KB
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Balakrishnan, Pediatric Otolaryngologist in Palo Alto, CA?
Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan, MD is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist, who primarily practices in Palo Alto, CA with 2 additional practice locations. Dr. Balakrishnan is fluent in English, Japanese, and Tamil, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Balakrishnan’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Balakrishnan’s office at (650) 724-4800.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Pediatric Otolaryngologist known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions or procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Balakrishnan empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Pediatric Otolaryngology, or comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Palo Alto/CA community, Dr. Balakrishnan is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
What languages does Dr. Balakrishnan speak?
Dr. Balakrishnan and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Japanese
Tamil
What conditions does Dr. Balakrishnan treat?
As a Pediatric Otolaryngologist, Dr. Balakrishnan diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Balakrishnan. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.
Also known as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- OSA
- Blocked airway during sleep
- Snoring and gasping during sleep
- Breathing Pauses During Sleep
- Snoring Disorder
ICD-10 Codes:
- G4733: Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)
- G4730: Sleep apnea, unspecified
Also known as:
- Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Other Difficulty Swallowing
- Swallowing Disorder
- Difficulty Swallowing in Throat
- Trouble Starting to Swallow
- Throat Swallowing Problems
- Dysphagia
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Swallowing problems
ICD-10 Codes:
- R1312: Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase
- R1310: Dysphagia, unspecified
- R1319: Other dysphagia
Also known as:
- Laryngomalacia at Birth
- Larynx Malformation at Birth
- Birth Defects
- Throat Disorder
- Floppy Larynx (Congenital)
- Soft Voice Box Cartilage
- Congenital Laryngomalacia
- Voice Box Birth Defect
- Abnormal Larynx
- Congenital Laryngeal Anomaly
ICD-10 Codes:
- Q315: Congenital laryngomalacia
- Q318: Other congenital malformations of larynx
Also known as:
- Larynx Narrowing
- Laryngeal Spasm
- Throat Disorder
- Laryngeal stenosis
- Narrowed voice box
- Airway narrowing
- Vocal cord spasm
- Throat spasm
- Laryngospasm
ICD-10 Codes:
- J386: Stenosis of larynx
- J385: Laryngeal spasm
Also known as:
- Upper Respiratory Tract Disease
- Bronchial Disorder
- Upper airway disease
- Nose and throat conditions
- Upper respiratory illness
ICD-10 Codes:
- J398: Other specified diseases of upper respiratory tract
Also known as:
- Snoring
- Loud breathing during sleep
- Noisy sleep
- Obstructive snoring
ICD-10 Codes:
- R0683: Snoring
Also known as:
- Having a Tracheostomy
- Tracheal Disorder
- Trach tube
- Tracheotomy
- Tracheal opening
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z930: Tracheostomy status
Also known as:
- Enlarged Nasal Turbinates
- Nose Injuries and Disorder
- Turbinate hypertrophy
- Swollen turbinates
- Congested turbinates
ICD-10 Codes:
- J343: Hypertrophy of nasal turbinates
Also known as:
- Neck Lump or Swelling
- Neck Mass
- Bump on Neck
- Neck Nodule
ICD-10 Codes:
- R221: Localized swelling, mass and lump, neck
Also known as:
- Stuffy Nose
- Nose Injuries and Disorder
- Blocked nose
- Nasal congestion
- Congested nose
ICD-10 Codes:
- R0981: Nasal congestion
Also known as:
- Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
- Adenoids
- Tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy
- Swollen tonsils and adenoids
- Big tonsils and adenoids
ICD-10 Codes:
- J353: Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids
Also known as:
- Ear Infection
- Middle Ear Infection
- Otitis Media
ICD-10 Codes:
- H6690: Otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear
Also known as:
- Stridor
- Breathing Problems
- High-pitched breathing sound
- Wheezing (harsh)
- Noisy breathing
ICD-10 Codes:
- R061: Stridor
Also known as:
- Enlarged Adenoids
- Adenoids
- Adenoid hypertrophy
- Swollen adenoids
- Big adenoids
ICD-10 Codes:
- J352: Hypertrophy of adenoids
Also known as:
- Chronic Cough
- Cough
- Persistent cough
- Long-lasting cough
- Ongoing cough
ICD-10 Codes:
- R053: Chronic cough
What procedures does Dr. Balakrishnan perform?
As a Pediatric Otolaryngologist, Dr. Balakrishnan performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Balakrishnan. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly.
