Bastian Voice Institute

They have a good online presence and I actually found their videos randomly just by searching my symptoms online. That was well before I was referred to them by my allergist. Very friendly and thorough staff. The introduction packet tremendously helped prepare me for my initial visit. Make sure to follow the links provided and watch their videos that help explain the procedures of your exam and treatment. It was a very calm and peaceful atmosphere and I felt like Dr Richardson took the time to listen to me and empathize with my pain and give me a proper diagnosis. I highly recommend this place. It’s worth the investment in your health:)

I was referred to Dr. Bastian’s office by my allergist. I took an opening with Dr. Richardson. Dr. Richardson had a very professional manner, thorough in reading my history, and asked me many relevant questions. I was pleasantly surprised as to how quickly they were able to take a look at my vocal chords. I had two rare concurrent disorders in my vocal chords which he was able to figure out right away. If you’ve had trouble anywhere else, this is the place to go. I was able to see Amy, the speech pathologist that day because she had an opening. After the first session, I already started to improve. She has a very friendly and proactive manner. It was great to see the doctor and the speech pathologist in the same day. Furthermore, they truly work together and reviewed my test results, discussed them, before coming to me with a well-​thought out action plan. The staff is the best I’ve ever encountered, hands down. I’m not a singer professionally, but I do have to frequently give speeches. It’s very interesting how most of the staff has theater or singing background.

I first saw Dr. Robert Bastian just over 20 years ago at Loyola in Chicago & was impressed with his knowledge & medical care. As a singer, voice over & recording artist, the choice of a specialized Laryngologist is critical.
When Dr. Bastian opened the Bastian Voice Institute, I continued to see him there. In the ensuing years I have flown throughout the country for opinions about my vocal cord issues. I haven’t seen another doctor who is as kind, helpful or as «in the know» as Dr Bastian is. In the last 20 years he has never once been discouraging about my condition. He has always been positive & encouraging.
Recently, my vocal cords have improved & Dr. Bastian referred me to Amy Nabors for her speech pathology & vocal expertise. She is also kind, positive & knowledgeable. Her vocal coaching has helped my voice tremendously.
The staff has always been friendly & helpful.
I am so impressed with the positive attitude of everyone at the Bastian Voice Institute which is a tribute to Dr. Bastian as well.

My wife received several sessions of voice therapy in addition to physician visits. First, the voice therapist was completely unhelpful. She continuously told my wife to breathe through her «pee pee» (yes, those are the words she used) and when my wife asked for clarification of exactly how to do this, she was treated very condescendingly. To add insult to injury, her last therapy session was only 30 minutes rather than the usual hour as the physician also needed to see her. Not only did the physician bill for his part of the visit (understandable), but the therapist billed the entire amount normally billed for an hour for just the 30 minutes (outrageous). The office staff refused to make any adjustment, saying that was their charge regardless of how much time the therapist spends with the patient. Will never go back and cannot at all recommend this practice.

Front Desk staff very friendly and Helpful. Sandy was fantastic in getting me paperwork. Referred by another doc to see Dr. Bastian for VCD. Had to wait several months to get in for an appt. Day of appt. waited 50 minutes (no wifi) to see him only for him to rush me through a scope of the larynx and tell me I have Vocal cord Dysfunction. In spraying the my throat he almost sprayed my eye. I was not the one running late!!! No conversation, rather curt and didn’t not want to answer my questions. Ran out of the room before I could utter a word. Apparently If I had a node on my vocal cords I was not as important as say one who did. Also almost choked to death during scope and he was not even concerned nor did he pause to see if I was ok. Prescription to see his Speech therapist Amy. So far have had 2 visits. Not pleased at all with the care from her either. Becomes short and gruff when I am unable to perform her speech exercises exactly. Also very impatient, terse and really seems like she only wants perform for me. Not sure what thats all about don’t care.
This is a very expensive specialty practice and it appears unless you are a singer they really don’t seem to care what your outcome is as long as they receive payment, shove you along to a speech therapist who can’t teach proper exercises. Luckily I have great insurance but, a lay person who has thus far felt more of a convenyor belt mentality than that of a human being with a VCD. Cannot recommend this practice unless your of professional singer. Keep Looking! Just a money machine!

5 stars for the diagnostic capabilities, –2 star for not being upfront about potentially non-​covered procudure as part of the initial diagnosis.
BEFORE YOU GO:
To diagnose an issue in the initial consultation (in my case, PVFMD AKA Vocal Cord Dysfunction), they may perform a procedure known as a Videostroboscopy. For my PPO plan, this was not covered at all before my yearly deductible was met. I was expecting to only be responsible for a co-​pay, but later received a bill for the $ 450 procedure. THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU ABOUT THIS UNLESS YOU ASK BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. They even have you sign some document about their billing practices that ensure you have to pay all unknown charges, which makes me think this is not an uncommon issue for new patients. I have never encountered anything like this across a range of specialist healthcare providers.
General Review:
Billing surprise aside, if you have some voice-​related issue, it seems pretty clear this place is hands-​down the best anywhere near Chicago (and apparently much further, as many people seem to travel for BVI). Just make sure you know your financial obligation before you go, because they certainly won’t volunteer that information.

Dr. Bastian and staff are outstanding.
I was referred to Dr. Bastian by the top ENT here in Hawaii. I had a business trip to Chicago which is why I originally visited.
Since my very first visit, Dr. Bastian and his staff have always been very understanding, patient, and very knowledgable in regards to what they do.
I receive treatment (Botox shots) for my Spasmodic Dysphonia and regularly travel from Honolulu to Chicago every 9 – 10 weeks. This is how good the staff is.
The office atmosphere is calm and inviting. You are greeted with smiles by the office staff who always make you feel comfortable.