Departments

Conflicting Evidence on Tobacco’s Effect on ESS Outcomes

Does smoking prevent sinus surgery from making patients feel better? Over the years, evidence and expert opinion have varied on this topic. As a result, some surgeons refuse to provide endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for active smokers, while others will operate because they believe surgery improves quality of life.

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).

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.

Time to Retire Your White Coat? Plan your exit strategy carefully

As the physicians of the baby boomer generation approach their golden years, many have achieved career and financial success and are looking for an arrangement that will allow them to ease into retirement. While you may not be ready to hang up your white coat permanently, you may be interested in working fewer hours and taking less call. Retirement requires more than simply removing your name from the office door, however. If you are a physician nearing retirement, it is important that you plan, discuss and make contractual agreements that will allow you to accomplish your goals and changing needs.