How to Find an ENT Doctor

ENT stands for ear, nose and throat and is the common acronym for an otolaryngologist, a doctor that specializes in the treatment of ear, nose, throat and neck disorders. ENT doctors both treat children and adults and are trained surgeons. Typical conditions treated by an ENT are ear infections, sinusitis, and nerve pain. You can find an ENT doctor in several ways.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you need to see a specialist by visiting your primary care physician (PCP) for a complete exam. The PCP can determine if your problem is treatable without seeing a specialist. Health insurance plans such as HMOs may require you to speak to or visit your PCP before getting a specialist referral.

• 2

  Obtain a referral from your PCP based on her experience and connections with other specialists. Any PCP will have knowledge of local ENTs based on their professional and patients' experience.

• 3

  Contact your health plan or insurance carrier to obtain a referral to an ENT. Most major health plans have their provider network of doctors listed online. Search the online physician database by physician specialty, location, languages spoken and other criteria. You may also call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak to a representative who will provide you with a referral to an ENT.

• 4

  Call various ENT offices to obtain information that can shape your decision on who to visit. Ask if the ENT is taking new patients, what the office hours are and where the office is located, what hospitals the ENT is associated with, and fees. The office staff can also tell you when they are taking appointments and information about the ENT doctor's work history.