Description
About Dr. Robert Hamilton Ballagh
Dr. Robert Hamilton Ballagh, a respected Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (ENT Doctor), is committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care for individuals with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Barrie, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on comprehensive Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Ballagh adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical medical practice. His role involves diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures, serving both adult and pediatric patients.
Dr. Ballagh graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1988. He has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 31 years, since 1993. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards through continuous certification and education.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. Dr. Ballagh is dedicated to providing high-quality ENT services in Barrie, with a focus on individualized patient care. He communicates fluently in English and strives to ensure patients are well-informed and engaged in their treatment plans.
Common Conditions Dr. Robert Ballagh Addresses
Dr. Robert Ballagh manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions
- Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children: Frequent middle ear infections in children, often leading to considerations for ear tube placement.
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. Robert Ballagh or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Services Offered
- Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
- Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
- 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.
- Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Ballagh 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. Ballagh'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. Ballagh's practice is primarily based at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre located in the Downtown Barrie area, within the East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Commercial Corridor and has easy access via Highway 400. Patients can access the facility via Barrie Transit, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for patients attending appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- Are services from Dr. Ballagh, 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. Ballagh 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. Ballagh, 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. Ballagh. 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.
- How does Dr. Ballagh treat chronic sinusitis?
- Treatment for chronic sinusitis is individualized and aims to reduce inflammation, drain the sinuses, and address underlying causes (like allergies or polyps). This may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, oral antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed), antifungal treatments in specific cases, or allergy management. In some cases, if medical management is not sufficient, Dr. Ballagh may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
Contact & Licensing Information
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
Suite H-170, 11 Lakeside Terrace
Barrie, ON L4M 0H9
Phone: (705) 726-6966 | Fax: (705) 725-7330
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ballagh 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/Ballagh-Robert-Hamilton/0045502-59480