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Pediatric tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. The safety of ibuprofen use after surgery is debated given concern for increased bleeding. The primary objective of this study was to compare the rate of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring operative management in patients who received ibuprofen perioperatively vs. patients who did not. Retrospective cohort study of patients 0–18 years old who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy (T&A) with recorded inpatient medication administration data at a single tertiary care institution from 1/2005-1/2019. The association between perioperative medication administration and return to operating room (OR) for control was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for patient demographics and operative indication. Secondary outcomes evaluated included the time to operative bleed when it occurred. A total of 4098 patients with a median age of 6 years old (IQR 4–10) underwent T&A over the study period. The overall rate of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring OR was 3.37% (n = 138/4098). After adjustment for confounders, the odds of bleeding requiring OR did not differ significantly between the ibuprofen (OR 1.16, 95% CI (0.76, 1.74), 3.55%, n = 41/1,156, p = 0.47) and non-ibuprofen groups (3.30%, n = 97/2942). The median time to bleeding requiring OR was postoperative day 6.5 (IQR6-8) in the ibuprofen group and day 6 (IQR 3–8) in the non-ibuprofen group. No difference in post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring OR was observed between patients receiving perioperative ibuprofen versus those patients not receiving this medication. Additional research is required to definitively determine a safe dose and interval for ibuprofen administration following tonsillectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The workforce of neurotology has changed with increasing numbers of accredited programs and diverse representation among trainees over the past several decades. This study aims to describe the characteristics, density, and geographic variation of the current neurotology workforce in the United States., Study Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery portal and online search., Methods: The study cohort included physicians certified in Neurotology by the American Board of Otolaryngology as of 2021 (n = 372). Physician characteristics including years of practice, gender, practice setting, and location were collected. Geographic variation analysis was performed by the state, county, and hospital referral region. Associations between the number of neurotologists per population and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed using multivariable regression analysis., Results: Among 372 neurotologists, 65% practiced in academic settings and 13% were female. The percentage of female neurotologists increased from 0% among neurotologists with ≥30 years of practice to 23% among <10 years of practice. There were no differences in a practice setting by gender. The geographical analysis demonstrated that the average number of neurotologists was 1.1 per 1 million Americans. In a multivariable model, the density of neurotologists was significantly higher within counties with the highest quartiles of college education (β = .6 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.3-0.8]) and income (β = .3 [95% CI: 0.1-0.6])., Conclusion: The number of board-certified neurotologists has gradually increased and there have been trends toward greater gender diversity. The geographical distribution of neurotology practice was concentrated in counties with higher socioeconomic status as expected given the referral-based nature of the subspecialty. There should be efforts to reach out to low socioeconomic communities to ensure equivalent access to neurotological care., (© 2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.)

Objective: To determine demographic and socioeconomic variables associated with whether surgery is performed for patients with facial paralysis (FP). Background: Management of FP may include elective surgery dependent on patient goals of care and physician experience. Methods: The 2016 State Inpatient Database and State Ambulatory Surgery Services Database for six states were queried to identify patients with FP. These patients were then stratified based on receiving surgery for FP. Demographic and socioeconomic information was collected. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of undergoing FP surgery, as well as the hospital setting in which surgery was performed. Results: Of 20,218 patients with FP, 515 underwent surgery. Black patients were significantly less likely to undergo surgery ( p  < 0.001), as were patients with Medicaid or self-pay insurance ( p  < 0.001). Those living in rural areas were also less likely to receive surgery ( p  = 0.001). Individuals receiving surgery in the inpatient setting were more likely to have private insurance, whereas those in the ambulatory setting were more likely to have Medicare ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion: Several variables are correlated with whether FP is managed surgically, including insurance status, race, and type of residential area.

Objectives/hypothesis: Dermal filler (DF) is a widely used nonsurgical option for facial rejuvenation with a rapidly expanding market. Physician payments by DF industry leaders have yet to be characterized. We sought to investigate trends in physician-industry payments by DF companies over 6 years. Differences in payments based on physician specialty and time were characterized., Study Design: Database review., Methods: The Open Payments Database was queried from 2013 to 2018. Payments made by the three largest DF companies by market share to otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists were analyzed. Total dollars paid, number of payments made, type of payments made, and total number of specialists paid were recorded. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis., Results: Otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists received average annual payments of $0.36 million, $6.3 million, and $6.6 million respectively (P < .001). An average of 330 otolaryngologists, 2,128 plastic surgeons, and 5,980 dermatologists were paid annually (P < .001). Accredited speaking arrangements, consulting fees, and royalty/licensing fees comprised the majority of dollars paid to physicians., Conclusions: Average physician payment by DF companies exceeds $12 million annually, with otolaryngologists receiving significantly less compared to plastic surgeons and dermatologists., Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 132:301-306, 2022., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate opioid prescribing patterns among American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) members in the Medicare population. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of AAFPRS members in the Medicare Part D Prescriber dataset. Results: From 2014 to 2016, there was a significant decrease in the number of days of opioids supplied per beneficiary (5.9 vs. 4.9 days, p  < 0.005), as well as the opioid prescription cost per beneficiary ($14.52 vs. $11.79, p  = 0.005). The highest prescription rate was found in the Midwest (20.5%) and lowest in the Northeast (14.0%), however, the difference between geographic regions was not significant ( p  = 0.11). There was a significant decrease in the number of total opioid days supplied per beneficiary in the South ( p  = 0.001), Midwest ( p  = 0.05), and West regions ( p  < 0.001). There was no significant difference in opioid prescription rate ( p  = 0.89) or total opioid days supplied per beneficiary ( p  = 0.26) when states were stratified by age-adjusted opioid-specific death rate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a national trend toward fewer opioid days supplied and less opioid cost per Medicare beneficiary among AAFPRS members between 2014 and 2016.

