Deborah J Freehling, MD

Dr Freehling did a great job with my nasal septum, I can breathe, so yeah I’m a fan. She’s very knowledgeable, professional, polite and to the point. She and her staff are also efficient when it comes to insurance and other billing matters.
Sometimes, it can come across as if she doesn’t have enough time to answer all your questions, I felt this initially when surgery was recommended. Over time, she has been more patient (there is an irony in calling a Doc patient, i’ll chuckle and move on)
She did answer the phone quite late in the night twice, when I had nose bleeds after the surgery.
One problem I had — my surgery was scheduled on Monday before thanksgiving and mostly they are done on Wednesday’s. This meant I had to wait till the Monday after (A whole week) to get the damn splints removed, trust me huge pieces of plastic in your nose aren’t fun at all. I wish they had told me to just wait for a Wednesday date and save myself two days of terrible discomfort. I guess I should have known, but I wasn’t wise before the event.
Apart from this, very positive experience. Bottom line — I don’t trust doctors easily, I trust her skills. She definitely knows what she’s doing.

I went to see dr Freehling about my skin rash, that I was tested for, a few years, back in her office. While the visits back then were handled professionally and with care, this time around I would like to ask for my money back. The visit was rushed, I was told to simply wear long gloves, and I was reminded of the very few allergies I had. Oh, wait, I was also advised to go and see a dermatologist. I had a feeling that the doctor was simply annoyed with me and my problem. The whole visit lasted 7 minutes max. This was a total waste of time and money. If I should see a dermatologist, why charge me for a visit? The good news: I’m certainly not going back.
The second star is for previous visits a few years back, when dr Freehling showed genuine interest in patient’s ailment. It was sad and surprising to see the change this time around.

BEWARE! She would try to sell you skincare products at twice the price of whats available outside, by telling you that you can purchase this only at a doctor’s office.
i went it for a simple ear exam, and she fooled me into buying a $$$ skin care product! i doubt she even has any dermatology background to be even suggesting these products to clients!

I took my daughter to Dr. Freehling due to a chronic cough she has had for over a year since she started college. She was miserable from coughing all the time and the cough was getting worst overtime. She had seen numerous doctors and had various type of tests and treatments for allergies, asthma, infection,. .. before seeing Dr. Freehling. I am thrilled to say that Dr. Freehling was able to treat her. She is an excellent doctor and I am very happy to have taken my daughter to her for treatment. It’s a great feeling knowing my daughter is feeling good again. I highly recommend Dr. Freehling to all my friends and family.

She is the type of doctor that will repeatedly tell you she studied at Harvard instead of discussing your condition/​treatment with you. Absolutely terrible, had to go in three times for a routine wax removal, somehow ended up with an infection, and was prescribed a medication I’ve had allergic reactions to in the past.
In addition to her incompetence, her office is wildly unhelpful. I had to call 6 times one morning before I was able to get through. She overcharges like crazy. Entirely frustrating experience that landed me in a worse condition than I went in with.

I went to this office twice and the doctor could not give me a conclusive reason for my symptoms. Further, I was sent a bill for an amount that did not quite add up, causing a good amount of confusion. When I went to the office, I got recommendations and tests unrelated to my symptoms, on top of advice to get surgery that did not make any sense. I would not recommend here.

I nearly canceled my appointment after reading all the Unilocal reviews. I decided to go anyway, and was pleasantly surprised. In my experience, Dr. Freehling was sympathetic and knowledgeable. She took the time to listen to me, and took the time to explain my diagnosis. I don’t feel like she rushed, she didn’t offend me, and she didn’t try to push any invasive procedure on me.

WARNING… WARNING… WARNING…
My husband went to see Dr. Freehling and I don’t understand WHY he continues to have allergies ALL YEAR round with NO relief! I personally don’t think anything she’s done has helped… AND her billing department is very suspect from my perspective.
PAY ATTENTION to your bills and your credits. They’re really good at the charges — and we’ve made credit card payments in the office that DO NOT SHOW UP on the BILLS! When we bring it up — they say the amount is correct as it shows up in their computer — not sure why it’s not reflected on the bill correctly.
I’m sorry — but credit and debit is VERY BLACK and WHITE. NO GREY — if I don’t SEE my charge card CREDIT on the paper bill, it means it was NOT DEDUCTED from the Charges! How is it that it doesn’t show up on the paper bill but is correct on the computer with the same balance at the end? And I’m to just «trust» them and pay again?
NO WAY… this is VERY SUSPECT. Then I’m told it’s an I.T. issue… I don’t think so — how can you NOT show me my credit on the paper bill yet tell me that the balance is still the same at the end? I did the math and if they included what I already charged on my credit card (and paid already) — THEY OWE ME!
Now I’m paying $ 5.00 a month as we argue this back and forth. Their billing say it’s correct and not their fault — it’s I.T. fault? HOW is it their FAULT — the MATH is STILL NOT correct?
If you choose to use her — watch your bills like a hawk! I’m ready to pay and be done with this and chalk this up as a «lesson» while someone in her office is pocketing EXTRA funds! They’re rude and seriously I don’t think they have any accounting background… it’s simple addition and subtraction and they don’t get it…

