The Latest
[Webinar] SRF Panel Presentation, Early Career Transitions: What I Wish I Knew
Watch the latest SRF-hosted webinar, Early Career Transitions: What I Wish I Knew.
AAO-HNS Submits Comment Letter to EviCore on Unfair Imaging Facility Network Standards Policy
Advocacy, Private Payer AdvocacyOn December 3, 2024, the Academy submitted a letter to EviCore regarding the unfair imaging facility network standards policy. The Academy’s letter details tha…
Calendar Year 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Final Rule Report
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2025 (CY2025) Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedu…
CY MPFS 2025 Final Rule High Level Overview
AdvocacyMPFS Final Rule – https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-25382.pdf MPFS Final Rule CMS Fact Sheet - Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician F…
Otolaryngologists Call on Battery Manufacturers to Bring a Safe Button Battery to the Marketplace
AdvocacyButton batteries cause life-threatening injuries when lodged in the body putting children at risk. ALEXANDRIA, Virginia —The American Academy of Otolaryngolog…
AAO-HNS Submits Letter to Point 32 Regarding Non-Payment of 31237 in the Setting of a FESS/Septoplasty
Advocacy, Private Payer AdvocacyOn October 22, 2024, the Academy submitted a letter to Point 32 regarding non-payment of CPT code 31237 following Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) wh…
[Webinar] Minding the Gaps to Success Series Part 2: Coaching 101
Minka l. Schofield, MD, and Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, discuss high-yield areas of focus for physicians seeking advancement.
[Webinar] Married to Medicine
A panel of otolaryngologists, along with their partners and Clinical and Health Psychologist Rebecca Fallon, MS, MHWC, discuss the unique challenges facing con…
Information Blocking – What Physicians Need to Know
AdvocacyAs of July 31, 2024, healthcare providers are now subject to civil monetary penalties should they engage in a practice known as “information blocking.” The Aca…
Day 3 Snapshots
Revisit the memorable highlights from Day 3 of the Annual Meeting. Browse photos that capture today’s excitement, smiling faces, and unforgettable moments.
Don’t Miss the Academic Bowl
The 17th Annual Academic Bowl is Tuesday morning, and the residency teams are gearing up for the event to see who will walk away with the grand prize and bragg…
What to Know Before You Leave
Thank you for joining us at the AAO-HNSF 2024 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠ in Miami Beach! We hope you experienced the extraordinary, gained valuable insight…
Congratulations 2024 Poster Winners
The Meet the Scientific Poster Authors Showcase featured some great discussions of the latest otolaryngology research from across the country and around the wo…
Indianapolis Awaits Your Arrival for #OTOMTG25
Known for fast cars and blockbuster events, the city of Indianapolis is a burgeoning metropolitan area quickly becoming known for its culinary and brewing scen…
Plan Your Individual #OTOMTG24 Extraordinary Experience (Day 4)
Tuesday is the last day of your Annual Meeting Extraordinary Experience, so how should you capitalize on what we’re sure has been a whirlwind of an event for y…
Spotlight on Academy Central (Day 4)
Visit Academy Central in the MBCC Grand Lobby to learn about the AAO-HNS/F’s latest programs and initiatives.Academy Central is your one-stop of value during t…
SIM Tank Results Are In!
Congratulations to the 2024 SIM Tank winners! First place: Brett Campbell, MD - Design and Development of a 3D-Printed Intraoral Flap Inset Task Trainer Seco…
A Global Surge: Celebrating International Day
With a record-breaking 1,900+ international attendees from more than 90 countries, International Day promises to be a dynamic celebration of global collaborati…
Faces Behind the Science (Day 3)
More of our Scientific Orals were presented today, and the Posters are gearing up for the Meet the Scientific Poster Authors Showcase on Monday at noon. The fa…
Relive the Magic!
Reflect back on unforgettable moments from the Presidents’ Reception and Day 2 of the Annual Meeting. Check out today's snapshots to see key moments, smiling f…
Congratulations 2024 OTO EXPO Booth Winners
We would like to thank all of our OTO EXPO exhibitors. The 2024 EXPO Booth Winners selected by the Annual Meeting Program Committee are:Island Booth: Styker | …
Dive Into the OTO EXPO (Day 3)
The second day of the OTO EXPO was just as exciting as the first, with exhibitors, new simulation courses, and plenty of new connections made within our global…
My Journey in Oral Cancer Care and Control in India
Sometimes, attitude is more important than attribute when it comes to being a good doctor.Monday, September 30 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Grand Ballroom ABThe Eug…
Don’t Miss the Final Great Debates
Don’t miss the final Great Debates on Monday, as they are sure to create an environment of energetic discussion. The Great Debates are some of the most popular…
Last Day to Stump the Experts!
