After struggling with a chronic wet cough for five days, I went into Dr. Steerman with a bad sinus infection. She not only gave me a good antibiotic and steroid but a cough syrup that would allow me to sleep at night. She has great medical office assistants and is very caring and thorough . I would recommend her to anyone. read more

If you want to get taken advantage of and over-charged, this is the place for you. I waited 45 minutes for the doctor, it took her all of 3 minutes to look at me, and I was charged $1200. $600 just for the privilege of walking into the office and another $600 for the 3 minute exam which she charged as an endoscopy and wasn't. They charge exorbitant amounts just so the insurance company can tell them what the max amount allowed is so they can get the most they can. It's sad that we go to these people for help and they take advantage of us. I will never go back here. My issue wasn't even fixed. Going to a doctor that actually cares. read more

Reading Stierman's defensive responses to accurately negative reviews made me giggle because that attitude sums up the experience you can expect to have at her office. She treats patients like they all have low IQs and wouldn't understand a proper explanation of their test results. If your preference is an office with archaic technology, no patient portal, ignored messages, a cocky doctor that doesn't like human interaction, and having your CT results held hostage unless you come in so they can bill you for a watered down lackluster explanation of your results, this is your place! I'll wait for your response Karen. read more

I rarely post medical reviews because it's NOYB what doctors I see for which conditions. But, I'll stand behind Dr. Stierman because I think she's awesome. I've been with her for at least 10 years, perhaps longer. I'll drive to Cedar Park from SW Austin when necessary, because she knows her stuff. That's commitment. Yes, I've seen more than one ENT in this town, many of whom aren't interested in helping you with sinus problems if you won't or can't consent to a surgical procedure. Dr. Stierman recommended surgery as well at first visit due to anatomical variations, but when I explained my circumstance, she smiled and said, "That's okay, we'll just keep patching you up!" And true to her word, she has done precisely that through the years. To those who complain about the front desk, they've always gotten back to me. I think it's human nature when you're sick or in pain to expect to speak to your doctor immediately. A few times I have actually been put through to her medical assistant immediately. But, as with any modern medical situation, demand exceeds supply, and triage is necessary. After all, you don't know what's happening in the office at that moment. I can say that every single time I've gotten an annual renewal of her referral from my PCP, her office has called within minutes to make sure I can schedule if I need to. I don't know of another specialist's practice that's this proactive. To those who complain about her busy bedside manner, let's just say it doesn't take a half-hour of hemming and hawing if you're competent. When I've needed the time she's spent it, but when it's obvious what needs to be done, she hooks me up with needed medications and treatments and we both move on. Recently, I had a URI/LRI that lingered for several weeks, despite all the meds. I temporarily lost over 50% of my hearing. There were days I was certain that I needed to be hospitalized. Most of my misery was caused by my PCP's office who kept treating the lower respiratory symptoms instead of the root cause. In essence, it was a case of the PCP blaming the speed of the sump pump when all that was needed was to fix the broken pipe. She did that in two visits, only because the meds from the first visit weren't effective for my infection. She knew that because she did a culture--science over guesswork. And she followed up to confirm the situation was all clear and my hearing was back to age-related norms. I thanked her for saving my life. She replied with a simple, "That's what I do: Save the world one sinus at a time!" Recommended. Five stars. Zero doubts. read more

Dr. Stierman helped me a lot. She's intelligent and diagnosed my problem (throat lesions) quickly and got me into surgery the very next week. The surgery was done well. I had almost zero pain afterward. She diagnosed a separate oral condition I had, too, during my post-surgical visit. She appears to have an excellent understanding of medicine and otolaryngology, which allows her to work fast. On top of it, she has a very kind and lively/playful disposition. She's a good doctor. The waiting room at the Westlake office is nice, too, and you can go shop at Trader Joe's afterward. read more

Dr. Stierman did a great job with my deviated septum, enlarged tubinate and lateral wall collapse. She's a great doctor and really felt comfortable the whole time. I was referred to Dr. Stierman by another doctor and really glad I was because so did a solid job, along with her whole staff. read more

