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Dr. John Symms, MD

Dr. John Symms, MD

Ear, Nose, and Throat*

Dr. John Symms, MD is a head & neck surgery otolaryngologist in Boise, ID. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Luke's Boise Medical Center and St. Luke's Nampa Medical Center.

2.7 Star Rating
Based on 3 reviews 2.7 Star Rating (3 reviews)

Practice

900 N Liberty St Ste 400 Boise, ID 83704

At a Glance

  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. Symms' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Symms

2.7
3 ratings, 3 with a written review
5 star
33%
33%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
33%
33%
1 star
33%
33%

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Extremely Disappointed Patient
I saw Dr. Symms upon referral from my PCP for sinus congestion with dizziness and vertigo. The doctor reviewed imaging tests which were performed a few weeks prior to the appointment. He did not adequately assess my current status and merely relied upon old images and results to reach a 'diagnosis' which was not consistent with my past and current signs and symptoms. His manner was dismissive and arrogant. Despite asking, I was not advised how to treat a future vertigo attack nor given a remedy to prevent one. I later read my clinic notes. The notes did not correspond with current or past treatments and medications. I felt that I was an algorithm and not a patient. I believe he has a limited diagnostic algorithm to work with in addition tovery poor communication skills. I have never left a provider review before. I have no confidence in Dr. Symms' professional abilities. My PCP and I are exploring better options, which I have found.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 26, 2025
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Disappointed Patient
My first encounter with Dr. Symms was for a persistent cough and congestion issue which I had been unable to resolve with other the counter medications. Dr. Symms did examine my throat and we had a very quick exchange re: my symptoms. He recommended a medication which turned out not to be very effective. I returned to his office for a second appointment whereby he suggested I get a chest x-ray, which I got. To my disappointment, Dr. Symms did not contact me in regard to the chest x-ray results or follow up with me at all. At this 2nd visit, I got the impression that Dr. Symms had ran out of ideas to resolve my problem. He ended up recommending I consult a medical voice consultant who could assist me with cough control. My major disappointment with Dr. Symms was the very short period of time he spent with me. The appointments felt very rushed and unsatisfying in terms of doctor and patient interaction and the lack of follow up re: my chest x-ray. I am unable to recommend Dr. Symms.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lynne – Aug 29, 2024
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Symms?
Took the time to listen to everything I had to say and then was very thoughtful and thorough. Helped me understand what was going on with me and explained my options and the pluses and minuses of each. Would recommend Dr. Symms to a friend or family member for sure!
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Janice – Oct 06, 2020
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About Me

biography

Dr. John Symms, MD is a head & neck surgery otolaryngologist in Boise, ID. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as St. Luke's Boise Medical Center and St. Luke's Nampa Medical Center.
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Southwest Idaho Surgery Center900 N Liberty St Ste 400 Boise, ID 83704
1
Banner-University Medical Center Tucson1501 N Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85724
2
St. Luke's Boise Medical Center190 E Bannock St Boise, ID 83712
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • St. Luke's Nampa Medical Center

    9850 W St Lukes Dr
    Nampa, ID 83687
    Recipient of 4
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    92%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    8% higher than the national average

    82%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    7% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • St. Luke's Boise Medical Center

    190 E Bannock St
    Boise, ID 83712
    Recipient of 13
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    90%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    6% higher than the national average

    81%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    5% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center

    1055 N Curtis Rd
    Boise, ID 83706

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% higher than the national average

    74%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    2% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality