ENTs (Otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC
Compare 51 ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
51
ENTs (Otolaryngologists)
100%
Accepting patients
84%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated ENTs (Otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: entState: NCCity: Durham
About ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 51 ents (otolaryngologists). The most common credential is MD (84%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 59% accept Medicare.
What to expect at your first ent (otolaryngologist) visit in Durham, NC
The first visit includes a review of your symptoms and medical history, followed by an examination of your ears, nose, and throat using a headlight and specialized instruments. The ENT may use a flexible scope (passed through the nose) to view your sinuses, throat, or voice box. A hearing test may be performed on site. They will explain findings and discuss treatment options, which may be medical or surgical.
Tips for Durham, NC patients
Duke Health dominates the local market. If your insurance covers Duke, it simplifies referrals and records. If not, Duke Regional Hospital and community health centers offer broader insurance acceptance.
When to see a ent (otolaryngologist)
See an ENT for chronic sinus infections (more than three per year), hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), persistent sore throat, frequent nosebleeds, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness lasting more than two weeks, sleep apnea or loud snoring, enlarged tonsils or adenoids in children, a lump in the neck, or ear infections that keep recurring.
Typical costs
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Hearing test: $50-250 · Sinus surgery: $5,000-10,000 · Tonsillectomy: $3,000-7,000
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Frequently asked questions about ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC
Durham, NC has 51 licensed ents (otolaryngologists). 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. A hearing test costs $50 to $250. Sinus surgery runs $5,000 to $10,000. A tonsillectomy costs $3,000 to $7,000. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Hearing aids are a significant out-of-pocket expense, often $1,000 to $4,000 per ear. Over-the-counter hearing aids (available since 2022) cost significantly less for mild to moderate hearing loss. Ask your ENT about all options.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
59% of ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Medicare covers ENT visits and medically necessary procedures. Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some ents (otolaryngologists) in Durham, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers ENT services in all states. Hearing aid coverage for adults varies by state. Children typically have broader hearing aid coverage under Medicaid. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Durham
Insurance & ENT (Otolaryngologist) coverage
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include medicare, unitedhealthcare, qhp-11512, centene, and cigna.
ENT visits are covered as specialist visits under medical insurance. Hearing tests are covered when ordered for medical evaluation. Hearing aids are not covered by most plans, though some states mandate partial coverage. Sinus surgery and tonsillectomy typically require prior authorization. Verify in-network status for both the ENT and any surgical facility.