Charges an insane amount for so little time.
I went to Dr. Freehling for some throat/​mouth pain along my jawline. She had me take blood tests and prescribed me medication for my canker sores, which she apparently was thought connected to an oral virus. Although it was weird because the pills she prescribed me were for a virus that causes cold sores and not canker sores. So that already was fishy. However, the pain stopped so I didn’t complain.
Then she had me take allergy tests, when I mentioned to her I had some gastrointestinal issues. I didn’t understand this was different from lactose intolerance until later because she didn’t explain that adequately. Well all in all, it cost a fortune and didn’t solve my problem. Yay.
Lastly, I had a follow up appointment for the allergy tests — the results just showed I wasn’t allergic to any of the foods tested so literally all she said was 1) go Google lactose intolerance and find some tests 2) come back as needed. This was all done in under 5 minutes. The bill charged $ 100 for that visit. Are you freaking kidding me. I already know I can Google it… charging for that visit is absolutely ridiculous.
If you can, please find another doctor. 2 stars still because my original problem went away but who knows if the proper meds were subscribed.

Was going through my files and found some allergy testing I got done through her office a year ago. It wasn’t cheap and I never got a call back to go over my results. Why? I wasn’t interested in jumping into surgery for my apnea/​allergies/​deviated septum. I’m conservative with doctors and treatments and got the message loud and clear that she isn’t interested in patients who don’t want surgery as a first result but prefer to try everything else. As seen in other reviews she is all about surgery and making money.
Now if she ever calls like she said she would over a year ago to go over my results I may change my review. In the meantime avoid her office at all costs unless you want to rush into what may be an unnecessary surgical procedure.

I saw this doctor numerous times for an ear problem. She didn’t fix it nor did she properly diagnose it. The focus shifted to allergy shots to treat my ear when I later found out though a real ENT it was due to a jaw problem. She is arrogant and rushed through all of my appointments. She loves to scare the patients and mention surgeries and diseases without understanding the underlying issue.
I am not sure if she is a real ENT or a general doctor. In any event, I wouldn’t go back simply because of her attitude and poor experience with ENT issues.

I took my Dad for Ear check up. We had to wait at front desk otherwise Freehling is awesome she is cool and spent time in analysing problem and explained in details whats going on. I would recommend to other family members and friends

I was looking up Dr. Freehling’s name, so I could make sure I spelled it right for my medical history and decided to leave a review, even though it’s been a couple years since I’ve seen her. I would have to say my experiences are pretty much up the middle of these reviews.
I went to Dr. Freehling to establish a new ENT/​allergist. For the most part her office is very friendly, they process the insurance efficiently, but yes, the WAIT at times is brutal. Sometimes I’d wait in the lobby and then wait in the room, BUT when the Dr. was in to see me, I never felt rushed. She took her time and wanted to make sure I was doing okay before I left.
Well, as some of you noted, she does seem to bring up surgery very early on in the relationship. Yes, I have a deviated septum, but even after surgery I don’t feel this was corrected. I went ahead with her recommendation, because I felt she was very knowledgeable and explained things very well. I knew what I was getting into. My swollen turbinate’s are clearer, but she told me after the surgery that my deviated septum was worse then she thought. I don’t think she did anything to it, because it is still pretty crooked. BUT, the left side of my sinuses is much clearer and easier to breathe on that side, BUT again, my right side feels like it has never healed properly. Not to be gross, but I have blockage every day from mucus. I have to clean out my sinuses, where I never had to do this on a daily basis. It can be a bit bloody, like the scab has not healed completely and it’s been almost 2 years. Oh well, I have allergies all year, so I guess it’s not much more than I’ve had to deal with for years, but I thought I would be so much better.
One thing that made me crazy… she would spray Afrin up my nose before every visit. It made me so loopy, I’d have to tell her not to, each time I went for a follow up. I almost fell at work once, after going back from an appt. I think she is very methodical and thorough in her diagnosis. She has a great record and is a very caring surgeon, but not sure I should have done the surgery in the first place. I still think she’s a nice doctor, but I will not go back. No more Afrin!
And we never did discuss if I should change my allergy meds. It really did switch over to the subject of surgery and not just trying to help me cope better with allergies.

