Patient resources

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that informed patients are empowered patients. Find clear answers about visits, fees, and ENT care at Dr Joel's Clear ENT Clinic—our paediatric and adult ENT hospital in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Professional medical consultation

Do I need an appointment to visit the clinic?

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Yes, you need an appointment to visit the clinic. You can book an appointment online, or by calling our reception number once clinic is open. You can also walk in, but appointments are given preference, and you may be required to wait till all appointments are over.

What is the consultation fee?

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Consultation fee is charged on actual time spent on a patient for that day, and is calculated as follows:

Patient Type Minimum Fee (10 minutes)*
Indian Nationals Rs 500
Foreign Nationals Rs 700
* Procedure charges are separate and not included in the consultation fee.
* Additional charges may apply when consultation exceeds 10 minutes

How long is consultation valid for? Do I get free consultation if I visit within X days? Can I get a discount?

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Consultation charge is charged on actual time spent on a patient for that day. If you need to consult again, or need a followup, there will be charges for the next visit. If you need to visit again on the same day, and want to discuss any results or discuss further, you need not book another appointment. If your revisit is on the same day, and evaluating and discussing it takes less than 5 minutes, we don't normally charge a fee.

Unlike some promotional offers by certain hospitals which provide free revisits for upto X days as a marketing strategy to compete with other hospitals, we don't offer any such promotions, offers or discounts.

Are there charges for follow up? X hospital or clinic offers free followup.

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Followup is not free. Consultation charges are applicable for follow up visits. When you come for followup, doctor needs to re-evaluate your condition, discuss lab results or other tests, and/or prescribe medicines. All of this involves an experienced doctor using his experience attained over years of medical training and practise to sort out your problems.Charges are applicable when doctor spends time for you.

Visit our clinic only if you need to consult and are ready to pay the consultation fee. If you feel you don't need to followup, there is no need to visit. Please understand that followup is not something done for our sake, but for you.

Unlike some promotional offers by other hospitals or clinics which provide free revisits for upto X days as a marketing strategy to compete with other hospitals, we don't offer any such promotions, offers or discounts. Whether it's a first time consultation or followup, our doctors and staff have to be paid for their time and effort.

Where is the location?

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The clinic location and Google Map are shown below. We have two locations on Google Maps. Consultation is available at Chavadimukku, around 0.5km from Pangappara, next to Dhanya Supermarket. Our Pongummood location is now closed.

Location

Chavadimukku

Is there an app or website to access my patient records?

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Yes, we have a patient portal/app called MyOPIP Patient Portal. You can access your patient records, including prescription, bills, endoscopy reports and other information through our patient portal/app

Will there be a waiting time/delay? Can I see the doctor exactly at my appointment time?

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Kindly note that appointment time is used to fix token or the order in which patients are seen. If everything proceeds smoothly, you may be called at your appointment time. However, each patient's problems are different. Some may require longer examination time. Some are small kids or elderly and may require longer attention. Some require procedures, which are done carefully.


We don't rush through appointments as we are particular about giving attention and quality of care.


So, Yes, there may be a delay involved, and you may not be seen exactly at your appointment time. Rarely the delay may be more than an hour or more. We try our best to keep the delay to a minimum.


If you don't have the time or patience to wait, or require urgent attention, it may be better to visit the emergency department of any hospital. If you wish to cancel your confirmed appointment because of delay and want to leave or reschedule, just inform our reception number.


Kindly do not argue with staff regarding delays. Our doctors and staff try their best to manage the clinic and to ensure that consultations proceed smoothly. Abusing our staff or doctors will not help you get an appointment sooner, and automatically leads to appointment cancellation, and a permanent ban on any future consultation.

How can I cancel my appointment/ I booked an appointment earlier, but didnt cancel. Now I can't book. Why?

