Published: September 29, 2015

The dawn of a new era

I have just returned from a most exciting AAO-HNSF 2015 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO held in Dallas, Texas, which showcased a number of initiatives designed to add value to your Academy membership. Our new format and pricing structure allowed most attendees to markedly increase their CME activities at the meeting.

By James C. Denneny III, MD, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO

dennenyI have just returned from a most exciting AAO-HNSF 2015 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPOSM held in Dallas, Texas, which showcased a number of initiatives designed to add value to your Academy membership. Our new format and pricing structure allowed most attendees to markedly increase their CME activities at the meeting. There was more than a 100 percent increase in Instruction Course attendance relative to the 2014 meeting in Orlando. The preliminary response from attendees indicates that changes to the format of the Annual Meeting were well received. Our inaugural Coding Workshop with our new partner AAPC was well attended. As we transition into implementation of ICD-10, the in-person and online AAPC resources should prove to be of significant value to our Members.

Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, a Miniseminar, “The Power of Data: Creating a Data Registry for Otolaryngology,” introduced RegentSM, our clinical data registry, which will be a game changing event for otolaryngologists. While the concept of specialty-based registries is not new, it is clear that physicians will need to participate in quality-related metrics both in the government-related payment models as well as the private payers. This introduction culminates more than a year of intense study, planning, and research of both the payer and quality arena with significant input from like organizations’ experience. I would particularly like to thank David W. Parke II, MD, and William Rich III, MD, of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for their contributions. Our feature article gives a comprehensive review of our registry program including expected benefits and a proposed timeline for implementation.

I commend the tremendous amount of work done by the task forces that were active during this year. Richard W. Waguespack, MD, chaired the Election Review Task Force that recommended moving our elections to the spring and clarified issues related to campaigning. Karen T. Pitman, MD, chaired the Committee Review Task Force, which reviewed committee structure, committee terms, committee charges, and committee contributions. The task force recommended changes both in committee structure as well as composition. Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, chairs the Performance Measures Task Force, which oversaw the development, maintenance, and stewardship of our performance measures that we assumed from the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement. They also oversaw the National Quality Forum endorsement process for several measures. Lisa E. Ishii, MD, MHS, chairs the Registry Task Force that researched registries in general and then formulated a plan and timeline for establishment of the otolaryngology-specific registry, RegentSM. Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, chairs the Curriculum Task Force, which is in the process of constructing a comprehensive curriculum for otolaryngology. She has assembled a team that includes representatives of our specialty societies who will contribute to this valuable project. Finally, Gayle E. Woodson, MD, chairs the International Task Force, which is in the process of a complete review of the AAO-HNS International Program. This review will include international meetings, educational programs, governance, and humanitarian opportunities.

All Academy Members should congratulate and thank Dr. Woodson for the remarkable year she has had as president of the Academy. I particularly appreciate her contributions during my first year as EVP. Her thoughtful and wise decision-making skills and support have been instrumental as we embarked on a “specialty unity” pathway, brought forth significant changes to our election cycle, introduced a new Learning Management System, underwent significant operational changes, and fast-tracked our registry project bringing it in ahead of schedule and below budget. I especially value the leadership she displays as chair of the International Task Force. Our international colleagues are integral parts of our educational and humanitarian outreach as well as valuable Members of our Academy. Dr. Woodson is helping to develop an overarching plan to maximize participation and collegiality across the globe.

Join me in welcoming Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, as your incoming president of the AAO-HNS/F. Dr. Chandrasekhar brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the position and is a great promoter of otolaryngology. She’s already been very active in several areas as president-elect, particularly development. I would also like to congratulate Gavin Setzen, MD, who has just completed a four-year term as treasurer. During his tenure his budgetary oversight has been vital to our ongoing fiscal health. Scott P. Stringer, MD, will be replacing Dr. Setzen as treasurer and chair of the Financial and Investment Subcommittee. We look forward to working with Dr. Stringer over the next four years.

 

 

