Question 1

How do appointments, waiting time, late arrival and walk-in consultations work?

Accepted Answer

We see patients primarily by appointment. The appointment time determines the order in which patients are normally seen. However, an appointment does not guarantee that you will be seen exactly at that time, as the duration of each consultation can vary. Booking an appointment Appointment booking starts at 6:00 AM on the day of consultation if booked online. Booking through phone opens at 9.15 AM. Appointments for future dates cannot currently be booked in advance. You can book an appointment online, or by calling our reception during clinic working hours. When should I arrive? Please arrive at or before your scheduled appointment time and complete your check-in. Even if the clinic is running late, you should still report around your scheduled appointment time. Please do not assume that you can arrive later because you have been informed of a delay. For example, if your appointment is at 10:00 AM and you are told that the clinic is currently running 30 minutes late, you should still plan to arrive around 10:00 AM and complete your check-in. The reported delay is only an estimate and may change as consultations progress. Will I be seen exactly at my appointment time? Not necessarily. Your appointment time primarily determines your place in the consultation queue. If everything proceeds smoothly, you may be called around your appointment time. However, each patient's problems are different. Some patients may require a longer examination, additional discussion, procedures, or special attention because they are children or elderly patients. We do not rush consultations simply to maintain the scheduled time. Our priority is appropriate medical care and giving each patient adequate attention. Therefore, there may be a waiting time even if you have an appointment. Occasionally, the delay may be significant, including more than an hour. We make every effort to keep delays to a minimum. What if the clinic is running late? If the clinic is running behind schedule, patients will generally continue to be seen in their appointment order. If you call reception to ask about a delay, our receptionist can tell you the approximate current delay. However, being informed about a delay does not mean that you should arrive later than your appointment time , unless the clinic specifically asks you to do so. What if I arrive late? You should make every effort to arrive at your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive after your appointment time, particularly after your appointment slot has passed, you may lose your appointment priority and may have to wait until there is an appropriate gap in the schedule. If the clinic itself is already running behind schedule, your original appointment position may still be taken into consideration. However, arriving late does not guarantee that you will be seen immediately. If you know that you are going to be late, please inform reception as soon as possible. Please do not enter the consultation room or interrupt the doctor to ask whether you can be seen. Inform reception instead. If it is possible to accommodate you, the receptionist will let you know. I was told that there was a delay, so I came late. Why was I not seen immediately? A delay in the clinic does not mean that the appointment schedule is cancelled or that patients can arrive at any time. The appointment system is based on maintaining an orderly consultation queue. If patients were allowed to arrive at arbitrary times based on an estimated delay, it would become difficult to maintain the appointment order and could cause further delays for other patients. For this reason, patients should report around their scheduled appointment time even when the clinic is running late. What is a walk-in patient? A walk-in patient is someone who comes to the clinic without a corresponding appointment. Walk-in patients may be accommodated when possible, but patients with appointments are given priority . The fact that an appointment patient has not yet arrived does not automatically mean that a walk-in patient will be given that appointment slot. If there are appointment patients waiting, a walk-in patient may have to wait until those patients have been attended to. If there is an available gap and the doctor is free, a walk-in patient may occasionally be accommodated. If you come without an appointment, we recommend booking an available appointment online for the same day and waiting for your appointment time. What if I have an emergency? Our clinic does not currently operate a Casualty/Emergency Department and cannot guarantee immediate consultation for patients who arrive without an appointment. If your condition is an emergency or requires immediate medical attention, please visit the Emergency Department (Casualty) of a hospital. If your condition is not an emergency, you may book an available appointment for the same day and attend at the scheduled time. Can I cancel my appointment? We request that you book an appointment only when you are reasonably certain that you will be able to attend. Appointments are limited each day, and an unused appointment prevents another patient from using that slot. If you need to cancel your appointment, please cancel it through this website (mobile number and MRD) or by informing reception at least one hour before your appointment time . If you know several hours in advance that you cannot attend, please inform us as early as possible so that the slot may be made available to another patient. What happens if I book an appointment but do not attend? If you book an appointment and do not attend without informing us, the appointment slot is wasted and another patient loses the opportunity to consult. Because we limit the number of appointments each day, repeated or unexplained no-shows may affect your ability to book future appointments. What if I don't want to wait because of a delay? If the waiting time is longer than you are able to accommodate, you may inform reception and request cancellation or rescheduling. If you decide to leave, please inform reception before leaving rather than simply leaving. If you have an urgent medical problem that cannot wait, please visit a hospital Emergency Department. Why can't you tell me exactly how long I have to wait? The time required for a consultation can vary considerably between patients. Some consultations may be brief, while others may require additional examination, procedures, counselling, or discussion. Therefore, any waiting time given by the clinic is only an approximate estimate and may change. We do not rush consultations simply to avoid delays. Our priority is providing appropriate medical care to each patient. What should I do if I am unhappy about the waiting time? We understand that waiting can be frustrating. However, we request you to consider yourself in our position, and is managing the clinic. The only way we can guarantee no delay is if doctor starts a timer, and stops consultation as soon as the time is up. Imagine yourself discussing your problem and being told consultation is over. Naturally, you will be unhappy. If you have a concern about any other aspect of your visit, please contact the clinic administrator, Dr Jeslin , at 9446156506 . However we cannot reduce your wait because you complained. Arguing with the doctor or our staff will only create further delays and inconvenience for other patients. Our receptionist can provide information about appointments, check-in, waiting times and other routine administrative matters, but is not responsible for resolving complaints or disputes regarding the clinic or medical care. We request that patients treat our doctors, receptionist and other staff with courtesy and respect. A patient who appears to be unreasonable or argumentative will be asked to leave the clinic.

