I was not happy with either the audiologist or the PA I saw on 5/27/26. I went for my hearing since it drastically declined in one ear. Kathryn Loret was friendly but didn't provide much info. she isn't my main audiologist. She didn't suggest any options, etc. She just tested my hearing. PA Kelly wasn't respectful to my needs. Prior to this appointment I talked to my audiologist and Lauren about the BiCros. When I saw PA Kelly i mentioned this and she said no that's not an option for you since your hearing is too bad in the one ear. I then had to follow up with Lauren who told me it was. No PA, audiologist or Dr. should only suggest a cochlear implant if there's other options. Getting a cochlear is a life changing experience. read more

I am seeing Dr. Richard Hughes for an ear problem. After seeing 2 other doctors, I am confident that Dr. Hughes knows exactly what my condition is and how to fix it. I received my date for a CT Scan and surgery consult. I am hoping to get in sooner thru a cancellation as my discomfort grows every day. Judy B. read more

Over paid my bill. Cant reach anyone to help me recover. They have the worst phone system on planet. Guess i am out. Buyer beware.

This review is specifically for their urgent care clinic. This place was a lifesaver for my daughter. She was suffering from a severe sore throat, which they correctly diagnosed as a peritonsillar abscess, were able to drain it on the spot, and prescribed the necessary meds to clear it up. The regular urgent care places she saw before coming here pretty much dismissed the issue. Dr. Spencer was professional, did not dismiss her symptoms, listened to what she had to say, was reassuring, didn't rush her, and made sure all of her questions were answered. Definitely saved her a trip to the ER! Billing also went flawlessly. read more

Professional, schedule is respectful to patients. No waiting for long periods. My appointment was at 2.30 and I was called to the exam room at 2.30. That does not happen in most offices. read more

Was having a hard time breathing through my nose, told anonymous doctor "I can't take it anymore," as it was causing me to gasp in my sleep, and he said, "I get it," as if he was annoyed. Had to request an acute appointment because on the same day, the PA wanted to book my next appointment, a month out, when I was gasping in my sleep at the time. My breathing was not taken seriously. Years ago, another anonomyous doctor tried pushing a nose surgery onto me without explaining into depth. Went back recently and said doctor almost acted annoyed with me that I hadn't booked the surgery in the past, and that I came back in to re-visit my breathing issues. There is more -- will leave in another comment. I have found another provider. The SLP was helpful! The office staff were kind.​ read more

My allergist is fine but getting a hold of anyone on the phone is next to impossible. I spent the day trying to reach someone and asked for a callback. No one was on the line. I was also on hold for over three hours and eventually gave up. read more

Has this place changed! I guess they can't diagnose a sinus infection as I was told to see my eye doctor for symptoms caused by sinus issues. Also, I was told I should consider having an MRI, because I could have MS or Parkinson's Disease or perhaps I was just suffering from anxiety. They changed my nasal spray and told me to take Zyrtec... I had a sinus infection and needed an antibiotic, I was there twice with this problem! Too many young PA's that need more experience in my opinion. I was told a manager was going to call me back to discuss these issues further, I never heard from anyone, so it is now time for me to find another ENT and move on. Goodbye Albany ENT and Allergy! read more

Insurance fraud ?!? Saw MD Riccio for some ear symptoms - walked her through the history of symptoms and at home remedies over approx. 60-days - she looked in my ears and essentially she said "I have nothing to add/help/diagnosis or next steps" and asked me to "book another appointment in 3-weeks" presumably so they could bill me again. I left the office thinking Riccio was incompetent and called the Practice Manager to explain, and let him know I was not comfortable paying for zero value added! He read Riccio's notes out loud to me and it became evident she incorrectly recorded her notes to justify her work (notes said she made a suggested next step, but did not include I replied/informed her that was the first step tried prior with no joy). The time on the phone with the Practice Manger tried my patients (he was not impressive) but I remained professional through the end of the call .... My high deductible insurance and I were just bellied at full price read more

