Otolaryngologists - Newburyport, MA

"I saw Dr. Colden off and on for 2 years because of allergic rhinitis and obstruction causing regular nosebleeds, some physical deformity and issues that prevented normal breathing. He successfully resolved the bleeding and some of the infection/swelling/congestion with surgery after a year. However, he was very vague and secretive about what problems were, what caused them and to a degree what should/could be done to fix the various issues. His office schedules his time in 10 minute increments and most visits cost 1000.00 or more (700.00 of which were from the use a viewing scope to check the sinus cavity and internal nasal components that he would not allow viewing of follow up with any real explanation on status of afterwards). After the surgery some issues broached on the first visit remained open. Over time his solutions/explanations/details changed despite asking the same questions. At times some suggestions were offered and when asked for details on why I should do something or see someone else he'd respond with "trust me" instead of a valid medical reason. I stopped going 6 months after the surgery out of frustration from the lack of further progress, feeling of being rushed out the door (10 minute increments and vague responses..) and closed direction of additional visits. There was no end in sight on follow ups and at the same time no inclination that the remaining issues would be addressed and treated. 2.5 years later I still don't get daily (or even weekly) nosebleeds most months. Unfortunately future full plastic surgery will probably be required to repair damage caused by a deficiency that could have been addressed originally. It continues to get worse over time and I really wish I had found another physician who would have been more open and up front from the start so that I could have prevented or reversed the deterioration. I think he's a good surgeon and I have no complaints with the actions performed. I do not recommend trying to go to him as an ENT instead of as a surgeon. Go to your PCP or a different ENT and get a full diagnosis then have them send you to Dr. Colden for the procedure only... Nothing before, nothing after and reaching out to other physicians in between. "