Mark A Dettelbach, MD

I went to see Dr. Dettelbach from a referral from my GP after what I thought was a case of vertigo. Dr. Dettelbach was thoughtful in explaining everything to me, and the audiologist who performed the testing on me was very nice as well. Long story short, it wasn’t vertigo, so hopefully I won’t be back. Should I need further care from an ENT, I will certainly make an appointment with Dr. Dettelbach.

Took my son to see him because our normal ENT was not available in the group. I prefer our other doc (Williams) so much more. Dettelbach’s bedside manner was that he was busy, quickly got us in and out (after waiting an hour with 2 little kids) and rushed the appointment. I get docs are busy and have many to see, but we just felt a bit dismissed.

It’s been months since I saw Dr. Dettelbach, but I did not want to forget to write about my experience with him. I found him to be a very good and personable doctor. I was in his office to address an issue with my ear, but he made eye contact and asked me how I was otherwise doing, like a caring friend would, reminding me to keep stress at bay and maintain work/​life balance.
I only saw him once, after my summer to trip to Spain, where a huge wave knocked me to the ground and left me with less hearing and a painful pressure in one ear. I thought I’d seriously damaged my ear drum and was scared to go to the doctor but so glad that I did! I was called in quickly where blockage was identified in my ear, and the doctor and his team very carefully and delicately removed a bunch of small stones and sand which had been wedged deeply in my ear. I was then given a hearing test and sent on my way, with minimal contact with the office/​administration team. Aside from getting that last rock out of my ear, it was all pretty painless!

I relocated to the DMV in 2009 and needed care for a chronic otolaryngological (ear) complication. I needed an ENT physician that had experience treating the post-​surgery symptoms and complications related to my condition.
From the first consultation with Dr. Dettelbach, his assessment and treatment of my condition has been outstanding. I have full confidence in his ability and expertise to provide continuous care and further surgical treatment, as needed. In addition, Dr. Dettlebach always seems to be on schedule and I have never had to wait more than 5 — 10 minutes in the waiting room.
Lastly, his Physician Assistant is very accommodating when I need last minute appointments and prescription refills. The overall office operation is always timely and consistent.

I saw Dr. Dettelbach with a simple complaint (not to go into more detail than necessary, but that I had excess phlegm in my throat and a constantly runny nose for the past year +). His first response was to prescribe Mucinex. I countered with a question: what is causing the phlegm and runny nose? Sadly, his response side-​stepped actually addressing underlying causes and repeated the Mucinex prescription.
If you are ONLY looking for a prescription, it would seem that Dr. Dettelbach is your man. If you are looking to understand your condition, DEFINITELY go to another doctor.