Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What clinical services are offered at the Smell & Taste Evaluation Center?
The Smell & Taste Evaluation Center focuses on diagnosing and evaluating taste and smell disorders. We offer comprehensive evaluations through in-person assessments as well as telemedicine. Test results are quantitative, similar to those for hearing and vision, allowing doctors to identify the extent of dysfunction and appropriate treatment options when available. While the Center provides information on treatment possibilities, the decision to prescribe specific treatments, including medications, rests with your referring physician.
What are the tests that are provided for at-home testing and will be interpreted by the Center?
The Center is known for its advanced quantitative testing methods for assessing smell and taste. Many of these assessments are widely used in clinics globally. The primary self-administered olfactory test (UPSIT) involves identifying 40 odors presented on scratch and sniff labels. The taste test is the 53-item Waterless Empirical Taste Test (WETT). This test evaluates the ability to identify sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and brothy tastes presented on small disposable tabs that are moved around the tongue by the patient. Both tests are safe and non-invasive, and well-validated scientifically.
Is there a cure for most chemosensory problems?
Most smell losses stem from viral infections or head trauma affecting olfactory nerve cells. Prognosis varies based on the severity and duration of the loss. For conditions like rhinosinusitis, medical or surgical treatments are usually available if there’s no significant damage to the olfactory receptors. In cases without identifiable pathology, the prognosis is generally poor. Taste issues may result from certain medications, and changes in medication can sometimes help. Specialized mouthwashes may also alleviate taste distortions. The Center provides your physician with the most up-to-date treatment options that are available.
What is the duration of an evaluation?
Self-administered smell and taste tests, along with an intake questionnaire, take about an hour. Telemedicine interactions last 15 to 30 minutes. For litigation cases, evaluations take up to 4 hours.
What is the cost and does insurance cover the evaluation?
Unfortunately, the evaluation is not covered by insurance, and the Center operates on a self-pay basis. Major credit cards are accepted, as are personal checks. For legal cases, different procedures and costs apply. Please contact the patient coordinator for pricing.
How do I schedule an appointment or obtain additional information about our services?
To schedule an appointment or request more information about our services, call Mr. Ryan Sharetts, the patient coordinator of the Smell & Taste Evaluation Center, at 856-796-9177.