What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.72
Average wait time
4.17
Bedside manner
4.78
“It was a very easy and efficient experience. The staff is very helpful. The doctor has an excellent manner.”
Keith G.March 10, 2026
“Dr. Kessler focused on the problem quickly and offered and performed the initial treatment right away. He told me what to expect and to return if this treatment (cortisone shot) isn’t effective. ”
Initials hiddenFebruary 17, 2026
About Dr. Michael Kessler
HAND/WRIST/ELBOW SPECIALIST
Dr. Michael Kessler is a mindful and thorough orthopedic surgeon caring for the Washington, DC community. Dr. Kessler attended medical school at Albany Medical College. He completed an internship in general surgery and a residency in orthopedic surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in hand, upper extremity and microvascular surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Dr. Kessler is a part MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Orthopedics. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and affiliated with the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC where he is the Chief of Division of Hand Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Patients see Dr. Kessler for a variety of reasons, including orthopedic consultations, orthopedic follow ups, elbow problems, hand problems, and wrist problems.
Dr. Kessler exhibits his passion for orthopedics in the care and precision he takes with his patients. He is very honest with his patients about the status of their health and the treatment options available to them. His attention to detail and compassionate nature set him apart.
***PLEASE NOTE: All appointments scheduled are reviewed by an office team member who may contact you to confirm the appointment after it’s been scheduled on Zocdoc. Please provide address and insurance information to avoid delays at the time of service. Thank you. ***
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Carpal tunnel & related syndromes
Joint or tendon inflammation of the finger/wrist/hand
Fracture/dislocation treatment arm/wrist/hand
Carpal tunnel & related syndromes
Joint or tendon inflammation of the finger/wrist/hand
Fracture/dislocation treatment arm/wrist/hand
Office locations
Dr. Michael Kessler, MD also offers online video visits for patients
MedStar Orthopaedic and Sports Center (1 of 3)
1120 20th St NW, Bldg 1 S -A Level, Washington, DC 20036
MedStar Orthopaedic Institute at Chevy Chase (2 of 3)
5454 Wisconsin Ave, 11th Fl, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (3 of 3)
3800 Reservoir Rd NW, 1 Main, Washington, DC 20007
1 of 3
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Surgery of the Hand (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Education and training
- Medical School - Albany Medical College, Doctor of Medicine
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Internship in General Surgery
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery
Awards and publications
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1982926523
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.72
Wait time
4.17
Bedside manner
4.78
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
227 reviews
Most relevant
It was a very easy and efficient experience. The staff is very helpful. The doctor has an excellent manner.
March 10, 2026Keith G.Verified patient
It was a great experience, I would go back and I highly recommend the office and Dr. Kessler
Less than 6 months agoDiane S.Verified patient
Highly respected expert with very approachable bedside manner. Definitely recommend him for orthopedic hand concerns.
August 30, 2024Michele B.Verified patient
Dr was on time. Went over everything and was very thorough giving my prescriptions for an MRI right away.
March 14, 2025Christina B.Verified patient
The doctor not only considered the specific issue for which I saw him, but also explored other issues with my hands.
September 4, 2024Robert S.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler is very quick, not a lot of time to sit and chat. But he did what I asked and that was it. Very fast.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very busy office. Dr. Kessler was very knowledgable and provided good advice.
September 11, 2025Robert D.Verified patient
Dr Kessler is efficient and knowledgeable and was able to identify a clear path forward for my situation.
April 12, 2024Dr. Henry B. B.Verified patient
I gave Dr. Kessler my middle finger at the end of the appointment. He stuck a needle in it. The cortisone is working well.
March 15, 2018Ronald K.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler was very nice. He explained everything to me. His staff is also wonderful. I highly reccommend Him.
More than 1 year agoSharon J.Verified patient
He is an excellent listener, and has great eye contact! I am very impressed with his knowledge of my problem.
March 7, 2017Elaine M.Verified patient
A genuine person that loves what he does. Highly rated from this experience (despite him running late). :)
February 15, 2018Cedric W.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler is very friendly. He explained the issue and the solution but short and long-term.
December 8, 2023Lisa M.Verified patient
Was able to be seen early, xrays done during appointment in same office
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
On line forms do not transfer, I had to fill them all out again by hand. So, don't bother doing it on-line.
January 5, 2017Wendy E.Verified patient
Dr Kessler is fantastic- clear, direct and experienced. I trust him wholeheartedly
June 22, 2024Elizabeth S.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler and staff are very friendly and professional, I highly recommend this staff. Thank you.
December 7, 2021Henry W.Verified patient
Visit fine nbut Dr Kessler's office did not receive my info from
Zocdoc they were able to fit me in
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I believe I will fondly get treatment that is needed. I'm thankful for that.
September 13, 2024Bettina S.Verified patient
Great discussion on the issues concerning my hands and elbow. Glad he does not opt for surgery first.
December 7, 2016Patrice R.Verified patient
Great experience. The staff was great and I would recommend the doctor/
November 5, 2024Amy K.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler is on point. He’s is very knowledgeable and excellent bedside manners. Great doctor!
December 14, 2017Phyllis G.Verified patient
Very intelligent and friendly. He solved a “medical mystery” in 10 minutes and I am on the mend.