Also known as:
- Direct Laryngoscopy with Microscope
- Direct Laryngoscopy
- Voice Box Exam
- Larynx Scope
- Tracheoscopy
- Throat Scope
- Larynx Examination
CPT Codes:
- 31526: Laryngoscopy direct, with or without tracheoscopy; diagnostic, with operating microscope or telescope
- 31525: Laryngoscopy direct, with or without tracheoscopy; diagnostic, except newborn
Also known as:
- Bronchoscopy with Lung Wash (BAL)
- Bronchoscopy with Airway Suctioning
- Follow-up Airway Clearing Bronchoscopy
- Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- Fluoroscopy
- Bronchial lavage
- BAL procedure
- Lung washing
- Flexible bronchoscopy
- Therapeutic Bronchoscopy
- Airway Aspiration
- Lung Secretion Removal
- Therapeutic bronchoscopy with aspiration
- Bronchial aspiration
- Tracheobronchial tree aspiration
- Flexible bronchoscopy with suction
CPT Codes:
- 31624: Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial alveolar lavage
- 31645: Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with therapeutic aspiration of tracheobronchial tree, initial
- 31646: Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with therapeutic aspiration of tracheobronchial tree, subsequent, same hospital stay
Also known as:
- Diagnostic Bronchoscopy with Cell Washing
- Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- Fluoroscopy
- Lung Scope with Cell Sample
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- Flexible Bronchoscopy with Fluoroscopy
CPT Codes:
- 31622: Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic, with cell washing, when performed (separate procedure)
Also known as:
- Turbinate Reduction Surgery
- Nasal Turbinate Ablation
- Inferior Turbinate Reduction
- Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction
CPT Codes:
- 30802: Ablation, soft tissue of inferior turbinates, unilateral or bilateral, any method (eg, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, or tissue volume reduction); intramural (ie, submucosal)
Also known as:
- Flexible Diagnostic Laryngoscopy
- Voice Box Exam
- Flexible Laryngoscope
- Throat Scope
- Diagnostic Throat Exam
CPT Codes:
- 31575: Laryngoscopy, flexible; diagnostic
Also known as:
- Vocal Cord Injection with Scope
- Direct laryngoscopy with injection
- Vocal cord augmentation
- Voice box injection
CPT Codes:
- 31571: Laryngoscopy, direct, with injection into vocal cord(s), therapeutic; with operating microscope or telescope
Also known as:
- Larynx Surgery with Microscope (Vocal Cord/Tumor Removal)
- Direct Laryngoscopy with Excision
- Vocal Cord Stripping
- Epiglottis Tumor Removal
CPT Codes:
- 31541: Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis; with operating microscope or telescope
Also known as:
- Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Nose Scope
- Rhinoscope
- Nasal Examination with Scope
CPT Codes:
- 31231: Nasal endoscopy, diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)
Also known as:
- Emergency Breathing Tube Insertion
- Emergency intubation
- Endotracheal tube placement
- Airway management (emergency)
CPT Codes:
- 31500: Intubation, endotracheal, emergency procedure
Also known as:
- Voice Box and Windpipe Widening
- Laryngoscopy with Dilation
- Tracheoscopy with Dilation
- Airway Dilation
CPT Codes:
- 31529: Laryngoscopy direct, with or without tracheoscopy; with dilation, subsequent
Also known as:
- Nasal Turbinate Reduction (Superficial)
- Inferior turbinate ablation
- Nasal passage opening surgery
- Radiofrequency turbinate reduction
CPT Codes:
- 30801: Ablation, soft tissue of inferior turbinates, unilateral or bilateral, any method (eg, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, or tissue volume reduction); superficial
Also known as:
- Tonsil and Adenoid Removal (Children)
- Pediatric Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy for Kids
- T&A Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 42820: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy; younger than age 12
Also known as:
- Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)
- DISE Procedure
- Sleep Apnea Endoscopy
- Flexible Sleep Endoscopy
- Upper Airway Endoscopy for Sleep Apnea
CPT Codes:
- 42975: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy, with dynamic evaluation of velum, pharynx, tongue base, and larynx for evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing, flexible, diagnostic
Also known as:
- Adenoid Removal for Children
- Pediatric Adenoidectomy
- Adenoid Surgery for Kids
- Removal of Adenoids
CPT Codes:
- 42830: Adenoidectomy, primary; younger than age 12
Also known as:
- Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- EGD with Biopsy
- Gastroscopy with Biopsy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with Biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 43239: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multiple
Also known as:
- Throat Reconstruction Surgery
- Pharynx Reconstruction
- Plastic Surgery of the Throat
- Throat Repair Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 42950: Pharyngoplasty (plastic or reconstructive operation on pharynx)
Also known as:
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Tonsil and adenoid removal
- T&A surgery
- Throat surgery for tonsils
CPT Codes:
- 42821: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy; age 12 or over
Also known as:
- Esophagus Scope with Biopsy
- Flexible Esophagoscopy
- Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
- EGD with Biopsy
- Throat Scope with Tissue Sample
CPT Codes:
- 43202: Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with biopsy, single or multiple
Also known as:
- Frenum Revision Surgery (Tongue or Lip Tie)
- Frenectomy
- Z-plasty frenum
- Tongue tie surgery
- Lip tie revision
CPT Codes:
- 41520: Frenoplasty (surgical revision of frenum, eg, with Z-plasty)
Also known as:
- Swallowing Study (Videofluoroscopy)
- Swallowing Function Test
- Dysphagia Tests
- Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS)
- Modified Barium Swallow (MBS)
- Dysphagia Evaluation
- Oral Swallowing Assessment
- Pharyngeal Swallowing Test
- Swallowing Study
CPT Codes:
- 92611: Motion fluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function by cine or video recording
- 92610: Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function
Also known as:
- Flexible Endoscopic Swallowing Evaluation (FEES)
- Endoscopy
- Dysphagia Tests
- FEES Test
- Video Endoscopy for Swallowing
- Swallowing Endoscopy
- Dysphagia Evaluation
CPT Codes:
- 92613: Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording; interpretation and report only
Also known as:
- Swallowing Therapy
- Dysphagia Treatment
- Feeding Therapy
- Oral Function Therapy
CPT Codes:
- 92526: Treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function for feeding
Also known as:
- Voice and Resonance Analysis
- Voice Disorder Evaluation
- Speech Resonance Assessment
- Vocal Quality Analysis
CPT Codes:
- 92524: Behavioral and qualitative analysis of voice and resonance
Also known as:
- Individual Speech and Language Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Voice Therapy
- Communication Disorder Treatment
- Auditory Processing Therapy
CPT Codes:
- 92507: Treatment Of Speech, Language, Voice, Communication, And/Or Auditory Processing Disorder; Individual
Also known as:
- Swallowing Endoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Dysphagia Tests
- FEES Test
- Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
- Laryngeal Sensory Test
- Swallowing Study
CPT Codes:
- 92616: Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and laryngeal sensory testing by cine or video recording;
Also known as:
- Speech Sound Production Evaluation
- Articulation assessment
- Phonological process evaluation
- Apraxia of speech assessment
- Dysarthria evaluation
CPT Codes:
- 92522: Evaluation of speech sound production (eg, articulation, phonological process, apraxia, dysarthria);
Also known as:
- Ear, Nose, and Throat Exam Under Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- ENT exam with anesthesia
- Laryngoscopy under anesthesia
- Otoscopy under anesthesia
- Throat exam under sedation
CPT Codes:
- 92502: Otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia
Also known as:
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Dietary Counseling
- Nutritional Assessment
- Registered Dietitian Consultation
CPT Codes:
- 97802: Medical nutrition therapy; initial assessment and intervention, individual, face-to-face with the patient, each 15 minutes
Also known as:
- Comprehensive Speech and Language Evaluation
- Speech sound evaluation
- Language comprehension test
- Articulation assessment
- Speech therapy evaluation
CPT Codes:
- 92523: Evaluation of speech sound production (eg, articulation, phonological process, apraxia, dysarthria); with evaluation of language comprehension and expression (eg, receptive and expressive language)
Also known as:
- Ear Tube Insertion (General Anesthesia)
- Anesthesia
- Tympanostomy with Tubes
- Myringotomy with Tube Placement
- Ventilating Tube Insertion (Ear)
CPT Codes:
- 69436: Tympanostomy (requiring insertion of ventilating tube), general anesthesia
Also known as:
- Impacted Ear Wax Removal (One Ear)
- Cerumen Impaction Removal
- Ear Wax Extraction with Tools
- Professional Ear Cleaning
CPT Codes:
- 69210: Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral
Also known as:
- Ear Drum Incision with Fluid Removal (Under General Anesthesia)
- Myringotomy with Aspiration
- Ear Tube Insertion (Myringotomy)
- Eustachian Tube Inflation
CPT Codes:
- 69421: Myringotomy including aspiration and/or eustachian tube inflation requiring general anesthesia
Also known as:
- Salivary Gland Nerve Treatment (Bilateral)
- Botox for Salivary Glands
- Chemodenervation of Salivary Glands
- Parotid Gland Nerve Block
- Submandibular Gland Nerve Treatment
CPT Codes:
- 64611: Chemodenervation of parotid and submandibular salivary glands, bilateral
Does Dr. Balakrishnan accept my insurance?
Dr. Balakrishnan accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (650) 724-4800 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Balakrishnan accept in Palo Alto, CA?
Dr. Balakrishnan in Palo Alto, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
Blue Shield of California
Bon Ton Department Stores
California Water Service Group
Central California Alliance for Health
Crown Cork and Seal Company
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Health Plan of San Mateo
Kaiser Permanente
UnitedHealthcare
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Balakrishnan's office located?
Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan's Primary Practice
725 Welch Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 724-4800
What is Dr. Balakrishnan's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Balakrishnan's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1528070844.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Balakrishnan?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Balakrishnan
What is Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan's specialty?
Dr. Balakrishnan is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist near Palo Alto, CA. A pediatric otolaryngologist specializes in managing infants and children with congenital and acquired conditions of the aerodigestive tract, nose, sinuses, ears, and other head and neck areas. They have expertise in diagnosing and treating childhood disorders related to voice, speech, language, and hearing. Contact Dr. Balakrishnan to book an appointment today.
Is this Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Balakrishnan is affiliated with Mayo Clinic which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
Where can I learn more about Pediatric Otolaryngologist?
Explore Pediatric Otolaryngologist with insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Karthik Balakrishnan accepting new patients in Palo Alto, CA?
Yes, Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Balakrishnan's office at (650) 724-4800 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Karthik Balakrishnan?
Please contact Dr. Balakrishnan's office at (650) 724-4800 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
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