Tried to tell me I needed multiple surgeries (I in fact did not), conducted non approved procedures before contacting my insurance then dropped me as a patient due to there own incompetence. ( it was for the best in the end, still extremely unprofessional) after all this and saying I needed immediate treatment due to my condition they have now with held my medical records from my new Dr. River ENT and wanna be Dr Philips is an absolute disgrace to the medical system. read more

UPDATE: We took our son to a local urgent care after River ENT refused to revisit the unresolved issue without additional charges, and they confirmed he has an outer ear infection and prescribed medicated ear drops. --- Dr. Wu removed my son's ear tubes in December 2025. At the time, she recommended a fat graft myringoplasty to ensure the holes left by the tubes would close. We declined the fat graft myringoplasty to see if the holes could close on their own, because we wanted to avoid adding additional time that he would be under general anesthesia. Fast forward to June 2026: My son was doing swim team for a few weeks with no issues. Then, on June 15, he began complaining about pain in one of his ears. Since we started seeing Dr. Wu, we had moved to the San Antonio area, but decided to drive back to Austin for her to check the pain in his ear and whether the holes from the tubes had closed, since she's the one who had removed his ear tubes. River ENT required us to do a hearing test, which was fine. Afterwards, Dr. Wu quickly glanced in his ears and said they looked good. I asked whether the holes from the tubes had closed, and she responded with something like, "Oh yeah, I always knew they would close on their own, because the tubes were resting near the top of the eardrum" (which conflicted with her recommendation to do the fat graft myringoplasty). When I asked what would be causing the pain in his left ear, and expressed concern because it was unlike him to complain of ear pain, she said nothing was wrong, but maybe he had swum too deep or "bruised" it from jumping in the water to swim. I asked if she was sure, because I was worried about swimmer's ear, and she brushed me off without taking another look, and said if there were a swimmer's ear infection, I would be able to see it by looking in his ear without an otoscope (an internet search says "swimmer's ear (otitis externa) often starts localized to a small area before spreading"). Dr. Wu did not take another look in his painful ear and instead said that being able to detect an ear infection with an otoscope takes years of training. We left the office without any answers or medicine. My son continued to complain about the pain in his ear, so my husband and I found the otoscope we had packed in a moving box (from when he was having frequent ear infections before ear tubes), and we each looked in his ear nine days after the appointment with Dr. Wu. Both my husband and I observed a cluster of pustules in his ear canal outside the ear drum. Upon reading more online, we discovered that these pustules are likely an infection and unlikely to go away on their own. What's more, leaving them untreated could cause the infection to spread to surrounding tissues and even cause permanent hearing loss. I called Dr. Wu's office and asked if someone could take another look in his ear, because he has continued to complain of pain, and it appears that an infection was likely missed at our June 17 appointment. River ENT said they could get us in to see a different doctor in two days, but we would be paying for another doctor appointment in full. They would not take accountability for their mistake, and they had zero care that we would need to drive two hours to Austin and two hours back to San Antonio, in order to have the issue resolved, as it should have been with the first visit. The office manager also made a comment like, "Well, I'm not a doctor, like you apparently are," rather than acknowledging that I was simply asking for a doctor to take another look. It feels like River ENT prioritizes profit over responsible care of patients. I would NOT recommend River ENT. read more

River ENT completely failed the basic test of professionalism. I scheduled two appointments on the same day for two different medical issues with two different doctors. Their office called to say "insurance doesn't allow that." I confirmed with my insurance, who called Rick at River ENT directly, verified everything was fine, and even gave him a reference number confirming it. A few hours later, I got one of the rudest calls I've ever had with any medical office. The woman on the phone wouldn't let me speak, kept cutting me off, and repeated the same line over and over, "we can only see you once." No listening, no logic, no respect. This office doesn't care about patients or facts, only their own convenience. If you value being treated like a human being, do yourself a favor and go anywhere else. read more

I will never come back to this establishment again. I saw Dr. Cheung Phillips and while I want to believe she is an amazing doctor, the treatment I received was subpar. An ongoing throat issue for 3+ years was given the treatment of over the counter nasal spray. After that didn't work I now have to come in for another appointment which likely involves tests that should have been completed the on my first visit. When I originally sought out an ENT specialist I noticed the reviews about this place being a money pit. I was hoping I would not be a victim to it, but after not receiving the treatment I needed I feel as though I agree. They seem to just want to get you in for as many appointments possible when it's not necessary. Side note: When I brought up this issue over the phone, the staff was very ignorant especially Nora. She was rude and condescending not understanding of my feelings as a patient at all. read more

