Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan, MD
Pediatric Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)*
15+ years of experience
Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan, MD is a pediatric otolaryngologist in Los Gatos, CA and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Balakrishnan has extensive experience in Sleep Apnea. He graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2005. He is affiliated with medical facilities Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Stanford Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
4.9 Star Rating
Based on 34 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (34 reviews)
Practice
14601 S Bascom Ave Ste 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032Telehealth available
Compare with other Pediatric Otolaryngologists
Compare Dr. Balakrishnan with our nearby Pediatric Otolaryngologists at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Make an appointment at Good Samaritan Hospital today at
(408) 692-3091.
Dr. Balakrishnan is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Ear, Nose, and Throat
The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology
- Above average experience
- Good hospital quality
- Good patient ratings
- No healthcare sanctions
Experience Check
Search for experience in a specific area
Dr. Balakrishnan's Reviews
Likelihood to recommend Dr. Balakrishnan
4.9
34 ratings, 30 with a written review
| 5 star | 97% | 97% |
| 4 star | 0% | 0% |
| 3 star | 3% | 3% |
| 2 star | 0% | 0% |
| 1 star | 0% | 0% |
Your trust is our top concern.
We strive to keep reviews honest, trustworthy, and fair.Doctors can not pay for good reviews, nor can they pay to have negative reviews removed.
We monitor all reviews to ensure they comply with our guidelines and don’t include personal information, profanity, libel, defamation, harassment, obscenity or fraud.
Any reviews that are deemed fraudulent or violate our guidelines will be removed immediately.
All reviews are confirmed and audited before publication, and community members have the ability to flag inappropriate content for further review by our team.
Scheduler took a long time and had difficulty communicating on the phone to discuss options for seeing the doctor.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
- Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
May 11, 2024
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Our daughter has laryngomalacia and so we had many appointments with Dr Balakrishnan, as well as a surgery, and he was wonderful throughout. Listened to our concerns and explained things very well. We always felt heard and felt like our daughter was in good hands. We were very thankful to have worked with him.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 20, 2019
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
We sought out Dr. Balakrishnan for a second opinion following a routine laryngoscopy for our 8 year old son, when he was diagnosed with idiopathic tracheal stenosis. Dr. B and his team were extremely knowledgeable and were able to sit with us and explain the surgery and answer all of our questions. His professionalism and kindness toward us and our son was amazing! He was able to fix the stenosis and our son is back to his normal active self! Thank you Dr. B and team at Mayo!!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 15, 2019
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan guides us every step of the way – making what was a scary and stressful situation become less strenuous because we were aware of the potential outcomes, understood what was happening and why it was happening, and had the space to ask the questions that would help us understand if we were confused or unsure. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to have Dr. Balakrishnan leading our team.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 14, 2019
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is a wonderful doctor. He was really knowledgeable and careful about our daughter’s ear issues, and explained everything to us very well. He called us personally, at home. I nearly fell to the floor in surprise when I answered the phone and he said he was looking for ___’s Mom. Then he spent 10-15 minutes answering our questions about the surgery we were considering! He was sensitive about cost concerns throughout our daughter’s care too, which we appreciated.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Melissa Holmen – May 30, 2018
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan has provided excellent care to my daughter. She is so much healthier since her sinus surgery. We live out of town and it is always easy to get in touch with him if issues arise. He is very easy to schedule with and even got us in 3 hours early for her appointment last week so we didn’t have to wait at the clinic. He is great with children, and I highly recommend him.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Cole in Louisiana – Apr 09, 2018
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
We went to Dr. Balakrishnan for a second opinion regarding an odd occurrence related to our daughter's nasopharyngeal reflux and ear tubes. He applied a creative solution, which he described in excellent detail to us prior to the surgery, to address the issue. We were very impressed with the outcome and would highly recommend Dr. Balakrishnan and the VPI team!
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 16, 2018
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is an amazing surgeon and a wonderful human being. My daughter was born with laryngomalacia. The doctors in my area were unable to treat it so we were flown to Mayo and she had surgery with Dr. Balakrishnan. I work in the medical field and even in my area I had heard how wonderful Dr. Balakrishnan is; he is highly respected by many medical professionals. When I met him I was so impressed with how kind, calm and reassuring he was. Thanks to him my baby is happy and healthy.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Denise Mosey in Dilworth, MN – Jan 07, 2018
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Very pleased with the care our daughter received from Dr Balakrishnan, would highly recommend. Very thorough in going over our options for treatment/care. The day of surgery he made sure we knew exactly what was going on and what he estimated. After surgery, he took the time to come and sit with us and go over how everything went and post op care. Again, very thorough at follow-up appt making sure all our questions were answered. We felt very comfortable with him and the time he took
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Peterson in Sacred Heart, MN – Dec 22, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is our favorite doctor we're ever had for our son. Dr. B has been involved in his care since he was one week old. In a very scary situation we felt comfortable with the recommendations given to us by Dr. B. He has always given us options on what to do with our son's healthcare proving scenarios and results as well as recovery time estimates for his procedures. He's easy to understand and his bedside manner is superb. There is truly no better doctor than Dr. Balakrishnan.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
St. Charles, Mn – Dec 16, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
My daughter has had previous bad experiences with male doctors and ENT doctors so when we first went to Dr. B we were leary. Through his technique, style of building rapport, and character as a physician Dr. B changed my daughter's outlook on ENT appointments completely. She loves the guy even though he looks in her nose and does things that used to terrify her. We will never go to another ENT doctor as long as Dr. B is around. His heart is in it and it shows.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lora Boyum (mom of patient) in Stewartville – Nov 10, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
We received outstanding care for our 12 year old son. Dr. Balakrishnan is very caring and explains everything so well. We were confident after our first appointment that our son was in VERY good hands for his vocal chord surgery.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Karla Bestul in Mondovi, WI – Apr 26, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is amazing!!! I'm not sure they get any better than he is!!! My child loves him. He's funny, caring, and extremely brilliant! He made a great imppresion from the start. As my daughter's surgeon he took the best care of her, and never left any stone unturned. Words really can't explain how great he is, he has made our life so much happier, maby we could say he's SUPERMAN, Ssh.., it's a secret!!!! But really he's a great find as our ENT DOC.
