Friedman Michael

It was a miracle! For 2 years, I had been dripping from my nose and constantly coughing and even though I suspected it was a CSF leak, no one would test me for it, even when I asked. After seeing 2 ENT's, a pulmonologist, an allergist, a nutritionist, and many appointments, medications and no results, I was finally referred to Dr. Friedman. Since I was not getting any relief locally it was worth the 18 miles to go to the city to get help.

From the first day I saw Dr. Friedman and explained to him what was going on with me, he said we are going to test you for CSF fluid, I was so relieved. And sure enough my test was positive, I had a CSF leak, and within a few months I had surgery and I have stopped leaking and coughing and my quality of life has greatly improved. I want to thank Chicago ENT and Illinois Masonic, they have the best doctors and staff who have all been so professional and caring. I highly recommend Chicago ENT.

I came in to see Dr. Friedman because he was in network. I was looking to clear up a concern my dentist had with a recent scan and emphasized my financial situation - having been laid off with many others in 2021 - to Dr. Friedman. I was concerned that the appointment would exceed my co-pay so I specified that he not perform anything beyond what was encompassed in the specialist visit cost.

He had great bedside manners and alleviated my concerns, making me aware that he understood and recommended that when I am more financially stable that I return for a second look. I was satisfied with his professional advice and paid the co-pay on my way out, also confirming my balance with the assistant. Fast forward a year. I receive a call from a debt collection agency.

The gentleman tells me I have a $200 outstanding balance that has not been paid per a visit with this clinic. He mentioned that they had sent a bill and contacted me multiple times regarding this bill, all of which never happened. I track down my insurance bill and talk to their agents, then proceed to contact the clinic, they point me to the billing department and tell me to email my clarification and how there must have been a misunderstanding. Whomever I discussed this with mentioned they would clear it up and I shouldn't worry.

Fast forward to last week. My credit score is docket for a 'derogatory mark'. I call my bank and they point me towards a collections agency and lo and behold, the $200 bill, still pending from 2021. I was appalled, hopeless, and tired. Hope they're happy with their small change. Sadly, will not be returning or recommending this clinic.

Told me I needed a scan of my nose. Made me wait outside room while they called the insurance company to clear the procedure. 40 minutes later they take the scan which took 30 seconds. They billed me and, according to my insurance company never actually called. Now we'll play the blame game and this will go on forever. Also, the examination room I was in was filthy. Hadn't been dusted in weeks and just disgusting. I'm never going back here.

Dr. Friedman is fabulous! I was diagnosed with Sleep apnea about two months ago and was on the search for answers. I met Dr. Friedman and he did a scan of my nose and sinus area. I took the at home sleep apnea test with the mask and he concluded I did indeed have sleep apnea. I came into the office and Dr. Friedman presented me with a few options to cure the issue.

I asked him what is the most permanent and what would give me the results that I was looking for. He made sure I understood all my options and the treatment plans that went with them. In the end we decided on a sleep apnea rhinoplasty. I got my procedure a week and a half ago and I can already see such great results. I'm breathing better-NOT snoring- and I am only half way through my recovery time. AMAZING!

I will go back one more time for a second check up to make sure everything looks good. I am so thankful for finding Dr. Friedman. Nobody likes to get any surgery or procedures done, but to have a Doctor that cares and has your best interest is so amazing. If anyone has sleeping issues or feels like they could be living a better quality breathing life-Look NO FURTHER than Chicago ENT and Dr. Friedman.

He is so friendly and kind and makes you feel at ease instantly. I literally didn't understand sleep apnea or why I was seeing these issues for my whole life. In less than two weeks all my problems have been solved. Thank you so much Dr. Friedman!

I visited Chicago ENT after suffering from nasal congestion most of my life. After trying just about everything else, I had to consider a surgical approach. I asked about a balloon sinuplasty but was told that wouldn't be an effective solution for me. A septoplasty + turbinoplasty was ordered instead. The procedure was performed, and there were several weeks of uncomfortable recovery.