I was reading another persons review and it said she solves the allergy problem first try. I have different problems, problems that have caused me to go from Dr to Dr for 20 years. Dr CP didn't solve the problem the first try. Some problems require trial and error. Unlike sooo many Dr's I had in the past, she never gave up. To that person that complained about waiting - sorry if she was listening to someone like me. She can't help herself, she really cares! She is a truly wonderful person that does not give up. read more

This doctors office is not a good place to spend your money. I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment time. I was not taken back to the room to meet the doctor until 30 minutes after my appointment time. And had to wait an additional 20 minutes after that before the doctor came in. On top of the doctor being extremely unprofessional, she expected me pay an additional $500 so that she could use her own CT scanner and endoscope. None of this was relayed to me prior to my appointment. If I had known this, I would not have wasted my time and taking a day off from work. I have been to a ENT doctor before and was never asked to spend this kind of money upfront. This clinic is extremely unprofessional and is not worth your time. Find another care provider. read more

I'll start off that all of the staff was very nice here, including the doctor. The office environment was nice, and I felt comfortable while waiting. My main issue with this location is that I went to the doctor to seek answers regarding a specific issue. When I went there the doctor didn't provide any meaningful reason in regard to my symptom, which I still am dealing with several years later. But while I was there the doctor noticed I had a deviated septum (which I was already aware of). In her excitement about this, she asked me if I wanted to see what it looked like from the inside. She proceeded to put a little camera up there, and I was able to see the inside of my nose (it was interesting but didn't really tell me anything I couldn't have figured out by sticking my finger up my nose). So I leave this place, not having any answers to the issue I came in with, but now having a permanent visual of what the inside of my nose looks like. Well, a few weeks goes by, and I find out that looking up my nose cost me an extra $339. This procedure lasted maybe 5-10 minutes total. The doctor should have to disclose that the procedure will cost money, and provide some type of estimate before just casually offering things to patients. I guess the doctor thinks everyone is on a doctor's salary that comes into her office. read more

In and out in 5 minutes. "You're fine". I asked about a specific concern, and that was brushed aside. I still have my issue I went in with, no guidance. Not a very thorough exam, rushed, and now I need to find another ENT that will actually take the time and listen to what is wrong. Disappointed. read more

My husband and I are both patients. Dr Chung-Phillips is great to work with. The office staff are very helpful.

I never had the chance to make an appt. This review is for the communication at River ENT and my experience with their texting system "Klara." I wanted to schedule a consultation for a second opinion. Initially I thought it was cool that I could text the clinic but then I had to call to schedule. I called the clinic on 4 occasions. Each time, my call went to voicemail, then I was redirected to the texting system. Someone would call me back 2-3 hours later, I would miss the call and the whole process started over. It was such a rigamarole that I finally gave up and decided not to schedule a consultation. What a horrible experience and an awful first impression. No way was I going to see a doctor where it was so hard to get a hold of an actual person. read more

Dr Cheung-Phillips and her office staff are simply outstanding. I have seen Dr C-P three times. I only had an appointment for the first time. The other two times they worked me in... even after Dr C-P had been on call the entire night before. She is professional, personable, knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything. Coupled with a friendly and responsive staff, that's all I could ask for in medical care. read more

Overpriced, low quality care. It seems professional on the outside but I haven't gotten good results here and they seem money driven rather than providing good care to patients. I was seen by Dr. Wu for a simple ear wax removal. Out of pocket they said it would be $60 if it was simple and $180 of it was more invasive... they could not tell me my fee once the appointment was underway. It was a 2 minute procedure and they charged $60. The next week the same ear was clogged again! When I called them that next week they said I'd have to come back and pay again! -Though she hadn't cleared it well. They would t let me speak to her and they wouldn't give me a follow up appnt without fully paying again. So terrible that they didn't actually take care to ensure my problem was resolved. Just wanted my money! read more

