AAO-HNS/F Network Search

Utilization review companies must be registered in the state in which the review will be done. Guidelines used for making reviews should be available to those physicians. Individuals conducting reviews should be board certified in those specialties they are reviewing, and practice within the same…

With the emergence of the clinical doctorate degree in allied healthcare fields including nursing, audiology, and speech-language pathology, allied healthcare providers who have achieved their doctorate degrees are increasingly using the title of “Doctor” in their practice settings, advertisements, and other patient communications.Since…

The 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…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that the advisability of surgery or other specific therapy can be a matter of opinion. It reaffirms the traditional right of the patient's freedom of choice. It opposes the concept of mandatory second…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recognizes the appropriateness of utilizing currently available topical preparations, including those containing aminoglycosides, in the treatment of diseases of the external auditory canal. Aminoglycoside drops can be used as culture directed secondary therapy for middle ear…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery shall work to preserve the historic and traditional physician's privilege of dispensing medications and medical devices when this policy is in the best interest of the patient. Adopted 9/22/1987 Submitted for Review 4…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery considers cocaine to be a valuable anesthetic and vasoconstricting agent when used as part of the treatment of a patient by a physician. No other single drug combines the anesthetic and vasoconstricting properties of cocaine. Adopted…

Sinus 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…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery endorses the intraoperative use of computer-aided surgery in appropriately select cases to assist the surgeon in clarifying complex anatomy during sinus and skull base surgery. There is sufficient expert consensus opinion and literature evidence base…

Based on comprehensive evidence in the medical literature and expert opinion, the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery affirms that select preoperative imaging can facilitate localization of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands and thus improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism. Examples of imaging…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery endorses the ability of otolaryngologists to review and provide their expert interpretation of radiologic studies pertaining to the head and neck region with particular emphasis on the paranasal sinuses and temporal bones. In order for otolaryngology…

Voice therapy contributes to increased effectiveness and efficiency in the otolaryngologist's diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Research data and expert clinical experience support the use of voice therapy in the management of patients with acute and chronic voice disorders and may obviate the…

Complete assessment of the airway for potential pathology requires both direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. In most cases, these procedures require separate and distinct instrumentation and/or anesthetic management. It is the position of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery that, in…

The Roles of Flexible Laryngoscopy Videostroboscopy in the Office Evaluation and Management of Patients with Otolaryngologic Disorders. Flexible and rigid diagnostic laryngoscopy (31575) and flexible (31579) and/or rigid videostroboscopy are well-established diagnostic procedures that are medically indicated for the diagnosis and management of…

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents (acid and enzymes such as pepsin) flow in a retrograde fashion and contact the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract.  LPR may be associated with chronic sore throat, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, cough, globus sensation, refractory asthma, laryngeal…

Photoangiolytic laser treatment, which is typically performed in an office or ambulatory setting under local or topical anesthesia with a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope, is an established surgical treatment that is indicated for management of laryngeal pathologies including, but not limited to, vascular ectasias, polyps…

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate velopharyngeal, phonatory, and swallowing functions in adults and children. This study allows for assessment of the anatomy as well as direct observation of swallowing function and control of the movement of secretions…

Otolaryngologists use a variety of safe and efficacious techniques and instruments to perform tonsil and adenoid surgery. Based on available data, the AAO-HNS does not find that one technique or instrument is clearly superior. The AAO-HNS supports the discretion of surgeons to determine…