I returned several times for followup visits, and I would explain to the doctor that I still had no relief of my original symptoms. Each time, I was told everything looks good and to wait another 2 weeks before I would notice improvement. When I didn't, I was then told to wait 4 weeks, then 6, then 8. It's been 5 months and almost $25,000 in charges, and I still suffer from the same type, frequency, and severity of congestion as I did prior to surgery.

They want me to continue the followups and having my sinuses checked via an endoscopy. They won't tell you up front, but those 15 second checkups are each billed as "surgical procedures", and can carry hundreds of dollars out of pocket expenses even with good insurance each time they're performed. To add further aggravation, 4 months after the procedure, they sent me a first and final notice threatening to report a $63 unpaid lab bill to collections which I had proof was already paid in full.

While Dr. Levy was friendly and I believe performed the surgery without error, it was seemingly the wrong diagnosis and an unnecessary procedure which caused me a lot of wasted time, money, and stress.

Poor experience, do not recommend. I spent $40 for a guy to look in my ears and tell me everything is great. But I can't hear, my ears are in pain and I have a family history of hearing loss. So I then proceeded to pressore and the doctor them offered to do an audio test. But they were booked for today so I have to come back and pay another $40 for a test I needed today. And here I am, sitting in am Uber with my ears throbbing in pain and with ears feeling plugged. Again, I do not recommend this place.

This practice is a SCAM. They will bill you six months later for services that you didn't receive. Their doctors seem nice but they won't listen to what your actual issues are and jump straight to expensive tests. They told me my insurance would pay for their testing and then billed me 700$ MONTHS after the fact.

I went in to continue the process towards fixing a deviated septum, among a few other small issues. Dr. Friedman seems knowledgable and nice, but the entire rest of the experience felt as though I was a cog in a medicine machine. No true price estimates, little explanation of recovery and prep until 48 hours before (a 5-month gap in conversation in between), and rushing me from a patient perspective to make a decision last second when llittle information was shared prior. I felt as a money-making opportunity, not a patient. Would not recommend.

So my initial review was premature. I had a sleep study test done and came back for the results since they do not discuss them over the phone or mail a copy of them. Paid my $30 co-pay and the dr assistant wanted to know if I was here for my CT sinus scan results which I got last time. I said no sleep study results. Dr came in and had dates all mixed up re: study plus kept going to the CT sinus scan. Will I recommend? Not at all!

Yesterday I had my appointment with Chicago ENT specifically with Dr Venkatasen. I highly recommend Chicago ENT and I highly recommend Dr Venkatasen My visit was so smooth he explained to everything to me and referred me for a home sleep study so I can do it right in my own home in my own bed. I didn't have to wait I walked in the door checked in in the office paid my copay and was called back it was that fast I was actually amazed because with specialists I've had experiences where I've had to wait and extraordinary amount of time but that was not so with Chicago ENT.

I know I sound like a broken record but I can't recommend them enough for any of my ENT issues I will for sure myself return if I need anything and I will refer my husband and anybody else in my family. That's how much I trust their care and that's how wonderful their care was of me. Janet Lowe 02/21/2022

My visit was excellent. The check in was easy. The COVID protocols were followed and I felt safe. Dr. Adam Levy is a thorough and considerate physician. My questions were answered carefully and completely. I give Dr. Levy and Chicago ENT my highest recommendation.

Dr. Friedman is the best in the city. Do not go anywhere else. Zero signs of surgery, fast and efficient. If you have nasal issues look no further. Seriously. That being said, appointments are not the easiest thing in the world to get. Dr. Friedman is highly sought after, so be prepared for scheduling well in advance but trust me, worth the wait!

I scheduled with them since the ENTs at my usual medical system had month-long waits and it was easy to get an appointment here. Perhaps that should have been the first warning sign, but I wanted an appointment because I had extreme ear pressure and had a plane trip planned. My first appointment- incredibly rushed and I barely got any discussion with Dr. Friedman.

