Depending on the subspecialty, ENT doctors may pursue additional specialized training which also trains them to address more complicated issues concerning the head, neck, mouth, and facial structures.

ENT specialists can address a wide range of ENT issues, including but not limited to allergies, chronic sinusitis, hearing disorders, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Your primary care provider (PCP) can address and treat mild ENT concerns. However, some cases may be more complicated and beyond their scope. In such instances, they may refer you to a specialist instead. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, your primary care provider can help determine is seeing an ENT specialist is appropriate:

• Chronic nasal congestion or obstructing
• Severe and persistent sinus pain
• Chronic cough
• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Persistent hoarseness or wheezing
• Recurring or frequent ear infections
• Partial or complete hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Severe snoring or suspected sleep apnea, which may require evaluation by an ENT
• Unexplained lumps in the neck or face

7 Factors to Consider Before You Book an ENT Appointment in Nashville, TN

Before you schedule that ENT appointment with the clinic or provider of your choice, here are 7 factors you should check first:

✔️The provider’s credentials and qualifications

Before you book that ENT appointment, one of the most important things to consider is the provider’s credentials and qualifications. Some patients may feel more confident if their care provider demonstrates qualified and relevant clinical experience.

Board certification is a voluntary program, and may be one of many factors patients may consider in evaluating potential ENT care providers. It indicates that a certain care provider has undergone additional specialized training and has met industry-recognized professional standards. However, board certification is not a guarantee of typical results for all patients.

Patients can verify a provider’s board certification status on the American Board of Medical Specialties.

✔️The provider’s subspecialty

Many ENT doctors have a subspecialty in which their practice and clinic focuses on. Some may specialize in pediatric ENT, allergy care, sinus care, hearing disorders, or head and neck surgery.

If you have a specific ENT concern you want addressed, treated, and managed, make sure to schedule an appointment with an ENT care provider within that subspecialty.

✔️Referrals and recommendations

If you’re not sure where to start your research for a potential ENT care provider, consider asking your primary care provider for a referral to an ENT specialist who might be able to help with your concern and aligns best with your needs and preferences.

You can also ask close friends and family members if they have an ENT care provider with whom they have had a positive experience, and who they might confidently recommend to you.

✔️Patient reviews and testimonials

We recognize that patient reviews and testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not reflect typical patient outcomes. However, they may give potential patients useful insight into how past patients perceive the care and treatment they received from certain providers and clinics.

✔️Your health insurance plan

In comparing potential ENT care providers in Nashville, TN, it’s important to remember that not all clinics and providers will accept your insurance plan. Cost coverage will largely depend on compatibility. You will want to confirm this information with your insurance provider or the ENT clinic itself before making that appointment.

✔️Communication skills, professionalism, and attitude

For some patients, the communication skills, professionalism, and overall attitude can make a difference in their overall satisfaction and experience with certain practices and providers.

Healthcare providers and professionals should demonstrate clear, transparent, honest, and empathetic communication skills. A supportive, responsive, and professional clinic staff can also help create a more positive patient experience.

✔️Location and scheduling logistics

Lastly, before you schedule that ENT appointment, make sure you check the location of the clinic and your distance from it. Consider how you’re getting to and from your appointments. Additionally, check the ease or difficulty of scheduling appointments. Do they cater to online scheduling? Or maybe the physician’s schedule is always packed and this may make it difficult for you to get an appointment?

These are important considerations if your condition will require long-term care and frequent doctor’s visits.

Choosing the Right Nashville ENT

If you’re comparing ENT care options in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas, Tennessee Breathe Free is one of several clinics offering ENT evaluations and treatment options. For more information specific to our clinic, visit our website or contact our team directly.