Imagine this situation: You’re not feeling well (in the ear, nose, or throat area) and have a hunch that you’re going to need to see a specialist… 

Do you need a referral to see an ENT? Or could you bypass that step and go straight to an ENT’s office?

The answer to the question, “Do you need a referral to see an ENT?” can be a tricky one. Here’s what you need to know.

Does an ENT require a referral from your primary care doctor?

Typically, it’s recommended to get a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing any kind of specialist, including an ENT. It’s in your best interest to follow this advice for both practical and insurance-related reasons:

  • Insurance: Insurances almost always require a referral if you want to receive any coverage for your appointment and medical expenses.   
  • Practicality: The referral system helps prevent a specialist’s office from turning into a walk-in clinic, ensuring that specialists are seeing the patients who need them the most and minimizing wait time in the process.

Keep in mind —  It is sometimes possible to seek the services of an ENT without a referral. However, this will vary from practice to practice, and you will likely need to pay for services up front.

Should I see an ENT?

Before you ask, “Do I need a referral to see an ENT?” it might be best to first ask “Should I even see an ENT?” and “What does an ENT diagnose?” Again, your primary care provider can help you here, but if you anticipate asking for a referral, consider some of the following conditions commonly treated by ENTs. (For more information, read our blogs on When To See an ENT and When to see an Audiologist vs. an ENT.)

Conditions commonly treated by ENTs:

  • Allergies (including the combination of chronic sinusitis and allergies)
  • Balance issues and dizziness
  • Ear infections
  • Ear pressure
  • Sudden hearing loss (Note that sudden hearing loss is an emergency!)
  • Tinnitus
  • Sinus Infections (sinusitis)
  • Deviated septum
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea
  • GERD
  • Nerve pain in the ear, nose, and throat area
  • And more…

Please view our conditions page for more information.

Treatments commonly provided by ENTs:

  • Balloon sinuplasty
  • Sinus surgery
  • Turbinate reduction
  • ClariFix
  • Septoplasty
  • And more…

Please view our treatments page for more information, including information on how to get rid of sinusitis permanently and the balloon sinuplasty success rate.

What can I expect at my ENT consultation?

The specifics of your ENT consultation will vary according to your symptoms and needs. However, patients visiting an ENT can almost always anticipate that their ENT will perform a thorough examination of your ear, nose, and throat in order to properly assess the extent and severity of your condition. In some instances, your ENT may want to take a closer look at your sinuses via a nasal endoscope (a small, lighted camera inserted into the sinuses).

Most ENT offices want you to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment, and they expect you to bring your:

  • Insurance card
  • License or another form of ID
  • A list of drug allergies
  • A list of your current prescriptions

ENT treatment in Tampa and West Palm Beach

On the lookout for an “ENT near me?”  Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer of Sinus Solutions of South Florida provides premier ENT treatment to patients in the Tampa and West Palm Beach areas. He and his staff specialize in providing balloon sinuplasty treatment, treatment for sudden hearing loss, and much more.

Get the sinus relief you deserve. Give us a call at 561-790-7744 or request a consultation online today.

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