Alan H. Shikani MD, FACS in Baltimore: Sinus Surgery and Endoscopic Treatment
Alan H. Shikani MD, FACS is an otolaryngologist in Baltimore who specializes in endoscopic sinus surgery and complex nasal reconstruction, serving patients with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and structural breathing problems who have not responded to medical management or need surgical intervention.
What this practice actually is
Dr. Shikani is a fellowship-trained otolaryngologist with credentials in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and nasal and sinus reconstruction. He holds board certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology and the FACS credential (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), which requires ongoing training, peer review, and adherence to surgical standards. His practice focuses on patients who require sinus surgery or have complex nasal anatomy that demands surgical expertise beyond routine ENT care. This is not a general ear, nose, and throat office handling colds and routine hearing checks; it is a surgical subspecialty practice.
Services and what to expect cost-wise
Dr. Shikani offers endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty (a less invasive option for select patients), treatment of nasal polyps, septoplasty and rhinoplasty for breathing problems and structural correction, and reconstruction following trauma or tumor removal. Endoscopic sinus surgery in Baltimore typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 out-of-pocket for uninsured patients, depending on complexity and which sinuses are involved, though insurance coverage significantly reduces or eliminates this cost for those with active plans. Balloon sinuplasty, when appropriate, may fall toward the lower end of that range. Consultation fees are standard office visit costs; confirm your insurance copay with the office before scheduling.
Insurance is handled at the appointment level, so bring your current card and contact information. Ask during scheduling whether your plan requires a referral from your primary care doctor and whether there is an authorization process for surgery.
How it compares to other Baltimore ENT options
Baltimore has several general otolaryngology practices (such as those within Johns Hopkins ENT and the University of Maryland Medical Center's otolaryngology department) that handle both routine and surgical ENT needs. Dr. Shikani's practice is distinguished by its focus on sinus and nasal surgery specifically. Choose a general ENT practice if you have ear infections, hearing loss, or thyroid nodules; choose a sinus-focused practice like Dr. Shikani's if your primary care doctor or an urgent care has referred you for chronic sinusitis that has not improved after antibiotics or nasal steroids, or if you have recurrent nasal polyps. General practices can and do perform sinus surgery, but a specialist's higher volume in this single area may reduce revision surgery rates for complex cases.
Who this suits and who it doesn't
This practice suits patients with documented chronic rhinosinusitis (symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment), nasal polyps, deviated septum affecting breathing, and those recovering from sinus or nasal trauma. It does not suit patients seeking routine care for acute sinusitis (a cold with sinus pressure), ear infections, or hearing aids; those patients belong in a general ENT office or urgent care. It also does not suit patients unwilling or unable to pursue surgery; while consultation is appropriate, the practice's orientation is surgical.
What the first visit involves
You will need a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician; call ahead to confirm whether Dr. Shikani's office will accept a self-referral or if a prior referral is required. Bring insurance information, a list of medications, and any imaging (CT scans) you've had done already. The visit includes a history, nasal endoscopy (a thin camera inserted into the nose to visualize the sinuses and nasal passages), and discussion of whether medical management (nasal steroids, saline rinse, antibiotics) should continue or whether surgery is the next appropriate step. If surgery is recommended, a separate consultation to review the surgical plan, risks, and recovery timeline will follow.
Hours, location, and logistics
Dr. Shikani practices at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore and at affiliated surgical centers in the region. Office hours and specific parking information vary by location; contact the practice directly to confirm where your appointment is scheduled. Baltimore's Mercy campus is in West Baltimore with surface and garage parking available; allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the campus layout. Post-operative patients should arrange a driver, as sedation is used during most sinus surgery.
Otolaryngologists specializing in sinus surgery fill a genuine gap in Baltimore's ear, nose, and throat landscape. Dr. Shikani's fellowship training and high volume in endoscopic sinus surgery make him a natural choice for patients whose primary care doctors or urgent care clinics have flagged them for surgical evaluation.
