Finding a medical specialist can be challenging. A quick search on Google will provide ample sinus surgeons in your area, but how do you know which one to choose? Quality healthcare is a priority at the highest level. You do not want to risk choosing an incompetent surgeon. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks to find a reliable sinus surgeon near you.
Learn What a Sinus Surgeon Treats
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
Ask for Referrals
Is the Sinus Surgeon Board Certified?
Are There Any Hospital Partnerships?
Check for Additional Awards and Credentials
Choose a Sinus Surgeon Who Communicates Well
Find Out What Others Say About Them
Compile a List of Questions
Learn What a Sinus Surgeon Treats
Before searching for a reputable surgeon, find out if your health concern requires a sinus surgeon or another medical specialist. A sinus surgeon falls under the category of an ENT doctor. Sinus surgeons treat a wide variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions, including the following:
Ear-related disorders, such as ear infections, loss of hearing, and dizziness.
Nasal disorders, such as sinusitis, nose bleeds, sleep apnea, and loss of smell.
Throat or larynx disorders, including difficulty swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness, and voice box cancer.
Not all ENT practices offer the same services, so it is essential to choose one that provides the service you need. For instance, a particular ENT practice may specialize in nasal or sinus disorders and not offer throat and ear treatments. The Southern California Sinus Institute specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders, including sinusitis.
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
The last thing you want is a nasty surprise when you get the bill for sinus surgery. To prevent this, speak to your health insurance company to learn if they cover the sinus surgery you need. If the procedure is considered cosmetic, your insurance may not cover it. After determining whether your insurance covers your surgery, ensure the practice participates in your health insurance plan so you can calculate any out-of-pocket expenses.
Ask for Referrals and Reviews
Word of mouth is often the best way to find what you are searching for. Ask trusted friends and family members to recommend a reliable sinus surgeon they used. You can also ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. However, you don’t need to pick the first sinus surgeon your doctor refers you to. Keep them in mind, but you should also check a few more ENTs in the area for a fair comparison.
Visit a few surgeons’ websites and read the patient reviews. These testimonials often highlight things that make them special, such as being friendly or going the extra mile for their patients. Patient reviews tell a story of an individual’s experience with that doctor. If the reviews build your trust in that practice, you can choose a sinus surgeon confidently.
Is the Sinus Surgeon Board Certified?
When a doctor is board certified, it means they are trained to practice that specific branch of medicine. It also means that they are specialists in their respective fields. To become a board-certified ENT, they must study for eight years and have five years of training in their specialized field. They also have to pass the American Board of Otolaryngology exams to receive their official board certificate. When you use a board-certified sinus surgeon, you can be assured they are experts in their field.
Are There Any Hospital Partnerships?
Many hospitals maintain professional partnerships with reputable surgeons. Hospitals do this to uphold a certain standard of excellence and only partner with surgeons or doctors with an outstanding reputation. These individuals are also highly respected by their peers.
Check for Additional Awards and Credentials
Research sinus surgeons who stand out to you and have awards or reputable affiliations. Check their website for information about their professional or ongoing training and credentials. These credentials are a testament to their commitment to excellence and their patients.
Choose a Sinus Surgeon Who Communicates Well
One of the most crucial parts of a doctor-patient relationship is communication. You should ensure that you are comfortable with your sinus specialist. Being comfortable will make it easier to ask questions about the surgical procedure so that you can understand what is involved. Find a sinus surgeon who is patient and willing to provide comprehensive answers. It is also crucial that they understand your needs as a patient and respect your decisions. You do not want a doctor who rushes you through the consultation or forces you to choose a particular treatment.
Questions to Ask During Your Search for a Sinus Specialist in Los Angeles
You may forget your questions during your first consultation, so it helps to write them down beforehand. It’s important to discuss your circumstances and treatment options. Here are some questions you can ask your sinus surgeon:
What Forms of Communication Do They Prefer?
If the doctor has many clients, they may not be accessible when you need them. For instance, ask the doctor if they correspond via email or telephone when you have questions for them. Ask them about their after-hours policy and whether they offer emergency medical services.
How Do They Handle Continuity or Emergency Care?
If you have an allergic reaction after your treatment and require emergency care, will your sinus surgeon treat you at the hospital? It also helps to have a doctor who partners with the closest hospital to you.
What Do Their Treatments Cost?
Some surgeons may be more costly than others. If your health insurance does not cover the treatment you need, you will have to pay for it another way. It is best to ask your doctor upfront about treatment costs. This will also help you to budget ahead of time.
Dr. Alen N. Cohen – Renowned Sinus Surgeon in Los Angeles, CA
There is a sinus surgeon that ticks all the above boxes.Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, FARS, is the founder of The Southern California Sinus Institute. He is known as one of the best surgeons in Los Angeles and is a board-certified diplomate for the American Board of Otolaryngology for head & neck surgery. Dr. Cohen is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA. He specializes in all nasal and sinus disorders and offers a variety of advanced treatments. Dr. Cohen is passionate about minimally invasive surgical procedures and has become an expert in outpatient Minimally Invasive Image Guided Sinus Surgery (MIGSS) and In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty.
Dr. Cohen is patient and will answer all your questions about the treatments he offers. Feel free to read his testimonials to see what others say about his services. If you would like to visit Dr. Cohen for an initial consultation, contact us at (818) 888-7878 or schedule a consultation online.