Very nice lady and staff. However, Dr Stearman performed a deviated septum surgery around 3/31/22. She also performed an in-office procedure (don't remember the procedure name) about 6 months later. I continued to have pretty bad sinus issues so was prescribed multiple meds such as steroids, nasal sprays and antibiotics with no success. I recently received a second opinion and the scan showed I still have a deviated septum (further in my sinus canal). I am currently being treated for a sinus infection and may need additional surgery. Lastly, Dr Stearman suggested Alergy drops. I did the tests, didn't ask but wasn't told what I was allergic to. About 1 month after I started the drops, I developed a severe and painful rash on my back and on my front left side. My demonologist had me stop the drops. Over about 2 months, my rash was gone. Dr Stearman said she had never seen this reaction before but understood why I stopped the drops. read more

Dr. Stierman was more than an hour late for both appointments I've had with her. no apology or explanation. She spent about 60 seconds with me both times. Her billing department has been sending me bills despite my insurance company having paid the bill. I have yet to receive the results from my blood tests and they will not give them to me without scheduling another appointment I was told by the receptionist that I have to fill out a medical release form to get my test results if I don't see Dr. Stierman. I have left messages for her and asked for her to call me with no returned call. The wasted time and hassle has not been worth it. read more

She rushes through the visits. Won't spend more than 3 mins with you. I had this experience last time but thought it was just a one time thing. This time, she rushes even more and jumps out of the door without even asking if I have any other questions. Not a good experience. We pay copay and our insurance pay hundreds for a simple problem visit. Don't we deserve to have a few more minutes to at least finish all our questions? Also, this is our 2-week follow up visit. Dr Stierman walks in without reading any record from our last visit, so she doesn't even remember that she prescribed us what medication from the last visit and don't remember anything I told her during the last visit. Very unprofessional. read more

Avoid this place at all costs! Worst patient manner ever. I came in to set up an appointment on a referral from my doctor and the reception desk dude said he needed an insurance card just to set up the appointment. Didn't ask with who, what reason, or anything else. Just that they won't set up a visit without seeing the insurance card. Now I have great insurance that covers everything without a referral. So I am not worried if this would be covered - especially since it was a referral from my GP. I explained that I don't carry the card on me but the doctor who referred me can probably fax them a copy of my insurance card right now if they need it just to schedule. Of course I will have the card with me when I show up. Not willing to even call my referring physician this guy suggested I go get it myself then come back to schedule the appointment. My doc had me go over to this location to get this expedited, not to slow things down. But ultimate if insurance card was the issue - I can just pay myself and put in the reimbursement forms if I needed to, I just want to set up an appointment. So I said fine let's book it as cash basis - if that helps get this done ASAP. Just about any doctor knows that getting cash from a patient instantly rather than 35% of bill 3 mo. later from insurance is actually preferred. Soon offering to pay up front and what is the response? The genius at reception informs me that they do not take accept cash. They only set up appointments with insurance cards. Seriously I've never seen someone work harder at trying to keep their boss from making money - and from a patient getting seen by a doctor! If this is the kind of people Dr Stierman hires for the front desk... not sure this is a business that deserves referrals of recommendations. Look at another ENT in Austin if you think you are still in charge of your own healthcare and not just a number in a machine! Some doctors actually appreciate new patients. read more

Worst fucking service ever. Called with an emergency situation as half of my face is swollen, I'm in extreme pain, can't open my jaw but only maybe a quarter of the way, in pain from my temple to my lower jaw to my nose and they still would not schedule me in as an emergency visit being an established patient. Was going to have her do a sinus surgery on me in coming months but her front office staff screwed that today. Finding a new ENT. #done read more

