Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does Dr. Cable treat?
Dr. Cable treats the full range of ear, nose, and throat conditions in patients of all ages at his Frisco, TX practice. His areas of expertise include ear infections, enlarged tonsils, sinusitis and allergies, nasal obstruction, hearing loss, snoring and sleep apnea, enlarged lymph nodes, and head and neck lumps, masses, and tumors. He emphasizes minimally invasive treatment whenever appropriate.
How do I make an appointment with Dr. Cable?
Call the office directly at (972) 984-1050 to schedule an appointment. New patient appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. The practice is located at 11700 Teel Parkway, Suite 201, in Frisco, TX 75033.
When should I see an ENT for sinus problems?
See an ENT when sinus symptoms last more than a week, recur frequently, or include facial pain or pressure, discolored nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, or headaches. Persistent or recurrent sinusitis deserves professional evaluation to prevent complications and identify whether the underlying cause is infection, allergy, anatomic obstruction, or another condition.
Does Dr. Cable offer hearing loss treatment?
Yes. Dr. Cable’s Frisco office offers comprehensive hearing loss evaluation and treatment, including diagnostic hearing tests, identification of the underlying cause, and personalized options ranging from medical management to hearing aids and assistive devices.
Does Dr. Cable do allergy testing?
Yes. Allergy testing is offered to identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms. Based on results, treatment may include medication, lifestyle adjustments, or immunotherapy delivered as allergy shots or sublingual drops.
What are non-surgical treatments for snoring and sleep apnea?
Non-surgical options for snoring and sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as weight management and avoidance of alcohol before sleep. The right combination depends on the severity of the condition and patient preferences, determined after a sleep evaluation.
How quickly can my child be seen for a pediatric ENT appointment?
Pediatric ENT appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Cable is fellowship-trained in Pediatric Otolaryngology and treats children of all ages, including infants. Urgent concerns should be discussed by phone — call (972) 984-1050.
What diagnostic technology does Dr. Cable use?
Diagnostic tools used in the office include nasal and laryngeal endoscopy, comprehensive audiometric testing, in-office allergy diagnostics, and imaging studies including CT scans when needed. These enable accurate diagnosis at the first visit for most conditions.
How is tonsillitis treated in children and adults?
Tonsillitis treatment depends on whether the episodes are acute or recurrent. Acute tonsillitis is usually treated with medication. Recurrent or chronic tonsillitis may warrant tonsillectomy, particularly when episodes are frequent enough to affect quality of life, sleep, or breathing. Treatment plans are individualized for both children and adults.
What should I bring to my first ENT appointment?
Bring any relevant prior medical records, a current medication list, your insurance card, and a written list of your symptoms and questions. If your appointment includes a hearing evaluation, avoid loud noise exposure for 24 hours beforehand. New patient paperwork can be completed at the office or in advance — call (972) 984-1050 with questions.
Do I need a referral to see an ENT?
Most patients do not need a referral, but it depends on your specific insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care provider; PPO plans usually do not. Call our office at (972) 984-1050 with your insurance information and we’ll verify whether a referral is needed before your appointment.
What insurance does Dr. Cable accept?
The practice accepts most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Medicare. For specific plan verification, call (972) 984-1050 or visit the Insurance Accepted page.
Where is Dr. Cable’s McKinney office located?
The McKinney office is at 5220 W. University Drive, Professional Building 2, Suite 150, McKinney, TX 75071, directly adjacent to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney on US-380. Free parking is available directly in front of the building, and Suite 150 is on the first floor (no elevator required). The McKinney office serves families from McKinney, Allen, Celina, Prosper, Anna, Melissa, Fairview, and surrounding North Texas communities. Visit the McKinney location page for directions and details.
What’s the difference between an ENT and an audiologist?
