Pretty much the same story as others regarding UCI Wen Center or any of their other facilities. They are a HOSPITAL and will bill hospital rates, even for an office visit. Dr Bhandakar is extremely good, he cured my chronic sinusitis with a surgery years ago, but UCI, what a bunch of jokers. Two office visits within a month, each having to use the scope to look up my nose (the 2nd time the entire appt took 30 sec), the hospital billed insurance $5400 for the facility and the provider (doctor/staff) billed $2100. EACH VISIT. My insurance company paid $6700 each time which is really stupid and I have to pay the balance. Big racket with UCI knowing the right code to bill the most money. Bill was sent to review, took two months for any answer, then they just said code was correct. This is just like Las Vegas, you can only build big buildings if you overcharge your customers. Never again. BHANDAKAR: Great UCI: The worst (imo) read more

Very satisfied with my interaction with UCI ENT. Very professional every step of the way. Great communication and delivery. Highly recommend. read more

Be careful if you make an appointment with this doc at the WEN center in Irvine at 19200 Jamboree Rd Ste . I was billed almost $500 in facility fee + copay. read more

Dr Bhandarkar is just the best. So is his nurse Ruby. I saw him last fall for a condition tyhat turned out to be sinusitis. He was very helpful and took time to explain my treatment options and answer my questions. I opted for an in-office procedure that took place in January and it was a complete success. I just say him for a 6 month follow up and he was pleased with the results as am I. I highly recommend Dr. B for your ENT needs!!! read more

I scheduled my appointment almost 2 months ago. I have been receiving text message reminders of my appointment for the last couple days. Today is my appointment and they waited until today, a few hours before my appointment to call and tell me they do not have the referral needed to see me. You guys had months to contact me so this could have been handled, instead I no longer have an appointment, thanks for nothing! read more

Going to this Dr was the worst experience I have ever had with healthcare professional. He was condescending, rude and arrogant. There is a code for doctors that states: Recognize that derogatory or disrespectful language or conduct can cause psychological harm to those they target. Always treat patients with compassion and respect. He must have missed this part when he was attending Ohio State University college of Veterinary school. read more

One of the top ENTs in OC. Very smart doctor and takes your questions and concerns very seriously. Doesn't rush you and explains things well, particularly compared to other ENTs in OC read more

i think a 20 minute appointment just cost me about $1,400. had a pretty bad experience with UCI ENT where they misrepresented a prescription. was mislead by an ENT practitioner about a medication. told me the medication was just approved by the FDA and then gave me a prescription for a generic i was already taking. the new prescription would've cost more than a car payment and the generic is available for $20 over the counter. also be aware there facility bill can exceed the practitioner bill. that comes out to like $4,500 an hour. its an absolute joke. also their grievance committee wont do anything for you. read more

Excellent doctor and great staff! Dr. Bhandarkar listened to my concerns, did a very thorough evaluation and found the root cause of my problems. His nurse Ruby was extremely thorough, kind, thoughtful and caring! They make a great team and provide excellent white-glove service! I highly recommend you visit their practice! read more

Billed for unnecessary exams and procedures. I have had other ENT doctors before who were good but did not bill for unnecessary stuff during routine visits. UCI Health needs to hold these types of doctors accountable. read more

Okay, so I have had several sinus issues and sinus surgeries over the years to address chronic sinusitis. The ENT who was treating me had concerns about doing any further work and couldn't quite pinpoint the reason for recurring sinusitis (as seen by CT). That ENT was great because they knew they were at their limit of expertise and recommended Bhandarkar to review and take any further action. In Dr. Bhandarkar's office, they have an endoscopy machine, and he's extremely adept at using it. He can instantly look into your sinuses and visually see what is occurring with no discomfort. Usually, when I've had in-office endoscopies of my sinuses, there's some pain, maybe even bleeding afterward. No issues of pain or discomfort at all. He'll show you and explain what he's seeing, so you know what's going on. Unfortunately, there were some issues with my prior sinus surgery, so I needed to have revision surgery. They did an outstanding job of working with me and my insurance to be sure everything was adequately pre-approved with my insurance. The results of the revision surgery were exceptional. I don't get the severity of the sinus issues I previously had. I'm able to exercise a lot better now that I can breathe a lot better, as well. read more

