Steven V. Richards, MD - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jared Bulmer

I am rarely inspired to write a review - positive or negative.

Dr. Richards was the ONT on call when I found myself in the ER due to severe tonsillitis. I appreciated his calm, thoughtful approach to my situation and scheduled a follow-up appointment at his clinic. He was patient and thorough with my many questions and had a relaxed, open way of talking about the choices available to me. As my case wasn’t imminently dangerous, he didn’t push an immediate and aggressive course of action but advised that I weigh the pros and cons of any decision I might make. A month later, after almost heading to the ER again I decided to move forward with a tonsillectomy.

Imagine a really fun party where you are having the time of your life. Now, imagine whatever the very opposite of that is — that’s pretty much an adult tonsillectomy. It’s a rough couple of weeks. The first couple of days aren’t that bad but buckle up for the next 10. Dr. Richards personally called me after the surgery to check on my progress. At one point toward the end of the second week I had a complication (from what could be said was an impatience on my part to resume normal life) and I had to make a judgment call on whether or not to head back to the ER. I called the paging service at 3am and Dr. Richards, who happened to be on call again, called me back within minutes. He was clear (and ultimately correct) about how to manage the situation but said that his team would be ready if I needed to head to the ER in the next few hours - I didn’t. Gargling with peroxide off and on for an hour!?...there’s a first time for everything. Again, he called me personally later in the day to see how I was doing. Post Opp was three weeks after surgery and everything was peachy.

Long story short — it’s not fun. But if you have to do it, you’ll get through it. And I can’t imagine you’d be in any better hands from start to finish than Dr. Richards. The personalized care from not only him but also his medical assistant, Kelly, was first rate and I think in rare supply. Cheers and thank you Dr. Richards!

joni jackson

I didnt feel heard and given my experiences a few days earlier super anxious. Same experience after the tubes where places, and with hearing changes that never went away. They are less then 10mons and already out and he said they have been out for mons. Contradictory to when I went to doc on Friday. I got less then 15 min with him and he basically walked out the room as I was trying to stay focused, not be anxious and get help. The staff was nice, though. But my ear still hurts and felt I paid for medical advice and didnt get it or bed side manner to deascalate the anxiety. Also told me to go ahead and use perioixe in my ear and when asking id it could get to the ear drum- he said if it did it would sting but not sure if that can cause an infection later if it cant drain right. Literally “washed” his hands of me as he walked out the door and said have a good flight. (also why I was there to make sure I could fly.) i was in kind of shock when I walked out... I will be looking for a new ENT, and that's unfortunate. It was bedside manner alone in both visits. ((mind you when I first met him was surgery day and the entire plan was changed right before the surgery and im greatful for that, becuase I didnt know there was options and Im not sure I like the tubes…))
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K S

I went to Dr. Richards because I decided years ago that I did not want to have surgery for a deviated septum, learned through online research about balloon septoplasty, and was thrilled when I called and his office said they offered the procedure.

However, basically as soon as I arrived, Dr. Richards started telling me about how cartilage is spongy and can move (yes, I know), so it basically just moves back after balloon septopasty, as does bone, and surgery is the best option. When I asked if he had statistical data on success rates for balloon septoplasty, he said yes, but then did not tell or show me any.

I don't understand why he even performs balloon septoplasty, and especially why I had to come all the way to his office and pay for an office visit, just to be told "it doesn't work" with little additional information.

I understand that it is likely less successful and less long-lasting than surgery, but the way to handle that is to provide the type of data I requested and was never given, not to brush off the procedure and then try to sell me surgery requiring anesthesia (a much more expensive option, I'm sure, although I cannot say, because my questions about cost were also dismissed) after I clearly said I came in because I did not want the surgical option. Very unimpressed.

J H

Unimpressed with his questionable advice, seemingly lack of explaining the process of his procedures, and apparent defensiveness when questions were asked. Specifically, kiddo seen with parent who appears obsessed with cleaning ears. Doc seems to assume possible fungal infection based on parent’s mere suggestion and he appeared to may have pre decided prior to entering the room based on his comments. He goes on to recommend that it’s ok to clean the ears with tools at home, despite that being a risk factor for infection and likely a contributing cause here, (as well as ear bud headphones), and his advice seems to go against medical literature. Fungal infections are uncommon in the ears but he says he sees them often at least 3 times a week and by my rough estimated math calculations that is maybe 3% of his patient population. He further did not recommend screening for diabetes or insulin resistance despite risk factors present and that being recommended in literature and previously mentioned by the pediatrician as a consideration if actual fungal infection was present. He stated it looked like a superficial infection and usually they just go away on its own, and currently there is no evidence of infection present (swelling, redness, pain) per his verbal report of exam. Said the ball of wax had spores in it without apparent adequate magnification to see or confirm. He threw the wax away and then mentions culture and when he was asked if we could culture, he shrugs his shoulders and mentions it takes a long time (4 weeks and $500), but does not seem to give consideration that it may want to be done to confirm. As all these questions are asked he becomes defensive and accuses other parent of being offended by him versus parent’s desire for understanding of situation, causation, prevention, etc and desire of getting his specialized opinion. Definitely baffled by his answers and off reaction to questions.

A K

PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR! I had a nightmare of an experience! Just go to a general hospital as this clinic is a private one which means there’s no financial waiver that let’s you be relieved if your financial situation is not great.
I don’t understand the great reviews cause richards is not even meant to be called a doctor and his staff was so rude and unwelcoming and just care about ripping off patients.
I had pulsing/ beating sound in my ears two years ago and thought it was better to go to a specialist rather than a doctor to get my condition solved soon as possible. But what a mistake this was. Just for 10 mins and I’m serious 10 minutes visit costed me around $200! This doctor just tells me “the anatomy of a ear and how it works” charges me $200. He does no treatment whatsoever, tells me my hearing is great and wants to charge me more if I want a follow up visit with him. I get no prescription, no treatment and a huge bill is there waiting for me. My insurance fyi was accepted at this place but still I have to pay this amount. The receptionists don’t seem like they want to work and one specific lady whose name is Melissa was so rude comparing me to people that have to pay for cancer visits and end up getting no treatment! It was disgusting. For them $200 is nothing but for middle class people a lot comes with that money. If you are gonna tell patients about their anatomy and charge them such a big amount you might as well close your clinic .

Christine Tribou

Dr. Richards and his staff are very nice. Both my girls went to see him for surgery and they both recovered better than expected. He also listens to your questions and concerns and follows up with you to make sure everything is going well. I highly recommend him.

Kelsey Gorman

Dr. Richards did my son’s ear tube surgery and everything went so smoothly. We did the in office procedure which took about 5 minutes. My son has seen an improvement in comfort since the surgery and the tubes look great according to his pediatrician! Thank you Dr. Richards and staff!

Carrie Zook

The office was great at getting my 9mo old son in quickly to be seen. Due to multiple ear infections my son has developed a bit of white coat syndrome, but Dr. Richards walked in and made sure that my son was comfortable and took his time during the evaluation so much so that my son didn’t cry once. Dr. Richards was very thorough and walked us through our options. He made sure we were well informed so we could make our own independent decision. We ultimately decided to get inner ear tubes. After the procedure he called us that evening to make sure my son was recovering well. The office staff are very professional and courteous as well. The audiologist that we saw at our follow up appointment was extremely patient with my son as well. I’ll definitely be recommending Dr. Richards and his staff.