had tried some methods and then suggested surgery, but I wasn't convinced, it was simply something about them. Fast forward to Dr. K (as we patients are known to call him!). His thoroughness to test all options, from allergy tests to med tests, before advising me to think about surgery, was pretty awesome. He gained my initial trust right there. He knew I was apprehensive on getting the surgery, but he took the time to walk me through the decision making process, and how I would feel in the end after the surgery was all said and done. Speed further to the day of the surgery. Dr. K was super supportive and patient. He visited with my relatives that came to be with me, and when I started crying right before they put the IV my hand, he told everyone to stop, so he could talk to me and find out what was exactly my main concerns at that moment, assuring me that everything would be fine. Next thing I know it, I was awake and Dr. K was right there after the surgery. He told me how it went, that he talked to my relatives, and even talked to my dad on the phone in Wisconsin to assure him all was well! Now, I can breathe better, I can sleep better...I can smell again. I owe it all to Dr. K. He is a wonderful, kind, patient doctor who truly cares about his patients. I am glad I found him, and chose him out of all the three doctors. As they say, trust your gut! I see Dr. K every few months now, just to see how things are healing. I look forward to seeing him. Like how others mentioned here, I wish he was my general practitioner. He embodies what all doctors should be! read more

Dr. Kengalaris is the MAN! I came to him 4 months ago when I started noticing hearing loss on my right ear. Long story short, I had perforated ear drum (ruptured eardrum). Had no idea why and how but losing your hearing is not fun. As time passed, I lost 95% of my hearing on my right ear. With this condition, it was accompanied by other things like vertigo, affected my balance and overall an annoying thing. Doctor Kengalaris took his time to understand my problems. And oh, he was quite an entertainer as well with his jokes to make you feel at ease. I opted in for the 3 hours operation to get the matter resolved. Doctor Kengalaris drafter a piece of skin from the back of my ear and through very precise and careful operation, patched the defective perforated eardrum. He told me it could take up 6 weeks to get my hearing back but lo and behold, my hearing is 99% back and it's only week 3. This Doctor is legendary and I would recommend him to anyone. Great thing about my new ear drum--it is now made out of skin instead of a soft tissue. I can now go back and enjoy my raving weekend and be able to appreciate deep house music again. Sincerely, Jamie- The Raver! read more

One of the best doctors I've seen in San Francisco. My primary care doctor referred me for what she thought was recurring sinus infections. On my first visit, Dr. Kangaleres immediately noticed that my symptoms were non-traditional for a sinus infection and, since I wasn't responding to sinus infection treatment, said that he suspected it might be a certain type of migraine that presents as a sinus infection. I went back today with a "sinus infection", in so much pain. Dr. K ran a CAT scan which showed that my sinuses are actually perfectly clear and picture perfect. After a year of taking a ton of anabiotics and other sinus infection medications with no luck, I finally have a clear answer, and one that completely makes sense. THANK YOU, Dr. K. You and your staff are kind, professional, and amazing!!! read more

Dr. Kangelaris is hands down, the absolute BEST doctor that I have ever had. Having visited several other ENT doctors before seeing him, I was losing all hope and beginning to believe that I would have to live the rest of my life with the horrible headaches that my infected and blocked sinuses were causing. The other doctors I saw seemed nice, but the things they wanted to do were ridiculous! I felt that they were putting money above my health. I found Dr. Kangelaris randomly online and I hoped that the Yelp reviews would be true. Now, I'm back on Yelp, to confirm that he is everything people say he is and more!!! Dr. Kangelaris is not only INCREDIBLE at what he does, but he is also down-to-earth, honest, and GENUINELY CONCERNED FOR YOUR HEALTH. He has a positive attitude, he is extremely careful and gentle, he cares about how you feel, he doesn't pressure you into anything, and he gives you lots of time to discuss things and ask questions. I could not have asked for a better doctor. My surgery went extremely well! I can't describe how happy I am! I feel like a new person. Dr. Kangelaris did a truly great job! He even visited my parents in the waiting room before and after the surgery, to make sure that they were ok and to tell them what was happening. (Very much appreciated!) I wish all doctors were like him! Thank you, Dr. Kangelaris!!! read more

My visit with Dr. Kangelaris was very disappointing. After waiting an hour, he saw me for 5 minutes yet I got billed for the full half hour. It's a terrible feeling being treated poorly by a medical professional - he did not provide any type of diagnosis, didn't provide a thorough examination yet billed me for more than triple the amount of time he spent with me. read more

Had an appointment with Dr kangerlaris today and the staff was great and efficient. Got in at my appointed time and the doctor was very personable and easy to talk to. Did a thorough exam and checked everything out. I felt very comfortable in his care and would be happy too return here for any future needs even though I live an hour away. I actually came to this office because the ENT in my town couldn't get me in for 6 weeks. This office get me in as a new patient in 2 weeks and was able to move my appointment up as well. Two thumbs up. read more

