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Home > IL Providers > Otolaryngologists / Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Doctors

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4

(60 Ratings)

Specializes in: Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

Creighton University School of Medicine (1988)

Professional interests include: laryngology, endocrine surgery, voice disorders, and more.

5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

1-888-824-0200

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 is an otolaryngologist in Chicago, IL specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). She graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1988 and has 37 years of experience. Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 is affiliated with The University of Chicago Medicine, UChicago Medicine and UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.

Office Locations

Address:

5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Address:

5841 S Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Some issues Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

In The News

“The team includes Dr. Elizabeth Blair, a head-and-neck surgeon, and Dr. Daniel Haraf, a radiologist.”—"Chef Battles to Regain Taste After Rare Tongue Cancer", Fox News, March 2015

balloon dilation	21
bronchoscopy	21
diagnostic procedures	16
doctor visit	498
esophageal dilation	21
gastrointestinal procedures	36
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	113
minimally invasive procedures	171

**Gender**
Male	129
Female	149

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	166
Black	92
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	155
From 75 to 84	69
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	6
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	28
Dementia	7
Cancer	14

**Gender**
Male	159
Female	175

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	200
Black	106
Hispanic	15
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	167
From 75 to 84	96
85 and over	19
Less than 65	52

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	6
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	29
Dementia	10
Cancer	18

balloon dilation	27
bronchoscopy	29
diagnostic procedures	25
dissection	13
doctor visit	598
esophageal dilation	27
excision	13
gastrointestinal procedures	44
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	160
lymph node procedures	13
minimally invasive procedures	234
neck surgery	13

**Gender**
Male	376
Female	348

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	474
Black	184
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	358
From 75 to 84	210
85 and over	42
Less than 65	114

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	26
Dementia	9
Cancer	16

balloon dilation	23
bronchoscopy	13
diagnostic procedures	19
dissection	11
doctor visit	478
esophageal dilation	23
excision	11
gastrointestinal procedures	35
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	142
lymph node procedures	11
minimally invasive procedures	191
neck surgery	11

**Gender**
Male	156
Female	144

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	210
Black	63
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	154
From 75 to 84	86
85 and over	20
Less than 65	40

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	22
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	23
Dementia	9
Cancer	16

balloon dilation	30
bronchoscopy	30
diagnostic procedures	12
dissection	12
doctor visit	483
esophageal dilation	30
excision	12
gastrointestinal procedures	41
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	117
lymph node procedures	12
minimally invasive procedures	169
neck surgery	12

**Gender**
Male	166
Female	131

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	209
Black	58
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	151
From 75 to 84	82
85 and over	19
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	25
Dementia	13
Cancer	13

balloon dilation	24
bronchoscopy	18
doctor visit	551
esophageal dilation	24
gastrointestinal procedures	23
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	137
minimally invasive procedures	159

**Gender**
Male	172
Female	119

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	200
Black	61
Hispanic	16
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	154
From 75 to 84	84
85 and over	13
Less than 65	40

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	26
Dementia	11
Cancer	14

balloon dilation	27
doctor visit	609
esophageal dilation	27
gastrointestinal procedures	26
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	196
minimally invasive procedures	221
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	11

**Gender**
Male	195
Female	146

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	216
Black	87
Hispanic	23
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	162
From 75 to 84	114
85 and over	23
Less than 65	42

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	26
Diabetes	30
Dementia	12
Cancer	18

doctor visit	358
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	100
minimally invasive procedures	97

**Gender**
Male	136
Female	86

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	147
Black	52
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	113
From 75 to 84	67
85 and over	16
Less than 65	26

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	27
Diabetes	28
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

doctor visit	754
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	279
minimally invasive procedures	276

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 treated as an otolaryngologist in Chicago, IL were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, gastrointestinal procedures and esophageal dilation.

balloon dilation	25
bronchoscopy	23
diagnostic procedures	18
dissection	12
doctor visit	542
esophageal dilation	25
excision	12
gastrointestinal procedures	36
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	152
lymph node procedures	12
minimally invasive procedures	192
neck surgery	12
tracheal (windpipe) procedures	11

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Elizabeth Blair, MD 4.

**Gender**
Female	129
Male	148

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	70
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	182
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	9
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	15
75 to 84	80
Less than 65	35
65 to 74	141

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	6
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	21
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Cancer	12
Dementia	8

Education & Training

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1988. She completed residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). She is certified by the Board Certification: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and has a state license in Illinois.

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine (1988)

Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)

Board Certification: Board Certification: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Licensed In: Illinois

Affiliations & Hospitals

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

The University of Chicago Medicine

UChicago Medicine

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 appears to accept the following insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, MultiPlan PPO, Medicare Advantage, Aetna POS, Aetna, Medicare, Humana, PHCS PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, United W500 Emergent Wrap, United Options (PPO), CountyCare *see insurance page, BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only), United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only), University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP), United Choice HMO (specialists only), BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only) and United Choice Plus POS/PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 accepts the following insurance providers:

Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

Aetna PPO

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA POS

CIGNA HMO

MultiPlan PPO

Medicare Advantage

Aetna POS

Aetna

Medicare

Humana

PHCS PPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

United W500 Emergent Wrap

United Options (PPO)

CountyCare *see insurance page

BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)

United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)

University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)

United Choice HMO (specialists only)

BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)

United Choice Plus POS/PPO

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Ratings & Reviews

Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 60 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Elizabeth Blair, MD 4 from all over the web to help you find the right in Chicago, IL.

4.97

Overall Rating

(60 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Elizabeth Blair, MD 4. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Covidien LP	$237 Manometry $186	Endo GIA $52
Stryker Corporation	$176 NA $171	SMARTLOCK $5
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$141 KEYTRUDA $119	NON-PRODUCT $22
Intersect ENT, Inc.	$121 Propel $121
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$41 Da Vinci Surgical System $41

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$717

Biography

Dr. Elizabeth Blair's area of specialization is otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Before completing her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Dr. Blair attended medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine. Clinical interests for Dr. Blair include laryngeal stenosis, pituitary tumor, and thyroid cancer. She has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by her patients. She usually honors Blue California, Aetna, and CIGNA Plans, in addition to other insurance carriers. She is affiliated with The University of Chicago Medicine.