This is undoubtedly the most unorganized medical office I've been to in the last 40 years. Their phone system was so messed up and filled with static EVERYTIME they tried to call to schedule an appointment that I ended up driving there and requesting an appointment in person. Each time I worked with the receptionist, she was depressed and not personable, borderline rude. The waiting room was comfortable which was great because in total they kept me waiting for over an hour in that room on the day of my appointment. They give you a piece of paper to walk around with...it's your medical chart for them, their billing and services; very unprofessional to have patients carry paperwork for office staff. So to begin as a new patient, you sit. And wait. And watch a very expensive commercial about how great these doctors are and why they love their job and why they started this practice. The audiologist was great! She had warmth, personality, listened, took her time to make sure everything was done correctly. And then you wait again, and wait...and wait some more. You get to listen to the receptionist be rude to everyone else so it's comforting that they are just that type of person and it's not personal. But isn't everything medical really personal? When it was finally my turn, a male military sergeant of a nurse was loud...VERY LOUD...and was incredibly rude and barked his orders. His demeanor was so abrasive that I had to ask him to calm down and even asked him to meditate with me; instead he left the room. Another nurse came in and finished what he couldn't. She was quiet like an abused child...in fact many of the staff in the office all had similar 'abused energy' When Dr Wu finally met with me she didn't listen to what I was telling her, rushed me to make a decision without informing my why she wanted to schedule more visits, prescribe things she wasn't sure was going to work...all for an inner ear blockage (mind you, she didn't think it was a blockage even though I described it). But she didn't seem confident in her ability to diagnose what another doctor did with patience and understanding with less waiting time. Yes...it was an inner ear blockage Dr Wu. I informed her that I did not appreciate her rushing me after I waited such a long time. I asked her to explain in more detail why she wasn't confident of her diagnosis and approach. She told me she didn't have time and that she had other patients (most likely to rush through and not treat). She again asked what I wanted to do with her treatment plan. I asked to leave. I told her I would not work with her or her office because of what I listed above. I asked to pay and to leave. When I left to pay...I forgot my piece of paper because Dr Wu was busy writing notes on it. I was scolded by the receptionist because my responsibility as a patient is to hold onto their medical records. Quite possibly the worst expense with a medical practitioner and office staff in my life. It is my theory the Primary Doctors foster a toxic workplace which the staff passes onto the patients. But the audiologist was good. read more

Holyshmoly! . Esther Cheung Phillips is the boss and the owner River Place Ear Nose and Throat and it shows. So I am 52, and I remember back when I was a kid and we had a family doctor. Back then, the family doctor saw everyone in our family. I grew up as friends with the doctors kids. We were treated like family but that is how everyone was treated. Well, it was this consistent feeling with all the people that I came into contact when Dr. Philips checked me out initially and during my surgery. The whole staff was paying attention and they cared. There wasn't a dud in the whole bunch. Dr. Phillips stopped doing what she was doing during the procedure to make sure I was not feeling any discomfort. It felt kinda weird that someone would slow down and care. I am not going to go into a laundry list of all the details that made it special for me. There is two types of ownership. Dr. Phillips owns the business but it is clear that she takes ownership of what happens to you when she is the one responsible for the outcome. I recommend that you check her out if you need something looked at. She pays attention and she cares. read more

Outstanding practice from the front desk to the entire clinical team! It was very easy to make an appointment. Filling out the paperwork online was easy and in saved a lot of time in advance. The team was very friendly. Dr Olivia is very kind, professional, and wonderful at taking the time educating me about my exam. Dr. CP rocks! She is very personable, thorough, and put my mind at ease with all of my concerns. She is very caring and compassionate. It's really hard to find a medical team like River ENT. Thank you for taking great care of me. read more

I do not recommend this office to anyon. The office staff are unprofessional and not customer friendly and the procedures are very disorganized. At my initial appointment, which was a second opinion referral the office did not have any of my previous records or hearing tests to compare to. I was told by the doctor to wait at least 6-8 weeks to schedule another appointment if my hearing problem had not resolved itself because she thought it needed to heal from the previous procedures. So, I waited. In March I began trying to make an appointment and at that time on the portal I saw there was an outstanding balance. Note - you can't actually call and talk to anyone - the calls are managed by AI so I received a text message to login to a portal. When I finally spoke with a person to make the appointment, I was told they didn't see anything. On March 24 I received a mail statement about the balance due. Upon arrival at the office I was told I would not be seen due to an outstanding balance. I explained I wasn't aware of a missed appointment. A lady came out and said I did know and they had proof of it. I tried to explain my understanding from the last appointment and she continued to say that I had to pay if I wanted to be seen. I refused to pay and asked to speak with a manager. She abruptly stated he is not available and I said I would wait. She rudely said I could sit down. I asked if she knew when a manager would be availabl. She shortly said "no". I asked if it would be today - she said she didn't know. i sat down to wait. Later the audiologist called me back and I explained I was not to be seen - I was waiting to see a manager. Then later the desk clerk came out to tell me they were ready to see me because another customer paid my balance. I told her I didn't want someone else to pay the balance because I didn't think it was due and I asked the payment be refunded. She said someone else would need to talk to me. Then a gentleman came out and said I could be seen. I told him that given the behavior of the office staff and their handling of the situation I did not want to be seen by their office and I wanted the payment to be refunded. He said he would talk to the customer but if he wanted to pay it then he was going to keep his money. Again, the integrity of this office comes down to the money. They don't care how they get it - just that someone pays. He then began to explain to me the generosity of people particularly this week like Christmas. I'm not sure what his implication was with this reference or if he was questioning my Christian beliefs/knowledge. This further offended me. I confirmed I would not be billed and he stated they would write off the balance as I was no longer a customer in their office. I'm sure the customer was making a generous gesture towards me, but the whole point is that River ENT never acknowledged their unprofessional handling of the situation. Then the fact that they were willing to show such disrespect to another customer by accepting this man's unnecessary payment speaks further to their foundation of customer service. The business manager eventually came out and said he spoke to the customer and they would refund him. I thanked him and continued to wait so I could thank the customer myself. This office very much treated ME and the other generous customer as just a "pocket book". River ENT staff showed no concern nor respect for either of us as a CUSTOMER. The staff made it very clear that their philosophy of customer service is that the customer is WRONG. Find someone to treat you as a real customer. read more

