Dr. Stephen Huang-Ting Chen

Dr. Stephen Chen manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Laryngomalacia & Other Congenital Airway Abnormalities: Congenital conditions affecting the structure or function of a child's larynx or airway, potentially causing noisy breathing (stridor).
• Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) & Lip-Tie affecting feeding/speech: Conditions where a short or tight band of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue (tongue-tie) or lip (lip-tie), potentially impacting breastfeeding, feeding, or speech.
• Pediatric Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems in Children): Difficulties with swallowing in infants or children, which can be due to various structural or functional issues.
• Pediatric Hearing Loss (Congenital & Acquired): Hearing impairment present at birth (congenital) or developing later in childhood, requiring specialized assessment and intervention.

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Globus Sensation (Feeling of Lump in Throat): A persistent sensation of having a lump, tightness, or something stuck in the throat, even when not swallowing.
• Chronic Cough (when related to upper airway or reflux): A persistent cough lasting eight weeks or longer, which may be linked to post-nasal drip, reflux, or laryngeal irritation.
• Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, Cysts & Granulomas: Benign growths or lesions on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness and other voice problems, often related to voice overuse or irritation.
• Laryngitis (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), leading to hoarseness or loss of voice, which can be short-term or long-lasting.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR / Silent Reflux): A condition where stomach acid flows back up into the larynx and pharynx, causing symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, or throat clearing.

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. Stephen Chen or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Chen 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. Chen'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.

Dr. Chen primarily practices at the West Oak Medical Clinic located in the Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood of Newmarket. The clinic is conveniently situated near the future Mulock GO Station and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Chen, 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. Chen 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. Chen, 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. Chen. 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.

My child gets frequent tonsillitis. What are the treatment options?

Recurrent tonsillitis can be managed in several ways. For acute bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. If infections are very frequent (e.g., multiple episodes per year), severe, cause breathing problems or difficulty swallowing, or don't respond well to antibiotics, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended by an ENT specialist. Dr. Chen can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.

When should I consider seeing an ENT specialist?

You might consider seeing an ENT specialist if you experience persistent issues such as chronic ear infections, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness or balance problems, chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, allergies affecting the upper airway, voice changes or hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, snoring or suspected sleep apnea, or lumps in the neck or head region. Your family doctor can help determine if a referral to an ENT like Dr. Chen is appropriate.

I've had a hoarse voice for several weeks. What could be causing this?

Persistent hoarseness (lasting more than 2-3 weeks) should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. Common causes include laryngitis (viral or bacterial), voice overuse or misuse, acid reflux (LPR), vocal cord nodules or polyps, smoking, allergies, or less commonly, more serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal cancer. Dr. Chen will likely perform a laryngoscopy to visualize your vocal cords and determine the cause of your hoarseness.

West Oak Medical Clinic
Suite 200, 104-581 Davis Dr
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P6

Phone: (905) 898-2444 | Fax: (905) 898-5558

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Chen 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/Chen-Stephen-HuangTing/0288942-100910