I would give no stars if I could. This is not the way Drs should conduct business by slipping bills under the rug without any accountability of being up front about their services. I too had a horrible experience of getting billed over $500 (after insurance) for a consultation that took less than 5 minutes only to be told that he couldn't help me. I heard great things about the Dr and read his amazing bio however he was not able to help and I was slapped with a bill of $3,000 to my insurance for FIVE minutes of his time! Most doctors offices will tell you upfront what any outrageous costs will be BEFORE services, this one does not. Still pending a dispute with billing. read more

Dr. Bhandarkar was so honest. After seeing over a dozen different ENTs, 15 years of constant sinus infections, two sinus surgeries and no one being able to tell me why I keep getting sinus infections, as I understand it, Dr. Bhandarkar told me that there was nothing more an ENT could do for me. He could do a third surgery, but didn't recommend it. Most ENTs rush you to surgery, but not this doctor. He referred me to an immunologist. I wish I would have seen Dr. Bhandarkar 15 years ago. I feel like I would've only needed one sinus surgery and kick these sinus infections a long time ago. One big negative thing (hence, 4 stars, not 5) - with Blueshield of CA PPO, they charged a $900 facility fee and another $900 for endoscopy. If I recall properly, I end up with a bill for no more than $200 out-of-pocket from other ENTs, so UCI is WAY more expensive than at least the dozen ENTs I have seen. I did consent to the endoscopy, but I had no idea that UCI appears to charge almost three times more than other ENTs. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Naveen Bhandarkar at UC Irvine Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery for quick resolution of sinus problems. Dr. Bhandarkar made a special effort to fit me in his schedule, and diagnosed the root cause of my painful recurring sinus infection. My condition required surgery, and Dr. Bhandarkar was able to perform a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to cure my malady. He and his team worked with my insurance provider to quickly get a surgery date scheduled and approved during the busy holiday season. I am so thankful for their diligence which ultimately lead to my prompt recovery. A big THANK YOU! to Dr. Bhandarkar and his Team. read more

the most incompetent, abusive, obnoxiou, rude, uncaring Dr lacking medical intelligence with zero patient skills! only a money sucker. very low class, unprofessional, & hurtful dr. zero mannerism & damaging to people's health. read more

Dr. Bhandarkar is a ROCKSTAR. I never write reviews but I would give this Dr 10 stars if I could. He listens, explains everything, has compassion and is very accommodating to his patients. My husband has a recurring tumour that has grown in his sinuses. Dr B has surgically removed it 3 times now. The first was very intensive because it was the size of a baseball and growing into his cheek, ear and up near his brain. They took the time to remove it all through his nasal passages and not cut and sew him back together which would have been the faster route for them but the longer more painful healing route for my husband. The first surgery took over 15 hours and after it was complete I was so impressed on the patience and skills by this Dr. I highly recommend Dr. Bhandarkar if you need anything done regarding sinuses. He is extremely friendly and you will feel comfortable and at ease as soon as he enters the room. A+++ I am so grateful to this man. read more

You will never understand how grateful I am for Dr Bhandarkar. My husband had surgery last year for a deviated septum, by another doctor. After the surgery I had to rush him to the ER, on several occasions, for extreme nosebleeds. He nearly bled to death. It was extremely scary. His original doctor was at a loss, as to how to get the bleeding to stop, permanently. He consulted with and referred us to Dr B. He was able to get my husband into surgery the next morning. My husband hasn't had a nosebleed since. It was a terrifying time. Who knows what would've happened if we weren't referred to Dr B. I can't thank him enough. read more

Thorough. One of the few doctors willing to investigate your issues, during the chaos of COVID, and ensure the best possible care. He doesn't treat your symptoms with a referral. I'm being treated by him now and know that he has a invested interest in getting this 6 week sinus/infection behind me. Thanks doc! read more

Beware of extremely high costs for a basic consultation! I didn't have an issue with Dr. B, but when I received a $500+ bill for a 5 minute initial consultation, I fell out of my chair. After reaching out to the office thinking they made a mistake on the bill, I learned UCI Health charges a standard rate of $700+ for a simple visit like this- CRAZY! My insurance company picked up just a couple hundred of the bill saying that's what the visit should cost. read more

