Restoring hearing lost during naval service
John lost his hearing while in the Navy. Decades later, a cochlear implant helps him hear again.
Michael Holtel, MD
4.9
Doctor of medicine (MD)
ENT (otolaryngology)
(board certified)
Medical Group
Sharp Rees-Stealy
Insurance
Michael Holtel, MD
4.9
Doctor of medicine (MD)
ENT (otolaryngology)
(board certified)
Medical Group
Sharp Rees-Stealy
Insurance
Schedule an appointment
Accepting new patients
Virtual visits available
Location and phone
2929 Health Center Drive
Floor 3
San Diego, CA 92123-2762
Get directions858-939-8404
Fax: 858-874-2348Sharp Rees-Stealy Scripps Ranch
10670 Wexford St.
Floor 1, Corridor B
San Diego, CA 92131-3940
Get directions858-621-4090
Fax: 858-621-4044
Care schedule
Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego
2929 Health Center Drive
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About Michael Holtel, MD
I come from a long line of engineers and teachers, but no one in my family was in the medical field. I think perhaps when I broke my wrist and a kind orthopedic surgeon took care of it, I started thinking about medicine. Certainly the more I looked into it, the more I knew in my heart that this was my passion. Medicine, and in particular surgery, provides a unique opportunity to help people. It is important to take the time to really listen to my patients and provide care tailored to their needs. Outside of work, I enjoy just about any activity that relates to the water, such as diving, surfing, swimming or paddling down rivers. I also like gardening - particularly orchids, tropical plants and fruit trees.
Age: 67
In practice since: 2008
Gender: Male
Languages: English
Education
National Naval Medical Center: Internship
Naval Hospital Oakland: Residency
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences: Medical School
Hospital affiliation
Areas of focus
- BAHA hearing device
- Balloon sinuplasty surgery
- Cochlear implant
- Cosmetic procedures/surgeries
- Ear surgery
- Facial skin cancer surgery
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
- Head and neck cancer surgery
- Laser surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Salivary gland surgery
- Sinus evaluation/treatment
- Skull base surgery
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep disorders
- Swallowing difficulties/disorders
- Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
- Thyroid cancer
- Vertigo
- Voice evaluation/treatment
To confirm coverage for specific treatments and procedures, contact your physician or health plan.
NPI
1073584397
Patient Portal
Insurance plans accepted
Michael Holtel, MD, accepts 35 health insurance plans.
Ratings and reviews
4.9
282 ratings
Patient ratings
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9
Provider included you in decisions
4.9
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
4.9
Provider discussed treatment options
4.9
Patient reviews
Verified Patient
August 24, 2025
4.6
It was an easy non stressful experience
Verified Patient
August 23, 2025
5.0
I am so grateful for Dr. Holtel! He has been so extremely kind and compassionate through this experience. He also executed my surgery above and beyond my expectations. The care that I have received has been absolute night and day from my horrible experiences with Dr. Mathiason.
Verified Patient
August 15, 2025
5.0
Absolutely will recommend this dr. He is the kindest, nicest, and very informative.
Verified Patient
August 2, 2025
5.0
This was the first time I met Dr. Holtel in person. He did an excellent job of explaining what he planned to do and how he would go about it. Throughout the 4.5 hour Mohs appointment he kept me up to date on what was happening and what the delays would be. When we were done he was very clear about my care instructions so there were no questions in my mind as to how to proceed. I was very happy with the experience and the doctor's professionalism.
Reviews are collected through nationally recognized Press Ganey patient satisfaction surveys. Learn more about ratings and reviews.
Special recognitions
Over 50 recognitions
Michael Holtel, MD, has received over 50 Guardian Angel recognitions from grateful patients and families. Have you and your family received exceptional care from Michael Holtel, MD? Consider paying tribute with a Guardian Angel gift.
Over 50 recognitions
Michael Holtel, MD, has received over 50 Guardian Angel recognitions from grateful patients and families. Have you and your family received exceptional care from Michael Holtel, MD? Consider paying tribute with a Guardian Angel gift.
Featured in Sharp Health News
Michael Holtel, MD, has been featured as a medical expert in Sharp Health News.
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