If you’re being referred to an ENT in Houston you’re probably feeling pretty miserable. Whether it’s a repeated ear infection, sore throat, or your sinuses are staging a rebellion, you’re definitely not feeling your best. Right now, your primary goal is relieving your symptoms. You don’t want to waste time visiting a bunch of ENTs who aren’t equipped to properly treat your condition. So, what should you look for in an ear, nose, and throat specialist? The answer can vary depending on your diagnosis but a few things are the same.
What Does Your Insurance Have to Say?
A visit to an ENT usually means you have a referral from a primary care physician. In other words, this isn’t like a visit to a walk-in clinic. The receptionist is probably going to ask for your referral and you may not get an appointment without one.
With that being said, since an ENT is a specialist medical costs are usually a tad higher compared to what you pay for an annual physical. You’re probably going to want some help covering the medical costs, and this usually means turning to your insurance provider. Guess what? Your insurance probably doesn’t cover every ENT in Houston. If you visit an ENT out of your insurance company’s network, you’re responsible for paying all associated costs.
A quick call to your health insurance provider can prevent this issue. Your insurance agent can even give you a list of all Houston-based ENTs covered under your insurance policy.
Online Reviews Can Be Informational Goldmines
When you want to get the bare truth about a business or a professional, online reviews generally give you a pretty unbiased opinion. Sure, you’re going to find some fawning reviews. Some people really like their ENT specialist. You’re also going to run into some disturbingly negative reviews. This can also be common. Just try to take any seemingly over-the-top review with a grain or two of salt.
You’re looking for the straightforward reviews. You know the ones that help answer your questions like what’s the ENT’s bedside manner like and do they listen to their patients? Think about your concerns and look for reviews addressing them. Along with reviews on the ENT website, you can also check local health online message boards.
Try to get reviews from a few different sources. This way, you get a better picture of what to expect from the ENT. Don’t forget about friends and family. They may also be able to recommend an ENT specialist.
Check Credentials and Experience
There’s nothing wrong with going to an ENT fresh out of residency. On the other hand, there’s something to be said for experience. The best advice is to go with what feels best for your health. If you’re comfortable with a recently certified ENT, then make your appointment and get ready to start your treatment plan. However, if you have a particularly complex condition, you may want to go with experience.
All ENTs practicing in Houston must be certified by the proper governing medical bodies. In this case, the certification is awarded by The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS). A good place to check for credentials is the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The non-profit tracks and publishes the names and credentials of ENT specialists in Houston and across the country.
Does the ENT Specialize in Your Problem Area?
Just because ENT stands for ears, nose, and throat doesn’t necessarily mean every professional is skilled at treating your health complaint. ENTs often specialize and you don’t want to go to a hearing specialist if you’re dealing with a constant sinus infection. Before scheduling your appointment, make sure the ENT is familiar with your health problem. Once again, your primary care provider or health insurance can give you a list of referrals.
Convenience Can Matter
Houston doesn’t really have good traffic days. Add in the fact the metro area is extremely spread out and getting anywhere in Houston can easily turn into a road trip. Since this probably isn’t what you want every time you need to see an ENT specialist, location can be a top consideration.
You probably want a convenient location that doesn’t take an hour or longer to reach in a vehicle. If surgery may be a necessary treatment, look for hospitals close to home. Find out if the ENT is registered at the hospital. This little convenience can be huge after surgery. The last thing you probably want is a long drive home after an ENT surgical procedure.
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