Went have my ears flushed and a hearing test. Came home one ear is bleeding and the other has a visible chunk of wax. Spoke to someone that day. Sounded unconcerned, but did prescribe an antibiotic Just because $20.They said they would have someone call me to make a follow up appointment, at my urging. Three days later I called them. Waited a 1/2 hour at my appointment.Doctor was with me for 10 minutes.Looked in both years and prescribed a second antibiotic $50. PLUS another office visit copay. Second $20. Showed him pictures of the wax and blood on q-tips. The only thing he did say was not to put q tips in my ears, what? My ear was bleeding in the open and the wax you could see . I only swabbed the visible blood and wax. Was told to call and make an appointment for a follow up Sure, I'm already in for over a $100. Because.......??????? I guess I'll think twice before having my ears cleaned again. read more

Albany ENT & Allergy Services - Visible yellow wax and red blood. - Allergists Near Me - Albany, New York

This place is a prime example of what is wrong with our healthcare system. I have been to this office 3 times over a span of 3 months. I went in because my left ear has fluid in it. The first person I see gets me a prescription, along with another appointment. I am told that I will get a doctor next time, and if situation is still the same the doctor will drain. 2nd appointment, doctor says I have to have a hearing test. 3rd appointment, hearing test. It's been a week since my test. Nobody has reached out to me. I spent $90 and still can't hear. This place is running an insurance scam in my opinion. Doctors today, by and large, don't care. read more

I can't speak to the quality of care or the condition of the facilities. I couldn't get past the making or changing an appointment. portal access was impossible for me. Talking to someone on the phone with extremely difficult. The patient portal link I received from the facility takes me To create credentials screen. It tells me my User ID is already in use. When I go to the recover my password screen, it tells me my user id does not exist. When after 30 minutes I talked to someone in the office, they said in a few minutes they would send me an email to reset everything. Two hours later, that has not arrived. trying to get a person on the phone at a time convenient for me to talk is challenging. The office staff acknowledges there is a long wait time on hold. They suggest using the callback option. I tried that once. It took hours to get a call back. I don't tend to sit by my phone. strictly for ease of communication, I will choose a different practice. read more

Went for an ER visit today, thought that getting there right when they open would be a good idea. So did everyone else. Even though there was a rush of people the front desk managed each patient well. The nurses were short staffed that day as someone had unexpectedly called in sick, but they were moving as fast as they could and getting the job done well. The doctor was fast and proficient. Meds were sent to the pharmacy for me and was told to follow up as necessary. Would go back if another emergency ENT problem arises. read more

My review is based on trying to get in to see a doctor. Since February 2025 Albany ENT has cancelled my appointments 3 times. They text with a notification cancelling my appointments which I feel is very unprofessional. It takes several months to get another appointment each time. There is no consideration for their patients and the possible issues they are having. Even after requesting a different doctor which took 3 months to get, 4 days before the appointment I just received a text cancellation canceling that appointment. Seems to be a pattern they commonly use. I wouldn't give them a 1 rating but that was the lowest rating you can give. Poor management and poor practice policies are commonplace with them. They should be embarrassed. I am looking for a NEW ENT office!!! read more

I strongly caution anyone considering Albany ENT for surgical procedures. I had surgery with Dr. Robert Engle that not only failed but left me with worse breathing than before -- including a collapsing nostril, vibrating septum, and increased airway obstruction. But what was even more distressing was how the practice handled everything afterward. My post-op follow-ups were canceled again and again, even as I tried to report serious complications. I was told alarming symptoms were "a good sign," which turned out to be entirely untrue. Within the time I was supposed to be seen but was continuously cancelled on, my septum essentially fell over. When I was finally seen months later, I was told the surgery had failed and that I now needed a full septum replacement -- a procedure Dr. Engle admitted he wasn't experienced in. When I called the practice after to discuss the mishandling of my case, a woman told me "you say you can't breathe, but insurance says you can breathe out your mouth." An absolutely horrific way to be treated after being pressured into the septoplasty given that, according to them, mouth breathing is not good for you. I was then referred to Dr. Adelson and spent over a year preparing for the revision surgery, discussing it in detail -- including the fact that rib cartilage might be needed. Everything was lined up and we were ready to move forward. Then out of nowhere about a month before surgery (when I'd cancelled a month of work), Albany ENT canceled the surgery, claiming the use of rib cartilage would be a problem -- even though that had been openly discussed the entire time and never flagged as an issue. This has been an ongoing issue since 2022; this is now 2025 when they are cancelling on me after years of pain from Dr. Engle's mistakes. I was told over the phone they would "line me up" with another specialist in NYC or Boston and "handle the insurance" -- of course, this was just to get me off the call. They never followed through. Eventually, I was simply told to go to Albany Med. I've been left in daily discomfort, sleeping with painful nasal stretchers and breathing worse than before surgery. The disorganization, lack of follow-up, and complete failure to advocate for their patient post-op is inexcusable. This practice does not treat patients with the care or accountability they deserve. read more

