Carlson Ear Nose & Throat Associates

I called Dr. Carlson's office prior to making an appointment to see if my Cigna insurance would cover the cost of the visit to lessen out of pocket expenses since I am on a budget. Alecia from Dr. Carlson's office called me back and told me that she provided all the billing codes to Cigna and that they would cover my hearing check and wax removal. I would be responsible for the $45 co-pay for the appointment. When I came in for my appointment I provided my paperwork and the receptionist asked me to pay just $45 for the co-pay, which I did with my credit card. At no point before the appointment or at the appointment was I told that I would be seeing 2 doctors versus one. I did not even know that the man testing my hearing was indeed a doctor. After the hearing test, I was taken to another examination room where I met with Dr. Carlson who explained the results of the test. Passed the test. I then receive a bill from Dr. Carlson's office stating that I owe another $45 dollars for a co-pay for Dr. Engelkes, who turns out was the man who conducted the hearing test. Emily in the billing office would not answer the question, "why was I not charged 2 co-pays at the appointment?" This is classic bait & switch. Dr. Carlson's practice and office is unscrupulous and deceptive. I will never return and will tell family, friends, and co-workers of my unfortunate experience.

Dr. Carlson and his staff are incredible. He has been our doctor for many years Office staff are polite and professional. Audiological and nursing staff are proficient and extremely caring. Dr. Carlson excels in his diagnosis and treatment of my family. We highly recommend him!!

Did micro-surgery three years ago to remove nasal polups straighten nose to allow sinuses to drain. Fantastic results and have not had a cold since surgery. I kid him and call him the "miracle doctor"

Dr. Carlson and his staff treat my severe vertigo. When a room spinning (vertigo) episode episode occurs they do their best to get me seen quickly for treatment. Although the treatment is not pleasant, they do everything they can to show kindness and patience throughout the procedure. Most importantly, the treatment they provide reduces my room spinning sensation. They are truly experts in vertigo.

The doctor was cold and unfeeling.

I had tremendous pain in my mouth

He gave me an tratment that I was already using

no test no knowledge

Went to another ENT got a proper diagnosis

I am on my way to recovery

DO NOY go to this doctor

Jonathan lara is a DO and not an MD and I do not believe he is board certified in ENT though that is what his office told me. I saw him for ear problem. He did a good job, correctly diagnosing and treating me. I would certainly see him again. I was satisfied with his treatment, manner, behavior and attitude. However, he is part of Carslon ENT, and their office staff is very aggressive in unnecessary treatments. If you do not know what you want and are not firm, they will walk all over you. They tried to do all sorts of unnecessary ear tests on me which were neither warranted nor authorized by me. Though with pay-for-service medical model of US medicine, this is what all large medical practices do to ensure maximum insurance reimbursement. Bottom line, good doctor, bad office staff. I STRONGLY URGE ALL TO POST THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH SPECIFIC DOCTORS ON INTERNET SO WE CAN BE BETTER INFORMED MEDICAL CONSUMERS AND PATIENTS.



Info on dr. lara below is from his website



Dr. Lara graduated summa laude with his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Northern Michigan University. He then earned his graduate degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed his surgical residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery at Botsford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He has presented extensive research on otolaryngology and has published several scientific and clinical papers. Dr. Lara is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and the American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

With his background and osteopathic medicine, Dr. Lara incorporates a holistic approach to the care of his patient's, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment to all members of the family.

He currently serves as an Attending Surgeon at Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley, University Medical Center and Camp Lowell Surgery Center.