ICD-10 Implementation Delayed Indefinitely

Otolaryngologists may be wondering for a bit longer what their next step should be now that HHS has delayed the October 2013 implementation of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases coding system (ICD-10).

SM12: Disaster Planning Only Hope During Chaos, New Orleans Doctor Says

Anna M. Pou, MD, the Louisiana State University professor of otorhinolaryngology who found herself at the center of the debate over disaster medical care following her work after Hurricane Katrina, told colleagues at the Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting that disaster could strike anywhere, anytime and that the only way to protect themselves and their patients is to plan now.

Decade-Long Progressive Dysphagia with Intermittent Regurgitation

A 78-year-old woman presented with a 10-year history of progressive dysphagia for solid foods and pills, with intermittent regurgitation of pills but not food. No aspiration or weight loss was reported. Her past medical history was significant for breast cancer, hypothyroidism and arthritis. No head and neck masses were appreciated. A modified barium swallow was obtained.