Dr. Peter John Koltai, MD

Despite his reputation as a pediatric sleep apnea expert, I do NOT recommend Dr. Koltai. He was rushed, curt, disinterested, and somewhat arrogant during our visit. He repeatedly cut me off when I tried to ask questions. Mind you, it was the initial consult and I asked very legitimate questions. Did not even say hi to my child at all during the exam. I was shocked and couldn't really believe that this was the Dr. Koltai who wrote so many articles in established medical journals. He pressured us to do an unnecessary test on my child without fully explaining why it was necessary, saying in a patronizing tone, “This is how we do it here.” We did the test thinking it was necessary, but it was only afterward we did it that his assistant said the test was very limited. We realized later that ANOTHER procedure he was planning to do all along would have brought forth even clearer findings. I am very upset that he flippantly exposed my child to unnecessary radiation when he knew from… the beginning that it would not even be that accurate. Not to mention this unnecessary test cost us $400!! Later on, another ENT easily verified that the original test my child did does not tell you anything. And Dr. Koltai is the world leading expert? He should know this! This is completely irresponsible! Some people think that bedside manner do not matter and only the expertise of the doctor counts. I completely disagree. If a doctor does not take the time to answer basic questions with courtesy without cutting people off, do you expect him to take the time to do a careful/thoughtful job during your precious child’s surgery? Or put in a personalized effort in your child's treatment plan? Perhaps he does sometimes, but I immediately had zero confidence he would do so with my child. If my child is going under the knife, you bet I'm going to ask you basic questions such as risks. It is his JOB to communicate with patients and their parents. It is also irresponsible to order unnecessary tests that expose children to radiation, when he KNEW it wouldn’t tell much. There are plenty of pediatric ENT’s at Lucille Packard or anywhere else in the bay area; I urge you to see someone else for the sake of your child’s safety. Good luck to you in your doctor search.

He walked into the room and immediately insulted me (the mother of the patient). 'What a big woman you are!" Yes, I am overweight. What does this have to do with my child's health issue? In his records about my son, who is autistic, he writes that he was sullen, withdrawn, obese. He tells us during the appointment that he doesn't really believe in all of the autism diagnoses - just parents not doing their jobs, he said. (I'd love to see him raise an autistic kid in a disciplinary way and see how far that gets him!) When he decided to do the T&A and all of the accompanying surgeries, I asked if he would put PE tubes in his ears as well. He asked me how many ear infections my son had recently. One, I told him and before I could go on to say that it had been one LONG continuous one that lasted 3 months and that caused his drum to rupture, he cut me off and said that's not enough and he wouldn't let me finish my sentence. A couple of months later an ENT that lives closer to us had to put… my son under anesthesia again for the quick and simple procedure. I am SO glad I don't have to deal with this flotsam anymore. UGH!

I have the most respect for Dr Koltai. When he was still at the Cleveland Clinic he handled my son and his tubes. Very helpful, kind and honest. I wish he would still be hear in Cleveland. Miss him.

Please Beware!!! Dr Koltai makes most of his money out of surgeries. He will order from the getgo a sleep study for your child to build a case to operate on your child, whether this is medical necessary or not. His interest comes first, although in the surface he might appear as a wonderful doctor for your child. He is not. Make sure you challenge him with questions. Most likely he will loose temper and deny further services for your kid until the sleep study is done. Once the sleep study is done he will advise that your child needs Adenoidectomy, or other form of invasive surgical procedure. He will go happy to the bank at the suffering of your child. Please, please get a second opinion and steer away from this guy.

he is the most amazing doctor i ever dealt with