Question 2

What is the consultation fee?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Where is the location?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How will I get my prescription?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Can I get a bill?

Accepted Answer

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 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

Question 9

Can I get medicines from the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, medicines can be obtained from our clinic. If you need medicines from the clinic, kindly call the clinic in advance and let us know the details of the medicines you require. We will let you know when the medicines will be available for collection. You can then come to the clinic at the informed time and collect the medicines from reception. Payment for medicines is made at reception using Google Pay/UPI . Our receptionist is not permitted to accept cash directly and cannot accept card payments . If you are obtaining medicines that you have been prescribed or are taking for long-term use, please provide the details to reception when calling in advance so that the medicines can be prepared for collection. If you need to discuss whether a medicine should be started, stopped, changed or substituted, this is a medical matter and should be discussed with the doctor during a consultation. The receptionist cannot provide medical advice or make changes to your prescription.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

If you have a followup question or medical doubt after your consultation, you should discuss it with the doctor during your next visit. We do not provide followup medical advice by WhatsApp or other messaging services. Our receptionist can assist with routine administrative matters, such as appointment-related information, but cannot provide medical advice, interpret reports, change medicines, or answer clinical questions. We do not provide medical services outside clinic hours. If you have an emergency, kindly visit the Emergency Department of a hospital. 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.

Question 11

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?

Accepted Answer

The doctor is not available to answer telephone calls or messages from patients. Our receptionist is available during clinic working hours to answer routine administrative and appointment-related queries. However, the receptionist cannot provide medical advice or answer questions about diagnosis, treatment, medicines, investigation results or whether you need a followup. We do NOT provide medical consultation or followup advice by telephone, WhatsApp or other messaging services. If you have a followup enquiry or medical doubt, you should discuss it with the doctor during your next consultation. 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.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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. 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. 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. 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.

Question 13

What kind of endoscopies can be done in the clinic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What procedures are done in the clinic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What procedures cannot be done at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

How is ear wax removed at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

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. 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. 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. Microscopic suction done at Dr Joel's Clinic

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Patient Privacy and Confidentiality We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of every patient. If your spouse, family member, or relative has consulted with our doctor, we will not disclose any information regarding the consultation, diagnosis, treatment, investigation results, prescriptions, or medical records to anyone other than the patient, except where disclosure is permitted or required by law. To protect patient privacy, we do not disclose medical information over telephone calls, WhatsApp, SMS, email, social media, or any other electronic or remote means of communication to relatives, friends, or any third party, regardless of the relationship claimed. Our staff are instructed not to discuss a patient's medical condition with anyone other than the patient or a person who is legally authorized to receive such information. Our reception staff can assist with general administrative queries, but cannot disclose confidential medical information. If you wish to discuss your relative's medical condition with the doctor, the patient must book an appointment and may be accompanied by you. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss the patient's medical information only with the patient's informed consent. Medicolegal Cases In consultations involving medicolegal issues—including, but not limited to, suspected or confirmed physical, sexual, or domestic abuse, child abuse, or other situations where legal proceedings may arise—we maintain strict confidentiality and will not disclose any information to family members or other third parties without the patient's consent. Information may be disclosed only where required or authorized by applicable law, including: When disclosure is required by a court of competent jurisdiction. When disclosure is required by law enforcement or other statutory authorities under applicable law. Where reporting is mandated by Indian law (for example, certain offences involving children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, or other mandatory reporting obligations). Where disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to life or safety, as permitted by law. Legal Basis Our privacy practices are guided by: The National Medical Commission (NMC) Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023 , which require registered medical practitioners to maintain patient confidentiality except where disclosure is legally permitted or mandated. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 , which governs the processing of personal data, including health-related personal data, subject to its applicable provisions. Other applicable laws, judicial directions, and statutory obligations in force in India. If you require copies of medical records or reports, they will ordinarily be provided only to the patient or to a person legally authorized to receive them, in accordance with applicable law.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

If you have a complaint, suggestion or feedback about your visit to the clinic, please contact our clinic administrator, Dr Jeslin , at 9446156506 . Our receptionist can assist with routine administrative matters, but is not responsible for resolving complaints, disputes or concerns regarding the clinic or medical care. If you prefer to provide written feedback, you may also send an email to feedback@drjoel.in . We will try to address your concerns as soon as possible. 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. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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