After a few visits that resulted in a significant improvement to my sinus headaches, it was recommended that I undergo a sinuplasy procedure, even though I was not longer having problems. I received a 30 minute in office balloon sinuplasty procedure, resulting in a bill for $25,000. Based on all the information I was able to gather on the standard cost of such a procedure, my bill should have been no more that $7,500 before insurance. To compound matters, I felt worse after the procedure than I had prior to it. I feel that I was pushed into an unnecessary procedure for the sole profit of this establishment. As a result, I will not be returning to Specialty Care. read more

First time visitor. I came in for a dripping sinus problem. I was there 10 minutes early. I spent 10 minutes completing out the patient information form. The receptionist seemed irritated I had not printed this out at home and brought it in. It was literally about 3 minutes past my appointment when I turned in the paperwork. And then I waited almost 40 minutes waiting for the doctor. I asked the receptionist why the long wait...and the explanation: "you didn't fill out the patient form prior to your arrival so we had to give up your spot to someone else!" Wow!! Once I finally got in to the see the doctor, I was asked questions about my symptoms by the attending nurse, and then she asked me to sign a payment form for endoscopic nose exam. She said some insurance companies view this as an invasive procedure so I needed to sign it. I became suspicious. I asked if this was covered by insurance and she said it depends. She said the cost would be between 200-500. To their credit, she said I didn't have to do this procedure but it's mainly to check for polyps. I reluctantly signed it. The doctor came in shook my hand, asked some questions about my sinus problem. She seemed nice and attentive. She looked into my ear..for less than a minute. All clean. She examine my throat...less than a minute. All clean. Then she sprayed into my nose to numb it before inserting the endoscope....the endoscopic instrument is about a 6" long tube with a light at the other end. I thought she would insert most if not all of the tube up my nose. She inserted about 3/4 inch into my nose...not much. Didn't seem very invasive. All clean. No polyps. This took about 3 minutes. The whole exam was done in less than 5 minutes. Then we talked for about 5 more minutes. Diagnosis was this is allergy related given the time of year and she would prescribe Flonase and antibiotics. I said it didn't feel like allergy, as I get allergies in the fall and not in spring. She said our bodies change. I asked isn't antibiotics for bacterial infections? She said it might be bacterial, but if I didn't feel like I needed antibiotics, then she would not prescribe them. A doctor who lets patients dictate the prescription...go figure. And I said isn't Flonase an over the counter product..and she said by giving me a prescription I can get it cheaper. Then she said to schedule a follow up in 2 weeks. The session lasted less than 10 minutes and she was insistent on a follow up Incase Flonase did not work. Here's what I found post visit from the MayoClinic website on polyps in the nose: "Your doctor can usually make a diagnosis based on your answers to questions about your symptoms, a general physical exam and an examination of your nose. Polyps may be visible with the aid of a simple lighted instrument." I have a bill is $600 and sure enough insurance did not cover the $400 for the endoscopic procedure. Insurance covered the office visit. The bottom line is this: * I didn't have to wait almost 40 minutes., just because I didn't fill out the new patient form from home! * I don't think they needed to do an expensive endoscopic procedure and make me pay $400 out of my own pocket. * I didn't generally disagree with the diagnosis of allergies (that's what my wife diagnosed prior to my visit). I should have just listened to her. I've taken some allergy pills since and sinus has cleared up. * This place just feels like a waste of time and money. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Alvi's for a number of years now. First off, Dr. Alvi has always shown concern, legitimate concern to the point that he's called our house following up after I've had procedures. He found out I cancelled an appt due to being in the hospital for something else, he called my house to check on me. Okay, so he's a good guy and takes the time to connect with his patients. After years of having sinus issues, sinus infections, about 5-6 per year, after a surgery and a few sinus plasty's, I have had a true sinus infection in 4 years. Sure allergies and environmental issues get in the way, but a couple of visits a year to clear out the sinuses and I'm as good as new. Yes, sometimes I have no idea what a visit may cost, but it's worth it to have these issues resolved. Dr. Alvi is has treated my son (problem solved), my wife, myself and I would recommend him to anyone. Mike K read more

I would like to say this doctor sets an example for excellent care beyond any others I've seen. My mother had chronic nose bleeds and was in and out of the ER one weekend and Dr. Alvi called and checked up on my mother calling every so often over the weekend on his days off to see if she was ok until she was able to come into his office during business hours. He is caring, compassionate and really listens to his patients needs. I would highly recommend this physician to anyone who needs an ENT specialist. I wish more doctors would follow his lead! read more

Specialty Care ENT - Barrington location - Ear Nose & Throat Near Me - Lake Barrington, Illinois

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My Husband and Son had a first patient appointment with a doctor at Specialty Care Institute and they will definately not be returning. The doctor spent a minimal amount of time with both of them, even though they went if with issues for their ears. Please don't be a doctor if you don't care enough to treat patients. read more

I saw Dr Golbin at the Elgin location. She was very friendly and helpful. I had something removed from my lip, and was really nervous about it. She was super gentle and just all around great. I would recommend her to anyone. Also accepted my BCBS insurance. read more

