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Dr. Seema Pai, MD

Accepting New Patients

(1314 Ratings)

Specializes in: Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

University of Toledo College of Medicine (2008)

Professional interests include: myringoplasty, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), ruptured eardrum, and more.

106 Irving Street Northwest Po Box 2700 North
Washington, DC 20010

(202) 877-6733

Dr. Seema Pai, MD is an otolaryngologist in Brandywine, MD specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). She graduated from University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2008 and has 16 years of experience. Dr. Seema Pai, MD is affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, MedStar Health and WHC PHYSICIAN GROUP LLC.

Office Locations

Address:

13950 Brandywine Road 1st Floor
Brandywine, MD 20613

Address:

3062 Waldorf Market Place
Waldorf, MD 20603

Address:

106 Irving Street Northwest Po Box 2700 North
Washington, DC 20010

Some issues Dr. Seema Pai, MD can help you with:

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove a small sample of cells for testing. The cells are examined in a laboratory to check for disease, or sometimes to see how badly a known disease is affecting them. Biopsy can be performed on any part of the body.

Although biopsy is most often associated with cancer, it can also be used to check for other diseases, such as infections. A biopsy sample can be scraped, cut, collected with a needle, taken with a machine that punches out a tiny piece, or removed with the tiny tools in an endoscope.

In most cases, a biopsy is a simple outpatient procedure. Depending on the procedure, patients may need to stop taking certain medications beforehand, such as blood thinners. It is important for patients to tell doctors if they are pregnant, as certain biopsies require the use of x-rays to guide the needle to the right location. There is usually very little pain associated with a biopsy. Patients will have to wait a few days to hear the results.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove both tonsils and is most widely used to treat tonsillitis (tonsil inflammation), which occurs when the tonsils (two tissue glands in the back of the throat) become infected and enlarged. Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are frequently caused by tonsilitis. Similar conditions that tonsillectomy may treat include recurring throat infections (6 or more per year) and obstructed breathing from enlarged tonsils that block the airway.

Tonsillectomies are usually performed on children; however, many adults also undergo the procedure. A tonsillectomy generally only lasts for about half an hour following the administration of anesthesia. The otolaryngologist (ENT) or surgeon performing a tonsillectomy may employ a variety of medical techniques, such as:

Cold Knife Dissection: A cold knife dissection is the most popular tonsil removal method. A surgeon removes the tonsils using a steel scalpel and repairs the region with sutures (stitches) or electrocautery (high heat) to stop bleeding. This technique is favored for those with obstructed breathing.
Electrocautery: Other tonsillectomy methods include a full tonsil removal by electrocautery, where the surgeon uses a high heat device to burn off the tonsils and cauterize the bleeding tissue. Electrocautery is more painful than cold knife dissection.
Harmonic Scalpel: A third technique is where the surgeon uses a harmonic scalpel (vibrating bladed device) to first cut off the tonsils, and then coagulate bleeding using the harmonic scalpel's heat and vibration. Harmonic scalpel is the most precise form of tonsillectomy.
Radiofrequency Ablation: To perform the radiofrequency ablation technique, the surgeon places small probes into the tonsil that transmit radiofrequency energy to the tonsil tissue. The delivered energy damages and scars the tonsils, gradually minimizing the tonsils' size. Unlike the other three methods, radiofrequency ablation is performed in-office with or without general anesthesia and has minimal recovery time. Patients can expect to return to daily activities nearly immediately and may receive radiofrequency ablation every few months. While radiofrequency ablation does reduce tonsil inflammation, it is not often prescribed to those with severe tonsillitis or breathing disorders.

Patients are typically able to return home shortly after having their tonsils removed. Tonsillectomy recovery time may range from around ten days to two weeks. During this time, it is common for patients to have a sore throat, neck pain, and a hoarse voice. Patients are advised to consume soft foods such as ice cream and applesauce to avoid further throat irritation. After recovering from tonsillectomy, many patients experience improved breathing, reduced irritation, and an overall improved quality of life.

doctor visit	6

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	15

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	14
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	11
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	48
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	422
ear procedures	102
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	83
minimally invasive procedures	83

**Gender**
Male	212
Female	400

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	256
Black	322
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	278
From 75 to 84	180
85 and over	72
Less than 65	82

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	43
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

doctor visit	640
ear procedures	120
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	103
minimally invasive procedures	103

**Gender**
Male	150
Female	293

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	202
Black	218
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	183
From 75 to 84	128
85 and over	50
Less than 65	82

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	43
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

doctor visit	726
ear procedures	154
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	109
minimally invasive procedures	109

