Before Your Visit
More time with your doctor, less paperwork.
We do a few things differently to focus on you:
Paperless & Online
We manage onboarding exclusively via telephone or online.
Payment Up Front
This reduces billing costs and lets us focus on your care.
Remote Admin Staff
More time with Dr. Ruffin, less time waiting.
What Happens During Your Visit
Check In
We run on time. Scan the QR code when you arrive—if we're ever behind, we'll let you know in advance.
Tell Your Story
Dr. Ruffin lets you explain in your own words without interruption.
Thorough Exam
Complete examination of ears, nose, and throat with clear explanations throughout.
Leave with Answers
Get your diagnosis, education materials, and leave—no checkout needed.
Forms and payment are handled ahead of time, so your visit is all about your care.
What to Bring
Prior records lead to faster, more effective treatment. Don't rely on faxing records. Bring copies we can keep:
- ✓ENT clinic notes
- ✓CDs with CT or MRI imaging
- ✓Latest audiogram or cochlear implant evaluation
Insurance & Payment
We work with most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.
We offer online payment only. When you get to the invoice, enter the date of your appointment. Contact us if you have trouble.
Parking & Directions
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible. Handicapped placard holders can park in the loading zone or church lot free. Van transport available.
Parking
Free street parking in front of the Hearing Speech & Deaf Center. Paid parking at Mount Zion Baptist Church (free for handicapped).
Finding Us
Enter on ground floor (G) on 19th Ave. Take elevator to 1st floor, Audiology Department.
When You Arrive
Text us when you arrive. The receptionist is not ours—please direct questions to us.
WiFi
Network: HSDC Guest Network
Password: communic8-Well
Urgent Conditions We See ASAP
Urgent means a problem that can change your life if it is not treated quickly. Urgent does not mean “I’m miserable.” Feeling awful, or being fed up with ringing in your ears, is real, but it can wait for a regular appointment. If you have one of the conditions below, contact us the same day.
Quick check: Hum. If you hear it louder in the good ear, that is a warning sign. You can also hold your phone on vibrate against your forehead. If it sounds louder in the unaffected ear, seek care the same day. Learn more
Go to the emergency department if the spinning is new and lasts more than a few minutes. A stroke can look like vertigo, and it must be ruled out right away. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Why an Audiogram is Essential for Many Ear Issues
An audiogram is also called a hearing test. It tests more than your hearing:
- ✓Eardrum & middle ear function
- ✓Inner ear & balance function
- ✓Hearing loss, pressure, or tinnitus
- ✓Medication effects on hearing
Schedule your hearing test before your visit to avoid a separate follow-up. We coordinate with partner audiologists, billed to your insurance.
In-Office Procedures
These procedures are billed separately from the office visit. Some insurers classify them as surgeries.
Ears
- •Earwax removal & microscopic exams
- •Myringotomy with/without tubes
- •Intratympanic steroid injection
- •Patch tympanoplasty
- •Auricular hematoma drainage
Nose
- •Nasal biopsies
- •Endoscopy of nose & sinuses
- •Nasal polyp removal
- •Nasal breathing treatments
- –Turbinate reduction
- –Nasal valve repair
- –Septal swell body reduction
Neck
- •Laryngoscopy (throat/voicebox)
- •Needle biopsies of neck masses
- •Peritonsillar abscess drainage
Ready To Get Started?
Providing ENT/Otolaryngology Care With Empathy & Excellence