FAQs

1: What should I expect during my first consultation with Mr O’Connor?

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Mr O’Connor will take a detailed history of your ENT symptoms to date. Following this he will perform an Ear, Nose and Throat examination. Based on your history and examination findings he may need to perform more detailed investigations or procedures prior to making any recommendations with regard to further treatment.
2: Is the cost of my appointment covered by my health insurance?

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A receipt for your consultation fee will be provided to you by Mr O’Connor’s office. Depending on your health insurance policy you may be able to reclaim some of your consultation fee from your health insurance provider. Specific details of this can be obtained by contacting your health insurance provider.
3: Are there any procedures which may need to be performed during my
consultation

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a. Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy: This is a procedure which involves inserting a very narrow flexible fibreoptic endoscope into your nasal cavity to visualise this area – if necessary it may also be used to examine your throat and / or vocal cords.

b. Ear Microsuctioning: During this procedure Mr O’Connor will examine your ear using an operating microscope – this may also be used to perform microsuction clearance of wax or any other material in your ear canal.

c. Nasal Cautery: For patients attending for the management of recurrent nosebleeds, in some cases nasal cautery may need to be performed. For this procedure a liquid local anaesthetic is applied internally to your nose and left in place for approximately 20 mins. Following this, a chemical (Silver Nitrate) may need to be applied to prominent blood vessels in your nose to prevent further nosebleeds. This procedure can be performed in both children and adults; in some cases younger children may need to undergo this procedure under general anaesthetic on a date after their initial consultation.
4: Will I need a hearing assessment as part of my consultation?

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It may be necessary for you to undergo a hearing assessment depending on the nature of your symptoms. Audiometry where indicated will be performed on the same day by Audiologist Aileen Plunkett.
5: Mr O’Connor has recommended a surgical procedure which requires
admission to hospital – I have health insurance – am I covered?

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If Mr O’Connor recommends as surgical procedure requiring admission to hospital you will be provided with a procedure code specific to the surgical procedure by Mr O’Connor’s office. To verify that you are covered for this, you are advised to contact your health insurance company following your consultation quoting the provided procedure code– your health insurer will clarify if you have cover for the recommended procedure.
6: I don’t have health insurance – can I still be seen for an appointment?

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Yes, Mr O’Connor will see patients without health insurance. Quotations for inpatient surgical procedures for patients without health insurance can also be obtained by contacting our office on
091-763797.
8: Where does Mr O’Connor perform surgery?

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Mr O’Connor performs all surgical procedures at The Bon Secours Hospital, Galway. He also provides emergency on-call ENT cover at University Hospital, Galway.
Call us now on: 091-763797
Call us now on:
091-763797
to schedule an Appointment