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I have an appt. with an ENT to check out my ear and throat - possible eustachian tube issue or tonsil problem - not sure. Primary care doc recommended ENT visit.
Anyway, I noticed in my online chart that I was also scheduled with an audiologist prior to ENT appt. I called and asked why, and they said an appt. with an audiologist is always scheduled for any issue with the ear.
I do not have any hearing issues nor any ringing in the ear. Since I have a high deductible, I have to pay everything out of pocket, so I would prefer not to pay $127 to see an audiologist. I only want to see the ENT.
Has anyone experienced anything similar? I have not been to a specialist in many, many years, so maybe things have changed. I just feel this is a money grab and a way to force services upon patients.
Why not ask the GP why they schedule it that way? Here's just a guess. If an audiologist doesn't find any practical deficits (subtle loss of balance, hearing loss on some part of the spectrum you might have compensated for without realizing it), it may re-direct the ENT's attention somewhere other than your ear.
This has been my experience too. My guess is they want an idea of any hearing loss since it could relate to many other ENT issues. I know my hearing is bad but until they showed me the results from testing, had no idea how bad.
I would explain that you just want an exam by the doctor but they like to have a complete picture of the patient.
Thanks for the replies. I will let them know I just want the exam from the ENT. I just found it strange and wondered if others had experienced the same thing. My hearing is excellent, so there are no concerns there. Thanks, everyone.
My cardiologist wanted an EKG before seeing me. What greed!!! He just wants the money. He's a doctor and should be able to evaluate my heart by just looking at me! He's got a stethoscope thingy which should be enough!
My cardiologist wanted an EKG before seeing me. What greed!!! He just wants the money. He's a doctor and should be able to evaluate my heart by just looking at me! He's got a stethoscope thingy which should be enough!
As I mentioned in the original post, I don't know if this is an ear or throat issue. It is easy for an ENT to examine my ear and throat, so the heart/EKG comparison is a bit off. I don't need to see an audiologist if I have chronic tonsillitis. The ENT can do an examination very easily to determine where the problem is. Then she and I can discuss next steps.
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