If was for Dr Stierman helping my youngest daughter out, I don't think she would be doing as good as is now. Also if hadn't been for Dr Stierman doing in MIR in 2006 showing at that time their wasn't a tumor in brain and when was in hospital 2014 they did MIR and was able to come compare and this time they found tumor in my brain. (So Time between those dates when a tumor was forming) But tell people all the time to go her cause she does through job to get you well. When I go their , I seem to get right meds to make things clear up. read more

Dr. Steirman has excellent bedside manner. In my case, we avoided surgery as long as possible which I appreciated. She listened to my concerns and we had a mutual pre-surgery plan and I felt comfortable with her. My main complaint is that she over books her schedule, is frequently running late, and rushes appointments. Her front desk staff is great, I have never had an issue with them. I had a severe reaction to allergy skin testing about 2.5 years ago in her office. It wasn't her fault at all - it was a rare reaction and the office staff responded appropriately. But whenever I see her lately she suggests allergy testing ... which indicates that she forgot about the ambulance ride I had from her office that day. I think it stems from seeing too many people and being unable to spend time with patients. I have trouble with chronic sinusitis and asked her about a new idea of topical probiotics I read about. She thought it was an interesting idea but hadn't heard of it. In my next appointment, she relayed her research to me and even found some probiotics that wouldn't be impacted by the sprays I take. I am really impressed that she looked into this and am excited to give this therapy a try! I give her 4 stars because I think she is really great. I just wish she could slow down and spend more time in appointments. read more

I had ballon sinuplasty. I was eligible for the in office procedure because my septum had already been corrected through past cleft-pallet repair surgeries. Others may have to go to a surgery center for the procedure. If your septum is deviated she has to fix that first. That cannot be done in the office. The procedure wasn't painful. I'd describe it more as uncomfortable at times, but quite tolerable. It took about 10 minutes and I was recovered by the afternoon. Unfortunately, I got a sinus infection immediately afterward. That was just a case of Murphy's Law in action. The doctor was on top of it and monitored my treatment. After about 3 months I saw a huge difference. I was able to sail through a normal cold without the appending sinus infection. I've never been so excited to have a regular, no complications virus! I take a basic Claritin pill daily and only take Claritin-D if I catch a cold. That prevents mucous from building up and allows my nasal passages to drain as Dr. Steirman designed them. read more

*** BEWARE OF THE DEBRIDEMENT PROCEDURE! *** Dr. Stierman is great at her job however, I became extremely frustrated at the lack of transparency with the debridement follow up appointments after my recent surgery. At the time of attendance of my two scheduled follow ups, I was told there would be no copay and that all I needed to do was consent to the exam. I was also told that it would only be her looking at my nose with a scope and removing excess tissue. I agreed and to my surprise, a month later I am hit with two ~ $500 bills as it is billed as SURGICAL PROCEDURES to insurance companies even though it is a 2-5 minute exam of your nostrils. Many insurance companies do not cover this procedure and it became quite apparent that the office was aware of this when I brought this to the billing department's attention. Upon contacting my insurance company and state governing agency I was met with surprise and told that it is common practice for ents, surgeons, dentist, etc to disclose similar fees ahead of time. THIS WAS NOT DONE FOR ME AS IT HAD BEEN FOR ALL OF MY PREVIOUS VISITS AND SURGERIES WITH THIS OFFICE. After discussing this with the office manager I was told I should pay better attention, even though we previously adhered to a system of disclosing potential costs before visits, and that I should stop the process before I even get my nostrils sprayed to enlarge them to avoid the charge - then repeatedly state "no debridement " each visit. The next visit I attended the technician almost sprayed my nostrils again even after I told him I did not want to be charged insisting that it was no charge to me. I had him go check then he abruptly apologized for his error, luckily saving me a third $500 charge. Today while in the office for allergy shots I was stunned to hear this process repeated with two individuals who just had surgery in the span of 15 MINUTES. Upon the patients checking in, the representatives at the desk stated "All the doctor will do is stick a scope up your nose and look around, there's no copay, just sign here to consent". No mention of surgery coding, no discussion of potential fees, insurance coverage or lack there of - swindling people out of their hard earned money for a 2-5 minute look at their nose. BLATANT DISHONESTY THROUGH OMISSION. I was disgusted to hear this repeatedly with a cheerful unassuming voice and almost had the nerve to tell the other patients what they were in for. Instead I have chosen to write this review so that others do not end up in a similar situation and to hold Dr. Stierman's practice accountable. I will no longer do business with offices that practice shady business tactics like this. read more