My husband had appt 2:45 today unfortunately we drove to CP office. while driving to Albany office called to let them know we were coming. After 16 minutes of holding secretary picked up and said you'll still be here on time and there is a 15 minute window. Parked at 2:40 and waited in line to check in. By the time he got To reception desk he was told he was late and checked with the Dr and and he could not be seen because Dr was running behind! This was handled poorly! Shouldn't the patient have the option of being seen even though Dr was running late? No option was given and this was all within the 15 minute window this took place... Driving an hour back home and never seen! read more

I don't understand why "updating" my review on yelp forces me to write a whole new one when what I really want to do is edit the one I already wrote. My purpose in writing this one is simply to alert people to the fact that Albany ENT and Allergy Services is not to be confused with Albany Med ENT and Allergy Services, which is an entirely different practice (located at 35 Hackett Blvd. in Albany) and is perfectly reputable and functional. For the one without "Med" in its name, my earlier review still stands. read more

Terrible experience. My appointment lasted a whole 5 minutes. The "PA" said I had no sign of reflux and then in the next breath prescribed an anti reflux medication. Needless to say I didn't pick up the meds. I just received a bill for over $500. What an absolute joke. read more

Its hard to give a good review when you cant get thru to ANY HUMAN BEING when calling for any reason whether to make appointments or inquire about a questionable test result ... this office is VERY poorly run. It's IMPOSSIBLE to reach ur own Dr. Their automated phone system is sorely lacking as is their office policy-They didn't even contact us when they received a concerning test result~We waited for DAYS after the results were in their office & reviewed by my own Dr~Worst of all, the Normal phone hold time just to talk to a human is anywhere from 45 min on a good day to over 1+ hours more often than not! Forget making an appointment in a timely manner or speaking w/your own dr about worrisome new test results requiring surgery (Final straw was when we needed to speak w/Dr & asked for him to give us a quick call at his convenience regarding the results, we were told by his office..." Oh the dr wont talk to you on phone..he doesn't do that, but said to just go ahead & call a surgeon"!) Okey dokey! We Did not return to this Practice. Instead, went over to Albany Medical Center to their "Albany Med ENT" Practice and they've been amazing - NO COMPLAINTS AT ALL about them! The staff is awesome-Never had to wait on hold for more than a minute or two before a HUMAN answered & got me to the right person! Easy to reach my new Practice on phone or via portal (my new ENT Specialist checks her portal every morning & REPLIES DIRECTLY TO US on any questions or concerns we may have). It feels like they actually CARE about you! Im glad I changed Specialists early on. Would not recommend Albany ENT&Allergy. read more

I recently met with Dr. Hughes and Dr. Perkins, me and my family have been with Dr. Setzen since the beginning, these 2 doctors were confident, clear and totally relatable. When it comes to surgery, it's about skill, not bedside manner. Knowing Dr. Setzen, he would not accept anything less than excellent. 100% confidence. read more

Awesome staff! Especially Robert Adelson. He is a man of integrity and honor. H cares a lot for his patients.

