In the interest of good practice, we believe that it is desirable to establish a financial policy for our patients.   Our goal is to avoid any miscommunication or concerns regarding financial matters, so that we may focus our energies on serving the healthcare needs of our patients.  Please ask our staff if you have any questions about this.  We appreciate the opportunity to participate in your health care.

Patients are responsible for payment of all medical treatment and services provided.

• Insurance co-pays shall be collected before being seen for each office visit.
• Insurance co-pays and deductibles for elective surgery shall be collected prior to surgery.
• Patients are responsible for notifying our office if you have a pre-existing clause with your insurance (this usually applies to insurance effective dates of less than 12 to 18 months).

Our office participates with and accepts assignment with many insurance carriers.

• As a service to our patients, we will file insurance claims for all covered services.
• As a participating provider in a network, we will accept the insurance company’s allowable payment for covered services.
• Patients are responsible for deductibles, co-payments, non-covered services and out-of-network services.  Payment for these shall be due at the time of the visit.
• Many health plans require a referral to be seen in our office.  If this applies to your plan, you are responsible for providing our office with the appropriate authorization or referral from your primary care physician prior to your appointment. Patients will not be seen without a referral if required by their insurance carrier, and may be asked to reschedule.
• Current primary and secondary insurance cards are needed at each visit; otherwise we will need payment in full at the time of your visit.
• Patients must advise us of the need for pre-certification by their insurance for any services.
• Insurance plans sometimes request the patient to complete a coordination of benefits questionnaire.  If requested, please complete this form and return it to your carrier.  Your insurance may deny your claim if not received, and you would be responsible for payment of services in full.

A $35 fee shall be charged for all returned checks.

If you have a past due balance, you will be required to make payment on this prior to being seen.  It is our policy that when an account is referred to collection that we terminate any future medical care until the account is satisfied.

Appointments must be cancelled 24 hours prior to scheduled appointments. Otherwise, a fee of $35 will be charged for cancellations, changes or no shows.

Should you have any questions regarding the above, please contact our office manager.  We will always be willing to discuss your insurance and/or a payment plan best suited for all concerned.

We accept the following methods of payment: cash, personal check, Visa MasterCard, American Express, Discover. Financing is also available through CareCredit.

Audiology is a specialty which evaluates and treats hearing and balance disorders. Our Doctors of Audiology have the level of expertise to provide thorough, quality care to our patients. Our certified audiometric technicians provide additional support to patients when needed.

How do I Know if I Have a Hearing Loss?

Common Signs of Hearing Loss
It is always a good idea to practice hearing loss prevention techniques, but hearing loss can still sneak up on you. If you experience any of the below signs, you should see a hearing specialist.

• Difficulty hearing on the telephone
• Trouble hearing birds, wind, alarms/bells, women and children
• Turning the TV volume too high for others
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Trouble hearing words or music when there is background noise
• Difficulty following conversations in groups
• Feeling that many people mumble
• Misunderstanding words and responding inappropriately, or nodding/smiling when you haven’t really understood what was said
• Frequent ringing, roaring or hissing in the ears

How Do I Prevent Hearing Loss?

Preventing Hearing Loss
Even though some hearing loss is unavoidable as it comes with time and age, there is plenty you can do to help protect your ears:

• Avoid prolonged noise exposure.
• Wear earplugs during loud activities like lawn mowing, concerts, hunting, construction, etc.
• Be careful with headphone volume. If possible, use noise-reducing headphones
• Ask your doctor if any of your medications could be ototoxic (damaging to hearing)
• Especially if you are over the age of 50, schedule a yearly hearing test.

What’s That Noise in My Ears?

Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of sound reported by patients when no sound source is present. It can be described as a ringing, roaring, rushing, hissing, buzzing or humming sound.

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

Hearing evaluations are used to differentiate patients who have auditory problems related to medical conditions versus those disorders that result solely in communication impairments. These are diagnostic medical tests, usually covered by health insurance, and are conducted only by audiologists. Diagnostic audiometric tests should not be confused with the “free” hearing tests that other facilities use as a sales tool to generate office traffic for hearing aid fittings.

About Hearing Loss

Our hearing is at work for us 24 hours a day; whether we are talking to loved ones, listening to the radio, watching TV, or interacting with peers on the job. Effective communication through hearing is a vital part of living.

Untreated hearing loss can be frustrating and isolating. According to a study by the National Council on Aging, people with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression and anxiety, and participate less in social activities than those who wear hearing aids.

Although hearing problems are typically associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing impaired persons are under the age of sixty-five.

At ENT Head & Neck Specialists we strive to give each patient the individualized hearing health care that will most improve his or her quality of life.

Office Hours

We provide pediatric and adult otolaryngology services by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling (610) 374-5599. Our office will try to provide you with an appointment convenient to your schedule.

After Hours and Weekend Assistance

If a medical emergency should arise when we are not in the office, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you have an urgent medical problem and need to reach the doctor on call immediately, please dial our office number at 610-374-5599 and you will be given a number to reach our answering service.

If this is not an emergency and you would like the doctor to return your call, please call our office number at 610-374-5599 and stay on the line to leave a message. This mailbox is checked several times daily up until 5 pm.

For appointment requests and non-urgent medical problems, please call our office on the next business day.

Appointment Cancellation Policy

ENT Head & Neck Specialists is committed to providing exceptional care.

Unfortunately, when one patient cancels without giving enough notice, they prevent another patient from being seen.

If you cannot keep your appointment, please call 610-374-5599 at least 24 hours in advance to cancel. To cancel a Monday appointment, please call our office by 2:00 pm on Friday. Please note that messages left on our machine after we have closed for the night or weekend will be considered messages left on the next business day.

If prior notification is not given, you may be charged a fee of $35 for late cancellations, changes or no-shows.