Sinus problems can affect far more than your nose. Ongoing congestion, facial pressure, drainage, headaches, ear pressure, and difficulty breathing can interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and everyday life.
Glatz Group provides comprehensive sinus care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley from our McAllen location. Our team evaluates what is causing recurring sinus symptoms and helps patients understand the treatment options available to them.
A stuffy nose may be temporary. Sinus problems that continue returning are different.
Chronic inflammation, allergies, sinus infections, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can all make it difficult for the nose and sinuses to function normally.
The first step is understanding why the symptoms keep happening.
Patients sometimes get used to living with congestion and pressure, especially when symptoms have been present for months or years.
Common symptoms that may deserve a closer look include:
An ENT evaluation can help determine whether these symptoms are coming from chronic sinusitis, allergies, inflammation, a physical blockage, or another condition.
Different sinus problems can produce very similar symptoms. That is why simply treating congestion over and over may not solve the underlying problem.
At Glatz Group, the focus is on identifying the cause first. Once the source of the problem is better understood, treatment can be based on what is actually happening inside the nose and sinuses.
The Rio Grande Valley can expose patients to pollen and other environmental triggers throughout much of the year. For people with allergies, that exposure can contribute to inflammation inside the nose.
Allergy related inflammation may contribute to congestion, sneezing, drainage, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
For some patients, addressing allergies is an important part of improving overall sinus health.
Learn more about allergy care at Glatz Group.
Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed. When those symptoms continue for an extended period or repeatedly return, patients may be dealing with chronic sinusitis.
Pressure, congestion, drainage, reduced smell, headaches, and recurring infections are common reasons patients seek an ENT evaluation.
Inflammation is not the only thing that can interfere with breathing and sinus drainage. Structural problems inside the nose may also restrict normal airflow.
Nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can contribute to persistent congestion and sinus symptoms.
Learn more about nasal polyps and obstruction.
A sinus evaluation gives your ENT team an opportunity to look beyond the symptoms and determine what may be contributing to the problem.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some patients may benefit from medication or allergy management. Others may need an office procedure or surgical treatment to address an obstruction or chronic sinus disease.
The goal is not to recommend the same solution for every patient. It is to match treatment to the actual cause of the symptoms.
Many sinus conditions respond well to medical treatment. However, some patients continue experiencing pressure, congestion, infections, or difficulty breathing even after trying medication.
When symptoms continue, additional treatment options may be worth discussing with an ENT specialist.
Balloon sinuplasty may be an option for qualifying patients with chronic sinus problems. The procedure is designed to open blocked sinus pathways and improve normal drainage.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty to patients in the Rio Grande Valley since 2012.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty.
The nose, sinuses, and ears are closely connected. Changes in pressure and inflammation can sometimes make the ears feel full, plugged, or uncomfortable.
If ear pressure frequently happens along with congestion or sinus symptoms, evaluating both may help identify the source of the problem.
Learn more about sinus pressure and ear pressure.
For many patients, successful sinus treatment is about more than clearing a stuffy nose.
It can mean breathing more comfortably through the nose, sleeping with less congestion, exercising without constantly feeling blocked, experiencing fewer sinus infections, and spending less time thinking about sinus pressure.
Glatz Group provides sinus evaluation, medical treatment, allergy care, office procedures, and surgical options from our McAllen location.
Keeping evaluation and treatment within one ENT practice allows patients to move through the process with a team that already understands their symptoms and history.
If chronic congestion, sinus pressure, drainage, recurring infections, or difficulty breathing through your nose are interfering with your life, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing the problem.
Visit Glatz Group at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Schedule Your Sinus Evaluation
When ear, nose, throat, hearing, sinus, or sleep problems start affecting everyday life, having access to the right specialist matters. Glatz Group provides comprehensive ENT care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley from our McAllen location.
Our team evaluates conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, hearing, breathing, and sleep so patients can better understand what is causing their symptoms and what treatment options may be available.
ENT conditions often overlap. Sinus inflammation can create pressure in the ears. Nasal obstruction can interfere with sleep. Hearing problems can affect communication, work, and quality of life.
Glatz Group provides care across the full ENT spectrum, giving patients throughout the Valley access to evaluation, treatment, advanced procedures, hearing care, and surgical options when appropriate.
Some ear, nose, and throat symptoms clear on their own. Others continue returning, become more severe, or begin affecting sleep and daily activities.
An ENT evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are connected and what may be causing them.
Ear problems can range from temporary infections and pressure to hearing loss, dizziness, chronic ear conditions, and problems that require advanced treatment.
Glatz Group evaluates ear symptoms and provides hearing care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including hearing evaluations, hearing solutions, cochlear implants, and implantable hearing technology.
Explore ear and hearing care at Glatz Group.
Constant congestion and sinus pressure are not something patients should simply learn to live with. Chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can all make breathing difficult.
Our ENT team evaluates the cause of recurring sinus and nasal symptoms and can recommend medical treatment, allergy management, office procedures, or surgical treatment when appropriate.
Persistent throat pain, tonsil problems, changes in your voice, swallowing concerns, and other throat symptoms may require evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Because the nose, throat, and airway work together, an ENT evaluation can also help determine whether another condition is contributing to recurring throat symptoms.
Sleep problems are not always just sleep problems. Snoring, interrupted breathing, poor quality sleep, morning headaches, and daytime fatigue may be connected to problems affecting the airway.
Glatz Group evaluates sleep related breathing conditions and offers treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, including Inspire therapy for qualifying patients.
Learn more about Inspire sleep apnea treatment.
Allergies can contribute to congestion, drainage, sinus pressure, sneezing, ear pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
For patients with recurring nasal and sinus symptoms, identifying allergy triggers and controlling inflammation may be an important part of treatment.
Learn more about allergy care.
Patients should not have to leave the Rio Grande Valley simply to access experienced ENT care. Glatz Group provides evaluation and treatment for a wide range of conditions from our McAllen location.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz is a board certified otolaryngologist who attended Wake Forest University for medical school and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins.
His experience includes advanced sinus treatment, hearing restoration, cochlear implants, implantable hearing technology, sleep apnea treatment, and comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care.
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve medication, monitoring, hearing technology, an office procedure, or surgery. Having access to multiple options through one ENT practice can make it easier to move from diagnosis to treatment.
The right treatment starts with understanding the problem first.
Glatz Group welcomes patients from across the Rio Grande Valley at our McAllen office.
Whether you are looking for help with ear problems, hearing changes, chronic sinus symptoms, nasal obstruction, throat concerns, sleep apnea, or another ENT condition, our team can help determine the next step.
Visit Glatz Group at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, headaches, and trouble breathing through your nose can make everyday life uncomfortable. When those symptoms keep returning, it may be time to find out what is causing them.
Glatz Group provides comprehensive sinus care in McAllen for patients dealing with chronic sinus problems, nasal obstruction, allergies, recurring infections, and other conditions affecting the nose and sinuses.
Sinus problems are not always as simple as having a stuffy nose. Inflammation, allergies, structural problems, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and chronic sinusitis can all contribute to ongoing symptoms.
At Glatz Group, our goal is to determine what is causing the problem first. From there, we can discuss treatment options designed around your symptoms and your individual needs.
Sinus symptoms can return for many different reasons. Some patients may be dealing with allergies or inflammation. Others may have a physical blockage that makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain normally.
An ENT evaluation can help identify whether your symptoms are being caused by chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, polyps, turbinate problems, allergies, or another condition affecting normal airflow and drainage.
Symptoms that continue, frequently return, or interfere with your daily life may be worth discussing with an ENT specialist.
When sinus inflammation continues for an extended period of time or infections repeatedly return, the problem may be chronic sinusitis.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. An evaluation can help determine whether medication, allergy management, an office procedure, or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Not every sinus problem is caused by an infection. Structural conditions inside the nose can restrict airflow and interfere with normal sinus drainage.
Conditions such as nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other nasal obstructions may contribute to persistent congestion and difficulty breathing.
Learn more about nasal polyps and nasal obstruction.
Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose, which may lead to congestion, sneezing, drainage, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably.
For some patients, managing allergies is an important part of improving long term sinus and nasal health.
Learn more about allergy care.
Medication can provide relief for many sinus conditions, but some patients continue to experience pressure, congestion, infections, or difficulty breathing despite treatment.
When symptoms continue, Glatz Group can evaluate whether additional treatment options may be appropriate.
For qualifying patients with chronic sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty may be an option. The procedure is designed to help open blocked sinus pathways and improve drainage without traditional sinus surgery.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty to patients in the Rio Grande Valley since 2012.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty.
