Question 1

Why do I need to bring my ID and all of my insurance cards if I am already a patient?

Accepted Answer

Bringing a photo ID is part of a federal requirement to help prevent identity theft, and we ask for it at each visit. Patients often carry more than one insurance card, and coverage can change between visits, so we confirm your current ID and insurance information every time you come in to make sure your claims are filed correctly.

Question 2

Do I need to bring a list of my medications to every appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Up-to-date medication information is always required. New patients should bring a complete list of current medications and dosages, and existing patients should let us know about any changes. This allows your physician to check for drug interactions and prescribe safely.

Question 3

My referral was not sent in time — can I sign a waiver and be seen anyway?

Accepted Answer

No. If your insurance plan requires a referral, it must be received before your appointment. If your referral has not been received, we will help you reschedule once it is in place so that your visit is covered.

Question 4

Should I bring my imaging films or CDs (CT, MRI, X-ray) to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — please bring copies of any relevant CT, MRI, or X-ray studies on disc, along with the reports if you have them. Hospitals usually do not send the actual films or reports to us, so having them with you allows your physician to review your imaging during your visit.

Question 5

Why are you asking whether my visit is related to a car or work accident?

Accepted Answer

If your condition is the result of a motor vehicle accident or a work-related injury, auto or workers’ compensation insurance must be billed before your health insurance. Asking up front lets us bill correctly and helps protect you by documenting the circumstances of the injury.

Question 6

Can a minor be seen without a parent or guardian present?

Accepted Answer

No. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient under 18 and be present to provide consent and sign the necessary documents.

Question 7

Can a family member translate for a patient who does not speak English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because professional interpreter availability is limited without advance notice, having a family member who can help translate is very helpful. If you need interpreter services arranged, please let us know when you schedule so we can do our best to accommodate you.

Question 8

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule by calling our office at (508) 588-8034 or by submitting an appointment request through our website. Our team will follow up to confirm your date, time, and location.

Question 9

What should I do if I am running late for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please call us as soon as you know you will be late. If you are running more than about 15 minutes behind, we may need to reschedule your visit so we can stay on time for other patients. Please do not simply skip the appointment without calling.

Question 10

Why am I asked to keep seeing the same doctor?

Accepted Answer

Continuity of care means your physician knows your history and can recognize changes over time, which leads to better care. If your doctor is unavailable or your situation is urgent, we will arrange for you to be seen by another provider.

Question 11

I did not get a reminder call — why not?

Accepted Answer

Our staff makes every effort to send appointment reminders, but reminders are a courtesy and cannot always be guaranteed. Please make note of your appointment details, as patients are ultimately responsible for remembering their scheduled visits.

Question 12

My doctor told me to call if I have certain symptoms. How do I do that?

Accepted Answer

Call our main office number, press 1, identify yourself, and explain that your doctor asked you to call about specific symptoms. Your message will be directed to the right person on your care team.

Question 13

What insurance do you accept?

Accepted Answer

At ENT Specialists, we participate with most major insurance carriers — HMO, PPO, and Indemnity plans. Because coverage and network participation vary by plan, we recommend verifying that your specific plan and provider are covered before your visit, and obtaining any required referrals or authorizations.

Question 14

I cannot pay my copay at the time of my visit — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Copayments are due at the time of service, as required by your insurance plan. If a copay cannot be collected at your visit, we will generally need to reschedule the appointment.

Question 15

I have an outstanding balance. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our billing department at (781) 769-3222 to discuss flexible payment arrangements. They are happy to help you understand your statement and set up a plan that works for you. Calls are typically returned within 2 business days.

Question 16

How do I pay my bill?

Accepted Answer

You can pay your bill securely online through our payment portal, or by phone, mail, or in person at any of our offices. For billing questions, call (781) 769-3222.

Question 17

How do I request copies of my medical records?

Accepted Answer

Submit a written request that includes your name, date of birth, and the name of your doctor, and specify whether you would like to pick up the records or have them sent. Processing typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the size and complexity of the request.

Question 18

My name, address, or phone number has changed. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please notify our office as soon as possible so we can update your medical record and make sure your statements, results, and important communications reach you.

Question 19

What is an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist)?

Accepted Answer

An otolaryngologist — commonly called an ENT doctor — is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. ENT specialists complete several years of surgical residency after medical school and are board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

Question 20

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide pediatric ENT care for children of all ages, including ear tube placement, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy, management of congenital conditions, hearing evaluations, and treatment of chronic ear infections and sinus problems — all in a child-friendly environment.

Question 21

What conditions do ENT specialists treat?

Accepted Answer

We care for a wide range of conditions including chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction, hearing loss and tinnitus, ear infections, tonsillitis and sleep apnea, voice and swallowing disorders, thyroid and parathyroid disease, head and neck tumors, allergies, and dizziness and balance disorders. We also offer advanced in-office procedures such as balloon sinus dilation, Vivaer and RhinAer, the Inspire implant for sleep apnea, radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules, and PRP therapy for smell loss.

Question 22

What is the Inspire implant for sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Inspire is an FDA-approved implantable device that treats obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the airway muscles to keep your airway open during sleep — no CPAP mask required. Ideal candidates have moderate to severe OSA, cannot tolerate CPAP, and meet specific criteria confirmed by a sleep study and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

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