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Lee M. Akst

Lee M. Akst, MD

Gender Affirming Care

Laryngology

Otolaryngology

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
4.9 of 5 stars134 ratings, 47 reviews
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

Languages

  • English

14 Insurances Accepted

View all

Gender

Male

About Lee M. Akst

Professional Titles

  • Director of the Johns Hopkins Voice Center

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Background

Lee Akst, M.D., specializes in treating the larynx (voicebox), in particular the treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. He is a leading laryngologist in office-based procedures such as vocal fold injection augmentation, pulsed KTP laser treatment, and laryngeal botox injection. 

In the operating room, Dr. Akst specializes in phonosurgery for the treatment of vocal cord disease, with emphasis on voice restoration and improvement. A strong focus of his practice involves the use of pulsed angiolytic lasers, which allow for subspecialized care of laryngeal papillomas, laryngeal dysplasia, and early vocal cord cancers while preserving the quality and strength of the voice.

Dr. Akst is a national leader in the field of laryngology and serves in leadership roles for the American Laryngological Association, the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He lectures extensively on the treatment of laryngeal disease, teaching other physicians how to care for patients with voice and swallowing concerns.  

His research interests include the development of robotic laryngeal surgery, the study of voice and swallowing complaints in the elderly, and the advancement of pulsed lasers for the treatment of laryngeal diseases with a focus on leukoplakia.

This provider is registered with the Florida Department of Health to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida.

Centers and Institutes

Videos

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Research Interests

Functional recovery of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, Robotic laryngeal surgery, Treatment of vocal fold scar, Use of pulsed lasers for treatment of laryngeal disease, Voice and swallowing outcomes of neuro-otologic skull base procedures

PubMed

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Akst%20LM%5BAuthor%5D&cmd=DetailsSearch

Selected Publications

  • Best SR, Starmer HM, Agrawal Y, Ward BK, Hillel AT, Chien WW, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Risk Factors for Vagal Palsy following Cerebellopontine Angle Surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar 23.

    Starmer HM, Best SR, Agrawal Y, Chien WW, Hillel AT, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Prevalence, characteristics, and management of swallowing disorders following cerebellopontine angle surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar;146(3):419-25.

    Olds K, Hillel AT, Cha E, Curry M, Akst LM, Taylor RH, Richmon JD. Robotic endolaryngeal flexible (Robo-ELF) scope: a preclinical feasibility study. Laryngoscope. 2011 Nov;121(11):2371-4.

    Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Burns JA, Zeitels SM. Microflap laryngosplasty for treating an anterior-commissure web with papillomatosis. Laryngoscope. 2007 Aug;117(8):1496-9.

    Burns JA, Zeitels SM, Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Hillman RE, Anderson R. 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis under general anesthesia. Laryngoscope. 2007 Aug;117(8):1500-4.

    Lee WT, Milstein C, Hicks D, Akst LM, Esclamado RM. Results of ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Mar;136(3):450-4.

    Zeitels SM, Burns JA, Akst LM, Hillman RE, Broadhurst MS, Anderson RR. Office-based and microlaryngeal applications of a fiber-based thulium laser. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2006 Dec;115(12):891-6.

    Broadhurst MS, Akst LM, Burns JA, Kobler JB, Heaton JT, Anderson RR, Zeitels SM. Effects of 532 nm pulsed-KTP laser parameters on vessel ablation in the avian chorioallantoic membrane: implications for vocal fold mucosa. Laryngoscope. 2007 Feb;117(2):220-5.

    Kobler JB, Rosen DI, Burns JA, Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Zeitels SM, Hillman RE. Comparison of a flexible laryngoscope with calibrated sizing function to intraoperative measurements. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2006 Oct;115(10):733-40.

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
    • 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
      • 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2500, Lutherville, MD 21093

      Expertise

      Education

      Massachusetts General Hospital

      Fellowship, Laryngology, 2006

      Cleveland Clinic

      Residency, Otolaryngology, 2005

      Yale University School of Medicine

      Medical Education, MD, 1999

      Board Certifications

      Otolaryngology

      American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2006

      Insurance

      Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
      Search plans
      • Aetna
      • CareFirst
      • Cigna
      • First Health
      • Geisinger Health Plan
      • HealthSmart/Accel
      • Humana
      • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
      • MultiPlan
      • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
      • Point Comfort Underwriters
      • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
      • UnitedHealthcare
      • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

      Ratings & Reviews

      4.9 out of 5

      134 ratings, 47 reviews

      The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

      Overall Rating by Patient
      Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Listened Carefully
      Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Explained Things Clearly
      Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Knew Medical History
      Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Showed Respect
      Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Spent Enough Time
      Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/27/2025

        Excellent visit

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/26/2025

        Excellent Provider

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/19/2025

        All bases were covered properly with no questions left unanswered.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/19/2025

        Dr. Is very knowledgeable in his field.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/13/2025