More from October 2015 - Vol. 34, No. 09
mpfs
PROPOSED CY 2016 MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE (MPFS)What does it mean for you?
On July 8, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the proposed Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2016. The Academy submitted comments to CMS on the proposed rule on September 8, 2015. The Academy also developed a Member summary, which goes into greater detail of all of the important proposed requirements.
data
The power of data raises the bar on patient care
At our spring Boards of Directors meeting, the BOD made the courageous decision to fund an otolaryngology-specific clinical data registry. That decision will “empower our Members to provide the best patient care” as well as satisfy reporting requirements for both CMS and private payers. The BOD charged the Registry Task Force, chaired by Lisa Ishii, MD, MHS, to create a business plan and select both a model and vendor for our registry.
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD
Thoughts on the June 2015 health policy course at the Heller SchoolExpanded from the print edition
When I applied for the AAO-HNS/ACS Scholarship to attend the Health Policy and Leadership Course at the Heller School, I knew that I had ascended to a high level of leadership in medicine but that I needed more intense and detailed education on various aspects of U.S. healthcare policy, financial assessment, and leadership skills. I was grateful when I received the scholarship, but even more so once I attended the week-long course in June.
eartubes
Academy collaborates with Anthem to refine ear tubes medical policy
Thanks to the Academy physician leaders’ comments and clinical recommendations, Anthem has revised the Anthem Medical Policy for Myringotomy and Tympanostomy Tube Insertion. Key changes include a revised pediatric extended otitis media effusion (OME) hearing loss requirement from 30 dB to 20 dB, new medical necessity indicators, and allowance for myringotomy as a stand-alone procedure for select populations.
Liana Puscas, MD
AMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES REPORTIssues impacting otolaryngology
The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) held its annual meeting June 2015 in Chicago. Representing the Academy were Liana Puscas, MD, Delegation Chair; Delegates Michael S. Goldrich, MD, and Shannon P. Pryor, MD; Alternate Delegates Robert Puchalski, MD, and Academy EVP/CEO James C. Denneny III, MD. Of note, Dr. Puchalski gave a stirring AMPAC speech about the importance of engaging in advocacy in his new role as Chair of AMPAC, the AMA’s political action committee.
AM16logo
CALL FOR SCIENCE Be part of the 2016 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM
We invite you to submit proposals and abstracts to be considered for presentation at the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in San Diego, CA, September 18-22.
The AAO-HNS is looking for volunteer State Trackers in Iowa (Iowa Capitol pictured) and eight other states.
Gearing up for 2016 legislative sessions
During the 2015 state sessions, legislators across the nation introduced a wide variety of bills that would inappropriately expand the scope of practice for certain nonphysician healthcare providers.
Tech assessment of imaging for diagnosing rhinosinusitis
As Members may know, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) paves the way for many public carrier policies across the country through its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program. The HTA program was designed by the state to ensure medical services paid for by its state entities are safe and effective. This program has created a following with many other states entities looking to it when creating their own policies.
journalcover
Journal showcases young physicians
The October 2015 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery celebrates the achievements of young physicians. The issue comprises 40 articles whose first authors are under 40 years of age. These “40 under 40” submitted their articles in response to the journal’s first-ever young physicians call for papers.
devices
FROM THE MEDICAL DEVICES AND DRUGS COMMITTEEThe reprocessing of devices so designatedExpanded from the print edition
Reprocessing of medical devices is an important—and largely transparent—part of an otolaryngologist’s practice. Whether it is in the office setting or operating theater, reprocessing of durable devices is essential to our ability to deliver safe, effective care. This has been in evolution and under scrutiny recently.
cebu1
Cleft lip and palate surgery in CebuExpanded from the print edition
Although I was not a stranger to large walk-in clinics before arriving in Cebu, our screening day was nevertheless an eye-opening experience. More than 200 patients, plus their families and sponsors, were packed like sardines into the hospital rooftop gymnasium-turned-waiting-room.
2016 Cochrane Scholars travel grants available
Interested in systematic literature review training? SAGE, the publisher of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, will offer two grants of up to $4,000 to help Members attend the October 2016 Cochrane Colloquium in Seoul, South Korea.
2016 G-I-N Scholars travel grants available
Interested in Guideline development, dissemination, and implementation? Through the G-I-N Scholars program, the AAO-HNSF will fund up to five Members to attend the September 2016 G-I-N North America meeting in Philadelphia, PA.
mentoring
The value of mentoring relationships
Of all the relationships possible during the lifetime of an individual, mentoring relationships are some of the most formative you’ll ever experience. These relationships can exist for a short period or last a lifetime, but whatever their length, they can change lives forever.
Susan R. Cordes, MD
Gold Humanism in Medicine Award
In 2009, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation selected the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) as one of three medical specialty societies to confer the Gold Foundation’s new Humanism in Medicine Award, with the goal of advocating for the compassion, empathy, and sensitivity displayed by practicing physicians caring for their patients.
Sanjay R. Parikh, MD
BOARD OF GOVERNORSResponding to those who say guidelines don’t make sense
I was recently at an otolaryngology conference in line for lunch with some friends when the topic of tonsillectomy guidelines came up. One of my good friends, Dr. X, explained to me that he was not following our AAO-HNSF guideline recommendation to stop using antibiotics after tonsillectomy. Dr. X explained to me that “Guidelines don’t make real sense. They are made up by a bunch of academicians who don’t grasp what surgery practice is like in the real world.”
sujana
Of gavels and goals
When Gayle E. Woodson, MD, passed me the gavel at the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony in Dallas last month, she was symbolically putting our Academy into my hands, which is a solemn trust. The Academy’s many strengths include the strategic plan, responsiveness to external forces affecting otolaryngologists, staff support, and finances.