I read all the other reviews, and decided to write one of my own. I could see what some were saying, both good and bad. I went to this doctor because of a chronic hoarseness that began after a new medication by another doctor was prescribed. So, I had suspected that the laryngitis was caused by a medication my allergist gave me (Spirvia), but the allergist wanted me to see an ENT for GERD. Thus, I booked the visit. I told Dr. Jakobsen my concern about the drug, but after he used a scope down my nose and throat, he said immediately that I did have Gerd, and gave me 2 prescriptions, one I took in the morning an hour before eating and one at night before bed. One of these made me very sick and I quit taking them both. For my own peace of mind, I stopped taking Spirvia and lo and behold the laryngitis went away. My allergist acted like I was the ONLY person in the world who had this side-effect with Spirvia. NOT true. All you have to do is Goolge this drug. I went back to see Dr.… Jackobsen for a possible sinus infection and told him that I quit Spirvia and my symptoms went away. He didn't admit he was wrong with his DX and just arched his eyebrows. As far as my new problem, he claimed I didn't have an infection but something is causing pressure. He said I had nerve problems. Really? so that is why I am blowing my nose like a fool? My neurologist doesn't agree. Instead, Dr. Jakobsen wanted to talk about hearing aids. (They'd taken a hearing test that day). His recommendation of double hearing aids too me aback, and now I'm not sure what to do--I can hear, I do have some issues, but double? I have tinnitus and sometimes it's better than other days. That day it was bad. I told him, but he shrugged it off when I told him it's in the brain not ear and hearing aids might not help. I know ppl with the same issue and hearing aids didn't help so I really wanted to understand this before I go down that route. He didn't suggest a repeat test, or any other info about tinnitus. Some drugs make it really bad. Like Advil's, aspirin, etc. I told him this. But nothing. Also I take a pain medication that can cause hearing issues but he shrugged that off. I just didn't come away with enough answers about my hearing, but now he gave me grave concerns about my ears. He said there was nothing I could do that they would get worse. Before I left he said I "could get an Xray" of my sinus if I wanted But left to me. I'd rather a doctor tell me what is wrong and not leave it to me to find out.
I liked his bed side manner, he put me at ease, actually, and I didn't see any arrogance as another reviewer pointed out, maybe overwhelmed with work--and rushed to the next exam room--both times I saw him, I felt hurried and couldn't really get things across--I don't like doctors who hear what one doctor said to me and take that as what's wrong... and he just did that--well, you have GERD because the allergist said that--but not sure he listens carefully to the issue--or imagines me might be wrong (aka the Gerd)--but when I disagreed with him, he didn't get in my grill about it. I didn't see any reaction, actually. I'm supposed to FU with him but I think I'll see someone else, which is a drag because I did like him otherwise. His office is really a train station. When I walked in, I couldn't believe the size and amount of people in there. It can be a bit of a shock. They do move you at a reasonable wait time, though, but it's a zoo. I found the staff very nice. Another reviewer didn't, but I chatted with quite a few both times and found them pleasant. I used to be a manager for doctor's staff. I'd say that maybe they do a bit too much personal talking at their front desk, and they might remember people can hear them talking (even me). The back office desk looks disheveled, and if I worked there I'd get that in shape. Piles of papers and charts and just needs overall straightening.
The audiologist (MD?) who took my hearing test was VERY professional and I liked her very much.
In the end, I like doctors who listen, see what you're taking as far as medications, and pretty much know the direction... Dr. Jakobsen rushed me out--just an older lady...Is he a bad doctor? I don't know about the other reviewers. I think if I push the issue, he'll take other actions with me, and he's competent for what I saw him for, just not sure what to make of my two appointments. No one called to see how I was doing, and I just didn't come away feeling cared about. Maybe that's too much to hope for.
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