Best Otolaryngologists in Lakeland

Introduction to Otolaryngology in Lakeland

What is Otolaryngology?

Otolaryngology, also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the head and neck, particularly those involving the ears, nose, throat, and related structures.

ENT specialists in Lakeland treat a wide range of conditions, including hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, allergies, balance disorders, and sleep apnea, among others.

The Importance of Choosing the Right ENT Doctor

Selecting the right ENT specialist in Lakeland is an important decision that can significantly affect your health outcomes. A qualified and experienced otolaryngologist can provide accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and personalized care for your specific needs.

For patients with chronic ENT conditions, establishing a long-term relationship with a skilled specialist is essential for ongoing management and improved quality of life.

Lakeland's ENT Landscape

Lakeland boasts a diverse group of otolaryngologists, offering residents access to high-quality ENT care. Based on the data provided, there are at least 9 ENT specialists practicing in the area, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the field.

The ENT specialists in Lakeland represent a range of educational backgrounds, certifications, and areas of focus, allowing patients to find a doctor who best matches their specific health needs and preferences.

Overview of the Doctor Selection Process in Lakeland

Factors to consider when choosing an ENT specialist

Qualifications and board certifications

• Review the doctor's educational background
• Check for board certifications in Otolaryngology

Patient ratings and reviews

• Examine star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Read patient testimonials and feedback

Experience and areas of expertise

• Consider the doctor's years of practice
• Look for specializations within ENT

Language capabilities

• Assess if the doctor speaks languages you're comfortable with
• Note multilingual doctors for diverse patient needs

Using available data to make informed decisions

Interpreting star ratings and review counts

• Compare doctors based on their overall ratings
• Consider the number of reviews for a more representative sample

Evaluating educational backgrounds

• Look for reputable institutions in doctor profiles
• Note any specialized training or fellowships

Assessing professional affiliations

• Check for membership in professional organizations
• Consider hospital affiliations as indicators of quality

Practical considerations for Lakeland residents

Location and accessibility

• Consider the doctor's office location within Lakeland
• Check for parking and public transportation options

Insurance and payment options

• Verify if the doctor accepts your insurance plan
• Inquire about payment plans or options for uninsured patients

Availability and scheduling

• Look into wait times for appointments
• Check if the doctor offers emergency or weekend services

Top-Ranked Otolaryngologists in Lakeland

Dr. Mark Szewczyk

Background and Qualifications

• Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• Graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1993
• Completed residency at University of Kansas Medical Center in 1998

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Perfect 5.0-star rating based on 14 patient reviews
• Highest-rated ENT specialist in Lakeland

Practice Information

• Contact number: (863) 284-5000
• Accepts English-speaking patients

Dr. Kevin Hsu

Educational Background

• Osteopathic physician (DO) specializing in ENT
• Graduated from University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010
• Completed residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015
• Fellowship at St. Elizabeth Hospital-Tufts University in 2016

Patient Feedback

• 5.0-star rating based on 4 patient reviews
• Newer to the Lakeland area, but highly regarded by patients

Unique Aspects

• Multilingual: fluent in English and Mandarin
• Contact number: (813) 879-8045

Dr. Kevin Robinson

Experience and Certifications

• Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• Graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 1988
• Completed residency at Wayne State University-Harper Hospital

Patient Satisfaction

• 4.5-star rating based on 8 patient reviews
• Well-respected in the Lakeland community

Additional Skills

• Bilingual: fluent in English and Spanish
• Contact number: (863) 284-5000

Dr. Pranay Patel

Training and Expertise

• Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• Graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1992
• Completed residency at Geisinger Health System in 1998
• Additional fellowship training at LSU

Patient Reviews

• 4.3-star rating based on 40 patient reviews
• Extensive patient feedback available

Practice Details

• Contact number: (863) 680-7486
• Experienced in various ENT procedures

Dr. Ratnamani Lingamallu

Professional Background

• Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• Graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine in 1988
• Completed residency at LSU Medical Center in 1994

Patient Feedback

• 4.0-star rating based on 13 patient reviews
• Respected female ENT specialist in Lakeland

Practice Information

• Contact number: (863) 683-5454
• Experienced in various ENT procedures

Additional Resources for Finding the Right ENT Doctor in Lakeland

Utilizing Online Platforms

Healthgrades

• Accessing detailed doctor profiles
• Understanding star ratings and review counts
• Comparing multiple doctors side-by-side

Other reputable healthcare websites

• Cross-referencing information
• Seeking additional patient testimonials

Evaluating Doctor Qualifications

Board Certifications

• Importance of American Board of Otolaryngology certification
• Additional certifications in subspecialties

Educational Background

• Reviewing medical school and residency information
• Noting any fellowships or specialized training

Considering Communication and Language

Multilingual Capabilities

• Doctors offering services in languages other than English
• Importance for non-native English speakers

Communication Style

• Reading patient reviews for insights on doctor-patient interactions
• Importance of clear communication in ENT care

Practical Considerations

Location and Accessibility

• Proximity to your home or work
• Availability of parking or public transportation

Office Hours and Availability

• Scheduling convenience
• Emergency or after-hours care options