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We expect that patients are serious about consulting, before booking an appointment. We do not charge fee for booking an appointment. In case of an emergency, you can cancel your appointment through this same site or by informing our reception number at least one hour in advance If you cancel after that, or do not show up, your slot goes wasted, and another patient loses his chance to see the doctor. We see patients on appointment basis, and to maintain quality, limit the number of appointments per day. If you don't show up after booking, and fail to inform us, unfortunately we will not be able to give you another appointment in future.

How will I get my prescription?

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You will get a print of the detailed prescription with the diagnosis, medicines, and instructions. You can also download the prescription from the website. The download link will be sent to your Whatsapp number as a message, and also sent by SMS, as soon as consultation is over. We also will give you a hard copy of the prescription. Printers being machines occasionally make mistakes. Hence do confirm that your prescription matches your name.

We're happy to announce that now you will be able to get all information about your visits, including prescription, bills, endoscopy reports and other information through our patient portal/app

Can I get a bill?

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Our clinic uses a state of the art electronic health record system, MyOPIP. Your generated bills and a UPI payment link are instantly sent to your Whatsapp number the instant a bill is generated. If you require a printed, sealed and stamped bill for your records, you can inform the doctor or our reception. Sealed and signed bills can be collected from our reception. We will not be scanning and sending them.

We're happy to announce that now you will be able to get all information about your visits, including prescription, bills, endoscopy reports and other information through our patient portal/app

Can I get medicines from the clinic?

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Yes, we have a pharmacy in the clinic, stocked with good quality medicines personally verified and dispensed by the doctor. If you prefer to get medicines from outside, you can do that. If you do need medicines from us, make sure you inform the doctor during consultation itself. Since we don't have a separate pharmacy, we dispense medicines only during your consultation time, and will not be able to do it later.

We will not accept responsibility for any mismatch of medicines, or any other problem arising from buying medicines from outside.We will not entertain any calls asking us whether the medicines bought from outside are correct or not.

If you want to visit to get medicines you are taking for long term use, inform us in advance, we will let you know the amount. Then, come to the clinic, pay by scanning the QR, and then let us know. Doctor will handover the medicines between consultation. Please dont enter the clinic without informing in advance as we allot appointments with meticulous time management. Any delay however short will delay the entire day's consultations.

I have a followup query/concern after visiting the clinic. What should I do?

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If you have a followup question or doubt, we advise you to discuss it with the doctor during your next visit. We do not provide any service outside clinic hours, including answering calls or followup enquiries after or before consultation. If you have emergencies, kindly visit the emergency department of any hospital.

If you have been asked to send any investigation result by the doctor, you can send it by Whatsapp as a typed message. If it has not been seen, you can request the doctor to see it, during working hours.

During clinic holidays or Sundays, we will not be attending to any kind of queries, and will not be able to answer calls or messages. In an emergency, contact your nearest hospital emergency department. You can review with us on the next working day.

I have visited the clinic X days ago. Can I talk to the doctor over phone? I want to know if I need to come for followup. I have another doubt. I want to know whether my condition can be treated at your clinic. Can I connect with the doctor?

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The doctor is busy outside clinic hours, and is not available to take calls. If you have any non-emergency queries regarding a prescription, you may send a typed message on our Whatsapp number. We will try to answer your queries as soon as possible, but do not offer any guarantee of immediate response. We request your patience and understanding.

We do NOT provide any service outside clinic hours, including answering calls by the doctor or followup enquiries after or before consultation. If you have a followup enquiry or doubt, you may discuss it during your next visit to the doctor.

On Sundays and Holidays, our staff will NOT be available to answer calls or messages. You will be able to connect with our staff only during working hours.

What are the charges for wax removal and other ear procedures? (I want to compare with other clinics)

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Procedure charges are not published online. If you have already visited the clinic, you may contact our reception for a detailed list of charges for various procedures.

Our charges for ear wax removal may appear higher compared to some other clinics or hospitals. This is because wax removal can be performed using several different techniques, each varying significantly in safety, comfort, and precision.

