How to Find an Otolaryngologist

A family doctor or internist can treat many medical conditions, but if you're having trouble with your ears, nose or throat, and your family doc can't solve the problem, you may need the help of an otolaryngologist. Otolaryngologists have specialized training that allows them to treat medical conditions involving not only the ear, nose, and throat but the head and neck as well. They are also trained to do surgery involving these areas of the body. Here's how to find an otolaryngologist.

Instructions

How to Find an Otolaryngologist

• 1

  Ask your family doctor or internist for a referral to an otolaryngologist in your area. Primary care doctors usually know which otolaryngologists are best equipped to handle your medical problem since they understand your medical history. Your family doctor and his staff can also do some of the legwork by arranging the appointment for you.

• 2

  Get referrals from family, friends or local medical centers in your area if you don't have a family doctor. Consider the source of the referral and make sure it's reliable.

• 3

  Check with your insurance company to verify your visit will be covered by your health plan. Some insurance plans require you to see doctors within their own network. If your insurance company doesn't cover the otolaryngologist you've selected, ask to be referred to one who's covered.

• 4

  Verify that the otolaryngologist has a current medical license and is board-certified in his specialty. Confirm this by visiting the American Board of Medical Specialties website or the American Board of Physician Specialties. Verify that the otolaryngologist you've chosen is affiliated with a hospital.

• 5

  Check online doctor rating sites to make sure other patients have had a good experience with your chosen otolaryngologist. Not all ratings will be reliable, so visit several sites to get an overall impression of the doctor's performance and bedside manner.

• 6

  Call the office before visiting your chosen otolaryngologist to verify that they're taking new patients and that their office hours will work for you. Find out how they handle emergencies when the office is closed.