The Doctor is great. However - When she moved into a new office near River Place the customer service for the practice tanked. After two telephone calls several emails and at least on text to confirm my appointment, I was extremely disappointed when 35 minutes into being marooned in an exam room, no doctor, no staff to explain the delay. I walked out. This is a practice that clearly values the Doctors time, but puts zero value on your time. I would suggest choosing another provider. read more

Everyone here is very friendly. I have seen Dr. Wu, Dr. Cheung-Phillips and Dr. Williams. Everyone here is welcoming and truly cares about your health and well being. I highly recommend River ENT ! read more

Dr. Wu was amazing! She performed my adult tonsillectomy, this was my first surgery EVER and she made me feel so comfortable and safe! She answered every question I had and was very detailed! She even called me the next day to check on me! read more

I met Dr. Cheung-Phillips before the transition to her new practice at River ENT. I'm glad I waited for them to get setup, she is amazing! Her staff kept me in the loop and updated on their progress every step of the way. I was surprised upon my first visit to their new location that I was greeted by first name. Additionally, anytime I call, they recognize me, ask how I'm doing, almost like a member of the family! I've had polyp removal procedures done three times before seeing Dr. Cheung-Phillips. She was the first to recommend a solid plan of clearing the polyps and keeping them gone. I'm confident our new plan is going well. She is kind and understanding and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone to setup an appointment and see what River ENT can do for you! Thanks again! read more

I really felt like Dr. Wu and the rest of the staff at River ENT tried to do the best they could with my care, and I really enjoyed my experience with them. The only issue I had was getting in touch with the doctor post appointments, but when I did meet with her things went really well. I definitely would recommend them. read more

Dr Cheung-Phillips is the best ent ever, she is extremely diligent and always solves my allergy issues first time. I have seen her for many years in different practices and am delighted to see her in this new facility. read more

River ENT - Ear Nose & Throat Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Getting parts of your septum removed is not a pleasant experience, but Dr. Cheung-Phillips and her staff do everything they can to make it as not horrible as possible. I was recommended to Dr. Cheung-Phillips by another patient who praised her warm manner and personal approach -- you're not another faceless patient here, you're treated as a person and the staff routinely goes out of their way to make sure that's clear. I hope I never have to get another nasal procedure done again, but if I do, it'll be done by Dr. Cheung-Phillips. read more

Dr. Wu is a fantastic doctor and surgeon. She performed my Perilymph Fistula surgery in October 2019. The entire office staff and clinical team is professional, friendly, and quick to respond to questions. I highly recommend Dr. Wu and River ENT! read more

Dr Wu is so incredible. I could not recommend her enough for all your ear needs! A+ rating!

Dr Wu is an outstanding doctor. She created a plan to heal my daughters ear infection and then has worked with us on 2 successful ear surgeries. She takes time to answer all of our questions and addresses our concerns. I totally trust her and highly recommend her. read more

River ENT is to go to if you're living in this area. Dr. Phillips and her staff are just top notch. They are knowledge in every aspect. I would recommend anyone going here for ENT checkup/services. read more