I've been seeing doctor Stierman for almost a year now. I've been dealing with diagnosing and treating several underlying health issues all at the same time. The process and the slow decline of my overall health, has left me terribly jaded towards about 50% of the specialists I have consulted with- I've become far too familiar with what to expect or more importantly, what "not" to expect when dealing with most of the practices and their office staff. Not Dr. Stierman though!!! She possesses excellent bedside manner, is trained and up to date on all manner of procedures, medication management, testing, and is even great with kids. Which I think we can all appreciate, because when you're sick as a dog from sinusitis on top of an extremely painful musculoskeletal disease- all you want is to be told everything is going to be ok, you will get excellent care and you will get better. And sure the prospect of surgery is terrifying, but with Dr. Stierman it doesn't seem very scary at all. Her office staff and medical assistants are extremely detail oriented, patient, and incredibly efficient at squeezing you in, when you really need to be seen, her waiting room is comfortable and as a mother I'm happy my son hasn't needed to be seen, but if he did I would take him to Dr.Stierman in an instant. A provider is only as good as the office/clinical staff which supports them in order to support us the patients, and this is clearly evident in how well patients are treated and cared for at Ent and Allergy Center of Austin. I can't wait to have my procedure done and get on with my life. In the meantime, it is always a pleasure to visit this office. read more

Dr Stierman and Dr Briggs are both great ENT's. My family and I have been seeing them for the last 10 years. It is unfortunate that I have to write such a negative review, but after years of dealing with their front desk and phone service, which is the worst I have ever experienced, I'm calling it quits and going to find another ENT. I hope the good doctors read this review and try to improve their business's handling of their customers. read more

I have been on the fence about tonsil removal for one of my kids. Our pcp referred us here and I never got a 'yes, definitely remove the tonsils' or 'no, the tonsils are fine'. The last visit sent me and my special needs youngest to an overnight sleep study for sleep apnea. We did the study, paid the costs, and we haven't been given any results after several weeks. I called several times asking for these and was always given 'we will get back to you' and I was going to call to leave a voice mail but got an automated message that the voicemail box is full. This has been a disappointing experience. read more

I've been seeing Dr Karen for years - which is a testament to how bad my sinuses are and no reflection upon her! She's been able to rid me of lingering & continuous infections. She's a very gentle & skilled surgeon. And she's a really cool person. I highly recommend her! read more

I was referred to Dr. Stierman in early 2013 when my dentist noticed a lump below my ear. Dr. Stierman was very thorough with her examinations and explained everything to me in detail. She has a very kind and comforting manner. We eventually did decide to have surgery to remove the tumor and that went very well. Dr. Stierman was spot on with how long the recovery period would be and what to expect during it. I've read other reviews and would only slightly agree with some of the comments about Dr. Stierman rushing in and out. I never felt like she was shortchanging me and I never felt rushed. Dr. Stierman always stayed to answer any and all questions I had about the process, diagnosis, and eventual procedure. Maybe that made her late to some other people's appointments, so I apologize for that. Dr. Stierman's staff is top notch from the medical assistants to the billing person and receptionist. They are all very nice. I really felt like they cared about me. Now that everything is sewed up and working right, its a little sad that if I see any of these people again it means that there is a new health issue to deal with. read more

Through the testing provided to me through Dr. Stieman's office, it turns out in my case I apparently have other medical things going on which are creating what look like pronounced allergy symptoms, but my actual allergies are fairly mild. While that's personally a bit disappointing, it's important information for me to have received. . And both Dr. Stierman and her office personnel were consistently prompt, well-organized, and friendly throughout the intake and testing process. Given some less than well-organized treatment I've recently received for other medical concerns through other doctors' offices, I'm especially appreciative of the work by herself and the ENT & Allergy Center. read more

