ENTtoday: April 2021

COVID-19 Impacts on Physician Contracts

Despite many being under contract, physicians faced reductions in pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you can do to remedy the situation.

What You Need to Know About CMS Changes to the Physician Fee Schedule for 2021

The two largest areas of change in the Physician Fee Schedule are those in ambulatory/outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) services and those in payment to providers.

Talking to Otolaryngologists Who Placed Themselves on Front Lines of the COVID-19 Vaccination Effort

Although vaccinations aren’t usually part of an otolaryngology practice, these physicians heeded the call for help fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Avoid Political Discussions with Patients During Examinations

It’s important for a physician to ask him or herself, “Is it worth the risk to discuss politics with a patient?”

Do Perioperative Systemic Corticosteroids Improve Cochlear Implant Hearing Preservation?

There is evidence that steroid use may be beneficial to improve hearing preservation.

Is Betahistine Effective in the Treatment of Ménière’s Disease?

Betahistine is widely used in Europe and the rest of the world in the treatment of Ménière’s disease.

What Is the Role of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules?

Radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodule has recently gained traction among otolaryngologists for patients seeking a nonsurgical treatment option.

Is Preoperative Computed Tomography Necessary for Primary Stapes Surgery?

Literature review does not support routine use of tomography (CT) prior to planned primary stapedotomy in patients with adult-onset CHL/MHL.

What Are In-Hospital Cost Drivers of Endoscopic Transphenoidal Pituitary Surgery?

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, smoking status, and non-Caucasian ethnicity are associated with significantly increased costs following endoscopic transphenoidal pituitary surgery.

What Is the Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients?

Evidence indicates that the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients is 48.85%.

What Are Practice Patterns in Peritonsillar Abscess Management?

Current heterogeneity in peritonsillar abscess management includes differences in workup, investigation, and post-discharge analgesic prescription.

Vaccination and Medical Advancements Helping to Decrease Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Incidence

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis continues to decline since the implementation of the HPV vaccination, and advancements show promise in RRP medical management.

Younger Age, Conscientiousness Rate Associated with Activity Avoidance in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

A look at the characteristics associated with avoidance of daily activities in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Evidence Supports Current Recommendation Regarding Suture Position in Arytenoid Adduction

Arytenoid adduction suture placed in the anterior inferior thyroid ala results in the best acoustic, aerodynamic, and voice quality outcomes.

How To: Using Modified Dragonfly Electrode for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring in Pediatric Surgery

An obstacle to routine utilization of intraoperative nerve monitoring in pediatric surgery is the lack of size-appropriate nerve monitoring devices for the pediatric patient.

How To: Dual-Vector Gracilis Muscle Transfer for Smile Reanimation with Lower Lip Depression

One paddle elevates and lateralizes the upper lip and commissure, while the second paddle depresses the lower lip.

Letter from the Editor: How We Can Improve the Otolaryngology Residency Selection Process

More than 200 otolaryngoloyg students did not match this year, many of whom did not have a back-up plan.