Take time to pose your pressing clinical questions to today’s panels of experts! See who’s on deck for Monday, September 30.Each of today’s session will featur…
Spotlight on Academy Central and R&Q Engagement Hub in the EXPO (Day 3)
Visit Academy Central in the MBCC Grand Lobby to learn about the AAO-HNS/F’s latest programs and initiatives.Academy Central is your one-stop of value during t…
Plan Your Individual #OTOMTG24 Extraordinary Experience (Day 3)
You’re already halfway through the Annual Meeting, how crazy is that?! Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet, today’s tip of the day is: Get Out of Your Comfort…
#OTOMTG24 Day 1: Relive the Excitement!
Catch the highlights from Day 1 of the Annual Meeting. Check out today's snapshots to see key moments, smiling faces, and the energy of the conference so far.
Want to Stump the Experts?
Take time to pose your pressing clinical questions to today’s panels of experts! See who’s on deck for Sunday, September 29.The Annual Meeting Program Committe…
Faces Behind the Science (Day 2)
Dozens of Scientific Orals were presented today, and the Posters opened for viewing in the OTO EXPO. The AAO-HNSF is proud to showcase the latest ENT research,…
Breaking Barriers in Surgery: Surgeons with Physical Disabilities
Sunday, September 29 | 9:30 – 10:30 am | MBCC, 219-221Sunday morning’s EVP/CEO Spotlight Series panel, “Surgeons with Physical Disabilities,” is set to be a tr…
The Great Debates Continue on Sunday in the Name of Scientific Progress
The Great Debates are some of the most popular events at each year’s Annual Meeting. For 2024, the Academy is excited to showcase another amazing set of struct…
Dive Into the OTO EXPO (Day 2)
The 2024 OTO EXPO opened today and exhibitors and attendees alike dove right into seeing the latest technologies and innovations throughout the lively hall.The…
Crucial Conversations: Is There Bias Toward Academic Careers in Training Programs?
Calling all otolaryngologists at all levels of your career to engage in this important topic as the panelists dive deep into trainee and workforce concerns abo…
Spotlight on Academy Central and R&Q Engagement Hub in the EXPO (Day 2)
Visit Academy Central in the MBCC Grand Lobby to learn about the AAO-HNS/F’s latest programs and initiatives.Academy Central is your one-stop of value during t…
Plan Your Individual #OTOMTG24 Extraordinary Experience (Day 2)
Now that your first day of the 2024 Annual Meeting is behind you, you’re basically an Annual Meeting veteran at this point! But maybe some of the nerves stayed…
Not-to-be-missed Simulation Center and Simulation Events at #OTOMTG24
Miami meeting features over two dozen new and returning interactive, hands-on simulation events designed to superpower your surgical skills. According to …
Faces Behind the Science (Day 1)
Together, this year’s Scientific Oral Presentations and Scientific Posters have brought over 1,000 presenters to Miami Beach to share their research with the g…
Two Great Debates Tomorrow and More Later
The Great Debates are some of the most popular events at each year’s Annual Meeting. For 2024, the Academy is excited to showcase another amazing series of str…
EVP/CEO Spotlight Series
Don’t miss these highlighted, daily presentations in our EVP/CEO Spotlight Series:All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).Development, Safety, and Efficacy o…
Dive Into the OTO EXPO (Day 1)
The 2024 OTO EXPO features the latest in innovative technologies and services for advancing the specialty. The OTO EXPO provides a central location for you to …
Spotlight on Academy Central and R&Q Engagement Hub in the EXPO (Day 1)
Visit Academy Central in the MBCC Grand Lobby to learn about the AAO-HNS/F’s latest programs and initiatives.Academy Central is your one-stop of value during t…
General Assemblies Are at the Heart of the Academy!
The AAO-HNSF Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS), Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF), Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section, and Yo…
Plan Your Individual #OTOMTG24 Extraordinary Experience (Day 1)
It’s the first day of your first Annual Meeting! Are you excited? Overwhelmed? A mix of those emotions and more? That’s perfectly fine (and normal!). To help y…
An Indigenous Otolaryngologist Provides Unique Insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear Health in Australia
“It’s important to recognize that with our privilege comes the responsibility to uplift and support those who are less fortunate. By working together, we can t…
Experience the Extraordinary in Miami Beach
Welcome to Miami and get ready to “Experience the Extraordinary.” The global otolaryngology community has traveled from all over the world to come together Se…
What Can Brussels Sprouts Tell Us about Recurrent Infections?
