| August 20, 2008 |
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| Office Hours: |
| Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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| Billing Office Hours: |
| Monday-Friday | 9am-5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers |
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Here are several of the most common inquires received. If you have additional questions or concerns, pleasecontactour office so the appropriate staff member can assist you.
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Office and New Patient Questions |  To Top |
Q: How will I know if my insurance will pay for services performed at Vancouver Ear, Nose and Throat?
A: We do accept insurance assignments for most of the services performed at Vancouver Ear, Nose and Throat provided you give us complete, accurate insurance information and we are able to verify your coverage before services are completed. In order to keep the costs of medical care low, we ask that you be prepared to pay for office visits, hearing tests, etc. at the time of service, unless your insurance and Vancouver Ear, Nose and Throat have contracts governing those plans.
Q: I hate to wait. Is there any way to make my check-in go more smoothly at my new patient visit? How long will my initial consultation take?
A: Please bring your insurance card and any secondary coverage (if applicable). It is helpful if you can hand-carry pertinent medical records from other physicians or facilities (such as chart notes, lab reports, hearing tests, films and other reports). All new patients are asked to arrive 15 minutes early for their first visit, so we can prepare a chart and verify insurance coverage. Most new patient appointments with the specialists at Vancouver Ear, Nose and Throat last from 30- 45 minutes. For an easier check-in, please feel free to download and print out our new patient registration forms and health history questionnaire. Fill these out as completely as possible and bring them to the appointment.
Q: Can I make my appointment by computer or should I call in?
A: Please contact our office by telephone to schedule your appointment.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM. One of our highly professional staff members, will be glad to make an appointment for you when you call 360-256-4425 for Vancouver or 360-636-4469 for Longview.
Medical Related Questions | To Top |
Q: Can Vancouver Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists diagnose and treat my seasonal and year-round allergies?
A: Yes, the Vancouver Ear, Nose, and Throat allergy clinic can diagnose and manage all of your ear, nose, and throat-related allergies.
Our staff of allied health professionals includes licensed and experienced allergy nurses who are a vital part of our healthcare team.
Under the supervision of a physician, the Vancouver Ear, Nose, and Throat allergy clinic responsibilities include the performance of skin endpoint titration with allergenic extracts to determine patients allergy sensitivities, the preparation of antigen dose vials, and the injection of patients with antigens for allergen immunotherapy.
Q: I am experiencing a decrease in my hearing, can Vancouver Ear, Nose, and Throat service my audiology and hearing aid needs?
A: Yes, Vancouver Ear, Nose, and Throat have qualified professional audiologists and with supervison from the physician, this physician-audiologist team is trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing or balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood.
The audiologist provides a full range of diagnostic services. Below is a list of the most common diagnostic test.
- Comprehensive audiogram – identifies the type and degree of hearing loss.
- Tympanogram – evaluates how well the ear drum is moving; often recommended in children with chronic ear infections or fluid behind the ear.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) – determines the health of the hearing nerve; often recommended if one ear has better hearing than the other or for ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Electronystagmography (ENG) – assesses dizziness and balance disorders.
- Electroneuronography (ENOG) – assesses the facial nerve function in cases of facial nerve paralysis or Bell’s palsy.
- Electrocochleography (ECOG) – similar to the ABR but looks at a different part of the hearing nerve, used in the diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease.
If hearing loss is present, first see the Otolaryngologist for proper treatment or surgery. There are professional audiologists at all of our locations to assess hearing loss and determine if a hearing aid will resolve the problem. Most major hearing aid brands are sold and maintained in our quality hearing aid departments.
Q: Lately, I've experienced acute ear pain and trouble hearing.What could this be?
A: This could be an acute or chronic middle ear infection. The causes can be from bacteria (or viruses) that enter from the nose or throat and ascend the eustachian tube to reach to middle ear. The prominent symptoms are an earache associated with a feeling of pressure and blockage in the ear and muffled hearing. Two tests that may be performed by the otolaryngologist are an audiogram and a tympanogram. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and an antihistamine or decongestant or a combination. In chronic situations or if the ear infection does not clear up with medication, further treatment may be recommended by your physician.
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