Published: December 8, 2014

2014 Committee Highlights — ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Committees are the lifeblood of the AAO-HNS/F and a great way for members to contribute meaningfully to the organization and the specialty. At the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando, Florida, Academy and Foundation committees met and discussed achievements during the past year and planned for 2014.


Committees are the lifeblood of the AAO-HNS/F and a great way for members to contribute meaningfully to the organization and the specialty. At the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando, Florida, Academy and Foundation committees met and discussed achievements during the past year and planned for 2014. The following pages contain brief summaries of actions taken by the committees during the 2013 to 2014 committee term.

To view a list of current committee members, please referrer to the November, 2014 Bulletin, or visit www.entnet.org/committees.

To join a committee, visit www.entnet.org/committees and fill out an application before the February 3rd, 2014 deadline.

Standing Committees

Audit Committee

Kenneth W. Altman, MD, PhD, Chair

  • The audit committee met via conference call in June 2014 to discuss audit planning with the independent accounting firm and did not meet during the annual meeting. It met again in late October 2014 to review the audit with staff and the independent auditors.
  • The audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2014 (FY14) was completed after the annual meeting and a “clean opinion” was provided by the independent audit firm. The auditors proposed no adjustments to the financial statements prepared by management.
  • The audited financial statements and annual tax returns are available to anyone requesting access. Email Carrie Hanlon at chanlon@entnet.org for requests.

Ethics Committee

Lauren S. Zaretsky, MD, Chair
Susan McCammon, MD, Incoming Chair

  • Transition of chair to Susan McCammon, MD, completed.
  • One submitted Miniseminar, “Avoiding the Deadly Sins of Humanitarian Missions: How to Do Good Better,” was presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting.
  • Ethics Maintenance of Certification Instruction Course was presented for the 2nd year at the 2014 Annual Meeting.
  • Academy Membership Oath was updated by Ethics Committee and ultimately approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Committee participated in two pilot programs, ENTConnect member portal and online disclosure form, providing valuable feedback for improvement before rollout of programs to full membership.
  • Draft Member Handbook reviewed in its entirety for completeness and clarity.
  • Social Media Guidance completed in collaboration with the PR and Media Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Position Statement on use of photography in humanitarian missions completed in collaboration with the Humanitarian Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
  • AMA CEJA (Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs) document reviewed, as requested by the AMA.
  • Continued work with the Diversity Committee and Women in Otolaryngology Section on the diversity and gender equity policies.
  • Selected as a Model Committee for 2014.

Finance & Investment Subcommittee of the EC (FISC)

Gavin Setzen, MD, Secretary

  • The FISC has worked throughout the year to develop ideas for products and services that the Academy could offer to generate net revenue to support unfunded programming. Several ideas have been identified for further exploration and business plan development.
  • During the Spring of 2014, the FISC focused its attention on working with staff to develop the FY15 budget, approved by the BODs in May 2014.
  • On a quarterly basis, the FISC met to review financial statements, forecasts, and budget to actual variances and reviewed the annual audit and report of the Audit Committee.
  • At the 2014 Annual Meeting, the independent investment advisor made a presentation to the subcommittee about the managed portfolios FY14 investment performance and market outlook. Investment performance reports are reviewed and discussed by the FISC on a quarterly basis and with the investment advisor at least bi-annually.
  • Also at the Annual Meeting, the FISC reviewed an analysis, presented by an independent consultant, of scenarios for restructuring the headquarter building related debt. It was concluded that no change be made until January 2018 when an action will be required under the current terms of the debt financing.

Science and Educational Committee

Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, Chair
Sukgi S. Choi, MD, Incoming Chair

  • The SEC actively participating in the following matters of key importance to the AAO-HNS/F’s science and education activities:
    • Comprehensive assessment of the Foundation’s Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM and education program.
    • An education gap analysis and needs assessment.
    • Collaboration among otolaryngology specialty societies, the ABOto and the AAO-HNS/F on matters of mutual importance.
  • Sukgi Choi, MD, was selected as 2014-2015 SEC Chair.

Academy Committees

Airway and Swallowing Committee

Joel H. Blumin, MD, Chair

  • The Committee sponsored two Miniseminars at the 2014 Annual Meeting: “Cough-Contemporary Challenges” and “Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.” Attendance at the Miniseminars was quite high and the feedback was positive.
  • Leadership has been active with the Voice Committee and specialty society members in meeting with the 3P workgroup to update frequently utilized CPT code sets. Vignettes were revised and the committee is now in the process of vetting new code descriptors and vignettes prepared by the Academy CPT team.
  • Reviewed the draft code change proposal for the family of codes, which was submitted for review at the October 2014 CPT meeting.
  • The Clinical Indicator (CI) Tracheostomy was reviewed and revised.
  • Members reviewed and discussed “the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative” as an ongoing opportunity for hospitals to improve tracheostomy quality care.
  • Members continue to be active at Academy meetings and work on developing new Miniseminar topics, along with continuing to work on new presentations and educational products.

