ONLY ENT doctors! ENT Dr, is it true that you frown on PCP's sending clients 2 U for recurrent ear infections?

My son has had 3 ear infections within 6 months. He has temporary hearing loss due to fluid. He is receiving speech therapy but it is really difficult for improvement due to hearing loss according to speech pathologist. I was told by an audiologist to seek an ENT. I asked the PCP for a referrel but she said that ENT's don't like if they send them patients without trying treat the problem first. Is this true? He still has an infection and they did not give him anymore antibiotics. She said she would give it 3 more weeks w/o treatment and reassess. Does this sound right? I am on the verge for demanding an ENT appt.
***And please non-professionals, no stupid responses about seeking medical advice here. I've done it before and it has helped a great deal. I know better not to base it solely off of here.
***Once again only ENT doctor responses

I rather doubt you'll be hearing from any ENTs so I hope you'll accept a response from someone who worked in Head & Neck surgery. I don't know what personal experience your PCP has had but it's not true that ENTs don't like having patients referred to them without prior treatment. Specialists depend on referrals! Your son may need ear tubes to give recurring fluid an exit. I, myself, would not "give it 3 more weeks". I would give it 14 days at most. You are within your rights to request a referral.

This may not be an ENT issue but instead may be an insurance issue. Some HMOs won't authorize a consult with a specialist if other means to resolve a problem haven't already been tried by the primary. They may require more justification. Your PCP is the "gatekeeper". Some HMOs pay a PCP a little extra bonus to keep the problem "in the family" and avoid referrals. I'm not implying that this is the case with your insurance but it happens.

In the end, you are your child's strongest advocate and must speak up for him.on his behalf.

You are wise. As a parent you must listen to your instincts. I really think your son's condition is very treatable but will be less so as more time passes. Report It

Hi there i may not be an ENT doctor but a victim of hearing loss for about 5 month.
I just want to try and help you.Go on the internet and browes through the web site Ear Popper.com you will find a soulution to the ear infections that your son has.
Thanks and good luck.
Charles.