Dr. Stierman has taken care of both of my kids for several years. We love her! She took my daughters tonsils out last year and has managed my sons allergies for several years as well. My daughter was extremely nervous about the surgery, but dr. Stierman did such a great job of talking directly to her, thoughtfully answering her questions, and alleviating her worries! My son has suffered for years with serious allergies and allergy-induced asthma. He was tested at dr. Stiermsn's office and he began taking the sublingual allergy drops last year. It has absolutely changed his life! He doesn't need to take nearly as much medicine anymore and his asthma is totally under control! I would highly recommend Dr. Stiermsn -- she always takes plenty of time listening and explaining. She is thorough and overall a great doctor! read more

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Karen Stierman. She has taken great care of me and my family over the years and has NEVER said we needed an unnecessary surgery. My doctor friends and their families go to Dr. Stierman and their trust says as much as I need to know. read more

Dr. Stierman has been my ENT for over 6 years and she is fantastic! I am allergic to the majority of allergens in the Texas Hill Country area and have explored numerous treatment options. I also had two conditions that did not respond to conventional therapy and required out-patient surgery. Dr. Stierman performed both surgeries and she is very talented. I did not suffer any complications after these surgeries and recovered very quickly. Additionally, Dr. Stierman and her staff were easily accessible when I had questions and concerns about my recovery. I work in the biopharmaceutical industry and perform on-site audits of private practices, hospitals, and medical universities on a weekly basis. I am confident that this is a great facility and would not consider switching physicians unless I moved out of town. read more

This is a volume quack business - McDoctors. Let me test you, let me create a "cure" and let me get you buying the magic drops for the next 2 years. And just as you don't expect great customer service at McDonalds don't expect it here. In some future model this will be done at Walgreens for 10% of the price. read more

This review isn't about Dr Stierman, but her office staff. My insurance requires a referral for a specialist. My doctor's office has sent it 3 times, and was already verified, processed, and approved but my insurance, yet still cannot make an appointment, I even asked her receptionist if I hand delivered the referral to her I was told I would still be denied to make an appointment on the spot. This is unprofessional and frustrating, I will be looking for another ENT. read more

The billing department is horrible. They charged me incorrectly and didn't refund till I came up to office after multiple calls. They informed me that they would apply the payment to the surgery center and didn't. As a result, I was receiving bills from the surgery center. The doctor's office shouldn't have taken the payment at all! read more

I like Dr. Stierman. That being said, her office is busy always, and I have a hard time getting through on the phone, and I basically had to harass the surgery consultant to call me back. That being said, everyone there is very nice, and they have never rushed through my appts, and Dr S is very knowledgeable. She's always very sweet with my 1 year old son (who is actually her patient). read more

I have been a patient at ENT Allergy Center of Austin for almost 10 years. Dr. Stierman is excellent! She is thoughtful and my health has improved as a result. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is that recently it has been challenging to make appointments with a new annual referral. read more

We started going to her when my 3 year old had ear problems and she has been great! My boy loves her! Everybody in the office is very nice... I have not experienced anything C.W is talking about... read more

Awful service! Waited for over an hour-- not exaggerating! When the Dr finally showed up she was in such a hurry to move onto the next patient that she took less than 2 minutes to examine me. Not only did she Diagnose me incorrectly she prescribed meds for me to take that I didn't even need! A month later, i still had the same problem and went to another ENT to get the issue solved. Spare yourself your time and money and go with a Dr will not make you wait over an hour. She is not in tune with her patients. read more

Dr. Stierman has been very helpful. We reco her to friends/ family.