Neel Distinguished Research Guest Lecturer reveals how our individual taste receptors can be linked to acute and chronic infections.Sunday, September 29 | 11:0…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule/Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn July 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2025 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which als…
AAO-HNS Responds to Senate Finance Committee White Paper on Bolstering Chronic Care through Physician Payment
AdvocacyIn June, the Academy submitted its formal response to a white paper released by the Senate Finance Committee. The committee’s white paper outlined the current …
AAO-HNS Leads Coalition Efforts to Submit Letter to CGS Administrators Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) – Botulinum Toxin Injections
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, ReimbursementFollowing coalition advocacy by the Academy, the American Laryngological Association (ALA) and the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) a joint …
AAO-HNS Summary of HHS Rule Establishing Disincentives for Healthcare Providers that Engage in “Information Blocking”
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn June 24, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released …
YPS Call for Candidates
YPS invites those who are interested in serving on the Governing Council or as a YPS Delegate to submit an application no later than Friday, August 16th, 2024.
AAO-HNS Advocacy Efforts Lead to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Modifier 25 Policy Retraction
Advocacy, Private Payer AdvocacyFollowing coordinated advocacy by the Academy, the North Carolina Medical Society and physician advocates in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolin…
AAO-HNS Submits Comments to Blue Shield of California Regarding Global Surgical Period Evaluation and Management (E/M) Reimbursement Policy
Advocacy, Private Payer AdvocacyOn May 17, 2024 the Academy submitted a detailed letter to Blue Shield of California regarding its update to the Global Surgical period Evaluation and Manageme…
Congress Passes Legislation to Partially Mitigate the 3.4% Medicare Physician Payment Cut
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, ReimbursementLast week, in a federal budget deal struck to avoid a government shutdown, Congress passed legislation to reduce the 3.4% Medicare physician payment cut by 1.6…
AAO-HNS Summary of CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn January 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule. The rule includes impor…
2024 Medicare Claims – What We Know Now
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefThe CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule implemented a 3.4% cut to physician reimbursement. This cut went into effect on January 1, 2024. While there is sti…
Important Message to Members: Notification of NIM Vital Nerve Monitoring System Concerns
The NIM Nerve Monitoring System, manufactured by Medtronic, has become an invaluable tool for surgeons operating around cranial and peripheral nerves to monito…
CMS Releases 2024 HOPPS/ASC Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS)/Am…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2024 MPFS Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefFollowing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of the CY 2024 Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also …
Federal Departments Release New Proposed Rule on No Surprises Act IDR Process
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn October 27, 2023, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) and the Office of Personnel Management releas…
AAO-HNS Responds to House Budget Committee Request for Information on Lowering Health Care Costs
AdvocacyIn September, Republican members of the House Budget Committee established a Health Care Task Force and issued a request for information (RFI) to solicit feedb…
CMS Reopens IDR Portal For New Single and Bundled Claims
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on October 6, that it reopened the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal for new single an…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2024 HOPPS/ASC Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn September 8, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective…
AAO-HNS Joins Amicus Brief in Support of Rule to Protect Children from Small, High-Powered Magnets
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn August 18, the AAO-HNS joined an amicus brief in support of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) rule intended to protect children from the dange…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2024 MPFS/QPP Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, ReimbursementSeptember 12, 2023On September 11, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 202…
2022 MIPS Feedback Now Available and Targeted Review Period Open
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance feedback and final scores for …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation Request Information on Episode-Based Payment Models
Regulatory ReliefThe Academy responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) request for information published on July 18 seeking input on a list of topi…
Academy Takes Action to Address Supply Chain Shortages
Earlier this year, the Academy became aware that endoscope manufacturer Karl Storz discontinued its flexible suction catheters (10486-A,B,C,D) used in pediatri…
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends May 11
Regulatory ReliefOn May 11, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The move comes after HHS Secretary Xavier B…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2024 MPFS Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2024 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which als…
Updated Residency Application Requirements Webinar recording now available!
Hear directly from a panel of ENT Program Directors as they provide tips and guidance to help you chart the best path to matching.
AAO-HNS Opposition Leads to Positive Update on United Healthcare’s Rhinoplasty and Nasal Procedures Policy
Private Payer AdvocacyFollowing advocacy efforts by the AAO-HNS and the American Academy for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), on June 1 United Healthcare (UHC) up…
AAO-HNS, ALA and ABEA Advocate on Medicare SLP Telehealth Services
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn May 5, the AAO-HNS partnered with the American Broncho-Esophagological Association and the American Laryngological Association in sending a joint letter to …
AAO-HNS Joins Multispecialty Coalition letter to UHC on Implementation of Prior Authorization for Gastroenterology Services
Private Payer AdvocacyThe undersigned organizations urge you not to implement United Healthcare’s (UHC) gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy prior authorization program.