I was reporting difficulty swallowing and extreme ear pressure, and they stuck an endoscope up my sinuses, said they saw nothing, said maybe it's heartburn, and sent me on my way. I barely got to speak a word to ask a question before the doctor was out of the room. I followed up a month later- my symptoms were still just as bad, if not worse.

They suggested a sinus CT scan, and, Ph testing for stomach acid. They said someone would call me to schedule. They did not. I followed up for both, and was eventually able to get a CT scan but still to this day have not received a follow up for the stomach acid testing. I got the CT scan, and then got no results or follow up for almost two weeks.

I then had my follow up appointment, which was supposed to be a televisit after work. However, I got a phone call in the middle of the afternoon asking if I could speak then. Sure, great. However- it was less than a 4 minute phone call. The doctor was clearly in a very loud space, I could barely hear, and I had a bunch of questions that I couldn't ask.

The worst part: they billed my insurance for a 20-29 minute televisit. They also tried to claim that perhaps the televisit link wasn't working, but we never even attempted that. I fought my portion of the bill with the office itself, but it's incredibly dishonest for them to be billing insurance that way. They didn't see anything on the CT scan, but suggested a three part follow up series of sinus treatments.

I pursued their suggested follow up sinus treatments in office, which I knew nothing about before the first appt because I couldn't ask any follow up questions. The treatments have unfortunately made no impact. If only the office had followed up with me in regard to the stomach acid angle, then perhaps I'd be in a better situation. I will be pursuing treatment with another GI or ENT physician and I hope I never find myself back at this office.

I first went there in August, and four months later I've spent hundreds of dollars, spoken with a doctor for about 2 minutes, and gotten zero help. I've lived in several states, and used to utilize a campus student health center as a primary care facility, and I can say this office is the worst I have ever dealt with. Unhelpful doctors, and inaccurate (bordering on downright fraudulent) billing.

The only bright spot is the physicians assistant I interacted with for my treatments who was really the only one to ever let me ask questions or who offered to explain anything.

I took my oldest to Dr. Coleman for tonsillectomy/adenoid removal and it went really well. I like her conservative approach, experience, and manner with the kids. We're doing some extra driving to have her see our other child because we trust her! Also scheduling was easy and the office is nice.

I went here to see Dr. Levy about my throat. I had really bad tonsil stones and he removed them but then just told me to watch YouTube videos next time instead of visiting them. The reception desk was awful as they tried to decline my insurance yet this place was recommended by my insurance. They need to do better.

Dr. Levy helped me with an ear infection in the hospital, he had to remove an ear wick at his office days later and his practice was not included with my insurance. His staff told me numerous times, including to my face at my visit that I would not be charged for the visit but if I needed further care, I would have to find someone in my network. I understood and when I went to the appointment, the ear wick had already fallen out on its own. Dr levy looked at my ear, said I'm healing great and to come back if I had any issues, I told him his staff made it clear I cannot come back. Dr levy is very nice but his staff ruined it for me.

They charged my insurance anyways and weeks later, I am just now learning this and Karen just argued with me. No customer service, Shady business practices, rude staff. Pass!

My mother was a patient of Dr Michael Freidman and was extremely over billed. She was very unsatisfied with the service. Especially the billing. A bill was sent to collection all while she received a refund after being over billed. She spoke of how extremely rude the staff and doctor was. I am writing this review because my mother is elderly. And I will follow this up with an official claim to the BBB. Because I am sure their billing practice is not and has not only affected her.

Sure, why not pay $400 dollars for consultation from the get go when people need care, not a CASH COW.

Dr Levy was nice and attentive to my concerns. He was personable and easy to chat with. Front desk ladies were always helpful as well

Just walk away. Take the negative reviews and run. The billing department is a zoo. I was sent to collections for bills that were PAID. Terrible costumer service. I regret my husband getting a simple consultation here and the time and money wasted.

Love the doctors here. Dr. Levy is compassionate, knowledgeable and very personable. The issue I've had since I started going here five years ago is that the waiting room is usually packed with patients, and I've never waited for less than 30 minutes to see the doctor. Other patients in the waiting room said the same thing as they also waited with me three weka ago.

