331 Elm Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
P: (530) 528-1220
F: (530) 528-3954
Red Bluff Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30-4:30*
email: northvalleyent@gmail.com
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North Valley ENT provides high quality ear, nose, and throat medical and surgical care to northern California. For over 15 years we have combined experience, service and specialization to treat both adult and pediatric ENT problems. There are two offices conveniently located to serve you and your family.
We accept most insurance coverage and in most cases, a referral is not needed. Call us today to make an appointment with Dr. Frantz for all your ear, nose, and throat needs.
For those of you who may be experiencing hearing loss, call today to schedule an appointment with Deborah Vieira M.S., CCC-A or Kari Parnell to test your hearing and discuss the possibility of hearing aids.
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2138 Court Street, Suite A
Redding, California 96001
P: (530) 222-5115
F: (530) 242-6900
Redding Hours:
Fridays 8:30-4:30*
email: northvalleyent@gmail.com
*hours and availability are subject to change at any time
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| Did you know...?
More than 50% of all physician office visits are for ENT problems.
What is an ENT Specialist?
An ear, nose and throst specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States!
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| The Ear
The unique domain of the ear; nose and throat specialist is treatment of ear disorders. This includes medical and surgical treatment for hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial nerve disorders, as well as management of congenital (birth) and cancerous disorders of the outer and inner ear.
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The Nose
Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of the ENT specialist. Management of disorders of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, allergies, sense of smell, and nasal respiration (breathing), as well as the external appearance of the nose are part of an. ENT's area of expertise.
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| The Throat
Also specific to the ENT specialty is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aerodigestive tract or esophagus including disorders of the voice respiration (breathing), and swallowing.
The Head and Neck
In the head and neck area, an ENT specialist is trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors (both benign and malignant/cancerous), facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Training
An ENT specialist is ready to start practicing after up to 15 years of college and postgraduate training. To qualify for certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college, medical school (usually four years), and at least five years of specialty training. Next, the physician must pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination to be certified.
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Pra ctice Policy
North Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Medical Group, Inc.
Thank you for choosing us as your health care provider. Problems related to the ears, nose and throat require special attention. We are committed to your treatment being successful. The following is a statement of our financial policy that we require that you read, agree to and sign prior to any treatment. All patients must also complete our Patient Information, Medical History and Privacy Notice forms before seeing the physician.
Patients without Insurance Coverage
Payment at the time of service is required.
Patients with Insurance Coverage
We will bill your insurance as a service to you. Co-pays and deductibles are required at time of service. Your appointment may be rescheduled if you do not provide your co-pay. There may be a situation where you could be left with a balance, either due to unpaid deductibles or co-insurance. If your insurance has not sent you a notice of payment within four (4) weeks of the services, please check with your insurance carrier. You are ultimately responsible for all charges. It is your responsibility to provide us with your most current insurance cards and information.
Insurance Authorization
If your insurance requires an authorization for an office visit or procedure, the authorization must be presented at the front desk prior to your visit. It is your responsibility to obtain the completed authorization form from your primary care physician. If you do not have an authorization form, we will be happy to see you on a private pay basis and you will be responsible to pay for the care rendered at the time of service. If your insurance company does not authorize treatment that does not mean that treatment is not medically necessary, or that we are denying you treatment.
Procedures
Minor procedures may need to be performed in our office. Depending on your particular needs any procedure performed in the office will be billed to your insurance company. Many of these are considered “procedures” however; insurance companies will view these as “surgical procedures” despite being performed in the office. This will be designated as such in your office visit statement from your insurance company. When you receive a statement from your insurance company please be advised that this refers to the office procedure, minor procedure or diagnostic study performed during your office visit. Depending on your insurance plan the charges may be applied to your deductible.
Assignment and Release
I understand that I am financially responsible for all charge whether or not paid by insurance. I authorize release of any information concerning my (or my child’s) healthcare, advice, and treatment provided for the purpose of evaluating and administering claims for insurance benefits. I also hereby authorize insurance benefits otherwise payable to me to be paid directly to North Valley Ear, Nose, & Throat. If “other health insurance” is indicated on item 9 on the HCFA-1500 form, or elsewhere on other approved claim forms electronically submitted claims, my signature authorizes release of the information to the insurer or agency shown. I have read the above statements and accept full responsibility for all medical fees incurred by my dependents or myself. I acknowledge that failure to meet my financial obligations may result in referral of my account to a collection agency.
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
North Valley ENT requires 24 hour notice if you are going to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you do not inform our office that you will be unable to keep your appointment you may be discharged from our practice.
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Notice of Privacy Practices
North Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Medical Group, Inc.
To our patients: This notice describes how health information about you (as a patient of this practice) may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA).
Our commitment to privacy:
Our practice is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information. We realize that these laws are complicated but we must provide you with the following important information.
Use and disclosure of your health information in certain special circumstances, the following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health information:
- To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
- Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
- If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
- When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.
- If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
- To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
- To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
- For Workers Compensation and similar programs.
Your rights regarding your health information:
- Communications. You can request that our practice communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact you at home rather than work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
- You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your health information to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.
- You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes. You must submit your request in writing to:
Timothy Frantz, M.D.
C/O North Valley ENT
P.O. Box 338
Red Bluff, CA 96080
- You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for our practice. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to:
Timothy Frantz, M.D.
C/O North Valley ENT
P.O. Box 338
Red Bluff, CA 96080
You must provide us with a reason that supports your request for amendment.
- Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this Notice, contact our front desk receptionist.
- Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with our practice, contact: Timothy Frantz, M.D.
All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
- Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. Our practice will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by applicable law.
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