February 1, 2019Tala F.Verified patient
Knowledgeable about my specific issue with recommendations for resolving issue.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Friendly staff. Very knowledgeable doctor. Would definitely recommend
August 29, 2024Irina S.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler is very knowledgeable.
Staff were very friendly.
October 6, 2024Mir A.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler is extremely knowledgeable and forthcoming about all of the options
August 16, 2022Angela C.Verified patient
Doctor is great; his administrative assistant has terrible customer service.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
It was a long wait for no reason. The doctor was friendly and professional.
June 7, 2017Steve A.Verified patient
Inspires confidence in his knowledge and ability to help.
April 12, 2024Initials hidden
This is a great Doctor and office. I would tell everyone to come here.
More than 1 year agoCL
Very personable, professional, and competent. I'm lucky I chose him.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Kessler is an excellent surgeon. Would recommend him highly
April 21, 2016Joanie W.Verified patient
Good doctor. I have a follow up for a broken finger.
January 16, 2015Ben R.Verified patient
Very efficient and excellent care.
February 26, 2026Nancy O.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler focused on the problem quickly and offered and performed the initial treatment right away. He told me what to expect and to return if this treatment (cortisone shot) isn’t effective.
February 17, 2026Initials hidden
And extremely personable team there. My first visit to their downtown office and not at the Georgetown hospital itself. Dr. Kessler is also very engaging.
October 21, 2025Keith G.Verified patient
Nice as usual
September 3, 2025Giuseppe A.Verified patient
I got the help I needed and I better understand my options moving forward. The office operated like a well oiled machine — from the front desk getting me set up as a new patient, to the intake with the PA, the X-rays, the more detailed check up with the medical resident to receiving a treatment from Dr. Kessler. I was in and out in one hour without it feeling rushed. I highly recommend this medical team. Thanks!
July 31, 2025Initials hidden
Very positive and optimistic discussion regarding a prior CMC arthroplasty surgery and and a new surgery on my opposite hand. Dr. Kessler is not afraid of revision surgery and optimistic about reducing the current pain level.
Parking is a bit confusing and Dr. Kessler is located in the main building, not in the new one.
March 18, 2025Paula J.Verified patient
This was my second time seeing Dr. Kessler and I really appreciate his clear communication style and clear concise explanations. Will definitely go back.
January 7, 2025Jennifer B.Verified patient
Great doctor. Well-run office.
December 20, 2024Andrea S.Verified patient
Prefer other hand surgeon I previously used
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Kessler was very highly professional and efficient. He knew what to do right away and I felt in great hands.
*If you book through Zocdoc, do call the office to verify your appointment as well (I almost lost mine since they had some issues processing my request through Zocdoc).
November 1, 2024Julia A.Verified patient
Each team member introduced themselves and their role. Everything was explained along with what to expect next. All my questions were answered to my satisfaction. The risks and benefits of each treatment option were explained. Dr. Kessler performed my procedure in the office efficiently, competently, and smoothly which helped me relax. The CNP in attendance helped to redirect my attention with conversation so it was over before I knew it. I will definitely go back to the practice and would recommend it.
October 24, 2024Susan M.Verified patient
Excellent triage staff. Doctor listened to my concerns and also provided excellent advice. He explained my test to me and provided an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
October 15, 2024Karen F.Verified patient
Very kind, knowledgeable, and friendly!
September 10, 2024Tancred D.Verified patient
Dr. Kessler and his medical student were both great. Very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. However, the office and Zocdoc weren't on the same page because when I showed up, the office didn't have my appointment in their schedule.
August 2, 2024Initials hidden
Waited more than 30 minutes to see a nurse, over an hour to see the doctor. The overall appointment was rushed, the doctor did not even fully explain what condition I had, with the consultation with the doctor taking less than 7 minutes total. Provider has since not responded to a follow up message in the patient portal. Had I had more than two minutest to consider the course of treatment, I would have chosen a different action. Would not recommend this practice.
July 1, 2024Initials hidden
I have worked with Dr. Kessler for over two years now and have had two surgeries with him. My pain has not gotten better and now I waited over an hour for an appointment just for him to tell me he doesn't know what to do. Wasted my time and money.
March 12, 2024Initials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Kessler?
Generally, Dr. Michael Kessler has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Kessler's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Michael Kessler accepting new patients?
Dr. Michael Kessler generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Kessler's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Michael Kessler accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Kessler is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Kessler online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Kessler using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Michael Kessler affiliated with?
Dr. Michael Kessler is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
What practice does Dr. Michael Kessler work with?
Where is Dr. Michael Kessler's office located?
Dr. Michael Kessler has 6 office locations, including in Washington and Chevy Chase, view full addresses on Dr. Kessler's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Michael Kessler have?
Dr. Michael Kessler is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Surgery of the Hand (Orthopaedic Surgery).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Michael Kessler?
Dr. Michael Kessler frequently sees patients for Elbow Problems, Hand Injury, Hand Problems, Hand Surgery Consultation, and Orthopedic Follow Up. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Michael Kessler on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Michael Kessler speak?
Dr. Michael Kessler speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Michael Kessler in reviews?
227 patients have reviewed Dr. Michael Kessler. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.72/5. They have a 4.78/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.17/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.