Many of us look at healthcare as a process where our doctors make decisions, and we simply listen to those decisions. However, your comfort, preferences, and personal needs should play a significant role in your healthcare, including choosing the right doctor in the first place.
Selecting the right ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is just as important as choosing any other kind of doctor. Whether you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or sinus problems, or need a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, picking a doctor who will acknowledge your concerns and meet your needs is essential.
Picking a doctor can be tricky, but today your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list three steps to ease the process.
Tips for Picking the Right Doctor
1. Consider Your Needs
Before you can decide which ENT will align with your needs, you need to identify exactly what those needs are. ENT doctors specialize in specific fields and often have more experience dealing with certain issues or age groups than others.
Personal factors that could come into play when choosing an ENT include:
- Age
- Your diagnosis
- Gender
- Preference for virtual or in-person visits
- Your insurance coverage
Once you have a clear picture of your own needs and preferences, you can begin researching ENTs in your area.
2. Researching ENTs
Next, you will need to gather information about the ENTs you are considering. You can then use this information to narrow down your list of options. Using the ENT’s own website, state websites, and Healthgrades.com, you can learn a lot about the ENT’s experience, history, and personal information. Aspects that you should consider include:
- Referrals from friends and doctors
- The ENT’s credentials and board certification
- The ENT’s experience with your age, gender, and diagnosis group
- The ENT’s history of malpractice or disciplinary actions
- Patient reviews
- The ENT’s gender
Ideally, you will find an ENT with experience regarding your specific needs, age, and gender. You also may wish to choose an ENT of the same gender as yourself if that will make you more comfortable sharing personal information. Another approach you can try is to check reviews from existing patients in order to verify that the ENT has a history of good service.
If any of this information isn’t available online, you can ask the ENT or their office directly.
3. Getting Direct Information
Finally, another way to ensure that the ENT you’ve chosen is the best possible fit for you is to call and speak with the ENT or their office to get more information. This is a good way to learn more about the ENT’s specific experience, training, and history of surgery complications.
Beyond that information, consulting with an ENT before you make your final decision will give you the opportunity to gauge whether or not the ENT’s communications style works for you. You need to be able to have open and clear conversations with your doctor regarding your needs and concerns. This means getting complete answers to any questions you may have, feeling free to voice any concerns, and having your concerns respected and addressed. Your ENT should be interested in getting to know you and your needs in order to give you the best service possible.
Consulting ahead of time will also allow you to ask about the doctor’s telehealth capabilities. While virtual appointments don’t replace in-person visits, they can reduce the number of trips you will need to make to the doctor’s office. Check-ups on symptoms and routine follow-ups can often be carried out over video or phone, saving you time and effort.
It is also worth noting that calling ahead will let you verify that the ENT is covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance coverage available is usually the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a doctor. Regardless, it is best to be absolutely sure to take the aforementioned details into account when evaluating between the ENTs covered by your plan.