I will forever be grateful to Dr. B. This review is written with appreciation, admiration and respect for his expression of "art". Back Story- I have suffered with chronic sinusitis for over 15 years. I've had surgeries to remove polyps, fix deviated septum, and allergy testing many times. I have read books, articles, medical journals in trying to understand this daily disease. I am aware it is not life treating, and life could be worse, but 20 years of not having a sense of smell, breathing problems, sleeping issues, ER visits- I just wanted to have 1 day without sinus headaches. The Staff: - Caring and Patient - Respectful - Diligent - Professional - Great Communication Everyone from McKenzie to her staff, they all work hard and make the process less painful from step A to Z. Thank you for helping me become a better patient. Dr. B I appreciate you and am very thankful that you allowed me to be your patient with respect and grace. You helped me understand the disease, you gained my trust, gave me time to ask questions and understand, and most importantly you helped me on my journey in life. I was nervous at times because of the responsibility I bare and you handled my surgery like a Master. You are respected and greatly admired. Post Op Result: I feel like a new man. I smelling man. A man that can perform better as a Voice Actor and Poet. I can sleep better, I can smell better, I can breathe and exercise better. The journey is worth the experience. Advice: Be the best patient you can be. Nasal Rinse and do it extra. Write notes, understand the process and procedure. Be brave. Ask questions and respect the answers. Show love and be love and you will get love. Kabirsvoice.com read more

REVIEW BY LAWRENCE P: If you have sinus issues, I highly recommend, Naveen D. Bhandarkar, MD. I appreciate Dr. Bhandarkar's medical expertise and superb skills. The care and professionalism I received from nurse McKenzie and the entire office staff was exceptional. I've had a lifelong history of major issues with sinus and ear infections, plus allergies. The symptoms had become worse and more frequent. Over the years (decades), I've been examined and treated by various doctors with little success in alleviating my symptoms. Upon moving to the Irvine area, my wife found information on Dr. Bhandarkar and made an appointment. After completing an extensive evaluation of my condition, Dr. Bhandarkar told me I was an excellent candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. He specifically said he would not recommend full-blown surgery for my sinuses. He clearly explained the procedure and chances for a successful outcome. I had the balloon sinuplasty in September, 2016. It was done as an outpatient in the doctor's office. The procedure itself lasted less than an hour. I was awake during the entire procedure with minor discomfort. Dr. Bhandarkar and his nurses performed beautifully. During the procedure, six of my eight sinus passages were successfully opened for proper drainage. I went in two more times to get the remaining two openings to drain properly. Post-Op, Dr. Bhandarkar prescribed a regime of daily saline rinses and two prescription nasal sprays. He also recommended an excellent allergist. After more than a year since the procedure, my symptoms have almost disappeared with no sinus infection attacks or headaches for the last six months. Additionally, this procedure is covered by Medicare. To help coverage I would recommend having supplemental insurance for six months before any procedure. read more

I went from 95% obstructed on one side to being able to breathe more freely on both sides than I would have been able to imagine possible. Easier to sleep, play sports, etc. Great surgery experience although it was painful and recovery was difficult, as I had been warned it could be. read more

I went to Dr. Bhandarkar after years of chronic sinus issues. He was able to tell me that I had a structural issue inside my nose when no other ENT I went to bothered you tell me. I also was told my symptoms were probably due to allergies. He referred me to an allergy doctor and a plastic surgery doctor all in one meeting. I will refer him to all my friends and will never go anywhere else. The office was so clean and the staff was super friendly and helpful. If you have sinus issues, he is the one to see. read more

Best experience ever! From office visits to pre op to post op this team is amazing. Dr. Bhandarkar is knowledgeable, polite and thorough. I had frequent nosebleeds and my previous ENT couldn't figure it out but blindly cauterized to no avail. Within literally 5 minutes Dr. Bhandarkar found the source and had me in surgery two weeks later. Everything went perfectly and it's only a week out. My sinus is healed and no nosebleeds! I'm amazed! read more

I definitely recommend Dr, B. After many years of suffering from sinus infections, he ran extra tests to discover the cause. He will only do surgery if very necessary. He is patient and compassionate with nervous patients as myself. No matter how many times I've had a scope up my nose, I'm still extremely nervous. He recognizes that and shows understanding. He works well with the other doctors and thinks of the patient entirely so that nothing is ruled out. He has been my ENT for 7 + years. He has improved my quality of life. read more