Don't get me wrong, the doctors here are good. They do not spend a lot of time with you but that seems to be the status quo these days. I am however unhappy with the staff. I was suppose to have an MRI order request which never occured because the tech could not get through to radiology and therefore never made the request. You would think they would call me to inform me about this issue but no call was made. Later I was to have 2 medications faxed to my pharmacy, when I went to the pharmacy there were no medications and no fax. I called the next day (the office) to find out what happened and apparently the tech never documented the medications to be faxed so nobody could help me. This clinic appears to be unorganized and does not care to call you. Don't go here. read more

Dr. Stierman and her staff have been great to my family. My husband and 2 children have been patients of hers for years, and we love her! She is awesome with my kids, and my husband (who is NOT a fan of doctors) thinks she is the bomb. My daughter had allergy testing in her office in Cedar Park, and Stacey was terrific. We have had visits with Dr. Briggs as well and received A+ service. I would refer even my whiniest friends to their practice with not a second thought! read more

Just had my deviated septum fixed and a turbinate reduction and I was very pleased with the job she did. She was very patient and answered all my dumb questions and gave very clear answers. It made me very comfortable and at ease. read more

So I'm an oddball with these reviews.... I used to work for Dr. Stierman and was also seeking medical advice from her. I can tell you this, she's the real deal. She does not play around and cares tremendously for her patients. She will always think of a creative strategy to tackle your symptoms and will always admit if she knows someone who can better diagnose you. When I got into a medical complication, I had Dr. Stierman referred me to the right doctor. She would always check up on me and that was exactly what I saw when I worked with her. If she had any extra time during clinic days, she would always respond to phone calls or texts from her patients. I am amazed by her dedication and love for her patients. She does have an amazing amount of energy and that's honestly what you need when you're sick. She will always smile and no matter how complicated your situation is, she will get to the bottom of your illness. Thank you for taking care of me as a patient and a past employee. read more

Worst front desk staff I've ever dealt with. I've been trying to make an appointment with them since December because they are one of the only ENT places in my insurance network. I've spoken to a different person almost every time and been told something different regarding my referral every time. I've had my primary doctor's office fax over my referral almost 5 times and when I call to schedule they tell me they never received it or something is missing and can't schedule me. This last time I called I was told to email my referral by Tasha (front desk) to a specific email and they would call me right away to schedule. I did and and never received a call and when I called to follow up I was told very rudely that she doesn't handle referrals and I would have to "wait my turn" for Bianca (the only person who handles referral) to call me. I asked to speak to to supervisor to get to the bottom of this and was left on hold for 20 mins. The overall lack of professionalism and rudeness of the front desk was terrible. I was about to find literally anyone else to go to to not have to deal with this office when I got a call back by them that they suddenly "found" my referral and could book me know. This has been the worst scheduling experience I've ever had. And I used to work front desk. read more

She performed a life saving adenoidectomy on my son when he was under 2 years old. His condition prevented him from gaining weight and it was difficult to diagnose. He is now a healthy and happy 4 year old. I also see Dr. Stierman and she has been great. When I told my rheumatologist that I was seeing Dr. Stierman, he described her as brilliant. I've never had a long wait, but not surprised that others have. Both her and Dr. Briggs are great, so I'm sure there are always a lot of people trying to get in. The upside is that she can often get me in the same day read more

Love Dr Stierman , diagnosed husbands ongoing vertigo to Migranes. Gave him a new medicine called Cambia and it has made it more tolerable for him. We were traveling to a Dr in San Antonio with no relief in his dizziness, thank you Dr Stierman! Other dr at this facility Dr Briggs removed both of my teen girls tonsils with no issues! Definitely recommend theses doctors at ENT Center of Austin read more

Dr Stierman and her team were very accommodating and helpful with my daughter who was referred last minute by the Pediatrician due to a bad recurring ear infection. We were back and forth to their offices many times and I loved the fact that everyone was so nice and gentle with her to ensure she wasn't afraid. Dr Stierman had ensured that the infection was taken care of swiftly and explained all the possibilities to us as well. As a parent it's nice to know that your child is taken care of and given the attention needed. read more