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Committee

James W. Mims, MD, Chair

  • James W. Mims, MD, and Douglas E. Dawson, MD, served on the guideline development groups for the AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis.
  • Benjamin D. Liess, MD and Karen H. Calhoun, MD, participated in the external peer review of the Update to the AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis.
  • Jean Kim, MD, PhD, Minka Schofield, MD, Cecelia Damask, DO, Sarah K. Wise, MD, and Maria C. Veiling, MD, participated in the external peer review of the AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis.
  • Presented three Instruction Courses and one Miniseminar at the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando, FL:
    • “Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Why and How?” (Instruction Course)
    • “Skin Testing for Inhalant and Food Allergies” (Instruction Course)
    • “Pediatric Allergy Update 2014” (Instruction Course)
    • “Food Allergy 2014: State of the Science” (Miniseminar)

Credentials and Membership Committee

Pierre Lavertu, MD, Chair

  • Members of the committee reviewed and offered comment on the AAO-HNS Membership Application revision.
  • Academy members were served by the committee by their review of more than 600 new and reinstated candidates for approval into membership.
  • The committee discussed the findings of the Voice of the Member biannual survey and identified growth opportunities for communicating to members based on trends expressed in survey results.
  • The committee provided feedback on engaging members post residency.
  • At this year’s meeting the committee discussed reviewing engagement materials and plans developed by the AAO-HNS staff.
  • The committee plans to review and/or beta test any new applications developed by the AAO-HNS staff.
  • The Credentials and Membership Committee will work to capitalize on the opportunity for collaboration, advancement and innovation in educating members on the wealth of benefits offered by the Academy and its Foundation.

Complementary/Integrative Medicine Committee

Marilene B. Wang, MD, Chair

  • The committee applied for two Miniseminars at the 2014 Annual Meeting but they were not accepted. Several topics are being considered for submission for next year’s Annual Meeting.
  • The committee was instrumental in bringing a course on an integrative Eastern/Western medicine approach to chronic sinusitis to the Online Lecture Series on the Academy’s website.
  • Several topics for instructional course are also being considered for submission for next year’s Annual Meeting.

CPT & Relative Value Committee

John T. Lanza, MD, Chair

  • The committee successfully reviewed UnitedHealthcare and Wellpoint’s coverage policies on cochlear implants.
  • Committee members participated in RUC surveys for 6 CPT codes in preparation for January and April 2014 RUC meetings.
  • The committee endorsed the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM Business of Rhinology Miniseminar that was submitted by the Rhinology, Paranasal Sinus Committee, which was not accepted, but will be re-submitted for the 2015 meeting.
  • In 2015, the committee will identify existing society representatives on the committee and confirm with them and the specialty society that this person is approved as their representative.
  • For specialties that are not represented, existing committee members within that specialty will be identified and their leaders will be approached about that person serving as their representative.
  • If needed, SSAC will be asked to appoint new specialty representatives to the committee for those specialties not represented.
  • Also in 2015, the Committee plans to further RUC and CPT educational offerings and efforts by the Academy (e.g. webinar, podcast, miniseminar, etc.).

Diversity Committee

Lisa Perry-Gilkes, MD, Chair

  • Initiated a Diversity Endowment program that awards two $1,000 grants to underrepresented minority medical students attending away rotations in otolaryngology. The inaugural grants were awarded in the summer of 2014.
  • Awarded one Harry Barnes Endowment Travel Grant to assist with travel to the AAO-HNS/F Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM.
  • The 2013 Harry Barnes Endowment Travel Grant recipient articles were published in the August online issue of the Bulletin.
  • The 2013 Diversity Endowment Travel Grant recipient articles were published in the September online issue of the Bulletin.
  • Collaborated with SUO to develop mechanisms which will increase diversity in student residents and faculty and establish a national and regional network of mentors.

