Christopher Prichard, MD is an ENT Specialist practicing at Texas Ear, Nose & Throat in Houston, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive ENT care to all ages. He is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are medical doctors and surgeons who diagnose and treat a wide array of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, from common issues like sinus infections and hearing loss to complex cases such as head and neck cancers, often working in collaboration with your primary care physician. Dr. Prichard, a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience to his practice, having earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 2002, completed an internship and residency at Baylor Medical Center, and joined Texas Ear, Nose & Throat in 2017. He is Board Certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He is a member of several prestigious professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of ENT care. He is currently welcoming new patients, and they should call (832) 678-8333 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Christopher Prichard provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Prichard is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Prichard's approach to ENT care prioritizes comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans. He meticulously examines each patient's unique needs, from routine check-ups to complex surgical interventions, ensuring a thorough understanding of their condition and its impact on their overall well-being. This patient-centered approach, combined with his commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in the field, results in a high level of care tailored to each individual's specific needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Prichard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Group Health Network
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Prime Health Services
- Signature Administrators PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Prichard offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Allergic Rhinitis: An ENT specialist can diagnose and treat allergic rhinitis, a condition causing nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching due to allergens like pollen or pet dander.
- Laryngeal Cancer: Because the larynx is in the throat, an ENT doctor is the specialist to see if you're diagnosed with or concerned about laryngeal cancer; they offer various treatment options.
- Broken Nose: An ENT doctor can diagnose and treat a broken nose, which involves a break in the nasal bones and often requires a physical examination and X-rays.
- Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: An ENT doctor helps manage salivary gland problems, including painful swelling from stones, using treatments ranging from medication to surgical removal of obstructions.
- Suppurative Otitis Media: An ENT specialist diagnoses and treats suppurative otitis media, a middle ear infection filled with pus, often using antibiotics or ear tube placement.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, potentially leading to bone problems, kidney stones, and other issues; an ENT surgeon can help diagnose and manage this condition, sometimes through surgery.
- Acute Pharyngitis: If you have a painful, inflamed throat that appeared suddenly, you may have acute pharyngitis. An ENT doctor can help identify the cause and suggest effective ways to manage your symptoms.
- Ear Infection: ENT doctors specialize in treating all types of ear infections, from simple infections to more complex conditions needing surgery.
- Nasal Polyp: If you have persistent nasal congestion and a runny nose due to nasal polyps, an ENT doctor can provide diagnosis and treatment options, such as medication or surgery.
- Hoarse Voice (Dysphonia): A hoarse voice, or dysphonia, means your voice sounds raspy, breathy, or strained, and an ENT doctor can diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
- Hyperthyroidism: Experiencing symptoms like nervousness, weight loss, and rapid heart rate? These could be signs of hyperthyroidism, a condition an ENT surgeon can assess and manage.
- Thrush: Characterized by creamy white lesions on your tongue or inner cheeks, thrush is a yeast infection treatable by an ENT doctor.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Prichard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Diagnostic Nasal and Sinus Endoscopy: To pinpoint the source of sinus pain, congestion, or other nasal issues, your doctor may use a tiny camera to view the inside of your nose and sinuses during a nasal and sinus endoscopy.
- Ethmoidectomy (Sinus Surgery): Ethmoidectomy is a sinus surgery to remove parts of the ethmoid bone, relieving pressure and improving drainage in your sinuses.
- Sleep Study: A sleep study is a non-invasive procedure that helps doctors pinpoint the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or other sleep disturbances.
- Salivary Gland Surgery: This surgery aims to fix issues with your salivary glands, which might involve removing a diseased gland, repairing a damaged duct, or addressing infections.
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): This painless test involves a camera on a flexible tube, inserted through your nose, to view your swallowing mechanism and identify potential issues like weakness or blockages.
- Tracheal Surgery: Sometimes, a surgeon needs to operate on the trachea to remove blockages or repair damage.
