Otolaryngology Information

Below find physicians specializing in Ear, Nose, and Throat, Head & Neck Surgery & Medicine, Allergy, and (Otorhinolaryngology).

	Michael P. Gerberi, MD 101 E. Miller Rd. Sterling, IL Tel. (815) 622-1209 OR 1321 N. Galena Ave Dixon, IL Tel. (815) 284-1600
	Terry L. Donat, MD, FACS, FICS 101 E. Miller Rd. Sterling, IL Tel. (815) 622-1209
	Therica Heeren, PA-C Otolaryngology Physician Assistant 101 E. Miller Rd. Sterling, IL Tel. (815) 622-1209 OR 1321 N. Galena Ave Dixon, IL Tel. (815) 284-1600

Services

Our practice consists of medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head, neck and allergy.

As board-certified Otorhinolaryngologists, we are trained in plastic surgical techniques of the face, ears, eyelids, nose, and neck. We also perform surgery for tumors and other disorders of the neck, larynx, thyroid and salivary glands, esophagus, and bronchial passages. We do not treat diseases of the eye or lung. Please see "What is an Otolaryngologist - Head & Neck Surgeon?"

Services are normally divided into three categories:

Examination:

• Case History
• Physical Examination
• Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray and/or Scan)

Treatment:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Allergy Treatment
• Referral to Audiology Department

Allergy:

Regular Information & Medication Testing and immunizations are available from our nurses. For additional information, please ask.

EMERGENCIES

If you have what you feel is an emergency, there are several options open to you.

1) If a severe emergency exists, you should proceed to the hospital Emergency Department. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a full-time emergency trained physician ready to attend to your care. The hospital staff can either contact us or the appropriate attending physician to aid in your care.

2) For urgent care, our office staff, under our direction, may assist you by:

• Arranging for one of us to see you the same day or as soon as is appropriate for your condition.
• Arranging for medication and/or treatment.
• Referring you to your family physician for treatment.
• Scheduling you for a regular office appointment. Unfortunately, in order to meet prescheduled and new patient appointments in addition to a surgery schedule, delay is sometimes unavoidable. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Your office visit

You should plan to arrive for your appointment at your scheduled time. Your time is important to us, therefore we suggest you call our office 30 minutes before your appointment to see if we are running behind schedule. Sometimes delays are unavoidable, but by following this procedure we can help you avoid waiting longer than necessary.

Before you take a seat, please announce to the office personnel you have arrived for your appointment.

Since seating in our waiting room is limited we suggest you keep the number of people accompanying you to a minimum. We realize there will be times when you have no choice.

Educational materials are located in the waiting area for your convenience and information. Please take and read copies of these patient education brochures.

As you prepare to leave the office, please notify the receptionist if you need an additional appointment. Also, please circle this date on your calendar as a reminder. This eliminates unnecessary phone calls. In addition, please read any patient information brochures you are given; they will help in your treatment.

Billing, insurance and fees

For more information about billing, insurance, and fees, please check with our Business Office. Since January 1, 1993, all our doctors accept Medicare assignment. Medicare or your health plan does not pay the entire cost of all services. You or your Medicare supplemental insurance company are responsible for certain deductibles and co-insurance amounts.

Appointments and telephone

Patients are seen in Sterling and Dixon by appointment only. Please call in advance to reserve a time for you. If a problem should arise and you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please notify the office at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time. Failure to cancel an appointment may result in a "missed appointment" charge.

Our telephone numbers are: Sterling (815) 622-1209 and Dixon (815) 284-1600. We have instructed our staff to handle all incoming calls. This allows us to attend our patients with a minimum of interruptions. Appointments can be made at the location of your choice by calling the numbers listed above Monday through Friday and some Saturdays.

For consistency in medical record-keeping, we request you utilize the office site you prefer on a regular basis.

What is an Otolaryngologist - Head & Neck Surgeon?

An otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon is a Medical Doctor who specializes in disorders of the head and neck, especially those related to the ear, nose, and throat.

These specialists perform a great variety of surgical procedures in the daily treatment of the ear, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, neck, thyroid, salivary glands, bronchial tubes and esophagus, as well as cosmetic surgery of the face and neck.

Those specially trained in ear work are well equipped to restore hearing through modern microsurgery whether the disability is from disease and infection or deformities present in the ear since birth.

Many otolaryngologists are proficient in facial plastic surgery. This is important for reconstructing the nose, ears, jaw and facial area to restore function and appearance.

The care of patients with allergic disorders of the upper respiratory system has become recognized as another important aspect of otolaryngology. Using modern techniques such as RAST (radio-allergo-sorbent-test) and skin endpoint testing, many otolaryngologists have expertise in alleviating chronic allergic symptoms.

Virtually all ear, nose and throat specialists routinely handle cases such as adenoidectomies, tonsillectomies, nose bleeds, infected mastoids and sinus disease.

See also: Audiology