SENCERLY, the Kordiak family.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jen Kordiak in Hinckley mn – Mar 24, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Our family initially went to Dr. Balakrishnan to receive a second opinion about my son's congenital condition (Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis) and tracheostomy dependency. My husband and I were so impressed with Dr. Balakrishnan's professionalism, advanced knowledge, thoroughness, willingness to answer questions, and caring demeanor. The impact he has made on my son's life and on our lives is something we will forever be grateful for. My son LOVES visiting Dr. B. and gives him two thumbs up!!
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Amy in Andover, MN – Mar 20, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
We have a 3 year old that Dr.Balakrishnan performed surgery on. We have been impressed with the care we have received and I have felt confident in the medical expertise that has been provided. I am confident in our doctor and trust him to make the best decisions regarding our little guy. I would highly recommend the care provided by Dr.Balakrishnan and his team.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
- Long wait times
Helpful
Melissa in St Cloud, MN – Mar 05, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
He is hands down our favorite Dr. He is extremely knowledgeable, very personable, incredibly competent, listens to my concerns, easy to contact, quick to respond, and my kids absolutely love him (and we see him quite frequently). He doesn't 'dumb down' things, but explains everything with complete understanding. We have at least 20 different Drs that we see, and I have told everyone that he is my absolute favorite.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Kristina Sather in Rochester, MN – Feb 14, 2017
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is an amazing ENT. My son has Down Syndrome, and has required multiple visits to see him. Dr Balakrishnan has always gone above and beyond to make sure he is doing everything in his power for my son, and he makes you feel like you're the only patient he's taking care of. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Alexander in Pine Island, MN – Dec 20, 2016
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Our experience with Dr.Balakrishnan is AMAZING! He told us from the start that he would figure out our little man and he did. I trust Dr. Balakrishnan with the care of my son 110%. I cannot thank him enough for all the great care he has given our son.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Kellie Quade in Wabasha, MN – Aug 22, 2016
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan went above and beyond with our daughter Cate on MANY different occasions in the past 4 months specifically. His patience, grace, and true heart for children came through in his talking with Cate and with myself as her mom. He is so very, very thorough with anything he is presenting in regards to care for Cate, and also works SO well with every physician on her team! He treated Cate with respect and a tenderness that helped in very traumatic health situations with Cate.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dr. Karthik Balakrishnan in Platte, SD – Aug 17, 2016
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Dr. Balakrishnan is absolutely the best!
My son Joshue is 20 years old and has cerebral palsy. He was suffering form constant pneumonias. We where surprise how well the doctor explained his condition and how his salivary glands were cousin him to aspirate. My son had his salivary glands removed and has been pneumonia free. We feel bless to have such a wonderful doctor.
What went well
- Office environment
- Appointment scheduling
- Listened & answered questions
- Explained conditions well
- Staff friendliness
- Appointment wasn't rushed
- Trusted the provider's decisions
- Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Joshue Fernandez in Las Vegas, NV – Jul 10, 2016
Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Balakrishnan?
Leave a review
How was your experience with Dr. Balakrishnan?Overall Patient Satisfaction
34responses
Likelihood of recommending Dr. Balakrishnan to family and friends is 4.9411764 out of 5
About Me
care philosophy
Work closely with patients and families and the Stanford Children's multidisciplinary aerodigestive, voice/swallow, and vascular anomalies teams to help children achieve the best possible airway and aerodigestive outcomes with the...read morebiography
Specific training, surgical, and research expertise in pediatric airway and aerodigestive diagnosis and reconstruction including complex diagnoses such as laryngotracheal stenosis, laryngeal cleft, laryngeal web, and complete tracheal...read morePediatric Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Sleep Medicine Otolaryngology
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Laryngology
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Rhinology
Sinus Surgery
*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Fellowship Hospital, 2014University Of Washington-master Of Public Health
2008University Of Washington
Internship Hospital, 2006University Of Washington, Seattle
Internship Hospital, 2006Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Medical School, 2005Harvard Medical School
Undergraduate School, 1999Harvard University
Undergraduate School, 1999
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery®
-
Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology
-
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.
Learn more about medical license public record checkHealthgrades Tips for Getting the Best Care for Your Child
Insurance Check
Search for your insurance carrier and choose your plan type
Locations
Practice
Practice
Practice
Practice
Ophthalmology-Watson Court-Palo Alto2452 Watson Ct Ste 1500 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Affiliated Hospitals
- Recipient of 34
hospital awardsAmerica's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)
Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions
View all awardsAmerica's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)
Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions
View all patient feedbackHow patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.
89%Patients said they were given information about recovering at home5% higher than the national average
84%Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family19% higher than the national average
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality
Compare with other Pediatric Otolaryngologists
Compare Dr. Balakrishnan with our nearby Pediatric Otolaryngologists at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Make an appointment at Good Samaritan Hospital today at
(408) 692-3091.