- Ablation or Excision of Nasal Turbinates: This surgery targets enlarged tissue in the nose (nasal turbinates) that may be causing breathing difficulties, improving airflow and nasal breathing.
- Hearing Screening: A hearing screening involves a series of sounds played at different volumes to assess your hearing ability.
- Thyroidectomy: Thyroidectomy involves removing your thyroid gland or a portion of it, usually to address problems like overactive thyroid or cancerous growths.
- Nasal Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): A deviated nasal septum can make breathing difficult; septoplasty corrects this by straightening the nasal cartilage and bone.
- Tonsillectomy: This surgery involves removing the tonsils to alleviate issues like severe, repeated tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnea.
- Rhinoseptoplasty: If you have trouble breathing through your nose due to a deviated septum, rhinoseptoplasty can help.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Prichard is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from chronic sneezing and nasal congestion, significantly improving their quality of life. They were empowered to manage their allergic rhinitis effectively.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from an ENT specialist, a patient successfully managed their laryngeal cancer, maintaining a good quality of life. They felt empowered by understanding their condition and the available treatment options.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Texas ENT Specialists
8731 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX, 77024
Phone: (832) 678-8333
View on Map - Texas ENT Specialists
18400 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX, 77094
Phone: (281) 492-7827
View on Map
- Baylor Medical Center (Residency Hospital) - 2007
- Baylor Medical Center (Internship Hospital) - 2003
- HARVARD Medical School (Medical School) - 2002
- American Board of Otolaryngology (Otolaryngology)
- American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving ENT care with Dr. Prichard:
- What kind of conditions does an ENT specialist treat?
- Dr. Prichard, an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor and surgeon who treats a wide range of conditions affecting the head and neck. He specializes in ear problems (infections, hearing loss, dizziness), nasal and sinus issues (allergies, sinusitis, breathing problems), and throat conditions (voice disorders, swallowing problems, tonsillitis). He also has expertise in thyroid surgery and head/neck tumors.
- Do I need a referral to see an ENT?
- Dr. Prichard's office accepts many insurance plans. While some, like HMOs, require a referral from your primary care physician, others, like PPOs, do not. To be sure, please check with your insurance provider to confirm referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- Is it normal for my voice to be hoarse for a long time?
- Hoarseness from a cold or overuse should improve within a couple of weeks. If hoarseness persists longer than 2-3 weeks, it's important to seek evaluation. Dr. Prichard can perform a laryngoscopy to identify the cause, which could include acid reflux, vocal cord nodules, or other conditions.
- I found a lump in my neck. What should I do?
- While many neck lumps are benign, like swollen lymph nodes from an infection, any persistent lump warrants evaluation. Dr. Prichard is an expert in diagnosing head and neck masses and can perform a thorough examination, including a biopsy if needed, to determine the cause.
- What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
- Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness, a spinning sensation, often caused by inner ear issues. Dr. Prichard can perform tests to diagnose the cause of your vertigo.
- I have frequent sinus infections. When should I see an ENT instead of my primary care doctor?
- If your sinus infections are chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks), recurrent (happening 4 or more times a year), or not improving with standard treatments, you should see an ENT like Dr. Prichard. An ENT can perform a nasal endoscopy in the office to get a better look and determine the underlying cause.
- What is a hearing test (audiogram) like?
- Dr. Prichard will conduct a simple, painless hearing test in a soundproof booth. You will wear headphones and indicate when you hear a series of tones. This helps him determine the type and degree of any hearing loss.
- My child gets a lot of ear infections. Do they need ear tubes?
- Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are often recommended for children with recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the ear that affects hearing. The tiny tubes help ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup. Dr. Prichard can evaluate your child to see if they are a good candidate for this common and safe procedure.
8731 Katy Fwy
Houston TX 77024
Phone: (832) 678-8333
Christopher Prichard, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1457558546
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Christopher Prichard are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.