One woman said she thinks they over schedule doctors appointments on purpose. I'm typing this as I'm waiting 45 minutes for my telehealth followup appointment to start. I would think an online appointment might be on closer to on time. Again, zero issues with the doctors but huge issues with scheduling staff.

At their sleep center location in Skokie at 8960 Gross Point Road, the building is in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. On the side of the building, there is a ramp leading up to a door which is always locked, without a functioning doorbell or any way to alert those inside that a disabled person wishes to enter. This, for a doctor's office and medical building!

On previous visits, there was a primitive doorbell device but no one inside ever responded. For the visit today, there was no doorbell, period. Once I made it inside, the receptionist pointed to the doorbell device and just said "it fell off". It is pretty unfathomable and outrageous even, for a doctor's office to be inaccessible to people with disabilities.

This place was such a waste of my time. They paired me up with Dr. Friedman who spent less than 5 minutes with me, prescribed medicine for insomnia, touched my neck & said "I don't feel anything" and said I should see their insomnia specialist instead. Ok, why didn't they just schedule me with that specialist in the first place? Also, he didn't state what medicine he was prescribing and it turns out they never sent it to my pharmacy anyway. Dr. Friedman's profile says he specializes in sleep disorders but I feel he only specializes in sleep apnea because he was only interested in if I was congested or snored at night. He did not ask if I have any questions and was pretty quick to scoot out the door.

Thank you Dr. Levy and staff. I was able to get an appointment on short notice and was taken care of in one quick visit. Easy in and out, comfortable and large waiting area, efficient from start to finish.

Went to an appointment (pre Covid) for sinus issues. Waited 30min + in the actual exam room while the lidocaine in my nose wore off for the sinus scope. Wasn't the easiest. They don't do a good job explaining things to you, but I had it done before so i knew what to expect. Like many others was shown a strange video of a sinus balloon procedure?

It all felt like a sales pitch. Had a CT scan that followed the video to check my sinuses. ( I will admit fault here that I should have stopped there and said something because this was a lot for the first visit). I counted 4/5 surgeries and/or medical procedures they wanted to do. This is a red flag on the first visit. Nothing had been diagnosed beyond possible acid reflux and deviation of the nose.

Common stuff. The end of the day I was charged probably 500-600$ out of my pocket. I'm sure I'll get a response to rectify this, and as a business I can't knock them for that. There are I'm sure smart intelligent doctors on staff, but this is clearly more about making money than helping patients. Somewhere along the road maybe the financial desire grew beyond the desire to have good bedside manner and pick a plan that is beneficial to the patient and their life. Avoid this place unless you have the money and the time.

Same day appointment that was effectively on time, a minor miracle for a doctor's office. Also only a one page patient questionnaire, another nice deal. Got right down to work on my wax issue and was gentle, efficient and effective. Friendly, attentive. Will go back when needed.

I feel a bit swindled by this practice. I went for an appointment with Dr Patel because I had allergy symptoms. The allergy tests came back negative but she recommended I follow up with an ENT in their practice so I did. Next I saw Dr. Friedman. At first glance he had a very friendly demeanor but I felt they took advantage of my lack of healthcare knowledge to rush me towards tests and procedures without properly explaining why I needed them and didn't bother to warn me of any additional costs.

I trusted Dr Friedman at first so I agreed to a scan that I later received a surprise $600 bill for. This is a shameful common problem in healthcare where patients get hit with costs they didn't even know they were signing up for. Three weeks later an assistant from the office calls me to try to sell me on having a sinuplasty procedure. She said it with such authority that it was recommended I do this.

She told me the procedure is to enlarge my sinus and help me breathe. So I asked why would I need this surgery? Given, my results showed I don't have a problem with my sinuses and I didn't have trouble breathing. Needless to say, she didn't have a good answer either. Long story short, I don't recommend this practice because I don't condone the way they treat patients. they don't take the time to walk you through why you need a procedure, they slap you with high fees, then try to sell you more unnecessary surgery.