Endocrine Surgery Committee

Ralph P. Tufano, MD, Chair

  • At the Orlando meeting, the committee presented four Miniseminars and 22 instruction courses. For the first time, endocrine oral presentations were listed under the separate heading of Endocrine.
  • With the goal of branding Endocrine Surgery for public awareness, the committee is developing high traffic FAQs for the website’s patient education.
  • The Ultrasound Workshop in Orlando was sold out; Dr. Sofferman the course director stepped down, and Dr. Russell Smith and Lisa Orloff will be course directors in 2015. Dr. Miriam Lango headed a team of committee members, who organized a patient outreach event in Orlando, in conjunction with ThyCa, the national thyroid cancer support group.
  • Academy members can now list Endocrine Surgery as a subspecialty interest in Find an ENT.
  • For the 2015 Annual Meeting in Dallas, the committee will submit Miniseminars on the ATA Guidelines on thyroid, on international approaches to endocrine surgery, and on ultrasound and imaging for thyroid.

Equilibrium Committee

Joel Goebel, MD, FRCS, Chair

  • The Equilibrium Committee had a good year addressing many items related to our charge of studying the diseases producing equilibratory disturbances and the methods of evaluating equilibrium by promoting, studying, and evaluating the instruments needed for such determination, evaluating the qualifications for technical personnel, and establishing procedures for disability rating. During the Sunday morning meeting Dr. Allan Rubin’s term as chair ended and Joel Goebel, MD, FACS, FRCS, began tenure as chairman of the Equilibrium Committee.
  • Several Committee members contributed to the Meniere’s disease standards update, which was published in the April 2014 Bulletin.
  • Dr. Bhansali reviewed, edited, and reaffirmed the Posturography and Rotational Chair testing, VEMP testing and ECOG Testing policy statements for the AAO-HNSF.
  • There was a collaborative effort of the Equilibrium Committee with the Barany Society regarding the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders with regards to the definition of the diagnostic criteria of Meniere’s Disease.
  • Committee submitted two Miniseminars which were accepted for the 2014 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO:
    • “Understanding the Dizzying Array of Diagnostic Dizziness Tests” (Michael Hoffer), and
    • “Putting a New Spin on Things: Evidence-Based Management of Geriatric Dizziness” (Yuri Agrawal).

Geriatric Otolaryngology Committee

Robert T. Sataloff, MD, Chair
Allan Rubin, MD, Incoming Chair

Chair reviewed the accomplishments for the Geriatric Otolaryngology Committee for the past year, including educational offerings:

  • Instruction Course 2802-1 from 4:15 pm-5:15 pm on September 22 in Room 204 of the Orange County Convention Center;  “Balance Problems in the Elderly,” Instructors: Stephen J. Wetmore, David E. Eibling, and Kim R. Gottshall.
  • Instruction Course 1624-1 from 01:45 pm-2:45 pm on September 21 in Room 315 of the Orange County Convention Center; “To Operate or Not To: How To Approach the Older Patient” Instructors: Ozlem E. Tulunay-Ugur, David R. Edelstein, Gregory K. Hartig, Brian J. McKinnon.
  • Miniseminar MS52 from 9:30 am-10:20 am on September 23 in the Chapin Theater of the Orange County Convention Center; “Putting a New Spin on Things: Evidence-Based Management of Geriatric Dizziness,” Instructor/Moderator: Yuri Agrawal.
  • Geriatric Otolaryngology book to be published in the spring with Thieme.

Head and Neck Surgery & Oncology Committee

Christine G. Gourin, MD, Chair

  • This year the Head and Neck Surgery & Oncology Committee was honored to be selected by the Academy as a model committee.
  • The committee is pleased to announce the publication of the updated 4th edition of the AJCC staging manual as a joint effort between the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and the American Head and Neck Society, which is available on the AAOHNSF website.
  • The State of the Art Review: The “New” Head and Neck Cancer Patient–Young, Nonsmoker, Nondrinker, and HPV Positive: Evaluation was published in the June issue of the White Journal.
  • Among featured presentations this year at the Annual Meeting was the panel discussion: The HPV Head and Neck Cancer Epidemic: What You Need to Know and two Miniseminars supported by the HNS committee: “Head and Neck Paragangliomas: A Case-Oriented Approach to Evaluation and Management” and “Cancer & Canker Sores and More: High Risk Oral Cavity Lesions.”
  • The committee has successfully proposed “Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults” as an item for Clinical Practice Guideline Development by the Academy. Finally, the committee is developing a clinical consensus statement on the evaluation of HPV+ head and neck tumors.