        Very good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/23/2025

        HE AND THE WHOLE CLINICAL LAB AND EQUIPMENT THAT HE HAS DEVELOPED ARE ALL OUTSTANDING. HE IS CLEARLY A LEADER IN HIS TREATMENT OF THE THORAX. HE MUST BE REECOGNIZED BY JOHNS HOPKINS HOW OUTSTANDING DR AKST IS

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Best care I could imagine/

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/12/2024

        I am very pleased with Dr Akst's level of proficiency and how he listens to me. He is outstanding.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Dr. Akst had the unique qualities of being personable and professional during my Initial visit. Following an examination and procedure, Dr, Akst shared the visual results with me and explained in detail his findings.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/14/2024

        Dr. Akst, his Fellow, and his Emergency Medicine Resident were all outstanding in all ways!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/14/2024

        I was extremely pleased with my visit. Dr. Akst and his team were very friendly and explained everything in a clear and thorough manner. I came in for a unique problem in which Dr. Akst has specialized knowledge, and I was so happy with his expertise and next steps. The other two providers I interacted with were kind and helpful, as well.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/23/2024

        I have been very satisfied with Dr. Akst. As a result, I have continued to see him despite the fact that Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center in Baltimore is at least a one-hour drive each way for me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/23/2024

        Superb

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/16/2024

        Dr Akst is amazing!! He is always very thorough, great bed side manor, very smart!!! And understanding..he listens and helps me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        Dr. Akst is consistently thorough when it comes to my care. He discusses what is happening with my health and explains all options on how to address it. He is always timely and prepared for the appointment.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/12/2024

        Excellent doctor! Excellent care and very impressive and clean clinic.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/11/2024

        Dr. Akst was professional, extremely knowledgeable, spent a great deal of time explaining the procedure(s), listened to me carefully, and was top notch. He truly was extraordinarily kind and talented.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        Dr. Akst is a leader in his field. He is patient and explains options very clearly. I feel very fortunate to have him for my doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/28/2024

        Dr Lee Akst has been the BEST doctor I have EVER seen. He is very detailed in his explanation, doesn't make you feel rushed, takes his time. He listened to everything I had to say and was careful to order tests to make sure that nothing would cause problems. I wish more doctors were like him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/28/2024

        I am a cancer patient with a resulting voice issue. Dr Akst was clear and decisive, which I greatly appreciate.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/8/2024

        Dr Akst was very attentive and helpful.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/7/2024

        Both physicians were excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/7/2024

        On my 2 visits to see Dr. Akst, he provided me with excellent care. He also is a very nice individual

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/31/2024

        He is excellent.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Very concerned about how to make over health concerns comfortable and finding way to correct issues at the time visit.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Thanks for helping me being polite and showing me what I need to do and where I need to go

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/17/2024

        Excellent communication, very nice bedside manner

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/11/2024

        Dr.Akst and his team were kind, thorough and very helpful in every possible way. We traveled 4 hours to see him and it was definitely worth it!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/11/2024

        Dr. Akst was knowledgeable, respectful, and made me feel validated in my concerns.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        They was good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        Very good experience,thank you Johns Hopkins medicine

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        I had scope done by a woman. Then the doctor came in. Checked me physically and asked me questions. Was quick and complete

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/3/2024

        Extremely helpful in answering all my concerns. The speech pathologist was excellent.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/3/2024

        Thorough explanation of my condition and treatment options

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/27/2024

        He was very respectful of me and respected my opinion. He understood my complex problems and addressed them upfront.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/26/2024

        Dr. Akst is well-trained expert in otolaryngology.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/13/2024

        Excellent care and positive results.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/23/2024

        Everyone who spoke with me or taught me to improve my situation was very nice and helpful.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/23/2024

        Very knowledgeable and friendly. Very competent and skilled. Spent time helping me understand my condition.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/8/2024

        Long-term provider... As always Dr.Akst was knowlegable, professional and pleasant...

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/1/2024

        Very good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/25/2024

        We live a distance away from this clinic so had to travel a bit to get to the appointment. I was thrilled it had turned out so great. I think Dr Akst has a great chairside manner which put me at ease right away. I received a painless and thorough exam as I had been extremely anxious about the reason I was there. I felt fortunate that he was able to see me that day and he will be my go-to ENT doctor from now on.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/24/2024

        I arrived early and was seen VERY promptly. The doctor was friendly, efficient, and explained his findings well

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/11/2024

        Excellent and warm. I received empathy and understanding. Clear guidance.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/10/2024

        Great job

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/10/2024

        Dr. Akst is the only provider I have spoken to who had even heard of my condition and he was extremely knowledgeable. He was thorough in his explanation of the condition I have and the necessary procedure to address it. Very kind and warm throughout our entire interaction!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/27/2024

        Dr. Akst is an excellent doctor for my son, [name]. For over 5 yrs, Dr. Akst is always very professional and helpful to us regarding [name]'s permanent Trac and all that it involves. We are so grateful!