More healthcare options are available than ever before, so if you have an ear, nose, or throat issue, you may wonder where to receive treatment. An urgent care center may be able to see you in a hurry, but it’s not a replacement for an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
In this blog, Dr. Cecil Yeung of Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute explains why urgent care isn’t a replacement for an ENT specialist.
What is the difference between urgent care and an ENT specialist?
An urgent care center helps fill the gap between a primary care physician and the emergency room. This type of medical facility can be a good choice for an illness or injury that isn’t a life-threatening emergency but still requires care outside of your primary care physician’s regular office hours.
The doctor or doctors present are generalists rather than specialists, so they see and treat a wide variety of conditions. This makes urgent care a better choice for simpler issues rather than ones that are more complex.
On the other hand, doctors who are ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists receive advanced training in order to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders related to these parts of the body, as well as related head and neck structures. They complete up to 15 years of college and post-graduate training and may also have an additional fellowship.
When should you see an ENT specialist?
If you have a chronic or complex issue related to your ear, nose, or throat, you should make an appointment with an ENT specialist. This type of doctor has more experience and training in treating these issues, so you’re more likely to receive appropriate treatment. An ENT is well trained and qualified in medical as well as surgical techniques.
In addition, if testing such as a CT scan is needed, an ENT will offer them, but an urgent care probably won’t.
How should you choose an ENT?
Look for experience and advanced training such as fellowships, as well as an ENT’s areas of specialty. Dr. Cecil Yeung is a top Houston ENT doctor who is board-certified and has over 20 years of experience. He pioneered the use of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in Houston and has taught FESS techniques to many other area doctors.
He has an exceptional record of success, with a surgery re-do rate of less than 1%, compared to the national average of 30%. Dr. Yeung offers not only technical expertise and precision but also combines it with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Houston Sinus Surgery at the Yeung Institute offers a convenient, comfortable location with accessible parking. We offer the entire continuum of care – from basic ENT consultations to CT scans to surgery – under one roof.
If you’re experiencing ear, nose, or throat issues, make an appointment today with Dr. Yeung. You’ll receive the highest level of compassionate, expert care to help you get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