The traditional method involves using a metal hook or probe to manually remove the wax. While still commonly practiced in some clinics and independent ENT specialists, this approach can sometimes lead to pain, minor bleeding, injury to the ear canal, and occasionally infection even if done by an experienced doctor.

Patient in distress during an ear procedure as a doctor uses a metal instrument at the ear.
Older probing technique of wax removal (Note: NOT done at Dr Joel's Clinic).

Another method is ear syringing, where water is pushed into the ear under pressure. Since this involves introducing moisture into the ear canal, there is a risk of subsequent infection. In cases of hard wax, this method may also cause discomfort or even bleeding.

Patient in distress during ear syringing as a doctor uses a large syringe at the ear.
Older syringing technique of wax removal (Note: NOT done at Dr Joel's Clinic).

Suction-based removal is a safer alternative, as it involves gently pulling the wax out rather than pushing material inward. However, the ear canal is narrow and curved, making it difficult to clearly visualize the structures with the naked eye or simple lighting.

The most advanced and safest technique is microscopic wax removal. This is performed under a high-powered surgical microscope, which allows precise visualization of the ear canal and clear differentiation between the delicate canal skin and wax (which can otherwise appear similar). Using fine suction and specialized instruments, the wax is removed with a high degree of accuracy and control.

At our clinic, we follow this advanced microscopic technique. The same level of precision and care used in major ear surgeries is applied here. The equipment involved is sophisticated and expensive, and the procedure is performed personally by an experienced ENT specialist—not delegated to junior staff, as may happen in larger hospitals. Adequate time is taken to ensure the process is gentle, safe, and thorough.

Happy child playing with toy while undergoing microscopic wax removal
Microscopic suction done at Dr Joel's Clinic

If cost is your primary concern, you may choose a clinic that offers lower-cost methods. However, if you or your child value safety, comfort, and meticulous care, we recommend opting for microscopic wax removal.

In the vast majority of cases (over 99.9%), the procedure is completely painless. If there is any mild discomfort, it is typically due to the natural edges of large or hardened wax pieces—not from the instruments used.

What kind of endoscopies can be done in the clinic?

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We have the facility to do advanced nasal endoscopies for adults and kids, videolaryngoscopies of throat and larynx, and also ear endoscopies. We do not have the facility to do bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy or endoscopy of stomach, which are endoscopies performed by other specialists.

What procedures are done in the clinic?

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The following is an incomplete list of procedures done in the clinic:

# Procedure Name
1 Rigid Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
2 Rigid Diagnostic Videolaryngoscopy
3 Ear endoscopy
3 Flexible diagnostic naso pharyngolaryngoscopy
4 Painless Microsuction for Ear Wax, Keratosis, and other Ear Problems
5 Foreign body removal with or without endoscopy
5 Foreign body removal with or without microscopy
6 Intratympanic steroid injection
7 Tympanostomy
8 Removal of tonsil stones
9 Various positional manouvre treatments for vertigo

Note: Procedures have separate charges, and the charges can be enquired before the procedure is done.

What procedures cannot be done at the clinic?

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I have difficulty walking/ I use a wheelchair. Can I come to the clinic?

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Yes, our new clinic at Chavadimukku is wheelchair accessible. However our toilets are not wheelchair accessible.

I have arrived at the clinic. Do I need to tell the doctor that I am here? How will I know when to go in?

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Our clinic uses state of the art AI powered voice announcements along with a display system which shows whether a patient has been announced, each person's appointment time, and who is currently consulting.

Each patient is called by name and appointment time, and asked to go in. You will be called in order of your appointment time. You don't need to tell the doctor that you have arrived. Please wait in the waiting area, and listen to the announcements.

Please don't disturb the doctor by asking whether you have been called, or whether you can go in, or to inform that you were late.

If you were late by a couple of minutes, you will be called again later. If you were late by more than 20 minutes, you may not be called till several other appointments are over. You need to wait patiently as calling you at other patients' alloted time will delay the entire day's consultations.

I arrived late for my appointment. Can I still see the doctor?

