It often seems that we fall ill or experience injury at night or on the weekend, outside the hours that our physician’s office is open. When that is the case, urgent care is often a quick and easy option for medical care. While this can be an excellent way to address common health conditions that are not life-threatening, it is typically not the best choice for specialized care.
Issues specific to your ear, nose, throat, head or neck are often more complex and difficult to diagnose in an urgent care setting. If you are experiencing a non-emergency issue, it is best to make an appointment with a trained ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, such as the doctors at Sierra Nevada ENT.
Please note: if you are experiencing an emergency–including bleeding that won’t stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing or pain that is interfering with your ability to function–you should seek immediate care at your nearest ER.
What is an ENT Specialist?
An ENT doctor is specially trained in the anatomy, physiology and pathology of not just just the ears, nose and throat, but in the general structure and function of the head and neck. Our training includes 15 years of college, medical school, a residency and an internship and board certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology. For this reason, ENT specialists are your best resource for diagnosing and treating conditions impacting the head and neck region.
At Sierra Nevada ENT, our team has expertise in areas including, but not limited to:
- Sinus and nasal conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nosebleeds and snoring
- Head and neck conditions, such as Bell’s Palsy, benign or malignant tumors, skin cancer on the head and neck, sleep apnea and tonsil/adenoid infections
- Otology and ear surgery conditions, such as balance disorders or vertigo, ear infections, hearing loss and Meniere’s Disease
- Facial cosmetic surgery, such as rhinoplasty (nose), otoplasty (ear), blepharoplasty (eyelid) and skin smoothing procedures
- Thyroid conditions, voice and throat conditions and many others
We offer compassionate, caring treatment for patients of all ages. In addition we operate Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center and a state-of-the-art Center for Vestibular Rehabilitation for patients in need of balance therapy.
Urgent Care
Urgent care locations typically offer immediate, walk-in appointments and are often open outside the hours of a normal primary care physician’s office. They tend to serve patients with acute, but not life-threatening, conditions–those who can’t wait overnight or over the weekend for a doctor’s appointment but do not need to visit the emergency room.
The medical professionals at urgent care locations have to treat a wide range of common illnesses and injuries. As a result, they are generalists, as opposed to specialists. And while they serve an important role in our healthcare system, they are not trained in otolaryngology (the field of medicine specializing in issues of the head, neck, ear, nose and throat).
At Sierra Nevada ENT, we have the medical expertise, experience and equipment to offer a full diagnosis of your condition and prepare an individualized treatment plan specific to your needs.That is why, if you are not experiencing a medical emergency, we strongly recommend making an appointment with an ENT specialist.
Seeking ENT Care
ENT specialists receive both medical and surgical training. At Sierra Nevada ENT, we evaluate, diagnose and treat a variety of issues affecting the ear, nose, throat, head and neck in a caring, safe and professional setting.
If you are having an emergency–including bleeding that won’t stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing or pain that is interfering with your ability to function–the ER is your best option. For non-life-threatening issues, however, visiting a specialist at Sierra Nevada ENT is a great first step toward recovery.
With locations in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Fallon, our team has been proudly serving Northern Nevada and the surrounding area for over 25 years. Call to set up your appointment today.