The ears, nose, and sinuses are closely connected. Congestion and inflammation can sometimes contribute to pressure or a plugged sensation in the ears.
If sinus symptoms and ear pressure seem to happen together, an ENT evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to both.
Learn more about sinus pressure and ear pressure.
Glatz Group provides patients with access to sinus evaluation, medical treatment, office procedures, and surgical options when necessary. Keeping care within one ENT team can make it easier to move from diagnosis to treatment without starting over somewhere else.
If sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, recurring infections, or trouble breathing through your nose are affecting your daily life, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing the problem.
Visit our McAllen office at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Schedule Your Sinus Evaluation
When you are dealing with ear pain, sinus pressure, hearing changes, throat problems, or trouble breathing, finding the right specialist can make a big difference. Glatz Group provides complete ENT care in McAllen, TX for adults and children with conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, hearing, and sleep.
If you are looking for an experienced ENT doctor in McAllen, our team can help identify what is causing your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment.
Ear, nose, and throat conditions can affect much more than one part of your body. Congestion can affect sleep. Sinus problems can create pressure in the ears. Hearing changes can affect communication and quality of life.
At Glatz Group, we look at the complete picture. Our McAllen ENT team evaluates your symptoms, determines what may be causing them, and recommends treatment based on your individual needs.
An ENT doctor specializes in conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. Patients may visit an ENT for symptoms that are temporary, recurring, or affecting everyday life.
At Glatz Group, we provide care across a wide range of ENT conditions, including ear problems, hearing concerns, sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, throat problems, allergies, sleep apnea, and breathing concerns.
Ear pressure, infections, hearing loss, dizziness, pain, and other ear concerns can have many different causes. An ENT evaluation can help determine what is happening and whether treatment is needed.
Glatz Group also provides advanced hearing care, including hearing evaluations, hearing solutions, cochlear implants, and implantable hearing technology.
Learn more about ear and hearing care.
Chronic congestion, sinus pressure, recurring sinus infections, nasal obstruction, and difficulty breathing through the nose can interfere with sleep, exercise, concentration, and everyday comfort.
Our team treats a variety of nasal and sinus conditions, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, turbinate problems, allergies, and structural conditions that can affect airflow.
Explore our nose and sinus services.
Persistent sore throat, tonsil problems, hoarseness, swallowing concerns, and other throat symptoms may require evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Our goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms and help determine the most appropriate next step.
Snoring, poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and breathing interruptions during sleep may be signs of sleep apnea or another airway problem.
Glatz Group provides evaluation and treatment for sleep related breathing conditions, including Inspire therapy for qualifying patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Learn more about Inspire sleep apnea treatment.
Allergies can contribute to congestion, sinus pressure, drainage, sneezing, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Identifying allergy triggers and managing inflammation can be an important part of improving sinus and nasal health.
Learn more about allergy care.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz is a board certified otolaryngologist who attended Wake Forest University for medical school and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins.
Glatz Group has served patients throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley for decades, providing comprehensive ENT care along with advanced treatment options for sinus, hearing, sleep, and other conditions.
You do not have to travel far to find comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care. Glatz Group is located at 400 E Dove Ave in McAllen, Texas.
If ear pain, sinus pressure, hearing changes, congestion, throat problems, or sleep concerns are affecting your daily life, schedule an evaluation with our McAllen ENT team.
It’s common knowledge that smoking affects your lungs, but you may not know it can also affect your sinuses. No matter if you smoke cigars, cigarettes, or vapes, the nicotine and toxins you inhale can mess with your nose’s natural function.
If you’re wondering how exactly smoking can affect your sinus health, keep reading from your Edinburg ENT team. Our experience in the ear, nose, and throat profession means we can help you!
Your nose has small hair-like particles called cilia that help protect your respiratory system from germs and move mucus along. Cigarettes and other smoking products can contain hydrogen cyanide and ammonia, damaging cilia. When you no longer have healthy cilia, you’re without protection against harmful pathogens and allergens.
Your nose is the first line of defense against sickness, and when the cilia in your nose aren’t functioning correctly, mucus begins to build up. The passages in your nose get clogged, and bacteria or viruses start attacking your sinuses, which can cause a frustrating and annoying sinus infection.
You don’t necessarily have to be a smoker yourself to be at risk for a sinus infection from inhaling smoke — sinus infections are also common among secondhand smokers. Sinus infections can be a result of just breathing in too much smoke.