Hearing Committee

Douglas Backous, MD, Committee Chair

  • The Committee on Hearing had an active year addressing items related studying, creating, assembling, and coordinating knowledge concerning hearing. In addition, the Committee is charged with studying diseases producing hearing loss, including diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. Standards for instrumentation, physiologic measurements, and the interface with the American National Standards Institute or other similar institutions are important aspects of this Committee’s work.
  • Reviewed seven position statements and made recommendations.
  • Douglas Backous, MD, was interviewed and published in Shape Magazine entitled “Hear, Hear?” in the January/February 2014 issue.
  • Michael Harris, MD, and Douglas Backous, MD, authored an article in the Bulletin entitled “Better Hearing and Speech Month: Age-related Hearing loss”
  • Reviewed two clinical indicators: Acoustic Neuroma/Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery and Mastoidectomy.
  • Reviewed CPT codes for two clinical indicators.
  • Worked with David Nielsen, MD, and Craig Buchman, MD, (Chair, Implantable Hearing Devices Committee) to connect the American Cochlear Implant Alliance with the Academy to ensure consistent messaging with our two organizations.

Imaging Committee

Gavin Setzen, MD, Chair
R. Christopher Miyamoto, MD, Incoming Chair

  • Assisted with the external Peer Review of the Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Adult Sinusitis.
  • The committee reviewed the Point of Care Imaging in Otolaryngology and the Intra-Operative Use of Computer Aided Surgery position statements.
  • The committee provided review of patient-centered imaging sign-on letter to Congress urging preservation of the in-office ancillary services exception to the “Stark” law.
  • Committee members worked to continue Academy representation on the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® (AC) Expert Panel on Neurologic Imaging. In June 2014, David Conley, MD, replaced Brian Nussenbaum, MD, as an AAO-HNS representative to the panel.
  • The Imaging Committee coordinated with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) to submit comments to several private payers regarding policies that restrict the use of mini-CT scans and/or limit the ability for otolaryngologists to interpret and perform diagnostic imaging services and reviewed the Coventry/National Imaging Associates (NIA), Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Idaho comments regarding aforementioned policies.
  • The committee reviewed comments sent to Humana regarding its Computer Assisted Surgical Navigation (CASN) reimbursement plan.
  • Committee members reviewed and contributed to three Bulletin articles.
  • The Imaging committee reviewed more than 100 diagnostic imaging related courses for the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO.
  • Election of Rakesh Chandra, MD, to the IAC CT board of directors and of Setzen, MD, Chair, as Academy representative to American Imaging Management, Inc.

Implantable Hearing Devices Committee

Craig A. Buchman, MD, Chair

  • The IHD Committee had a busy year addressing many items related to its charge of studying the indications for and the outcomes related to the use of implantable hearing devices, maintaining current information on available FDA approved devices and devices in the investigational stages of development, and performing reviews of medical policies on implantable hearing devices issued by individual health insurance companies.
  • AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando, Florida.
    • Presented an Instruction Course on Cochlear Implantation: “Emphasis on Hearing Preservation”
  • Reviewed and updated the following webpages:
    • Health Information – Cochlear Implants webpage
    • Cochlear Implants and Meningitis Fact Sheet webpage
  • Reviewed the Red Flags – Warnings of Ear Disease – Position Statement.
  • Reviewed and provided feedback on both the UnitedHealthcare and Wellpoint polices on coverage of Hybrid Cochlear Implants.
  • Convened a subgroup to discuss action regarding vaccinations in cochlear implant recipients.
  • In the process of preparing a minimum reporting standard for adult cochlear implantation.
  • Collaborated on a letter to CMS regarding the DME policy changes on bone-anchored hearing aids.

Infectious Disease Committee

Farrel J. Buchinsky, MBChB, Chair

  • The ID Committee reviewed and approved signing on to the following Letters of Support (LOS) for relevant legislation:
    • Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) LOS of the Antibiotic Development to Advance Patient Treatment (ADAPT) Act.
    • ADAPT Act 21st Century Cures: IDSA LOS submitted to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
    • IDSA’s LOS for the CDC Detect and Protect Against Antibiotic Resistance Initiative that was included in the FY15 President’s Budget Request.
  • Drs. Ibekwe, Segun-Busari, Buchinsky, and Valdez wrote an article on infectious diseases encountered in West Africa in the December 2013 Bulletin.

Media and Public Relations Committee

Wendy B. Stern, Chair

  • The Committee hosted a Miniseminar, “Take the Media Plunge: Become an Expert, Enhance Your Practice, Engage Your Patients,” during the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM. The Miniseminar revealed media opportunities available to physicians, and how to best interact with media. Speakers included renowned television and print journalists.
  • The Committee became involved in the dissemination of Clinical Practice Guidelines, with representation at the December 2013 and July 2014 Guideline Task Force meetings. One recommendation for improving guideline dissemination to members was implemented with the AOE Guideline in February—a special membership-wide email upon the guideline’s release. The response was extremely positive.
  • The committee worked on public outreach activities and health observances including Better Hearing and Speech Month (May); Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (April); World Voice Day (April); and Kids ENT Health Month (February).