The degree of markup between provider charges and Medicare prices reflects the potential balance bill for out-of-network commercially insured patients. Using publicly available Medicare data, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of markup ratios (MRs; ie, the ratio of submitted charges to Medicare-allowed prices) for services commonly performed by otolaryngologists in 2017. Median MRs were as follows: 2.9 (interquartile range, 2.0-4.3) in facility settings (eg, hospital) and 2.1 (interquartile range, 1.7-2.9) in nonfacility settings (eg, physician office). Among the 10 highest-markup procedures performed by otolaryngologists in facility and nonfacility settings, there was no consistent increase in median MRs between 2012 and 2017 (compound annual growth rates, -4.6% for labyrinthotomy to 24.6% for ultrasound-guided biopsy). Median MRs for these procedures were not consistently lower in states with surprise billing protection laws. These findings may reflect the comparatively low potential to "balance bill" patients for elective otolaryngologic services and the limitations of state-level protections against surprise billing.

Objective: Sleep medicine is a multidisciplinary field that includes otolaryngology. After 2011, sleep medicine board eligibility required completion of a dedicated sleep medicine fellowship. The objective of our study is to describe the characteristics and geographic distribution of the dual board-certified sleep otolaryngology workforce and to assess the impact of the 2011 change., Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of sleep-certified otolaryngologists registered with the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 2019 was performed to characterize the sleep otolaryngology workforce. County and regional analysis of provider density was conducted by comparing provider characteristics with county-level data from the United States Census Bureau., Results: There were 275 active dual board-certified sleep otolaryngologists, or approximately 1 for every 1.12 million Americans. 77.8% were in private practice and 2.9% had American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology membership. Eighty-eight percent were male, with females more likely than males to be in an academic setting (36.4% for females compared to 20.2% for males; P = .045). The South Atlantic and South Central regions had the highest number of sleep board-certified otolaryngologists per capita. Before 2011, an average of 75.7 otolaryngologists took the sleep board exam per 2-year cycle, compared to 14.3 otolaryngologists after 2011 (P = .029)., Conclusion: There are few dual board-certified sleep otolaryngologists across the country, which may affect care for patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Increased resident exposure and otolaryngology training in sleep medicine can strengthen the otolaryngology contribution to the multidisciplinary care of these patients., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2712-E2717, 2021., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Gender-affirming surgery may be pursued by individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. Although genital and chest procedures are classified as medically necessary, facial feminization surgeries (FFSs) are often considered cosmetic. Insurance companies may limit coverage of these procedures, especially in states less supportive of transgender individuals. Objectives: To determine insurance coverage and ease of finding policy information for FFSs, and to analyze differences based on state advocacy. Methods: Insurance policies for the top three commercial health plans per state were reviewed. Coverage status was determined by web-based search and telephone interviews. Ease of gathering policy information was assessed using a post-task questionnaire graded on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher numbers (e.g., 7) representing relative ease. State advocacy was determined by the number of state laws and policies affecting the transgender community. Results: Of the 150 insurance policies, only 27 (18%) held favorable policies for FFS. Most favorable companies covered chondrolaryngoplasty, with 78% ( n  = 21) offering preauthorization. Mean ease of use was rated 6, with 12 companies requiring a telephone interview. Insurance policies in states with laws driving transgender equity covered more FFS procedures ( p  = 0.043), whereas those in restrictive states offered less overall coverage ( p  = 0.023). Conclusions: FFS is rarely covered by commercial insurance companies, especially in states with less legal support for transgender individuals. Policy information remains difficult to obtain, with variable coverage by employer and no standardized medical necessity criteria. Limited coverage, lack of easily accessible information, and absence of universal criteria may act as barriers to FFS.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgery and voice therapy for individuals who seek to align their voice with their gender identity, and to analyze differences based on state-by-state transgender equality., Study Design: Cross-sectional study., Methods: Policies from the top three commercial insurers per state in 2019 were reviewed. Coverage status was determined by web-based search, telephone interviews, and email inquiries. A state-by-state equality score was calculated based on the number of laws and policies relating to the transgender community. Correlation between number of preauthorized procedures and state equality scores was assessed., Results: Of the 150 insurance companies reviewed, only four (2.7%) held favorable policies, whereas 113 (75.8%) provided no coverage. Endoscopic surgery, open surgery, individual voice therapy, and group voice therapy interventions were equally excluded (n = 93, 62.4%). Coverage was not correlated with laws driving transgender equality (P = .782)., Conclusions: Gender-affirming voice interventions are seldom covered by commercial insurance companies. Despite established medical necessity and years of experience in practice, gender-affirming interventions for voice have not yet been fully considered by third-party payors. Further investigation regarding cost-effectiveness and treatment efficacy is warranted to improve insurance coverage of voice-related gender-affirming care., Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 131:E896-E902, 2021., (© 2020 American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society Inc.)