Because damaged cilia cause mucus to build up in your nose, you may develop post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip occurs when built-up mucus starts leaking into your throat, leading to coughing or clearing your throat more often as your body tries to clear the blockages. This is known as a smoker’s cough.
As we’ve already established, smoking causes mucus to build up in the nasal cavity. This build-up may make you feel more congested, especially in the mornings. Smoking also increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.
While smoking does affect your body in many different ways, it’s never too late to quit! When you stop smoking, you may notice an improvement in your smoker’s cough, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes. While healing can take some time, it can do a world of good!
Keeping your sinuses healthy and happy is important since they can affect your sleep, breathing, and immune system! As you can see, smoking can damage so much of our nasal health. The smoke we breathe isn’t good and even affects our loved one’s health.
It’s hard to stop smoking, and we get that! If you’re finding it hard to quit, your doctor may be able to help you. Let our understanding and experienced ear, nose, and throat team at the Glatz Group help you get your sinuses back to protecting your body as they should!
Sleep is incredibly important to our overall health, including our mental and emotional health. But if you’re experiencing sinus pressure, headaches, drainage, or infections, you’re probably not getting the rest you need!
It’s time to get your tossing, turning, and nose-blowing nights under control! Read on to learn how to sleep with sinus problems by adjusting your sleeping position and visiting your Edinburg ENT doctor!
Sinus headaches and pressure can make it impossible to get to sleep. You can get relief from some of these symptoms by adjusting your sleeping position:
If your sinus issues have escalated and you have severe drainage or an infection, your sleeping position is even more critical. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated also helps if you have a sinus infection. While you’ll need to visit a doctor to get treatment for an infection, sleeping with your head propped up can relieve some of the symptoms, including drainage.
Adjusting how you lay may be the answer you need to get a good night’s rest. While your sleeping position does matter and can help relieve sinus pain, there are a few extra things you can do to help you get an even better night’s sleep.
Sometimes you can do all the right things, sleep in the correct position, and still experience sinus pain. It’s time to take it to the next step and stop counting sheep each night by visiting an experienced and compassionate ear, nose, and throat doctor!
Sleep is important for keeping you in tip-top shape, but sinus issues can really get in the way of that. You deserve a great night’s sleep without feeling sinus pain, pressure, congestion, or a runny nose.
It’s time to reach out to the Glatz Group to get the sleep you need! Our team will find out what’s causing your sinus problems and help you get relief so you can sleep. Don’t let another day go by trying to sleep with sinus pain, call us today for an appointment with your ENT doctor and team in Edinburg, Texas!
Enlarged turbinates block air from passing freely through your nose, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, and function. This makes it necessary to reduce the size of your turbinates and clear the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing.
This procedure is known as turbinate reduction.
Before having this procedure, many people like to weigh its pros and cons to determine if it is worth having. Learn what the benefits of turbinate reduction are from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Turbinate reduction, also referred to as turbinate surgery, is a procedure where the nasal turbinates, the fleshy structures inside your nose, are examined and reduced in size to allow air to flow freely through the nasal passages.
When performed, this surgical procedure usually goes inside the nostril on both sides of the nose and takes under 10 minutes to complete.
Whether it’s the amount of recovery time or the quality of life, these factors play a big role when patients decide to go forward with the procedure. A few pros are:
Although this procedure is done under general anesthesia, it is still an outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Having an outpatient procedure also means that the recovery time is faster and you will be able to return to work in a few days.
Once performed, turbinate reduction will clear your nasal passageway, allowing you to breathe better at night. Sleep apnea is a common reason for getting this procedure and many find that their sleep is no longer disrupted after.
If your turbinates are swollen, it can result in pain or pressure in your head along with frequent headaches. After the procedure is done, the turbinates are no longer the cause of pain and pressure, which can lessen the chance of your headaches.
Another side effect of swollen turbinates is a stuffy nose. Once the turbinate reduction is done, the sinuses will be cleared, making it easier for air to flow through and improving your breathing.
With every procedure, there are bound to be side effects. Patients will often choose to move forward with the procedure if the pros outweigh the cons or the cons are manageable.
Some cons of turbinate reduction include:
If you have to have the whole turbinate removed, you will be unable to feel air passing through your nasal passages, resulting in the feeling of an empty nose. In cases such as this one, there is no treatment for it.