Medical Devices and Drugs Committee

Anand Devaiah, MD, FACS, Chair

  • The committee reviewed and provided thorough comments for UnitedHealthcare’s Reimbursement Policy on the recently FDA approved medical device: Cochlear Nucleus L24 Hybrid Implant.
  • The committee reviewed Wellpoint’s Reimbursement Policy on the recently FDA approved medical device: Cochlear Nucleus L24 Hybrid Implant.
  • The committee has published a feature every month in the Bulletin beginning in March:
    • March Bulletin, “Device Development: 1% Inspiration, 99% Perspiration and Regulation”
    • April Bulletin: “Medical Devices and Drugs Update on Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea”
    • May Bulletin: “The Cochlear Implant: Past, Present, and Future of a Game-Changing Device”
    • June Bulletin: “The Coming of Age of Cell-based Therapies.”
  • Finally, the committee has collaborated with Anjum Khan, MD, of the FDA to draft a Bulletin/Journal article covering the otolaryngologist’s role in the safe use of medical devices.
  • Miniseminars submitted and/or co-sponsored by the committee for the 2014 AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTOEXPOSM include: “The Business of Rhinology; Technology with a Twist: Tools and Techniques to Advance Patient Care and Inspire Innovation” (Anand K. Devaiah, MD); “Sialendoscopy: The Beginner’s Guide to Success” (Gordon J. Siegel, MD).

Medical Informatics Committee

Subinoy Das, MD, Chair
Jayde M. Steckowych, MD, Incoming Chair

  • The Medical Informatics committee convened from 2:15 pm-3:15 pm on September 20.
  • Dr. Jayde Steckowych took over as Chair.
  • Discussions centered around how best to develop an ENT template for electronic medical records (EMR) systems implementation. A standardized template would make integration with large hospital electronic health record (EHR) systems easier.
  • Small practices would also benefit from having access to a standardized ENT template since this should help minimize the necessity for vendor implementation customization.

Microvascular Committee

Douglas B. Chepeha, MD, Chair
Donald T. Weed, MD, Incoming Chair

  • Douglas B. Chepeha, MD, is stepping down as chair after six years and Donald T. Weed, MD, has taken the role as chair of the committee.
  • Dr. Chepeha would like to thank the members of the committee. There has been broad participation in research and Miniseminar efforts by members on and adjunct members of the committee.
  • Committee members presented a Miniseminar at the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting: “Salvage Laryngectomy, Decision Making to Optimize the Result: Neck Dissection? Salivary Bypass? Flap Assisted Closure?” The seminar was well attended and there were many questions from the floor.
  • The multiyear, multi-center review of reconstructive techniques, complications, and outcomes of hypopharyngeal reconstruction after laryngectomy and laryngopharyngectomy following concurrent chemoradiation was presented to the committee. From almost 500 patients the study found that use of vascularized tissue reduced the rate of fistula requiring secondary reconstruction in the operating room. In addition, there was an association with poorer speech and swallowing outcomes when vascularized tissue reconstruction was used, particularly if the tissue included muscle.
  • Plans were made to circulate the paper to the committee members and submit it for publication in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
  • Committee members plan to submit two Miniseminar proposals for the AAO-HNSF 2015 Annual Meeting. The first on reconstructive options for large skin defects after resection of skin cancer of the scalp, forehead, and lateral face. The second on reconstructive decision making and options after robotic surgery.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee

David W. Roberson, MD, Co-Chair
Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, Co-Chair

  • Members of the PSQI Committee presented the following Miniseminars at the 2014 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM:
    • “Patient Satisfaction Charm School: Understanding and Improving Scores in Otolaryngology”
    • “Pediatric Tonsillectomy after the Black Box: Strategies for Keeping our Patients Safe and Comfortable”
  • Members of the PSQI Committee contributed five articles and/or journal publications this past year.
  • Completed the Adverse Event Reporting Tool (www.entnet.org/patientsafety), which allows members to confidentially report on near misses, adverse events, and medical errors in real-time. The Committee is currently working to promote the tool and once there is a larger sample of data, the Committee will use these data to develop patient safety improvement interventions.
  • PSQI provided oversight to the development of a second submission for the specialty to the Choosing Wisely® campaign.
  • A study on Obstructive Sleep Apnea is ongoing. A survey was completed last year and analysis and manuscript development is underway.
  • The Committee continues to represent our specialty at the following forums. Below are highlights from some of PSQI’s engagement in these organizations:
    • National Quality Forum: Reviewed the proposed modifications to the NQF Measure Evaluation Guidance for Evidence and Measure Testing with Academy NQF physician representatives; Reviewed and voted on performance measures, rosters, and other applicable reports.
    • American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Alliance: Reviewed and provided feedback on the Surgical risk calculator measure, which may be incorporated into PQRS performance measures; Reviewed and provided comments on SQA’s consensus document on the public reporting of physician data; participated in SQA’s Face Validity Survey for NQF Perioperative Measure Maintenance.
    • American Medical Association’s Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement: Reviewed and voted on hepatitis C, geriatrics, and updated preventive care and screening performance measure sets; voted on proposed PCPI bylaws revisions; and reviewed and voted on the draft Anesthesiology and Critical Care Measurement set during the public comment period.
    • Ambulatory Quality Alliance: Staff and physician representatives presented AAO-HNS quality initiatives to the AQA Measures and Improvement Workgroup.

Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee

David E. Tunkel, MD, Chair

  • After extensive review, made recommendations for the revision of the AAO-HNS pediatric otolaryngology position statement (updated March 2014).
  • Reviewed key questions posed by AHRQ in its analysis of ankyloglossia.
  • Reviewed proposed performance measures for AMA, PCPI, and NCQA Asthma Workgroup.
  • Provided analysis of Wellpoint Adenoidectomy clinical indicators.
  • Submitted content for various AAO-HNS publications, including: Kids ENT Month (Bulletin), website, and patient information sheets.
  • Recommended creation of pediatric sinusitis consensus statement, which is now nearing completion. Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee member, Maria Pena, MD, worked extensively on this project.
  • Collaborated with the AAO-HNS’ RUC and 3P Committees to provide information on laryngoplasty codes in children.
  • Committee Chair David Tunkel, MD, represented the AAO-HNS at two pediatric otolaryngology pan leadership meetings.

Physician Resources Committee

David W. Kennedy, MD, Chair

  • The subgroup on otolaryngology work force numbers completed a white paper comparing and contrasting sources of workforce data. The following sources of data were researched and analyzed: AAO-HNS membership numbers, ABOto membership numbers, and external organizations reporting otolaryngology numbers including the Health and Human Services Area Resource File, AMA Master File, and American College of Surgeons Health Policy Research Institute files. While the subgroup was able to markedly narrow the breadth of estimates of otolaryngology workforce numbers, it was not possible, based upon available data, to evaluate clinical FTE’s or the number of part time or semi-retired physicians. This is an important area requiring additional study.
  • Committee members reviewed and provided comments to Dr. Lawrence Williams of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, who submitted a request to survey Academy membership on the surgical work environment and correlating occupational burnout among practicing otolaryngologists. A final survey has not yet been provided.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee

Donna J. Millay, MD, Chair

During the past year, several Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee members provided comments on a request from Wellpoint to review its Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Other Osteoinductive Bone Grafts Substitutes Policy. Additionally, just as the committee did in 2013, a Miniseminar entitled Coding and Precertification Strategies for Nasal Surgery was prepared and submitted for presentation at the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTOEXPOSM. Although the Miniseminar didn’t make it into the final program in 2014, the committee plans to re-work and present again for the 2015 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO.

Rhinology & Paranasal Sinus Committee

Scott P. Stringer, MD, Chair
Joseph Han, MD, Incoming Chair

  • The committee oversaw the External Peer Reviews of the Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Adult Sinusitis and the Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis.
  • The committee completed a review of the Nasal Septal Fracture Clinical Indicator, Endoscopic Debridement Clinical Indicator, and five additional references for the Sinus Ostial Dilation, Any Method Position Statement as requested by 3P.
  • The committee submitted a Clinical Practice Guideline Topic: The Surgical Management of Rhinosinusitis (Single Specialty).
  • Committee member Jivianne Lee, MD, served as panel representative from RPS for the Clinical Consensus Statement on Chronic and Recurrent Pediatric Sinusitis.
  • The committee chair, Scott Stringer, MD, interviewed with several media outlets on behalf of the Academy regarding rhinological disorders and other medical ailments treated by the otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons. Dr. Stringer contributed to the following: Fitness Magazine (September 2013); Consumer Reports (October 2013); NBC News iVillage (November 2013); Reader’s Digest (March 2014); and the Associated Press (April 2014).

Skull Base Committee

Gregory J. Artz, MD, Chair

  • This year the committee supported the Miniseminar “Contemporary Update on Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Technique, Outcomes, and Quality of Life” as well as the presentation “Cerebrospinal Fluid Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management for the Practicing Otolaryngologist.”
  • The committee has also worked with Roberto Cueva, MD, in developing reporting standards of results in Vestibular Schwannoma management.