Horrible patient experience! We were referred to Specialty Care by our primary care doctor. Unfortunately, we forgot our insurance card. We offered to go and get it and only take about 15 min. They turned us away. I called the office later to speak with the Doc. No one returned my call. Will never recommend this practice to anyone! Horrible patient experience! read more

One of the best things you can hear before having surgery is "You have Dr. Alvi? You have nothing to worry about. He is the best!" I literally heard this from everyone - friends who are doctors in the area, the hospital admissions staff, the staff in pre-op, the staff who cared for me after my surgery. I couln't agree more! His level of care and concern is unmatched. Despite running what I know is an incredibly busy practice, he always makes you feel like you are his only patient. The entire staff is incredibly professional and responsive. I was never made to feel like an intrusion when I called with questions and always received a prompt follow-up call with answers - often from Dr. Alvi himself. This is the practice all others should aspire to emulate - they are truly world class!!!! read more

After years of experiencing breathing difficulties with my nose (congestion, snoring, overall feeling of stuffiness even when clear) , deciding to be evaluated and treated by an ENT was a big step for me. I was referred to Dr. Golbin-Hallet by a friend. From the moment I entered her facility I had the feeling I was in good hands, beginning with the front office. Prompt, timely, knowledgeable, flexible, courteous, empathetic, professional and helpful are accurate in describing the staff. Dr. Golbin-Hallet was on time, listened to me closely when speaking about my issue. Once it was her turn, she took great care to ensure I understood each thing she was about to do when examining my nasal passages then proceeded to do what she described in a very caring way (which I appreciated). When she explained her finding and next steps there was no doubt that choosing her as my ENT was a great choice. Visits were each to schedule. There were two more appointments involved in fixing my issue and each was as impressive, timey and reassuring as the first. Dr. Golbin-Hallet is superb at what she does and equally sensitive to putting patients at ease in her office. Not only do I say that I would I recommend her, I've done it twice. read more

Dr. Alvi just recently performed a tonsillectomy on me. Unfortunately, I had rare complications after and Dr. Alvi on his day off (when he was not on call) came into the ER at 3:30am to perform a procedure on me because he was concerned about me. He has gotten to know my husband and mom and greets them by name when we come in. He calls frequently to check up on me. He sits down and has conversations with you each time you come in. Every time me or my husband have called he has made time to thoroughly answer all of our questions. He is the perfect calm and experienced doctor. I am in the healthcare field and I have never experienced such care, compassion, and professionalism. Also, his front office and billing staff (I only remember Andrea specifically by name) were so helpful in preparing me for the costs to expect. They also did an awesome job with prepping me and explaining all my options and the procedure. Tonsillectomy is not a fun thing, but Dr. Alvi and his entire staff made the experience better than I could've ever expected. read more

Forgot to mention that other doctors did same procedure and no surgery needed. Not sure why Specialty Care Institute said I need surgery for around $30k read more

Dr. Dina Goblin-Hallett was my doctor who helped me with my nose problems and surgery for my deviated symptom. And let me tell you...she is amazing! It is so hard nowadays to find a doctor that you can trust. You can definitely trust her. I love her and have appreciated everything that she has done for me. I even recommended her to my best friend, who also fell in love with her! So don't hesitate, go and meet her! read more

My pediatrician referred us to Dr. Aijaz Alvi when my 6yo son had super-enlarged tonsils and difficulty breathing at night. My husband's colleague also highly recommended him. They were spot on! Dr. Alvi is wonderful! Working with children is hard, but Dr. Alvi had a great bedside manner with my son. He was relaxed, friendly, and jokingly fun to make my son feel at ease. He genuinely listened to my concerns and answered all my questions patiently and honestly. The surgery (tonsils and adenoids) Dr. Alvi performed later went as smoothly as we'd hoped. Dr. Alvi even called us at home later to check on my son! There are so few doctors that go beyond expectations, but he is one of them. He really cares about his patients. Thank you Dr. Alvi! read more

I went in for an initial consultation here. I was happy with the consultation and advice Dr Alvi gave. He seems to be very professional. My bad rating is based on that they give no explanation for charges and procedures what so ever here. For example, I was told I would have an "allergy test" but was given no explanation of what was involved in it or the charges for it. I have a phobia for needles and found out the DAY OF in the room that id be required to take over 30 injections. I only made it through half the procedure and they charged me almost $500. The "endoscopy" which they make you sign a form for so you apparently cant dispute each time they charge you, was done on my first visit but the 2nd time was not anywhere close to the first procedure I had done. It basically consisted of looking in my nose with a flashlight for about 10 seconds on my last visit and I was charged another $400 for this on top of the $400 on the first visit. When I called the office to dispute this I was told " well, you signed the form". My CT scan was $800 bring my grand total to almost $2300 for 1 - 15 minute consultation, a failed allergy test that lasted about 20 minutes, and a 30 minute CT scan and 2nd "endoscopy". I'm all for turning profits but this makes me cringe at what the actual recommended procedure would cost from this place. read more