An absolutely wonderful medical practice. All doctors and staff are completely professional and knowledgeable. I have seen several folks in this practice and all have been top notch. The owner of the practice, Dr. Gavin Setzen, is without doubt one of the absolute finest medical professionals I have ever encountered. The folks here know their business and treat patients with the utmost respect. I highly recommend this practice anyone with ENT issues. They also have an office in Clifton Park, NY at 1785 U.S. 9 Suite 201, Clifton Park, NY 12065 In addition they have an urgent care facility at their Albany office address. read more

Great doctor and as for my appointments with my PA very short wait time. As for the allergy shot clinic waiting time is a crap shoot based on how many people come in and how many nurses are working. I've waited as short as 5 minutes to as long as 45 minutes. I'd recommend not trying to go on your lunch hour but overall really happy with services provided read more

Dr. Engle is amazing!!!! I highly recommend this practice to anyone. The office staff is always so pleasant. Dr. Engle really knows what he is talking about. For a surgeon to tell you that you do not need surgery and it really would not be beneficial, that says a lot. I was so pleased with how professional, knowledgeable and down to earth Dr. Engle was. He talks to you like a human being and in such a way you completely and thoroughly understand everything by the time you leave the office. I would return to this practice and Dr. Engle in a heartbeat! read more

Horribly managed practice. Doctor was fine - but never replied to portal email asking for help. They completely lost the referral I needed for my son, so instead of having to wait 6 weeks, we waited 4 months. They never call back. They never give you answers. Even their bill payment system is terrible. I liked the doc, but it's not worth using this practice. read more

I am really disappointed in how this practice is run. The check-in area is set up poorly so you can't see when someone if available. The intake personal are brisk, bordering on rude. The information I spent time filling out on the iPad they provided was never uploaded to my patient portal. I was supposed to have a follow-up test, but after 4 weeks of no communication, I proceeded to try to reach them - which is so difficult to get through. If I wasn't recommended to a specific doctor for their particular expertise, I would not continue there. read more

First, I waited two months for an appointment. Then I waited nearly three months for the testing that they decided I needed after an appointment that lasted a fraction of the time I waited and filled out forms (appointment was about 5 minutes). Then they rescheduled the testing to a time that wasn't ideal, but the alternative was to wait an additional two months. Then they couldn't accommodate me because I was about 10 minutes late after getting stuck in a meeting that I couldn't leave even though I called and was on hold while I drove to the appointment. I'm not actually even complaining, because I wasn't at all satisfied with the standard of care after the first appointment. It made the choice to find a better doctor so much easier. But if you want to be treated like a human and not a billing number, don't waste your time here. read more

The telephone answering service -- if you want to call it that -- is better than three years ago, but barely. Lost messages, unanswered requests, etc. are normal. It's bad enough treatment is like a big assembly line -- we patients deserve better!! read more

Very efficient office. Check in is always quick and easy and the doctors gives you all options available for your issue.

I have been a patient for over 15 years and am disappointed to see the decline in patient care by the staff at this practice. My doctor, Dr Adelson, is amazing and the reason I stay with the practice. The staff are overworked and often rude. The amount of time it takes for a prescription refill or to get an issue taken care of is from two weeks to five months, and many phone calls. Shame on me for staying somewhere with such terrible practices, but the care I receive from my doctor is what makes me choose to stay with it. If I had no history with the doctor, I would choose different practice. read more

I went to Albany ENT with a specific concern - cat allergies. I've been allergy tested multiple times in my life and I had allergy shots as a kid, so I have an understanding of my response to common allergens. They told me I'd still have to go through all of the usual steps - consult with a doctor, full battery of allergy testing, treatment. Fine. It took months to get the initial consult. I met with one of the PAs who was very pleasant. The whole visit may have taken 3 minutes, 5 minutes tops. At the very end she asked if she could put a "small camera into my nostrils to see how things look." Okay? She put the camera in each nostril no more than an eighth of an inch deep (a COVID test is more invasive). That was a $400 mistake on my part. I never should have agreed to let her use it. On my bill, this part of the exam was billed as a "nasal endoscopy." Wow, how creative. I assume most people have this type of thing covered in full by insurance so they barely notice. I have a high deductible plan, so this part of the exam alone cost me $200 out of pocket. In a way, I'm glad the bill was high enough to get my attention. I've gone back and forth about reporting them to my insurance company for fraud. That entire 3 minute visit, where I knew all of my objectives and goals for testing and treatment ahead of time, cost me $400 out of pocket. There was no reason to do a nasal endoscopy or, in her case, what any physician could do with basic tools. I did not complain about any specific issues with my nose or nasal passages besides sneezing after exposure to cats. Allergist options in this area are slim, but I'd recommend shopping around if possible to avoid this place. read more

