Position Statement: Rotational (Rotary) Chair Testing
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that the following tests are medically indicated and appropriate in the evaluation of certain persons with suspected balance or dizziness disorders: Rotational chair step velocity testing Rotational chair sinusoidal harmonic acceleration testing Rotational chair high…
Position Statement: Red Flags-Warning of Ear Disease
Position StatementHearing loss and balance disorders are medical conditions. Only licensed physicians with a medical school degree and medical training (MD or DO) may diagnose and direct the management of diseases and medical disorders. A full history and physical examination by a physician (preferably an…
Position Statement: Cochlear Implants
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery considers unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation as appropriate treatment for adults and children over 9 months of age with moderate to profound hearing loss who have failed a trial with appropriately fit hearing aids. Adopted 7…
Position Statement: Pediatric Otolaryngology
Position StatementThe American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) are committed to the highest standards of otolaryngologic care for pediatric patients. The Accreditation Council for…
Position Statement: Hearing Aids
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery states: dispensing of hearing aids, hearing assistive devices and other hearing rehabilitation devices are within the scope of practice for otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons. Adopted 7/10/1982 Revised 2/4/1989 Submitted for Review 4…
Position Statement: Scope of Practice of Non-Physician Providers
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery supports physician-directed collaborative and coordinated team care. However, all members of the healthcare team (Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and non-physicians) should clearly identify their training and/or credentials to avoid any…
Position Statement: Dilation of sinuses, any method (e.g., balloon, etc.)
Position StatementSinus ostial dilation is a therapeutic option for selected patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) who have failed appropriate medical therapy. Clinical diagnosis of CRS and RARS should be based on symptoms of sinusitis and supported by nasal endoscopy documenting sinonasal…
Position Statement: Debridement of the Sinus Cavity after ESS
Position StatementDebridement of the sinus cavity is a procedure most commonly performed following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) as well as for other sinonasal disorders. It involves transnasal insertion of the endoscope for visualization and parallel insertion of various instruments for the purpose of removal of crusting…
Position Statement: Surgeon Performed Neck Ultrasound
Position StatementThe AAO-HNS supports surgeons performing ultrasound of the head and neck, including ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for diagnostic purposes. Neck ultrasound is not an extension of the physical exam, but rather a discrete diagnostic procedure. Drafted 11/11/2015 Submitted for Review 11…
Position Statement: Reimbursement for Taking Hospital Call
Position StatementOtolaryngologists, through their training in the management of adult and pediatric airway emergencies, facial trauma, foreign bodies and other head and neck emergencies are a vital component of the emergency medical system. Hospitals have a legal obligation to provide screening and stabilization services to…
Position Statement: Cochlear Implant Candidacy for Children with Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Position StatementChildren with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss should be fitted with hearing aids by an experienced audiologist. When using amplification, children should be monitored closely to ensure expected progress according to age appropriate developmental milestones, especially in speech and language. The position of the American Academy…
Position Statement: Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Position StatementTreatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Overview Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common disorder involving collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This repetitive collapse may result in sleep fragmentation, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and increased sympathetic activity. OSA has been associated with an increased risk of…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2022 HOPPS/ASC Proposed Rule
Regulatory ReliefOn September 17, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS)/Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) proposed rule. The Academy’s comments addressed the following issues most significantly impacting…
MACRA/MIPs
CMS Update: 2020 MIPS Performance Feedback, Final Score, and 2022 MIPS Payment Adjustment Information The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) will be updating the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance feedback and final scores for some clinicians for performance year 2020 and…
Reg-ent Clinical Data Registry
ResearchReg-ent, focused on quality improvement and patient outcomes, is an essential tool to advance outcomes in the specialty.…
OTO Journal COVID-19 Accepted Papers
NOW PUBLISHED ONLINE! COVID-19 Anosmia Reporting Tool: Initial Findings Authors: Rachel Kaye, MD, CW David Chang, MD, Ken Kazahaya, MD, MBA, Jean Brereton, MBA, James Denneny, MD NOW PUBLISHED ONLINE! Otolaryngologists and the Doctor-Patient Relationship During a Pandemic Authors: Andrew G. Shuman…
AAO-HNS/F Communications Awards
AAO-HNS/F is committed to providing our members with timely and effective resources to help them achieve excellence and provide high-quality, evidence-informed, and equitable ear, nose, and throat care through professional and public education, research, and health policy advocacy. In collaboration…
Medical Student Travel Grants
GrantApplications are now being accepted for Medical Student Travel Grants to attend the AAO-HNSF 2021 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience in Los Angeles, CA. Submit your application by July 22. APPLY TODAY! Questions about Medical Student Travel Grants? Contact [email protected]…