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We carefully arrange appointment slots in such a way that each patient gets enough time with the doctor, and at the same time there is no delay for the next patient. If you don't report when your name is called, and come during another patient's slot, you may not be seen on priority. You will need to wait till there is a gap in the schedule. If the appointments are already running late, you will need to wait till appointments are over.

If the delay was unavoidable, and less than 20 minutes, and there aren't too many patients waiting, occasionally we may call you in between. But kindly don't interrupt the doctor or enter to ask whether you may come. Call our reception number. If possible, you will be called in in after a few more consultations are over.

I have not booked an appointment. Can I still see the doctor?

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We see patients on appointment basis. If you have not booked an appointment and have visited, you we recommend that you book an appointment online, and come at the appointed time. While patients with appointments are waiting, we will not able to see you even if every patient with an appointment has not reported. However if there are no patients waiting, and the doctor is free, you may be able to consult. We recommend that while waiting, you book an appointment online for the same day.

I have an emergency. Can I come to the clinic without booking an appointment/ I have already come without booking as it is an emergency. Can I see the doctor immediately as it's an emergency?

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We are very sorry, but unfortunately we do not have the facility to see patients without appointment immediately. We don't have a Casualty service at present. If your condition is not an emergency, you may book an appointment online for the same day, and wait till your appointment time. If your condition is an emergency, we recommend that you visit a hospital emergency department (Casualty) elsewhere. We will be prioritizing patients according to order of appointment, and will not be able to see you immediately. This is to avoid inconvenience to patients who have booked appointments, as otherwise we will risk delaying every patient's appointment.

Can I book appointments in advance?

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Our appointment system starts at 6 am on the same day of consultation. You will be able to book an appointment on the same day of your visit. Booking in advance for a future date is not possible.

Are you open on Sundays and holidays?

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We are closed on most Sundays, but are open on most other holidays. Our availability is updated on this website, and may occasionally change from time to time. Check the slot information on this website for the latest information.

I have visited there before. I can't come now. Can I do online consultation?

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ENT being a specialty which relies on accurate diagnosis based on close clinical examination, online consultation is inadequate to make a proper diagnosis. Though we used to do online consultations during the peak of COVID pandemic, we have phased it out now, as the doctor is too busy in the clinic with physical consultations. We recommend that you visit the clinic for a proper consultation.

We do, on occasion do online consultations for patients who are abroad. This is a premium service. If you are abroad and need an online consultation, visit our website and go through the details. Consultation online is subject to availability.

Can I get a medical certificate?

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If you have visited the clinic, and have obtained treatment, we can issue a medical certificate for the period of treatment. For a medical certificate, we need to see the patient in person. Also note that a medical certificate can be issued only if you have both visited at the start of your illness, and also have completed your treatment as advised by the doctor, and have followed up to confirm that the treatment was completed. Medical Certificate is a medicolegal document, and government laws regulate its issuance.

For issuing a medical certificate, the following conditions apply:

  1. The period of illness for which the certificate is requested must lie between the first consultation date and followup date.
  2. You should not have missed followup.
  3. During the treatment, you should not have obtained treatment from any other doctor (unless it was on the advice of our doctor), or system of medicine.
  4. The patient must come in person for the certificate to be issued. The Patient's signature will be obtained before issuing the certificate.
  5. Medical certificate will not be issued by proxy. We also will not entertain any requests to issue and send it by email or Whatsapp.
  6. No doctor in this clinic will issue a false or fake certificate.

How is ear wax removed at the clinic?

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The traditional method involves using a metal hook or probe to manually remove the wax. While still commonly practiced in some clinics and independent ENT specialists, this approach can sometimes lead to pain, minor bleeding, injury to the ear canal, and occasionally infection even if done by an experienced doctor.

Patient in distress during an ear procedure as a doctor uses a metal instrument at the ear.
Older probing technique of wax removal (Note: NOT done at Dr Joel's Clinic).

