Description
About Dr. Vinod Kumar Bharadwaj
As an experienced Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bharadwaj offers comprehensive care for disorders of the head and neck, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. Practicing at Veterans Affairs Canada in Kitchener, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on patient-centered, evidence-based care. Dr. Bharadwaj's practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective medical services. His role encompasses providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions affecting adults and children with concerns related to the ear, nose, throat, and the head and neck region.
Dr. Bharadwaj graduated with a Medical Degree from Jiwaji University in 1973 in India. He has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 38 years, since 1986. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting his advanced training and expertise in the field. Throughout his career, he has continually committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice through ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
Dedicated to providing high-quality ENT care in Kitchener, Dr. Bharadwaj emphasizes patient education, collaborative decision-making, and personalized treatment plans. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Panjabi/Punjabi, and Urdu, which allows him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. His clinical philosophy centers on compassionate, thorough, and precise care, ensuring patients feel informed and confident in their treatment journey.
Common Conditions Dr. Vinod Bharadwaj Addresses
Dr. Vinod Bharadwaj manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions
- Hoarseness & Dysphonia (Voice Disorders): Abnormal changes in the voice, such as roughness, breathiness, or strain, often due to issues with the vocal cords.
- Spasmodic Dysphonia: A neurological voice disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal cord muscles, resulting in a strained, tight, or breathy voice.
- Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis): A throat infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria, characterized by sudden sore throat, pain with swallowing, and fever.
Common Ear Conditions
- Otosclerosis (Abnormal Bone Growth in Middle Ear): A condition where abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, typically involving the stapes bone, causes progressive conductive hearing loss.
- Barotrauma (Ear Pressure Injury): Ear pain or damage to the eardrum caused by unequal pressure between the middle ear and the environment, often during flying or diving.
- Mastoiditis: A bacterial infection of the mastoid bone, the prominent bone behind the ear, usually resulting from an untreated middle ear infection.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects
- Facial Skin Cancers requiring Excision and Reconstruction: Malignant skin growths on the face or neck that necessitate surgical removal and subsequent reconstruction to restore form and function.
- Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face and Neck: Damage to the skin, muscles, or other soft tissues of the face and neck due to trauma, requiring careful repair.
- Facial Scars requiring Revision: Unsatisfactory appearance of scars on the face from previous injuries or surgeries, which may be improved with scar revision techniques.
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. Vinod Bharadwaj 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Bharadwaj 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. Bharadwaj'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. Bharadwaj primarily practices at Veterans Affairs Canada in the Forest Heights neighborhood of Kitchener, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near the Forest Heights Community Library, with easy access via Grand River Transit (GRT) bus routes and the ION Light Rail. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- Are services from Dr. Bharadwaj, 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. Bharadwaj 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. Bharadwaj, 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. Bharadwaj. 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 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.
- What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Bharadwaj do?
- An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Bharadwaj, is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. This includes medical treatments and surgical procedures for hearing disorders, sinus problems, voice issues, sleep apnea, throat infections, and tumors of the head and neck region.
- 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. Bharadwaj will likely perform a laryngoscopy to visualize your vocal cords and determine the cause of your hoarseness.
Contact & Licensing Information
Veterans Affairs Canada
Suite 04, 564 Belmont Avenue
Kitchener, ON N2M 5N6
Phone: (519) 741-8688 | Fax: (519) 741-0884
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Bharadwaj 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/Bharadwaj-Vinod-Kumar/0043790-57768