Importance: The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for Medicare is the largest pay-for-performance program in the history of health care. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the MIPS in 2017, the participation and performance of otolaryngologists in this program remain unclear., Objective: To characterize otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS in 2017., Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS from January 1 through December 31, 2017, using the publicly available CMS Physician Compare 2017 eligible clinician public reporting database., Main Outcomes and Measures: The number and proportion of active otolaryngologists who participated in the MIPS in 2017 were determined. Overall 2017 MIPS payment adjustments received by participants were determined and stratified by reporting affiliation (individual, group, or alternative payment model [APM]). Payment adjustments were categorized based on overall MIPS performance scores in accordance with CMS methodology: penalty (<3 points), no payment adjustment (3 points), positive adjustment (between 3 and 70 points), or bonus for exceptional performance (≥70 points)., Results: In 2017, CMS required 6512 of 9526 (68.4%) of active otolaryngologists to participate in the MIPS. Among these otolaryngologists, 5840 (89.7%) participated; 672 (10.3%) abstained and thus incurred penalties (-4% payment adjustment). The 6512 participating otolaryngologists reported MIPS data as individuals (1990 [30.6%]), as groups (3033 [46.6%]), and through CMS-designated APMs (964 [14.8%]). The majority (4470 of 5840 [76.5%]) received bonuses (maximum payment adjustment, +1.9%) for exceptional performance, while a minority received only a positive payment adjustment (1006 of 5840 [17.2%]) or did not receive an adjustment (364 of 5840 [6.2%]). Whereas nearly all otolaryngologists reporting data via APMs (936 of 964 [97.1%]) earned bonuses for exceptional performance, fewer than 70% of otolaryngologists reporting data as individuals (1124 of 1990 [56.5%]) or groups (2050 of 3033 [67.6%]) earned such bonuses. Of note, nearly all otolaryngologists incurring penalties (658 of 672 [97.9%]) were affiliated with groups., Conclusions and Relevance: Most otolaryngologists participating in the 2017 MIPS received performance bonuses, although variation exists within the field. As CMS continues to reform the MIPS and raise performance thresholds, otolaryngologists should consider adopting measures to succeed in the era of value-based care.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to describe national variations in sinus balloon dilation (SBD), examine the relationship between endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and SBD prevalence patterns, and evaluate associations between reimbursement rates and regional variations in sinus surgery., Study Design: Retrospective observational study., Setting: Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment (PUP) Part B Data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016., Subjects and Methods: Physicians in the PUP Part B Database Performing ESS or SBD in 2016. States were stratified into average- or high-volume utilizers based on the number of ESS procedures and SBD procedures per population and compared., Results: Eight states were classified as high-volume utilizers of SBD-Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Texas. Only 3 of these states-Kansas, Mississippi, and Nevada-were classified as high-volume utilizers of ESS. Reimbursement rates were significantly higher for SBD as compared to ESS ($1538 [interquartile range (IQR), 1473-1664] vs $335 [IQR, 261-412] per procedure, P < .001). High-volume utilizer SBD states had a higher number of otolaryngologists (13.0 [IQR, 7-16] vs 6.0 [IQR, 2-3]) otolaryngologists per state ( P < .001) and a trend toward an increased rate of performing ESS procedures (19 [IQR, 19-41] vs 6.0 [IQR, 2-32], P = .034) procedures per million residents) than average-volume utilizer SBD states., Conclusions: The southern United States has a significantly higher rate of SBD procedures performed compared to the rest of the country, but these rates do not appear to be directly related to statewide variations in SBD reimbursement.