Another method is ear syringing, where water is pushed into the ear under pressure. Since this involves introducing moisture into the ear canal, there is a risk of subsequent infection. In cases of hard wax, this method may also cause discomfort or even bleeding.

Patient in distress during ear syringing as a doctor uses a large syringe at the ear.
Older syringing technique of wax removal (Note: NOT done at Dr Joel's Clinic).

Suction-based removal is a safer alternative, as it involves gently pulling the wax out rather than pushing material inward. However, the ear canal is narrow and curved, making it difficult to clearly visualize the structures with the naked eye or simple lighting.

The most advanced and safest technique is microscopic wax removal. This is performed under a high-powered surgical microscope, which allows precise visualization of the ear canal and clear differentiation between the delicate canal skin and wax (which can otherwise appear similar). Using fine suction and specialized instruments, the wax is removed with a high degree of accuracy and control.

At our clinic, we follow this advanced microscopic technique. The same level of precision and care used in major ear surgeries is applied here. The equipment involved is sophisticated and expensive, and the procedure is performed personally by an experienced ENT specialist—not delegated to junior staff, as may happen in larger hospitals. Adequate time is taken to ensure the process is gentle, safe, and thorough.

Happy child playing with toy while undergoing microscopic wax removal
Microscopic suction done at Dr Joel's Clinic

My spouse/relative has visited the clinic. I want to discuss details of the consultation with the doctor.

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To ensure privacy of the patient, we will not be able to disclose any details regarding the consultation to any person other than the patient himself/herself. If you wish to discuss the details of your relative with the doctor, the patient needs to book an appointment. You can accompany the patient, and with the patient's consent, you can discuss the details with the doctor.

In consultations involving medicolegal issues including potential or suspected abuse involving women and children, we will not be able to disclose any details regarding the consultation to any person other than the patient herself/himself. Exceptions include a medicolegal case filed with the police or a request from a court. In this case, we will comply with law, and will share relevant details with the concerned authorities.

I have a followup query/concern after visiting the clinic and want to discuss it with the doctor. Can I do that?

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If you have a followup question or doubt, we advise you to discuss it with the doctor during your next visit. We do not provide any service outside clinic hours, including answering calls or followup enquiries after consultation.

Our doctors are NOT AVAILABLE for talking to over the phone. If you have a concern, you can inform our receptionist, or send a typed Whatsapp message to the clinic number. We will not be sharing our doctors' personal contact details with anyone.

I have a complaint/suggestion/feedback about my visit to the clinic.

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If you have a complaint/suggestion/feedback about your visit to the clinic, send a typed Whatsapp message to the clinic number, or as email to feedback@drjoel.in. We will try to address your concerns as soon as possible. We will also reply to your message on Whatsapp.

Illustration of a satisfied patient engaging positively with Dr Joel's Clinic online and on a smartphone.


Kindly do not post complaints on social media or as a Google review, unless you don't plan to visit the clinic again. You should understand that doctors and our staff are human, and are not perfect. We can make mistakes, and have our own personal issues. We have kids and a spouse, and are not immune to personal issues. Occasionally though we try our best to avoid it, our stress may spill over to our work. We are not perfect, and we are human. If our behavior caused you distress, we apologize sincerely and are willing to correct it if you bring it to our attention personally.



Illustration of a frustrated person at a laptop, representing strong negative reactions posted online.

Posting online based on a single experience may not be fair to the doctor and our staff, and may not be a true representation of the doctor's or our staff's performance. We request you to consider this before posting online. If you do post a criticism online, kindly understand that we take it very seriously, and permanently ban such users from consultation in future.

Still have questions?

If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, please feel free to reach out to our medical team. We're here to help you understand your care options.

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Procedure Clarification
Bronchoscopy Can be done by our doctor at a tieup hospital
Drug induced sleep endoscopy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Can be done by our doctor at a tieup hospital
Major surgeries requiring general anesthesia Can be done by our doctor at a tieup hospital
Incision and drainage of abscess, Injections of drugs, Ear stud inserion Currently not done