I just want to comment again I am at a real ENT and infection cleared up within a month and am seeing correct MD for sinus/ ear blockages. Hole has not healed and have had an active infection since I stepped foot into Albany/Allergy (like I said I did) . The hole is from a secondary infection that blew out the eardrum its middle of February and it's still present. I am hoping my review keeps people out of danger because I believe the allergy shots were killing me. Stay safe. read more

Excellent, knowledgeable professionals. Clean and nicely run facility. They helped me when three other doctors could not.

Horrible customer service dr told me one thing at apt 2 weeks later said I didn't need surgery don't reccomend

I went to the Albany ENT and Allergy Services (Clifton Park office) on 10/09/23 for a FREE hearing through a contract they have with an online Hearing Aid vendor called Hearing Care Solutions. I called in JULY of 2023 and the soonest they could get me in was SEPTEMBER... then they called and moved my appointment to OCTOBER so I had waited three months for this appointment. Unfortunately, I knew there was going to be a problem with this place when I tried to check in for the FREE hearing test. The front desk receptionist was rude and immediately demanded my employer's medical insurance even though the Hearing test was supposed to be 100% covered by Hearing Care Solutions and NOT my employer's health insurance. Furthermore, they insisted that I see their Ears, Nose Throat doctor despite the fact that I already have one. They told me that they couldn't do the hearing test unless the ENT ordered it, even though I already wear hearing aids and you can get a hearing test in a Costco... Also, ironically, the hearing test was given BEFORE I saw the ENT, so it made no sense that they forced me to see the ENT, except that they are dishonest and money grubbing. When I went to check out, the receptionist was obnoxious and also told me that she could not get me in for the fitting until JANUARY (4 MONTHS), which is obscene considering that fitting are usually scheduled 2-3 weeks after the initial appointment. Considering that I already waited 3 months to get the initial appointment, then told I had to wait 4 more months to actually get fitted for the hearing aids... so 7 months wait time to get hearing aids? She also demanded my credit card so she could charge me $1750 for the hearing aid. Per contractual agreement with Hearing Care Solutions (the one that paid for the "free" hearing test), the customer (me) is supposed to pay Hearing Care Solutions directly for the hearing aid after the audiologist submits the order. Although Hearing Care Solutions sells hearing aids at a steep discount to retail price, there is still a profit to be had in their pricing. My suspicion is that by attempting to take my credit card, this office was going to order them from their own supplier and pocket any profit themselves. Although I cannot prove it, the office manager acted so insistent and belligerent when I informed them that I am supposed to pay Hearing Care Solutions directly, I found it suspicious, especially given their earlier shady behavior forcing me to see their ENT so they had an excuse to try to grub extra money from my employer insurance plan. Hearing Care Solutions attempted to contact them regarding my experience there and the office manager would not even return their call! Lastly, they have now committed some type of insurance fraud as today 11/03/23, I received a statement from my employer health insurance showing that they were billed for not only the ENT appointment which was forced on my by surprise upon arrival for the "Free hearing test", but they also billed my employer insurance for the "free hearing test" (which they were already reimbursed for via their contract with Hearing Care Solutions). I will be reporting this to my employer's insurance company. Shady behavior and horrible office staff all around. The audiologist and the ENT seemed nice, which was the only good thing I can say about this place! read more

wonderful I saw Robyn at urgent care she went out of her way to help me read more