Objective: To examine the current geographic distribution of otolaryngologists in the United States and the disparities in socioeconomic demographics at the county and hospital referral region (HRR) level., Study Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: National cohort analysis including all otolaryngologists in the United States., Subjects and Methods: All otolaryngologists board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the United States in 2018 were compared with overlaid demographic data from the 2010 United States Census Bureau by county and HRR. Associations between the density of otolaryngologists per population and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed and stratified by region., Results: The average number of otolaryngologists was 3.6 (SD 9.6) per 100,000. On multivariable regression analysis, the density of otolaryngologists was positively associated with counties with the highest quartile of college education (1.8 providers per 100,000 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89, 2.90], P < .001) and income (2.1 providers per 100,000 [95% CI 1.03, 3.07], P = .01). Significant regional variation existed in access to otolaryngology care., Conclusion: There are significant areas with disparate densities of otolaryngologists in the United States. Lower socioeconomic status, more severe poverty, and a lower number of college graduates in a county correlated with reduced density of otolaryngologists.

Objective(s): To characterize procedural trends in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures in relation to the United States economy., Methods: Retrospective cohort study examining annual procedure rates were determined from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics from January 1 2007 to December 30, 2017. Procedures were compared to economic activity of the United States as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) were compared using Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit testing and piecewise multivariate regression modeling., Results: Annual trends in procedural rates showed an overall decrease in the rates of rhinoplasty (284,960 to 218,924), blepharoplasty (240,660 to 209,571), and otoplasty (28,571 to 23,433) from 2007 to 2017. Total cosmetic surgery remained fairly stable, while minimally invasive cosmetic surgery increased in frequency over the study period. On piecewise regression analysis, rhinoplasty (P = .02), rhytidectomy (P = .007), invasive cosmetic surgery (P < .001) were significantly associated with GDP, whereas otoplasty (P = .98) and reconstructive surgery (P = .11) were not associated with GDP., Conclusion: Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures show a greater correlation to GDP than reconstructive procedures. Trends in plastic surgery cases over the last decade show a decreasing number of rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and blepharoplasty, with stabilization in the last few years. An increasing number of reconstructive cases are found., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:632-636, 2020., (© 2019 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: Balloon dilation (BD) is a controversial alternative to conventional sinus surgery. The role of industry on practice patterns remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether industry payments from BD manufacturers influence practice patterns for otolaryngologists and evaluate how these payments change over time., Methods: Retrospective cohort study using Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment (PUP) Data and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments (OP) general payment datasets. A total of 294 otolaryngologists identified in the PUP dataset who performed BD procedures from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, were cross-referenced in the OP dataset from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, for BD manufacturer payments. Payments to surgeons performing BD stratified by amount, type, and number of procedures performed were primary outcome measures., Results: Of the 294 otolaryngologists reporting BD procedures, 223 (76%) received payments from a company that manufactures BD devices. Receipt of $2,500 in BD payments was associated with performance of one additional BD procedure, and consulting fees were most positively associated with performing additional BD procedures (P = 0.006). The providers receiving the most in BD payments were more likely to continue to receive the most in payments, regardless of number of BD procedures performed. Performing more BD procedures did not correlate with decrease in other sinus procedures., Conclusion: Payments to otolaryngologists from manufacturers of sinus BD devices are associated with the performance of an increased number of such procedures. Surgeons should consider the impact of interactions with industry when evaluating patients for BD procedures., Level of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:1540-1545, 2018., (© 2018 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Purpose: To determine risk factors for glaucoma in a population-based study in the United States., Methods: Participants age 40 and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey underwent questionnaires, physical examination, laboratory tests, and vision tests including fundus imaging. Glaucoma was determined based on expert grading of fundus photographs. Regression modeling of glaucoma risk factors was performed., Results: Participants with glaucoma (172) were older (mean age 68.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 65.6-70.7] vs. 56.4 years [95% CI 55.6-57.2, P < 0.001]), likely to have less than high school education (25.1% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.05), to have diabetes (23.1% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.001), to have central obesity (72.5% vs. 60.7%, P = 0.01), to have systolic hypertension (30.3% vs. 20.1%, P = 0.01), to have diastolic hypotension (30.3% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001), and to be nonsmokers (91.0% vs. 79.3%, P = 0.002). Sex, poverty, access to health care, fasting glucose, insulin dependence, body mass index, cholesterol levels, diastolic hypertension, systolic hypotension, obstructive sleep apnea, and marijuana were not associated with glaucoma. Multivariable modeling showed associations between glaucoma and older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.09 per year, 95% CI 1.04-1.14), black race (OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.71-11.30), and poverty (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.73-6.66). Diabetes was no longer associated with glaucoma after adjustment for triglyceride levels. Sex, education, insurance status, body mass index, blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and smoking were not associated with glaucoma., Conclusions: People who are older, of black race, and with lower income levels have a higher prevalence of glaucoma. A novel association between diabetes, triglyceride levels, and glaucoma is also identified.