Dennis A. Kessler, DPM
450 Laurel St A, Des Moines, IA 50314
Podiatrist
Brandi B
32 points
2 hours ago
Very unhappy, Doctor Kessler came in and was not even familiar with my problem. Even with full access to my medical records he did not know how long I was in a boot. He did not listen to anything and was very dismissive of anything I said. He was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Totally disregarded my primary care doctor's diagnosis. His answer was a cortisone shot and to come see him in a couple of weeks. Then he added he probably would not see me because the shot would fix anything that was wrong with me. I took that as a "Dont bother me...you are not worth my time." Very arrogant and unpleasant...I guess my issue wouldn't make enough in billing compared to the sports injuries he deals with. He was right on one thing....I will never go back to this doctor EVER again.

Submitted Jan. 29, 2021

Just had my SECOND surgery with Dr Kessler today. HE IS AWESOME! Funny guy! Extremely knowledgeable! I can't say enough good about this DR!!!! So Amazing!

Submitted July 20, 2018

I agree with some of the other commentators about him being arrogant and rude. He kept asking me if my injury was due to an accident which it wasn't. He seemed like he didn't want to believe me or didn't care. He also had an assistant with him that was also rude and arrogant. He seemed like he wanted to rush through the visit. My previous visit with him he said he wanted to order a blood test. When I met him again he didn't want to order a blood test and instead decided to do an MRI in which they had to verify this with my insurance company. When I would ask questions he seem like he didn't really want to take the time to answer them. When I went to leave his stuff was also rude when I filled out the paperwork they seem like they couldn't be bothered to look at me or just smile I know people have bad days but your staff at least be somewhat friendly. Another one of the staff made fun of the fact that I had changed insurance companies. They were going to schedule a follow-up appointment and they never did it and they never scheduled my MRI. I decided to seek a second opinion.

Submitted April 26, 2017

Botched my triple arthrodesis. Got rid of the arthritis but foot is way rode out causing me to have balance and walking issues.

Submitted Dec. 4, 2015

Dr Kessler performed by bunion surgery a year ago. I thought he was very knowledgable and answered all my questions. Took X-rays of my foot and showed me exactly what he would be doing during surgery. Surgery and all my post ops went great. He was very kind and helpful! My foot is pain free since surgery all thanks to him! I will be going to see him again shortly for my other bunion removal! He has a great sense of humor!!!

Submitted June 3, 2015

His attitude and almost everyone else that works in the office attitudes sucks! I was referred by my pcp to this office due to a severe ankle sprain. I guess I was the professional and he was my assistant. What doctor asks you to tell them what to write on a doctors note? I've never experienced this ever with any other physician. He asked questions as if I'm trying to collect insurance money from my injury after I already stated that my injury was not work related and happened as I was walking in the street to my car. One minute I'm told to walk in a boot. Then I'm told not to walk in a boot. It's been almost 4 weeks since my injury and it is not getting any better. He ordered a bone scan which I had this past Monday. He told me he would be on vacation until dec 8th, so whoever was filling in for him would explain my results. I didn't hear from anyone by the date I was told so I called the office. I was told dr. Kessler was in surgeries and would be in the office in the afternoon. After I questioned him being on vacation the receptionist told me to hold. She came back and said he was gone that day and would return the next day. I went to the office the next morning (yesterday) and was told he wasn't due back until Monday. When I asked about who was filling in for him to give me my results, I was told there was no one. I told the receptionist I wasn't accepting that answer and she needed to find someone to see me. Some manager came to the lobby and just completely lied to my face. First she told me that a specialist interpreted my results and I have no fractures so to continue wearing my boot. She didn't know I had a copy of the report from radiology. I pulled my report out and told her I was aware of that because that was the only thing on the report that was in layman terms. I told her I needed to know everything the report stated was going on because I did not know medical terminology. She then stated that there was no one there qualified to interpret my results. Worst experience ever!!! I will not be returning to this office.

Submitted Dec. 5, 2014

Dr. Kessler performed surgery on my foot to correct a hammertoe and to remove two bunions. He did a great job. I love his sense of humor. He made me totally comfortable from the first appointment and to the follow up appointments. I highly recommend Dr. Kessler.

Submitted Nov. 20, 2014

I saw the doctor for a severe ankle sprain, per ED discharge instructions, he had the first opening. He came into the room, looked at my ankle, asked me to wiggle my toes, move my foot back and forth. Then he told me to follow the RICE model and had his nurse wrap it. He asked if I had any questions, to which I asked him about exercises I could do to help heal it, his response was to wiggle my toes and move it back and forth. I then asked if I could put weight on it, to which he said yes, as long as it is tolerable. Working in health care, this advice seemed contradictory to what I know. I called a sports medicine doctor friend of mine today, who immediately told me do not put weight on it and asked to see me. I felt the doctor didn't care about my ankle or my concern to get full mobility back as I am a very active individual (this was mentioned during my exam). It was an extremely negative experience and I would not recommend anyone see this doctor for an ankle injury.

Submitted Dec. 11, 2013

My wife and I agreed - one of the top three worst experiences I've had with a doctor ever. It seemed as though he had amnesia - asking me on my second visit if I'd ever been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, when on the previous visit he did just that! He wanted to see my neurology records from another doctor - which, again, on my first visit I had given him, we discussed, and which he used to make a referral for testing. Unbelievable! Incredibly rude and impatient on second visit - had no interest in listening at all or discussing my foot problems. Then ended up giving injections which made my feet even worse. Sadly it is experiences like this that are making me lose faith in our medical system. Wham, bam, in the door so we can get your money then out again before you even know what happend.

Submitted July 9, 2013

I've been a patient of Dr. Kessler for many years. Besides ordinary foot care, Dr. Kessler performed extensive surgery on my left foot. I felt very at ease from the first minute till the last. Everything was explained, and ALL questions answered to my satisfaction. I highly recommend this Dr. to everyone who requires Professional Results for foot pain relief.

Submitted July 5, 2013