Howard Hessan, MD in Baltimore: Otolaryngology with Extended Hours and Walk-in Availability
Dr. Howard Hessan is an ear, nose, and throat specialist practicing in Baltimore who accepts most major insurance plans and offers same-day or next-day appointments for acute ear infections, sinusitis, and hearing concerns, along with in-office procedures for common ENT conditions.
What Dr. Hessan's practice actually is
Hessan operates a general otolaryngology practice focused on medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, sinuses, and voice box. Unlike many ENT specialists in the Baltimore area who maintain limited appointment availability, his practice prioritizes rapid access to care for both established and new patients experiencing acute problems. The practice handles routine diagnostics (audiometry, nasal endoscopy, tympanometry) in-office rather than requiring referral to a separate facility.
Services and what they cost
Common services include evaluation and treatment of acute otitis media (ear infection), acute sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, cerumen impaction removal, audiological testing, voice disorders, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Minor surgical procedures performed in the office include myringotomy with tube placement (for chronic ear effusion), septoplasty in selected cases, and polyp removal. New-patient visits typically range from $150 to $300 depending on complexity; follow-up visits are generally $100 to $150. In-office procedures cost between $400 and $1,500 depending on the service. Insurance often covers diagnostic and medical treatment; coverage for elective procedures such as cosmetic rhinoplasty should be confirmed with your plan. The practice accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Uninsured patients should ask about a cash-discount rate.
How this practice compares to other Baltimore ENT options
Baltimore has several established ENT practices, including larger hospital-affiliated groups at University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hospital-based ENT departments can handle complex cases and emergencies but typically require a referral from primary care and involve longer wait times for non-emergency issues. Independent practices such as Hessan's generally offer shorter appointment lead times for routine problems and walk-in slots for acute conditions. A major difference is referral friction: patients with acute sinusitis who see Hessan can begin treatment the same day without routing through a PCP first, whereas hospital-system ENT clinics may require prior authorization. For routine or chronic conditions (like mild seasonal allergies or voice coaching for singers), the choice between independent and system-based care comes down to insurance network preference and whether you value direct scheduling access over the availability of on-site imaging or surgical suites.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Dr. Hessan's practice works well for Baltimore patients with acute ear, nose, or throat problems who want prompt care; for those with chronic sinusitis or ear issues who prefer a continuity relationship with a single provider; and for uninsured or underinsured patients seeking affordable evaluation. The practice does not perform major head-and-neck surgery, laryngeal cancer treatment, or complex skull-base procedures; patients requiring those services will be referred to Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland. Patients expecting extended hearing-aid services will find Hessan provides testing and fitting recommendations but does not maintain an in-house dispenser; those wanting a fully integrated audiology partnership may prefer larger practices.
What the first visit involves
New patients should arrive 15 minutes early to complete intake forms and insurance verification. The visit begins with a medical history focused on ear, nose, throat, and sinus symptoms, current medications, and past surgery. Dr. Hessan performs otoscopy (ear examination), nasal endoscopy, and oropharyngeal (throat) inspection using a standard light source. Depending on your chief complaint, he may order an audiogram, acoustic immittance testing, or CT imaging; some tests are performed on-site, while imaging may require a separate visit to a radiology center. If your condition requires follow-up, a treatment plan is discussed before you leave, and a next appointment is scheduled then or via phone within a few days.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The practice is located in a medical office building in Baltimore; verify the specific address and parking details directly with the office, as these details shift occasionally. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with same-day slots held for acute problems. Parking is free in the building lot. To schedule, call the office directly or request an online appointment through the patient portal if your insurance is accepted. Insurance verification is handled before your visit.
Hessan's combination of quick access, in-office diagnostics, and comfort with both common and minor surgical problems makes him a straightforward choice for Baltimore patients seeking efficient ENT care without unnecessary specialist gatekeeping.
