What to Expect

If you think you may have a smell disorder and would like to meet with one of the expert otolaryngologists that are part of the UF Health Smell Disorders Program, this is what you can expect. You should be aware that no effective treatments exist for many types of smell disorders. Even so, our team is committed to providing you with state-of-the-art diagnosis, care, education and support during and after your visit to help you to live better.

UFHealth accepts a wide variety of medical insurance.

UFHealth accepts a wide variety of medical insurance.

Making an Appointment

Prospective patients can book an appointment by contacting the smell disorders call center at 352-594-0529. We have received a high volume of inquires and apologize for the delay in response. All calls will be returned as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and cooperation. 

Health Insurance

In many cases, your visit will be eligible for coverage by health insurance. UF Health is contracted with most major insurance carriers. To find out if you are covered at UF Health, please contact your insurance company to find out coverage for your particular plan. Referrals are only necessary for the Smell Disorders Clinic if required by your insurance for payment. 

Your Visit

The Oaks located on Newberry Road near The Oaks Mall.

Smell disorder patients are seen at the UF Health Ear, Nose and Throat and Allergy clinic – The Oaks in Gainesville, Florida. Take exit 387 for Newberry Road. / FL 26 and turn East towards Gainesville. Go past the Oaks Mall on the right and turn right at the next stop light at NW 62nd Street. UF Health The Oaks will be located less than half a mile down the road on the right. Parking is provide for free onsite for your convenience.

Address:

6201 W. Newberry Road

Gainesville, FL 32605

 

 

Your Appointment

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. Please do not eat or smoke 30 minutes prior to your appointment. 

A typical patient visit is as follows:

After checking in, the clinical visit will begin with an assessment of olfactory (smell) detection, discrimination and sensitivity (threshold) using a computer-operated olfactometer.

Next, you will meet with one of the Smell Disorders Program otolaryngologists and their clinical team to discuss your smell impairment and medical history and to conduct an examination. In many cases, the doctor will provide you with a diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment options after completing the examination and reviewing your olfactory assessments. In other cases, the doctor may recommend additional testing.

Before the completion of your visit, you will meet with an educator associated with the UF Health Smell Disorders Program. The educator will answer questions you might have and provide you with information about smell disorders, strategies for living with a smell disorder and resources for support.

What’s Next?

Living with a smell disorder can affect one’s ability to enjoy simple things like their favorite foods and drinks and can lead to depression and feelings of isolation. The UF Health Smell Disorders Program and the UF Center for Smell and Taste are developing new patient outreach and support resources. For example, we are currently planning SmellTaste2019, a two-day conference for those with smell or taste disorders. This conference will build on the highly successful SmellTaste2017, held at the University of Florida in collaboration with Fifth Sense, the UK-based charity for those with smell or taste disorders.