Description
About Dr. Lorna Bela Hinda Minz
Dr. Lorna Bela Hinda Minz is a highly skilled Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an ENT Doctor) dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Practicing at St Josephs Health Centre in Scarborough, ON, she serves the local community with a focus on providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Minz's approach emphasizes patient-centered care, aiming to improve quality of life through accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Dr. Minz graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1982 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor since 1988, accumulating over 36 years of clinical experience. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring her qualifications meet rigorous professional standards.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. Dr. Minz is committed to delivering high-quality ENT care tailored to the needs of her patients in Scarborough. She communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and effective consultations with her diverse patient population.
Common Conditions Dr. Lorna Minz Addresses
Dr. Lorna Minz manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)
- Benign & Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors (e.g., Parotid, Submandibular): Abnormal growths in the salivary glands, which can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), requiring careful diagnosis and management.
- Hyperparathyroidism & Parathyroid Adenoma/Carcinoma: Overactivity of the parathyroid glands, often due to a benign tumor (adenoma), leading to high blood calcium levels; rarely, cancer can occur.
- Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A congenital cyst typically found in the midline of the neck, arising from remnants of the thyroid gland's developmental path.
Common Ear Conditions
- Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): A common infection of the middle ear, often causing ear pain and fever, especially in children.
- Presbycusis (Age-Related Hearing Loss): Gradual loss of hearing that occurs in many people as they grow older.
- Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage): Excessive buildup of earwax in the ear canal, potentially causing hearing difficulty, discomfort, or dizziness.
This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Lorna Minz or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Services Offered
- Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
- Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.
- Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Minz offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Minz's areas of focus.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Minz's practice is primarily based at the St. Joseph's Health Centre in Scarborough, ON, serving the central Scarborough neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near local points of interest such as the Scarborough Town Centre and the Scarborough Bluffs. It is easily accessible via public transit, including bus and subway routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- Are services from Dr. Minz, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Minz are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic if you have questions.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Minz, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Minz. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.
- What are some common procedures an ENT doctor might perform?
- ENT doctors perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common examples include hearing tests (audiometry), nasal or laryngeal endoscopy (using a small camera to view inside the nose or throat), tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), myringotomy (ear tube insertion), septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum), sinus surgery, and biopsies or removal of head and neck lesions. Dr. Minz can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition.
- How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?
- For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.
Contact & Licensing Information
St Josephs Health Centre
1371 Neilson Road
Scarborough, ON M1B 4Z8
Phone: (416) 281-0412 | Fax: (416) 281-6309
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Minz is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Minz-Lorna-Bela-Hinda/0037234-51210