Dr Kangelaris was one of the most pleasant, nice and thorough doctors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! I found him on the bluecross website as I needed someone to take a look at a very odd tongue issue I was having. Basically, I had some weird reaction where the top of my tongue felt like it had been burned and it hurt to eat/drink anything acidic. It was a bizarre and embarrassing issue but he handled it with professionalism and kindness. I was freaked out that it might be cancerous, but he just prescribed a "magic mouthwash" and I was good to go. I highly recommend him and only wish that he could be my primary care physician, as I prob won't have a need to see him again for anything (fingers crossed that bizarre tongue issue never reoccurs!) read more

Dr Kangelaris is amazing, he understands my ear problems and took care of it. Super friendly easy-going guy. Highly recommend see him if you have ear problems. read more

I had a great experience meeting with Dr. Kangelaris last week. He was a good listener and was honest with me about what was going on and the likelihood of certain procedures working. If you need an ENT, I highly recommend. read more

Dr. Kangelaris is amazing! I could not have asked for a better doctor to perform my Septoplasty/nasal turbinate reduction surgery. From consultation through to post-surgery follow-up appointment, Dr. Kangelaris was kind, well-informed and invested in making the surgery a success. I had no complications and a speedy recovery. Thank you! read more

Dr. Kangelaris is, hands down, a top class ENT doctor and person. Not only does he know his stuff and make sure that he keeps you informed of everything that is going on. He makes what may be a bit foggy to understand for people who aren't in the medical field to be completely coherent and easily digestible. Dr. K is personable, kind and really easy to talk to. He helped to treat my sinusitis, and after having had FESS (sinus surgery), I have continued to feel so much better every day. He is always patient to answer all of my questions, and genuinely has the best interest of his patients at heart. He is a wonderful doctor and surgeon, I couldn't recommend him enough. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Kangelaris. He was a pleasure to work with in solving an unusual, very painful throat problem. He was knowledgeable, friendly, easy to talk with. His treatment worked and I was soon feeling better. His medical assistants were available for help with a prescription and responded quickly to solve the problem. I will definitely see him again for any ENT needs. read more

Dr. Gerald Kangelaris Is a fabulously intuitive doctor who I consult for all things ENT. Initially went for a hearing test, and later as a referral from my sleep doctor. Slightly deviated septum and the narrowest airway he's ever seen, but he recommended to wait for sleep study results to determine the ​best approach. He also encouraged me to see someone for my depression to which he attuned to during my first visit. Thank you Dr. Kangelaris for being a wonderfully compassionate doctor! read more

Not sure how I should go about this. I've had a scheduled appointment and I show up at the office on Sutter street, they tell me the building is closed that day. I've not heard about the issue with the building from the doc's office nor did I get a call to get the appointment rescheduled. Will update review if I get to meet him eventually. read more

Dr. Kangelaris is amazing. I'm a very nervous patient and was sent to him for a surgery consultation by my endocrinologist (early 2017). I could not have had a better experience. The surgery (partial thyroidectomy) was definitely not something I was looking forward to but, it couldn't have gone any better. From my first consultation to my last follow up appointment after surgery he was wonderful. I asked a million questions, was super scared, and he was always patient and understanding. The day of my surgery he went out of his way to make sure I was as calm as I could possibly be (not that calm). I'm so grateful I was referred to him. I wish all doctors were as patient and kind as Dr. Kangelaris. I can't say enough positive things about him. read more

This review is based on my wife's visit to the doctor. She was in excruciating pain and didn't have an appointment. The receptionist accommodated her with a smile. The doctor was calm, not in hurry and knowledgble. It took 2 mins for him to identify the problem and solve it. I will totally recommend him! Thank you so much Dr Gerald read more

Dr Kangelaris is my favorite ENT doctor of all time and I say this with some experience as I have encountered ENT doctors at least 4 times a year (including over 8 ENT surgeries), for 34 years of my life. He is patient, takes the time to listen and puts up with my squeamish and rather embarrassing behaviour when I have any procedure done at all. He has an excellent bed-side manner and is confident but caring...something which should be a pre-requisite with all doctors, but alas sadly lacking with most, in my opinion. read more

Hands down, best doctor I ever dealt with. I never had concerns or questions unanswered.

Dr. Kangelaris is great. He takes his time to listen to my issues. Every time I have allergy problem or throat problem he always makes sure I leave with all the questions answered. Only thing I hesitate coming here is that it takes forever to see a doctor here. I make an appointment at least two weeks earlier but I always end up waiting for at least 30min. But he's worth waiting for 30 min! read more

Dr. Kangelaris is a wonderful doctor and a kind human being. He patiently listened to my problem and explained the situation in a simple way which helped me to understand it completely. Then he gave me a few treatment options and medicine. I stepped out of his office and I already were feeling better. read more