Academy, Stakeholders Urge Congress to Increase Funding for Federal Tobacco Cessation Program
AdvocacyOn March 16, the Academy and a diverse group of stakeholders sent a coalition letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate calling for inc…
AAO-HNS comments on CMS Proposed Rule for Improving Prior Authorization and Interoperability
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn December 13, 2022, CMS issued a proposed rule that aimed to reduce provider burden by improving prior authorization processes and interoperability. The Acad…
AAO-HNS Fights New Modifier 25 Policy in New Jersey
Letter of Opposition, Private Payer AdvocacyOn February 17, the Academy sent a letter of opposition to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) in response to the company’s updated reimburse…
Enjoy, Engage, and Enlighten with the WIO Leadership Library
The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Leadership Development and Mentorship Committee has established an online leadership library.
[Podcast] Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Women in Otolaryngology
The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section hosted a podcast on well-being.
[Webinar] Surgical Ergonomics for the Woman Surgeon
A variety of issues affect numerous surgeons every day and even more so for women who at many times are operating with equipment not designed for smaller hands.
A Message to Our Colleagues in Turkey and Syria
Many of our colleagues and their families, friends, and patients have experienced the catastrophic aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The devasta…
AAO-HNS Comments on UHC Changes to Rhinoplasty and Other Nasal Surgeries Policy
Private Payer AdvocacyOn January 27, the Academy sent comments to United Healthcare (UHC) regarding revisions made to the coverage criteria in its Rhinoplasty and Other Nasal Surger…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2023 MPFS Final Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, ReimbursementFollowing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of the CY 2023 Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also …
Join WIO for an Interactive Virtual Discussion with the Author of Cassandra Speaks!
WIO will host a virtual interactive discussion with Elizabeth Lesser, NY Times best-selling author of Cassandra Speaks: When Women are the Storytellers, the Hu…
2023 Global Grand Rounds Webinar Series Kicks Off on February 18: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery- Technique & Strategy to Optimize Patient Outcomes
The AAO-HNSF invites you to attend the kick-off to the 2023 Global Grand Rounds Webinar series on Saturday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m. EST. The first webinar in…
Podcast: Three Pitfalls to Avoid When Starting a Private Practice
Member login required. Patrick R. Owens, MD, and Michael G. Jerkins, MD, and Panacea Financial, President and Co-Founder, discuss pitfalls to avoid when starti…
Registration Open for November Global Grand Rounds Webinar: Disruption and Innovation in Otology and Neurotology
Don’t miss the AAO-HNS Global Grand Rounds webinar, “Disruption and Innovation in Otology and Neurotology” on Saturday, November 5 at 9:00 AM EST! Sign up tod…
AAO-HNS Advocates for Immediate Change to Horizon’s Modifier 25 Policy
Advocacy, Private Payer AdvocacyEffective August 1, 2022, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield will reimburse E/M services appended with Modifier 25 at 50% if a procedural code is reported on the s…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2023 MPFS Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, ReimbursementOn July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2023 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also…
Cigna Delays New Modifier 25 Policy
Private Payer AdvocacyFollowing advocacy efforts by the AAO-HNS and other impacted specialties, Cigna announced that it plans to delay the implementation of their reimbursement poli…
Academy Urges CMS to Work with Physicians to Review Appropriate Use Criteria Program
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefThe Academy joined the American Medical Association and 42 other medical societies and associations to urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (C…
Cigna Announces Reimbursement Policy Update Related to Modifier 25
Private Payer AdvocacyEffective August 13, 2022, Cigna will require the submission of office notes with claims submitted with evaluation and management (E/M) CPT codes 99212, 99213,…
HRSA Details New Requirements for Late PRF Reporting
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefLast week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it would reopen the reporting portal for recipients of Period 1 Provider Reli…
Registration Open for May Global Grand Rounds Webinar: Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Don’t miss the AAO-HNS Global Grand Rounds webinar, “Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery” on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 AM EST! Si…
2022 Health Policy Scholarship
The AAO-HNS and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) are offering an annual scholarship to subsidize attendance and participation in the Health Leadership Pr…
Update to Clinical Practice Guideline on Most Common Outpatient Surgery Performed on Children: Tympanostomy Tubes
ALEXANDRIA, VA ‒ The American Academy of Otolaryngology‒Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tub…
Expired: 2022 Global Grand Round Webinar Series
The AAO-HNS 2022 Global Grand Rounds webinar series launches on Saturday, February 12, 9:00am (ET). The first topic of our 2022 series focuses on Chronic Rhino…
CMS Releases 2022 Physician Fee Schedule/Quality Payment Program Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory ReliefOn November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule implementing changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Paym…