**Gender**
Male	155
Female	349

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	215
Black	255
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	236
From 75 to 84	137
85 and over	50
Less than 65	81

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	41
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

doctor visit	767
ear procedures	186
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	136
minimally invasive procedures	136

**Gender**
Male	186
Female	370

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	235
Black	293
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	12
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	256
From 75 to 84	170
85 and over	56
Less than 65	74

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	6
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	40
Dementia	10
Cancer	10

doctor visit	835
ear procedures	226
hospital care	14
inpatient care	14
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	158
minimally invasive procedures	158

**Gender**
Male	187
Female	410

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	251
Black	314
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	250
From 75 to 84	198
85 and over	64
Less than 65	85

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	42
Dementia	12
Cancer	12

doctor visit	687
ear procedures	167
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	100
minimally invasive procedures	100

**Gender**
Male	176
Female	344

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	225
Black	270
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	231
From 75 to 84	166
85 and over	57
Less than 65	66

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	40
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

doctor visit	1645
ear procedures	465
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	239
minimally invasive procedures	239

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2014 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Seema Pai, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Seema Pai, MD treated as an otolaryngologist in Brandywine, MD were ear procedures, minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures and hospital care.

doctor visit	718
ear procedures	202
hospital care	12
inpatient care	12
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	132
minimally invasive procedures	132

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2014 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Seema Pai, MD.

**Gender**
Male	108
Female	218

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	167
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	139
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	2
Other	2

**Age**
75 to 84	99
85 and over	34
Less than 65	47
65 to 74	143

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Seema Pai, MD From 2014 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Seema Pai, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	9
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	29
Atrial Fibrillation	4
Cancer	6
Dementia	6

Education & Training

Dr. Seema Pai, MD graduated from University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2008. She completed residency at Montefiore Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology and has a state license in Virginia.

Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine (2008)

Residency: Montefiore Medical Center (2013)

Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology

Licensed In: Virginia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Seema Pai, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

MedStar Health

WHC PHYSICIAN GROUP LLC

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Seema Pai, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, MAMSI, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, Community Care Network (CCN), TRICARE, Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Select, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA Indemnity, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Coventry National Network PPO, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Virginia Premier Health Plan, WellPoint, Aetna, CIGNA Network Open Access, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), HealthyBlue PPO, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Traditional Medicare Fee for Service, United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Carefirst EPO, Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus, United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, United Select HMO - EPO/NPP, United MD IPA Preferred (POS), United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO), Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP), Innovation Health: Network Only Plus, United MD IPA (HMO), United Choice Plus, CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans), Innovation Health: PPO, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, United Choice, United Optimum Choice, Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Innovation Health: POS, Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, United Select Plus (POS), CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced, United Erickson Advantage Plans, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS), D-SNP), I-SNP, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, United Core Essential (HMO), Innovation Health: POS Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP, Innovation Health: Open POS II, Innovation Health: Indemnity, United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, United Navigate, Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO, Police and Fire Clinic and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Seema Pai, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Choice Fund PPO

MAMSI

First Health PPO

Blue Choice

Golden Rule

Great-West Healthcare

Community Care Network (CCN)

TRICARE

Coventry

TRICARE Reserve Select

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Aetna HMO

Kaiser Select

Kaiser Permanente

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

CIGNA Indemnity

AmeriHealth

AARP

Medicare Advantage

Coventry National Network PPO

Amerigroup

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Humana

Cigna

Virginia Premier Health Plan

WellPoint

Aetna

CIGNA Network Open Access

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

HealthyBlue PPO

MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst NASCO

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

Traditional Medicare Fee for Service

United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)

Innovation Health: Open POS Plus

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

Carefirst EPO

Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus

United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program

CareFirst Administrators

United Student Resources

United Select HMO - EPO/NPP

United MD IPA Preferred (POS)

United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO)

Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)

Innovation Health: Network Only Plus

United MD IPA (HMO)

United Choice Plus

CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans)

Innovation Health: PPO

HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance

United Choice

United Optimum Choice

Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)

Innovation Health: POS

Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)

Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus

United Select Plus (POS)

CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced

United Erickson Advantage Plans

Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice

Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)

Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS)

D-SNP)

I-SNP

CareFirst MedStar PPO

CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity

United Core Essential (HMO)

Innovation Health: POS Plus

HumanaChoice PPO

United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP

Innovation Health: Open POS II

Innovation Health: Indemnity

United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

United Navigate

Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO

Police and Fire Clinic

CareFirst MedStar Select PPO

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Seema Pai, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1314 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Seema Pai, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Brandywine, MD.

4.9

Overall Rating

(1314 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-06-12