Dr. Ashley Balaker, MD

I am deeply upset and disappointed by the behavior of Dr. Ashley Balaker. My mother, who is battling terminal cancer, had an appointment where she was met with a complete lack of compassion. Not only did Dr. Balaker make light of her condition, but she also laughed during the consultation. This unprofessional and cruel behavior left my mother feeling devastated and depressed, making a difficult time even harder.While we understand the seriousness of my mother's terminal diagnosis, basic bedside manner and empathy are critical in healthcare. Unfortunately, Dr. Balaker showed none of these qualities. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment, especially in such a vulnerable situation.We are now looking for a provider who truly understands the importance of compassion and respect in healthcare.

The staff of H&NAOC was great and helpful from first check in to final post op recovery check up. Had my hearing and surfer’s ear checked and it was bad enough to warrant surgery. Balaker performed the exostosis removal procedure with ease at Hoag surgical center as an outpatient, and I was smoothly transitioned to recovery and given clear instructions and post op check ins. It went as smoothly as one could’ve hoped from start to finish and I was back surfing in 12 weeks. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

I had a short list of issues to discuss as this was my first visit. She spent about 2 minutes with me and seemed not to care much as to what my issues were. She basically said 'what is your main concern'. She said she would write a prescription for a compound medication, but she never did. I waited a week but didn't hear from the pharmacy. When I called her office, they said she'd write it 'today'. A week later, still no response so I called the pharmacy directly. She never submitted a prescription for me. I going see someone else.

Terrible! had the first appointment in the morning at 8:00 and she didn't even come in to see me till 9:15. said she looked over my file and couldn't do anything for me. didn't even exam me or ask any questions acted like I was taking up her time! Terrible doctor, have had clogged ears for 6 months and she didn't even seem to be interested. DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR! Find another ENT!

Can't get through on the phone, can't get an email or call back.

I can't even get them to answer a call, email, or text for an appointment. So far terrible.

I’ve never had a doctor not listen to me and be so rude. The only thing she wanted to do was write me a script and make herself more money. She is the exact reason I don’t trust western medicine doctors. She shouldn’t practice.

Excellent. I had been treated for sinus infection for a year things got worse. She diagnosed with inflammation not infection and with proper drugs cleared it up.

My gf and I went to this Dr. after discovering a lump on her neck. This ended up being Thyroid Cancer. Dr. Balaker was the one who broke the news and I will never forget how uncaring she was while delivering the news. During that same appointment she was talking about our next steps and how she was going to refer us to a surgeon.. well that NEVER HAPPENED! & in the days to follow she was always unavailable for whatever reason. This didn't seem like the kind of news one just sits on so we moved on to another ENT otherwise we would still be waiting! How do you not follow up with your patients after delivering this kind of news? Why work in healthcare if you don't CARE? Its been 4 years and I'm still disappointed with this doctor. We were so young & we relied on her for direction. Horrible experience during a scary time. Would not recommend her.

My toddler has had chronic ear infections and fluid in ears for last 3 months. She has been on 4 different antibiotics and after every dose ends, within a few days all her symptoms come back and gets really sick again with 2 ear infections, high fever, etc. Her PCP gave her a ZPac as a last resort to bring down her 105 fevers &clear up her symptoms. She put in an urgent referral to see Balaker and hoped we would be scheduling a surgery to put in ear tubes while symptoms are cleared up. We go in to see Balaker and she looks in my daughters ears and says they look okay.(Obviously her ears are cleared up-she just finished a ZPac the night before)&just because my daughter had a runny nose she said that she probably has allergies and a sinus problem instead of an ear problem. Ridiculous. She sent us home and said she wants to wait till she gets sick again and for me to go back to my dr again. Waste of time and money. Don’t trust her medical advice. Going to a diff specialist

Dr. Balaker has impeccable bedside manner and is treats patients like people. She explained my anatomy to me, why she recommended surgery, and answered all my questions regarding care.

Terrible doctor. She has a terrible NP with poor bedside manners. The doctor is also full of herself and doesn't really provide any substantive medical advice. She is just trying to suggest surgery in order to make more money. The other doctors I went in for a consultation did not make any of the aggressive suggestions she did.

Poor judgement

Never informed us she had moved. Disappointed when she said my husband would have pretty good hearing in the ear she operated on. Instead, he is completely deaf in it.l

Dr. Balaker did not properly examine my daughter. A patient with chronic purulent otitis media needs to have their nasopharynx examined to determine if adenoids are an issue. She looked in my daughters ears and asked her to say “ahhh” which in no way is an adequate exam. Ear tubes were placed (no adenoidectomy) and my daughter continued to have fevers and nasal congestion. We saw Dr. Balaker again who looked in her ears only (another inadequate exam) and said the ears looked fine and left. We ar

Excellent, knowledgeable, intelligent, patient! I would definitely refer her over and over again!!! Great with children....

DISAPPOINTING SHE FAILED TO DIAGNOSE OR SUGGEST REFERRAL TO APPROPIATE SPECIALTY

She completely neglected to tell me about two potentially serious issues that were seen on a CT scan. Another ENT told me "Full disclosure...I would have brought it up." To say I am disgusted in my treatment is an understatement. Her front office staff treats you like you are bothering them. All in all....find another doctor.

Dr. Balaker is excellent. I highly recommend her as an ENT physician.

I brought both my 3yr old fraternal twins for an expert opinion as their doctor diagnosed an ear infection and were prescribed antibiotics. Dr Balaker checked them, noticed they had fluid in both ears on both twins. She advised as it is their first ear infection the ear to drain the fluid and that antibiotics were not necessary. Everybody is quick to simply write up unnecessary antibiotics and move on to the next patient. Dr Balaker was calm,