Board-Certified ENTs in Gilbert, AZ: Why It Matters More Than Online Ratings

Board-Certified ENTs in Gilbert, AZ: Why It Matters More Than Online Ratings

This guide is presented by Trinity ENT to guide patients in Gilbert, AZ, understand the basics of ENT board certification and why it matters when looking for a healthcare provider that meets their needs.

Today’s patients take a smarter approach in navigating all things concerning their health. They are proactive when it comes to keeping tabs on potential symptoms and thoroughly researching and weighing in their options for potential healthcare providers.

While we recognize that online ratings and reviews can bear some influence on some patients’ decisions, they shouldn’t be the only basis. When choosing a potential healthcare provider, it’s important to consider online ratings along with a few other important factors, such as board certification.

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What Is an ENT?

An otolaryngologist, simply known as an ENT or an ENT specialist, is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Depending on their specialty and scope of training, ENTs can offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments, also taking into account your symptoms and their severity.

ENTs can address and treat a variety of ENT-related issues like allergies, chronic sinusitis, hearing disorders, ear infections, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Physicians who wish to become otolaryngologists must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and a five-year accredited residency program in otolaryngology.

Some ENTs may choose to pursue additional specialty training and include pediatric ENT and head and neck surgery in their clinical focus.

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What Board Certification Means for ENT Specialists in Gilbert, AZ

Physicians in the United States are legally required to obtain a medical license in the state in which they practice. Board certification is not a legal obligation, but rather a voluntary program that some may pursue to demonstrate additional training and expertise in their specialty.

To become a board-certified ENT, a licensed physician must complete accredited specialty training in otolaryngology, meet industry-recognized professional standards, and pass board examinations and requirements, as set by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), a nationally recognized certifying body of otolaryngologists in the United States.

After completing their (1) undergraduate degree, (2) medical degree, and (3) accredited residency training program in otolaryngology, physicians must then apply for and pass the primary certification examination, which includes both written and oral exams. Then, they must complete continuing certification requirements and activities every year to maintain their certification status.

ABOHNS also offers subcertification in three subspecialties: Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology, Sleep Medicine, and Neurotology.

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Why Board Certification Matters When Choosing a Gilbert ENT Specialist

A medical license is a legal requirement to practice medicine in the state in which physicians practice, including specialists like otolaryngologists.

Board certification is a voluntary program and an additional accreditation physicians may choose to pursue to demonstrate specialty training and subspecialty in their practice. While many ENT specialists, both board-certified and non-certified, provide expert care for ENT issues, board certification may offer additional assurance of specialty evaluation and ongoing education.

Patients can check a physician’s board certification status on CertificationMatters.org, a free service affiliated with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

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Online Ratings and Board Certification: Two Factors That Matter in Patient Decisions

It’s common behavior for patients to look up online ratings and patient reviews when choosing a potential ENT care provider. However, it’s important to recognize that patient reviews reflect individual experiences and are not indicative of typical patient outcomes. Individual experiences vary. Testimonials or reviews do not guarantee similar results.

If you’re searching for an ENT specialist in Gilbert, AZ, it’s important to look beyond ratings and consider them alongside other important factors, such as board certification.

Here’s why board certification matters:

• Board certification indicates that a certain physician has undergone specialty training and has successfully passed board certification examinations, as set by a higher-governing body, such as the ABOHNS.
• It allows ENT physicians to engage in continued learning about the latest updates on industry best practices and ENT technological advancements.
• It demonstrates a physician’s commitment to ongoing education and training to meet professional standards in their field.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gilbert ENTs

What do ENTs do and treat?

In many cases, primary care providers (PCPs) can effectively manage mild or acute ENT-related issues. However, persistent or complex issues are often referred to ENT specialists. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, a consultation with your primary doctor can help determine if you should see an ENT specialist:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Chronic ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Severe sinus pain and pressure
• Chronic cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent sore or scratchy throat
• Wheezing or hoarseness
• Painful swallowing
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Enlarged lymph nodes

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What is the difference between a licensed and board-certified physician?

A licensed physician is a physician who has acquired a medical license to practice in a specific state or jurisdiction. It is a legal requirement and includes specialists like otolaryngologists. Board certification is an additional credential that physicians may pursue to demonstrate their specialty practice.

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Are all otolaryngologists board-certified?

Not all otolaryngologists are board-certified. It’s a voluntary program they may or may not choose to pursue.

A medical license can encompass a full spectrum of ENT issues. Board certification indicates that a physician has completed additional evaluation and training in their clinical focus.

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Choosing the Right ENT Clinic in Gilbert, AZ

Trinity ENT is an ENT care provider serving the Gilbert area and surrounding communities. For more information about our clinic, visit and explore our website.