Appointments

Make an appointment at the Duke Voice Care Center (DVCC) by calling 919-684-3834 (local) or 800-385-8583 (toll free).

What to Expect

Your visit will be tailored to your specific needs. With most voice and/or swallowing difficulties, it is typical to see both an otolaryngologist (or ENT physician/surgeon) and a speech pathologist (trained specifically in care of the voice).

A medical examination will be completed for the head and neck, including, when appropriate, visualization of the vocal cords, nasal passages, and sinuses.

A singing voice specialist will also evaluate anyone with singing voice changes. This may include examinations of technique for speaking and/or singing, voice measures (acoustic assessment), and videolaryngostroboscopy (a slow-motion evaluation of the vocal folds).

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to ensure that you have enough time to check in at the front desk and fill out any necessary paperwork prior to your visit.

Insurance Information

We will make every attempt to obtain insurance authorization (when required) before your visit. Initial evaluations (by each DVCC member) are typically covered by insurance.

Because each specialist is evaluating different components of your voice problem, your insurance company considers each specialty independently and may require a separate co-pay for each provider. You may have up to two co-pays for your visit.

Although insurance specifics may vary depending on the company, our DVCC team treats everyone equally. Your visit will include a clinical exam, followed by a joint discussion with you and the DVCC team in order to make a plan and incorporate your goals into our assessement and treatment planning.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is very important to us. All records and information are kept between you and your provider.

If you have more specific privacy needs, please call our DVCC liason at 919-681-4984, who can assist in making special arrangements for your visit.

Learn about Duke's privacy policy

Getting Test Results

For notification of study results (lab results, bloodwork, or other tests ordered by your physicians), please call:

• 919-668-6065, if you are a patient of David Witsell, MD
• 919-681-7350, if you are a patient of Seth Cohen, MD
• 919-681-8069, if you are a patient of Richard Scher, MD

How long will I wait for my results?

• Culture or Biopsy: You should receive a call after seven days.

• Radiographic Scan or X-Ray: You should receive a call five days after your study.
• Polysomnogram: Contact your doctor’s office four weeks later for your results
• Lab studies/Bloodwork: You should receive a call after five days.