An ENT (otolaryngologist) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats medical and surgical conditions of the ears, nose, and throat — including infections, hearing loss caused by medical conditions, and surgical concerns. An audiologist is a non-physician hearing healthcare professional who specializes in hearing testing, hearing aid fitting, and auditory rehabilitation. The two work closely together. At Dr. Cable’s practice, you’ll often see both during a hearing evaluation — the ENT determines the underlying cause of hearing loss, and the audiologist handles diagnostic testing and any hearing aid needs.
When do children need ear tubes?
The American Academy of Otolaryngology’s clinical criteria for considering ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are: three distinct middle ear infections in six months, four infections in twelve months with at least one in the past six, or persistent middle ear fluid lasting more than three months with associated hearing loss. Every child is different, and the decision involves careful evaluation including hearing testing. Learn more about pediatric ear infection treatment.
Is balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?
Balloon sinuplasty is typically covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare when performed for chronic sinusitis that has not responded to medical therapy. Coverage requires documentation of failed medical management and qualifying CT findings. Our office handles pre-authorization with your insurance before the procedure is scheduled. Learn more about balloon sinuplasty.
How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive diagnostic hearing test typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. This includes a brief medical history review, otoscopic examination of the ears, tympanometry to assess middle ear function, pure-tone audiometry across speech frequencies (testing each ear separately), speech recognition testing, and a review of results with recommendations. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for any required paperwork.
Does the practice fit hearing aids from multiple brands?
Yes. The audiology team works with all major hearing aid manufacturers, including Phonak, Oticon, Widex, ReSound, Signia, and Starkey. Each brand offers a slightly different sound profile, and many patients prefer one over another after demonstration. Dr. Cable strongly believes patients should have options — he wears hearing aids himself and personally values being able to compare brands during fitting. Learn more about hearing aids.
Should I see an ENT or my primary care doctor for sinus pain?
For a first or occasional sinus infection, your primary care doctor is a reasonable starting point and can prescribe initial treatment. See an ENT specialist if your sinus symptoms last more than 8-12 weeks, recur multiple times per year, do not respond to standard medical treatment, or include severe facial pain, vision changes, or persistent loss of smell. ENT evaluation includes nasal endoscopy and, when indicated, CT imaging that primary care cannot offer.
How long is recovery after tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days. The first week is usually the most uncomfortable, with throat pain often peaking around days 5-7. Recovery requires aggressive hydration, scheduled pain medication, and a soft diet. Strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks due to a small risk of post-operative bleeding. Children often recover faster than adults. Detailed pre- and post-operative instructions are provided before surgery.
Does Dr. Cable see adult patients, or only children?
Dr. Cable treats both children and adults. While he completed a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology, his practice provides the full scope of adult ENT care including sinus and allergy treatment, hearing evaluation and hearing aids, sleep apnea evaluation, and surgical management of nasal obstruction, tonsillitis, and other ENT conditions in adults of all ages.
What hospitals does Dr. Cable have surgical privileges at?
Dr. Cable holds active surgical privileges at Texas Health Hospital Frisco, Children’s Medical Center Plano, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–McKinney, and Stonebridge Surgery Center. These privileges allow him to provide a complete continuum of care from initial office consultation through outpatient or inpatient surgery and post-operative follow-up — without referring patients out of his own practice. Pediatric airway and complex pediatric cases are typically performed at Children’s Medical Center Plano, while adult procedures are split between Texas Health Frisco, Baylor Scott & White McKinney, and Stonebridge based on the procedure type and patient preference. Read more about Dr. Cable’s credentials and hospital affiliations.
How is Dr. Cable rated by patients online?
Dr. Cable maintains a 5.0-star average across 259+ Google reviews. Beyond patient ratings, he is peer-rated in the top 10% of physician authors by Doximity, has been recognized by the American Academy of Otolaryngology with their Honor Award (2011), and received the Army Surgeon General’s Distinguished Graduate Award (1996). Read recent patient feedback on the testimonials page.
Is Dr. Cable accepting new patients?
Yes — Dr. Cable is currently accepting new patients at both the Frisco and McKinney offices. New patient appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Pediatric and adult patients are both welcome. Call (972) 984-1050 or book online through the patient portal.