Had a disturbing experience with the PA at the walk-in clinic, in contrast to uniformly excellent experiences with doctors, audiologists, and speech therapy. PA was reluctant to take my temp although no one took my vitals earlier. As I feared an infection it was reasonable to get a temp reading. PA said, that this was done by the nurses usually but no nurse took my vitals. He after showing his reluctance agreed to take it. Would not listen to me and stated that he should be in charge of interview. I gave up, said that I thought I was in the wrong place and tried to leave but PA persuaded me to stay so he could do a diagnostic procedure. After doing it he told me I had a condition that I knew was already documented in my chart. He wanted to prescribe a med I routinely took for it. He gave me no instructions on how to care for it after a big build up on how bad it was. Gave me no help with presenting problem other than suggesting I take a Covid test which I did upon returning home. It was negative. So he thought I might have Covid but didn't check my blood oxygen? I waited an hour for this guy to get in to see me and the first thing he said was that they were short staffed and he wanted to get home by midnight. While acknowledging that medical staff may certainly have significant personal problems, I've been taught to expect that staff will leave their own problems at the door and put patients' needs first. That did not happen here. I read that no doctors work in the walk-in clinic. They should. This little kingdom needs some supervision. Care was at best ineffective. I felt worse leaving than when I came in. read more

the worst care on gods green earth. if you're in pain they don't care as long as they got their bill paid. just got my tonsils out, can't eat, can't sleep, and all they will tell you to do is take some more ibuprofen and tough it out. and that's after trying to get anyone on the phone for 6 hours. read more

I've been a patient at this practice for 6 years. I live in Albany, NY. The recent care I've received is horrible. I went to the audiology department for hyperacusis. I went there over 6 months ago but I have never received treatment. It is now Nov 25 2024. I had many appointments cancelled. I was told I could get a special treatment for my audiology condition from Deanna Ross. But my appointments keep getting canceled. But instead of her they give me a minion of hers, an audiologist with no training in TRT Therapy. I've spent thousands of dollars for appointments where nothing was done. Of course the health insurance company is paying for it, not me but that doesn't matter. I still have my health problem. Not one audiologist at this practice has helped me. I'm done with this practice. I have complied with many tests. In my opinion what they are doing is dragging me along, with the hope of one day providing treatment, but at every appointment the audiologist knows nothing of TRT therapy and just looks at my records and looks once in my ears and then I'm done. Nothing! It's a technique used by practices to obtain funds from the health insurance companies without providing actual service. I'm going to report them to the health insurance company for fraud. It is obvious they are using me to get money from the insurance industry. It's so disappointing. I DO NOT recommend this practice or this doctor. read more

I visited the Albany ENT Urgent Care office at the urgent recommend of a friend as I was experiencing sudden hearing loss/tinnitus. I didn't have to wait long and the person at reception was pleasant and efficient. I was told I'd be seeing a PA, and was informed when I requested a doctor that that's how it works at the Urgent Care side: no docs, just PA's. The gentleman I'd be seeing was the best, though, the receptionist said. That he was everyone's favorite, patients and staff alike. I won't deny that he was funny and charming at first, and high energy. His demeanor changed a bit when I asked a couple questions trying to understand the ringing in my ear - I'm young and healthy, and this was a first for me. He became dismissive and told me "your ear has been ringing for 2 weeks. I see people whose ears have been ringing for 2 years." He said that it would resolve itself, but that I could help it along with allergy medicine if I wanted to. He didn't conduct a hearing test. The entire consult lasted maybe 90 seconds. Fast forward one month to this morning, back home in NYC, when a practicing ENT and Audiologist (with empathy) told me that I have acute sudden hearing loss in my left ear. They expressed dismay that I didn't get it addressed earlier, as the odds of reversing it would have been much higher if I had. The hard part for me to swallow is... that I did. At Albany ENT. But I was blown off by a young man who may have been funny and charming, but he was not experienced enough to spot an emerging issue. Or maybe he didn't give a crap. I guess I'll never know - and ultimately it doesn't matter. Shame on me for not insisting on seeing a doctor. read more