I dealt with sinus issues several years back and can't say I had many wonderful experiences. I was finally referred to "the best" ENT in the Bay Area, but she ended up being terrific at misdiagnosis, callousness, brevity and ensuring she had more patients than she had time. (I would have died shortly after her diagnosis had I followed her advice.) Fast forward a few years and some pesky organisms in my head became increasingly adept at outsmarting doctors of all types. I reached the point where waking up in the morning to find myself still alive started to get a little tiresome. And then I met Dr. Bhandarkar: Intelligent, caring, vigilant, alert, considerate, competent, genius. There are very few perfect doctors in the world. Dr. Bhandarkar is one of them. read more

Great doctor. He really helped me with my sinus issues, more than any other ENT doctor I have ever known.

I was referred to Dr. Bhandarkar by another ENT doctor in Fountain valley. He did a brilliant job with my sinus surgery! He's very competent and knowledgeable at what he does. I consider myself very lucky to have met him. He's very courteous and truly cares about his patients. read more

I cannot say enough good about Dr. Bhandarkar! I truly feel that he has changed my life. After two years of chronic sinus infections and being on countless medications with no help, I was referred to Dr. Bhandarkar. He immediately knew that surgery was the best option to alleviate my symptoms. Before the surgery he noticed an issue that my previous doctors had not seen and after my surgery he confirmed the issue as the cause of my infections. I am now symptom and infection free and I owe this to Dr. Bhandarkar's expertise. My surgery and post op went smoothly and I felt very confident with the care and compassion that both he and his wonderful staff showed. I love Dr. Bhandarkar's calm demeanor! He is thorough, patient and kind and I will forever be grateful to him for the care that he has given me. read more

The best ever doctor Extremely knowledgeable doctor and a magnificent nose surgeon. Office staff are friendly, helpful, caring and great. Dr. Bhandarkar operated on my nose and all my symptoms were gone in less than a month,. I visited 4 well known doctors before him and none of them were able to help me with my nose and breathing problems. He is my highest recommendation. read more

Very bad experience with Dr and provider office, UCI health care office in Irvine. Dr just checked inside the nasal for sinus/congestion issue and found out nothing severe. Only spent 10 mins. BUT I RECEIVED A BILL FROM PROVIDER IS $1468. Would you believe it? At least provider should let me know if the billing amount will be such a huge. And what is that amount for?? Just to check nasal congestion!!! Ridicules:( Big big no to visit this Dr/Office. I wish i could 0 star read more

I had severe sinus headaches and blockage for years. Went to several doctors and couldn't get a clear diagnosis and was continually given different meds that didn't work. I researched and found Dr. Bhandarker. He had great credentials and I was desperate to find answers. He performed a routine surgical procedure for deviated septum and removed excess tissue blocking my sinuses. I recovered in about 2 weeks and since then my quality of life has changed dramatically; no headaches, able to sleep, able to breathe much better- excellent results. He has an exceptional bedside manner and takes the time to explain things thoroughly. Highly recommend. read more

I would like to share an update to my review. I am very pleased with that fact that Dr. Bhandarkar took the time to call me personally to find out my side of the story and what happened. He knew nothing about what was going on in his office until he read my review on Yelp. He was very disturbed with what was/is happening in his office and was going to take a serious look at my concerns. Like I said before it was not Dr. Bhandarkar. I hope to give this office another try in the furture. Thanks Dr. Bhandarkar! read more

Dr. Bhandarkar cured a horrendous Staff infection I had at his first attempt, with a smile on his face an overall great bedside manner!