I had an excellent surgical experience with Dr. Freehling. Despite some caution based on old Unilocal reviews, the surgery, billing and recovery were all first rate.
After years of chronic sinus infections and lots of anti-​biotics, Dr. Freehling recommended a septoplasty. She was very patient in explaining all of the details of the procedure and recovery. I finally decided to have the procedure done this past month, and the whole process went very well.
Her team was great with the scheduling, the billing was straightforward and they worked with my insurance company to get it covered. Her staff was wonderful during my pre and post surgery visits. I had it done at El Camino hospital, which was outstanding on every level.
Best of all, the recovery was quick and I am breathing and sleeping much better then before. Dr. Freehling is clearly a knowledgeable and skilled surgeon, and I would recommend her highly!

I have had the pleasure to be under care, surgery and support from Dr Freehling and her staff for my problems with breathing and nose surgery.
I really have to tell you that it has been a huge difference in my life and I am still even in recovery period.
Dr Freehling not only expertly directed and diagnosed me, she also corrected what another doctor literally left me scared with. Amazing to have someone clear and professional but also intuitive to be able to see you as a whole person and address who you are and all your needs accordingly.
I am shocked when I get crappy service from a doctor’s staff but honestly it has just been one of those things that I have noticed over the years with various medical professionals from time to time. That is not the case with Dr. Freehling’s staff. They are totally professional and totally real. They remember your name, relate with you, handle your concerns and literally make you feel more supported. Its a team effort at Dr. Freehling’s and it shows.
Give yourself the gift of breathe or support from her knowledge. I am very greatful to her and her staff.
Thank you.

Dr. Freehling is a ‘Top Doc’
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Freehling’s since 1997. Another well-​regarded ENT specialist diagnosed me with a serious condition in my right ear and recommended I see Dr. Freehling for surgery. After a complicated and delicate procedure, I fortunately received a very good result. Over the years Dr. Freehling has kept my condition under control and my hearing has actually improved.
Dr. Freehling is well-​educated and extremely competent. When you have a serious situation you want to make sure you’re in good hands. Based on my experience, I trust her completely.
I now live outside of the Bay Area, but travel in for appointments. Her staff has done a great job accommodating my schedule and I generally don’t wait more than 10 minutes.
I highly recommend Dr. Freehling.

My experience was good. The big positive is that she obviously is smart and competent. She doesn’t waste time but she gave me straight answers to my questions, was very reasonable and realistic in how she approached things, and explained my options to me factually. I had no problems with billing. Her waiting room is small. Scheduling and parking were fine.

Dr. Freehling improved my life 100%!
I had seen several doctors over the course of a few years for a nagging cough that would wake me in the middle of the night. It was generally thought to be caused by allergies, a virus, etc. I finally found Dr. Freehling who correctly diagnosed me on the very first visit as having acid reflux. She put me on Prilosec and I am now completely cured!
Also, my husband had been complaining that I was snoring so — before meeting Dr. Freehling — I had spent over $ 1,000 going to a sleep clinic and was signed up to have surgery for snoring with another surgeon. Luckily, Dr. Freehling explained that my snoring could be caused by acid reflux, and sure enough, the snoring went away after Dr. Freehling correctly diagnosed and cured my acid reflux. I am so grateful to Dr. Freehling for preventing me from having an unnecessary surgery and for finally solving my middle-​of-​the-​night coughing problem. It is so great to get a good night’s sleep again!
Dr. Freehling also correctly diagnosed my 20-​year old daughter as having a deviated septum. My daughter had seen other doctors for years for recurring sinus infections and nobody else figured out that she had a structural problem vs just a routine virus. Dr. Freehling will be performing surgery on her in a few weeks.
Everyone who works in Dr. Freehling’s office is incredibly polite. Dr. Freehling has a fabulous bedside manner. She is clearly very smart and also very nice and personable.

I have never left a negative review in my life, but am so frustrated that this warrants it.
I scheduled an appointment with this office over a year ago. They called back the day before and asked if they could move the appointment earlier. I gladly obliged. After waiting 1+ hour, I met with an associate doctor who gave me his elementary diagnosis but recommended that I come back when Dr. Freehling is around to get a second opinion. Frustrating that I was the flexible one and they didn’t even give me a doctor that could help.
On my second attempt, I scheduled an 11:15 appointment. The day before they asked if they could move my appointment earlier to 10:30. I obliged, happily. I showed up at 10:15 and at 11:30, I still had not been seen.
Frustrated, I left because I don’t have time to deal with such long waits and fickle appointments. I have no idea if Dr. Freehling is a good doctor or not, but she doesn’t know how to manage an office.

I suddenly had a medical problem and found Dr Feehling on Doc Zoc. I was a bit nervous and wanted to see a doctor quickly. I called and explained my situation and they fit me in later that day. She helped me relax by explaining in simple terms the problem and possible solutions. I had 3 follow up visits — all was well.
She is an excellent Doctor. I am confident I am getting excellent health care with her.