If I could, I would give 0 star to Dr. Cheung-Phillips. I saw Dr. Cheung-Phillips on 03/2018. I had a swollen lymph node under my jaw. Dr. Cheung-Phillips diagnosed and told me I do not need to worry, the swollen lymph node is just around 8mm. But I felt it's more than that, so I did ultrasound test, it shows 19mm. After a few weeks, I saw Dr. Cheung-Phillips again. She told me she remembered the swollen lymph node is on my back of neck, and did unnecessary test on my back of neck. My back of neck was fine and no issue at all. She TOTALLY forgot my swollen lymph node is under my jaw. She did not take her note correctly during my 1st visit, and she still insist charge me the unnecessary test on my back of neck. I would not see her again and would not recommend her to anyone! read more

We had a wonderful experience today. From the desk attendant the thoughtful, thorough, caring doctor. Highly recommend

Today I had a second appt. at River ENT to plan for surgery. The check in was quick and I was seen immediately. The staff were all helpful and thorough with scheduling my procedure. The audiologist and Dr. Wu made me feel relaxed and confident ! read more

Visiting Dr. Cheung-Phillips is always a pleasure. Her professionalism and sparkling personality will quickly erase any apprehensions you may have about a visit to the doctor. read more

Overall, I had a great experience my first time at River ENT. The doctors and team were great, fitted me in for an appointment right away, took Covid safety protocols seriously, were courteous, and seemed to be thorough in their examinations of me and my issue. My complaint and reason for giving the establishment 2 stars is because of an egregious error on the part of their office staff that was not corrected nor apologized for. This error involves sending my prescription to a pharmacy nearly 40 minutes by car from my home after I explicitly asked the receptionist before leaving their office to change it to a pharmacy near me. Why they would by default send my prescription to a pharmacy so far from my home address, which they have on file, is beyond me. I googled the address of the pharmacy I wanted, told the receptionist the address and even showed it to her on my phone. I asked when I would be able to go get the prescription and she said "it goes into the system immediately so within 20 minutes or half and hour" I'd be able to fill it. Naturally, I headed to my local pharmacy, waited for up to an hour(!) in the drive-thru line to find out that they never got my prescription and that it was instead sent to the original pharmacy I asked River ENT not to send it to. When I called their offices to tell them, they offered no apology, did not try to fix it or offer solutions (besides suggesting I tell my local pharmacy to just fill it, which they said they could not do), and instead wiped their hands clean of an error that was clearly their own. Long story short, I am left with more than an hour of my workday lost and without my medication. Thankfully, it is not necessary I take these meds. But, I hate to think of this happening to someone else, especially someone who really needs their prescription medication, someone elderly, someone's child. Too often this type of incompetence causes unnecessary suffering. read more

Wonderful experience at River ENT with Dr Wu and her staff. Appointment was easily scheduled and they were very helpful in assisting me in getting info from my referring drs office prior to my appointment. Dr Wu was punctual and did not rush through my visit and took lots of time explaining my treatment options. Most importantly she didn't pressure me to have any unnecessary procedures and supported my decision to "wait and see" vs. schedule a procedure. Their audiologist Dr. Sabrina Olivia gave me a thorough hearing exam and also took her time explaining my current situation. I would definitely recommend this group for all your ENT needs. read more

i don't understand why the doctor allows her staff to hung up on her patients (money base). I have requested a call from the doctor numerous times but to date she has not called me. Heather seems to think she is the coordinator of my finances and told me it didn't matter if they didn't file with Medicare because I have a deductible. She has hung up on me numerous times. Nora the billing person told me she was not going to file my charges with Medicare and hung up on me. When I ask what date she filed with Medicare she says I don't understand what you are saying. She has hung up on me numerous times. When I asked for my refund she told me she wasn't going to pay it. The office manager has has not returned my call with the date my charges were filed with Medicare. He laughed and thought it was funny that Nora told me she was not going to file with Medicare and hung up on me. I just left a voice message for the nurse for the doctor to call me. They were notified that I had Medicare as secondary insurance in February 2022. asking them to file with Medicare and refund my payments has been going on since April 2022. read more

Make sure you understand your insurance and what is covered before seeing this doctor. I went in for sinus issues and got a thorough examination including x-Ray. The x-ray did not receive prior approval despite this doctor supposedly being an approved provider. I was then harassed for weeks to have surgery that not one but TWO other doctors said was absolutely not needed. I then got a bill from them and called my insurance provider to understand why I was being charged for something this office says is "routine". My insurance provider and again other doctors said it should have been handled differently. So much so that my insurance provider is now looking into this matter. This all took time and after I explained, again, that I would NOT be doing surgery I was aggressively pursued for payment. Despite contesting this charge I paid it b/c they were pursuing a collection agency. My experience leaves me with feeling this doctor is about expensive surgeries, not treating patients. So glad I am not their patient and found a provider that truly works with my insurance and is not pro-surgery. read more