I have suffered from chronic sinus infections for many years. I used to go to my PCP or urgent care to get handed a Zpack and pushed out of the office. This past May (2015) I began having major issues with breathing, choking, feeling dizzy all the time, headaches... leading to anxiety and several panic attacks. After a terrible misdiagnosis from Head and Neck Associates in Mission Viejo, I was given a referral to Dr. Bhandarkar from a friend of a friend for a second opinion. Dr. Bhandarkar's office was able to help me get an appointment timely (within a week). I presented the countless visits and imaging charts I had with various physicians across Orange County, the X-rays, CT scans, etc... where no physician could diagnose what was was wrong and within minutes of my first visit with Dr. Bhandarkar, he found the problem. I had several large sinus polyps, cysts, and mucosal thickening essentially blocking all of my sinus drainage and nasal passage. He immediately did a scope and determined I was a prime candidate for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The UCI team was able to get me scheduled for outpatient surgery rather quickly and within a couple of weeks I had the sinus surgery (October 2015). The team at UCI Medical Center was so professional and caring. Dr. Bhandarkar was thorough in explaining the surgery and what to expect as well as the pre and post operation care I would need to take. I recovered very quickly within about 2 weeks and feel better than ever!!!!!!!! I have never breathed so well. If it wasn't for Dr. Bhandarkar, I would still be suffering and looking for a physician that could find what was causing me 6 months of serious health problems. This doctor is a GENIOUS. He knew exactly what was going on and how he could fix it and get me back to good health. I can't say enough nice things about he and his entire staff at UCI ENT. Just amazing, professional, knowledgable, caring, and getting right to the issue and resolving it timely. Dr. Bhandarkar also spends adequate time with his patients and does not rush you in and out. He listens to your situation and asks the right questions to make a diagnosis unlike most of the other physicians I spent time with over 6 months trying to get back to good health. If you want to find a physician that is the best in the ENT business in Southern California, go NOWHERE else. Also, his office in Irvine is immaculate (extremely clean and modern). They have all of the state of the art technology and his staff is superb. Bottom line, if you want the best ENT and getting your health problem handled right and right the first time, go see Dr. Bhandarkar. He is the best in the business! read more

Was not helpful at all was bothered I made a appointment. Just wanted a second opinion since I never experienced sinus problems ever. I was recommended to the doctor. read more

Dr B was part of my surgical team for my pituitary adenoma resection at UCI. I know why Dr Linskey collaborates with him on transphenoidal surgeries, because he's a very good doctor and a nice guy. I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish in my experience with him. Post op care was spot on and he cleaned me out beautifully. Thank you so much! read more

I would recommend Dr. Bhandarkar in a heartbeat to anyone who is seeking an ENT. Very honest, sincere and to the point. No unnecessary recommendations for procedures. He deserves a rating beyond 5-stars. read more

I see the office deleted my review..I guess the truth hurts! I made an appt with Dr Bhandarkar's office, first time I've been to an ENT office. I was experiencing headaches and wanted to see if he could help. I get to the office and the receptionist, large caucasian lady, was so rude. She never made eye contact with me. I was standing at the counter waiting and she's having a conversation with the other staff members and not directly with me. She claims I was given the wrong papers to fill out and gave me more papers to fill out...mind you still no eye contact. I almost walked out but thought hopefully the Dr isn't this unprofessional and it's just his staff. Finally, I go into a room with the assistant. She proceeds to stick some long tube up my nose. Again, first time to an ENT office and not sure what is going on. I asked her if she could explain what is about to take place with that instrument. You could tell she was new and inexperienced. Next, I make my way to see the Dr. I'm at the office at this point for 20 minutes...15 minutes waiting, 5 minutes with assistant and now Dr. He proceeds to look in my ear, nose and throat with an instrument. It took him 5 minutes to do what he needed to do. At the end, he tells me I'm healthy and he didn't see anything and made several over the counter recommendations. I'm at this office a total of 30 minutes. Here's the best part! I get a bill for $889. Yep! A whole 5 minutes with him and his lazy receptionist (no eye contact lady) didn't tell me the procedure they're doing isn't covered by my insurance. I personally felt he should have mentioned to me what he was doing and give me the option to do it or not! Not do it and bill me. Awful and money hungry office! Don't bother going to this office. There's plenty of offices where the staff is friendly and will treat you a lot better and fill you in on procedures they perform/if your insurance covers it. read more

Dr. Bhandarkar is a highly skilled surgeon; that is a given. But what really impressed me about him is the fact that he is approachable, friendly, and down to earth. I am a nurse, and let's face it...many surgeons are egomaniacs. He not only fixed my damaged sinus (result of a bone infection from a dental implant), but allayed my fears about future sinus problems. He is also easy on the eyes making visits a bit more fun. Highly, highly recommend. read more