Sleep Disorders Committee

Kathleen Yaremchuk, MD, Chair

  • The committee reviewed quality measures crafted by AASM on obstructive sleep apnea.
  • The committee reviewed two position statements: one on Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and one on Tonsillectomy and OSAS, and provided necessary revisions.
  • Committee members drafted two new position statements: one on tongue based procedures and one on use of oral appliances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
  • As part of CPT/RUC efforts, the committee reviewed the current practice expense inputs for CPT 41530 and made recommendations on necessary revisions to reflect current best practices in providing this procedure.
  • Committee members responded to an inquiry from Congressman Inhofe’s office related to the treatment of sleep disorders.
  • The committee reviewed Wellpoint’s coverage policy on obstructive sleep apnea and provided recommended revisions.
  • Miniseminars submitted and/or co-sponsored by the committee for the 2014 AAO-HNS Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO include:
    • “Ask the Experts: Sleep Surgery Potpourri; Controversies in Management of the Nasal Airway and Sleep Disorders;”
    • “Procedure Selection with Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy;”
    • “Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: Evidence-based Approach to Evaluation and Management;” and
    • “Palate Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: How to Choose among the Options.”

Trauma Committee

Joseph A. Brennan, MD, Chair

  • Multiple members of the Trauma Committee have contributed chapters to the textbook entitled: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Combat Casualty Care in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Publication of the textbook is anticipated in late 2014 or early 2015 by the Borden Institute. This comprehensive head and neck trauma textbook will have 48 chapters outlining the lessons learned in wartime. Dr. Joseph Brennan (Trauma Committee Chair) and Dr. Richard Holt (Trauma Committee Senior Member/Advisor) are two of the editors of the textbook.
  • The Second Annual Head and Neck Trauma Symposium sponsored by the Society of Military Otolaryngology took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Shades of Green Resort in Orlando, Florida. This symposium attracted both civilian and military participants. The title for this year’s symposium was “Preparing for a Mass Casualty Event: the Otolaryngologist Perspective.” The perspective was past, present, and future – Dr. Waleed (Boston University) is speaking on the Marathon event, Dr. Pou (Louisiana) will discuss Katrina, and Dr. Tatum (Syracuse) on post trauma reconstruction.
  • Multiple Trauma Committee members taught head and neck trauma Instructional Courses at the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando.
  • In addition to the submission of Minisiminars and instructional courses, the Trauma Committee is evaluating the possibility of hosting a Trauma Workshop the Saturday leading up to the 2015 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM.

Voice Committee

Clark A. Rosen, MD, Chair
Michael M. Johns III, MD, Co-Chair

Two position statements were worked on this past year. They included:

  • Performance and Interpretation of Laryngeal Videostroboscopy – Updated
  • In-Office Photoangiolytic Laser Treatment of Laryngeal Pathology – New
  • Miniseminars—The Committee supported the presentation of these offerings at this year’s Annual Meeting:
    • “All That’s Red Isn’t Reflux: Getting Smarter about Laryngeal Reflux” by Lee Akst, Jonathan Bock, Thomas Carroll, Catherine Lintzenich, and Lucian Sulica
    • “Contemporary Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis” by Sunil Verma, Paul Bryson,  Clark Rosen, I-fan Theodore Mau, and Gaelyn Garrett
    • “Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility on Nomenclature and Vocal Fold Disorders;” HCPCs Codes (Hick’s pick) Durable Bio-device and outpatient payment
    • “Clinical Dilemmas: The Radiated Larynx” by Andrew McWhorter, Michael M. Johns, Jan Pryor, and Clint Allen
    • Others including topics on Cough, Injection Laryngoplasty, and l Fold Leukoplakia

Foundation Committees

Development Committee

Nikhil Bhatt, MD

  • Launched the David R. Nielsen, MD Endowment. Will continue active promotion of the Endowment through December 2014.
  • Provided three young leadership grants for attending the 2013 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM and the 2014 Leadership Forum.
  • Reviewed and finalized revisions to AAO-HNSF Gift Policies for the upcoming release of the revised Member Handbook.
  • Developed a Miniseminar, “Protect your Practice, Protect Yourself, and Protect Your Family,” which was presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM
  • Continued to grow the Hal Foster, MD Endowment.
  • Welcomed Lee Eisenberg, MD, MPH, as Chair-elect of the Development Committee.

