As evidence accumulates on the benefits and added value of videostroboscopy in the diagnosis of voice problems, many otolaryngologists are turning their attention to whether or not they want to invest in this technology-in terms of both the cost in buying the equipment and the time and skill needed to analyze correctly the many types of lesions one can see using this tool.
This issue’s Special Report is on quality improvement, an increasingly important health care issue not only in this country, but also in many other countries around the world.
Part 1 of a series
With the crisis in the financial markets reaching what many call historic proportions, another crisis long brewing is threatening to surface that, if some experts are correct, could have even greater consequences than the financial crisis for the US health care system.
As of October 1, all audiologists who provide services to Medicare patients must use their own National Provider Identifier (NPI) on claims submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
With the advent of fiberoptic and distal-chip scopes and other innovations, otolaryngologists are now able to perform many laryngeal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on awake patients in the in-office setting rather than on fully anesthetized individuals in the operating room.