Depending on the case, some may have frequent drying and crusting of the nose. This can often be solved by using humidifiers, sea salt and saline nasal rinses, and avoiding caffeine.
The dryness that sometimes occurs can result in a greater number of nosebleeds. This can also be treated with the use of humidifiers and nasal rinses.
Although these side effects can happen after a procedure, they can often be avoided by seeing a physician who is board-certified in turbinate reduction.
Once it is confirmed that you have enlarged turbinates, our Physician Assistant (PA), Jonathan Lerma, who is certified through Medtronic in turbinate reduction, will perform one of the following procedures to reduce the size of your turbinates.
After each procedure, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild drainage are to be expected. Because Jonathan Lerma is certified in this procedure, he and our team of sinus relief specialists will be able to walk you through each procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you are suffering from the effects of swollen or enlarged turbinates, it may be time to schedule a turbinate reduction.
Make an appointment with Jonathan Lerma and our team of sinus relief specialists today to discuss your treatment options.
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September is Healthy Aging Month and Dr. Glatz believes the easiest way to achieve healthy aging is by following a few practical tips at home.
Let your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT provide you with a few tips for healthy aging.
No matter your age, it is always important to eat well to keep your body healthy. By doing so, you will see a boost in your immune system, mood, and mental sharpness.
Dr. Glatz has implemented intermittent fasting into his lifestyle and has seen great results from it!
Here’s what you need to know about intermittent fasting:
During intermittent fasting, you only eat during specific times of the day. Instead of focusing so much on what you eat, it is more on when you eat. According to Hopkins, fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple of days a week, can help your body burn fat.
Fasting is focused on limiting your calorie intake. Studies on overweight adults have shown an increase in energy production and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
However, fasting can be challenging due to the calorie intake being decreased by 30-40% each day. By intermittent fasting, you are still receiving the benefits listed above, but aren’t as restricted in your calories.
If you’re wanting to give this a try, but don’t know where to start, here are a few examples of different intermittent fasting plans:
Every method is different to accommodate varying lifestyles. It is important for your overall body health that you find the plan that best fits your existing schedule.
Regular exercise provides many benefits to your overall body health. Some of these benefits include:
One of the most beneficial exercises you can do is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). By doing a HIIT workout, you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. These workouts consist of short and intense exercises followed by a period of rest. The benefits of HIIT workouts include:
Getting a good night’s sleep is key to healthy aging as it allows your body and mind to recover from a full day’s work. Benefits of sleeping well include:
Many issues can arise that cause disruptions in your sleep. It is important to pinpoint these and find a solution so you can get the quality sleep your body needs. Some disruptions include:
The thought of aging can be very overwhelming, but with Dr. Glatz’s 3 simple tips, you’ll be feeling healthier and happier in no time.
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In the United States, 25 million Americans suffer from asthma and more than 50 million Americans have allergies. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and there’s no better time than now to educate yourself on asthma and allergies if you haven’t already done so.
Today, your right-hand McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight everything you need to know about asthma and allergies.
Asthma is a chronic, long-term condition that is caused by the swelling of your airways. This results in the narrowing of the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to your lungs.
Many things can trigger asthma with some of the most common being airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and particles of cockroach waste. Physical activity, respiratory infections like the common cold, and cold air can also trigger asthma for those who suffer from it.
Luckily, if you suffer from asthma, you can keep it under control by doing the following:
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance referred to as an allergen. Allergies are usually from a substance in the environment that is harmless to most people.
The causes of allergies vary from person to person, but the most common causes include:
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Different conditions can cause different symptoms.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause the following symptoms:
A food allergy can cause the following symptoms:
An insect sting allergy can cause:
A drug allergy can cause:
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can cause the skin to:
Fortunately, allergies can be controlled and managed if done correctly. Allergies can be managed by using antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy shots.
Asthma and allergies can be serious conditions if not managed properly. However, thanks to modern medicine and proper care, it is possible.
In honor of May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month, you can acknowledge the importance of this event by seeking treatment for asthma or allergies if you or a loved one are suffering from either or both, or simply by spreading awareness on the matter.
No one wants to live a life dealing with symptoms caused by allergies or asthma, contact the Glatz Group today to make an appointment!
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.
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:
Once you have a clear picture of your own needs and preferences, you can begin researching ENTs in your area.
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:
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.
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.