Humanitarian Efforts Committee

Merry E. Sebelik, MD, Chair
Susan R. Cordes, MD, Vice-Chair

  • The committee decided to replace current workgroups and create three new ones titled:
    • Humanitarian Travel Grant Reviewers Workgroup
    • Scholarly Output Workgroup
    • Humanitarian Portal Reviewers Workgroup
  • This year, the AAO-HNSF recognized several humanitarians for their tireless work to several under-served populations, both domestically and overseas, including:
    • J. Thomas Roland, Jr., MD, was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service for his tireless humanitarian work.
    • Raul M. Cruz, MD, was awarded the 2014 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award.
  • The Humanitarian Photography Position Statement was approved by the BOD.
  • Reached out to former Humanitarian Travel Grant recipients asking for donations to help fund future Travel Grants.
  • Awarded 28 residents and fellows-in-training with Humanitarian Travel Grants in 2014 to offer services in 18 less-developed countries.
  • Submitted three Miniseminars, one of which was accepted: “Avoiding the Deadly Sins of Humanitarian Missions: How to Do Good Better.”

History & Archives Committee

Lawrence R. Lustig, MD, Chair

The Otolaryngology Historical Society (OHS) again conducted its popular annual meeting and reception with four presenters whose topics will be published in the Bulletin. Volunteers from the committee staffed the OHS booth in the Central lobby in Orlando. Dr. Robert Jackler organized a fascinating Miniseminar on the “Practice of Otolaryngology circa 1900,” with speakers Eugene N. Myers, MD; J. Regan Thomas, MD; Robert Ruben, MD; Lanny Close, MD; and Steven Zeitels, MD. The Bulletin now carries a monthly historical article with an OHS information box. Committee chair Dr. Larry Lustig is part of the task force reviewing the historical collection now housed at the History Factory, Chantilly, VA. For the 2015 meeting in Dallas, the committee will submit Miniseminars on the history of women in otolaryngology and “Illuminating the Darkness”—a history of endoscopy, laryngoscopy, and the evolution of visualization.

International Otolaryngology Committee

Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD, Chair

In Orlando, the committee welcomed five international travel grantees: Judith Kempfle, MD, Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary (Germany); Zhaohui Shi, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh (China), Changeun Song, MD, Stanford University (South Korea), and Mohamed Toumoum, MD, University of North Carolina (Egypt). The committee now has members from six major geographic areas—Africa, Asia-Pacific Rim, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East—as well as the United States. The committee is actively involved in international member recruitment and engagement, as well as publicizing the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM abroad—this year, 46 percent of the physician attendees in Orlando were international.

International Steering Committee

James E. Saunders, MD, Chair

Dr. James Saunders, International Coordinator, appointed several new Regional Advisors: for the Middle East, Drs. Ahmed Soliman and Soha Ghossaini; for Africa, Drs. James Netterville and Susan Cordes; for Asia-Pacific, Dr. Elizabeth Toh joins Dr. KJ Lee. In the past year, joint meetings have been organized in the Caribbean, Colombia (the Panamerican Congress), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Venezuela. In 2015, joint meetings are planned for the Czech Republic (Combined European Congress), the Caribbean (Bahamas), Korea, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan (the Asia-Oceania Congress), and Turkey. At the Orlando meeting, Drs. Gregory Randolph and Bernard Fraysse held a Francophone Satellite Meeting to prepare for the IFOS World Congress in Paris, 2017. Drs. Soliman and Ghossaini hosted a combined meeting of the Academy and Middle Eastern Societies, including Saudi Arabia which was a 2015 guest country. Regional Caucuses included Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America (Cumbre de Lideres), and International Women. At the International Assembly, Dr. Eugene Myers facilitated a conversation with Dr. Eben Rosenthal, Scientific Program Coordinator and International Visiting Scholars received their certificates: Ahmed Baghat, MSc, EBE-ORL (Egypt); Ariane Borroto Gonzalez, MD, Cuba; Amit Goyal, MS, DNB (India); Asnake Bitew Kassa, MD, (Ethiopia); Ta Ju Liu, MD (Paraguay); César Mosquera, MD (Colombia); Kshitij Shah, MS, MBBS (India); Arpit Sharma, MBBS, MS ENT (India). At the International Reception, President Dr. Richard Waguespack toasted the 2014 guest countries: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, while incoming President, Dr. Gayle Woodson, announced the 2015 countries as the Czech Republic, Panama, Taiwan, and Tanzania (Slovakia has since been added.)

Outcomes, Research and EBM Subcommittee

Scott E. Brietzke, MD, MPH, Chair
Jennifer J. Shin, MD, SM, Incoming Chair

  • Selected as one of the 2014 AAO-HNS Model Committees.
  • Published two systematic reviews:
    • Macrolide therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis: a meta-analysis
    • Use of specific neuromodulators in the treatment of chronic, idiopathic cough: a systematic review.
  • Reviewed and updated two policy statements:
    • Evidence Based Medicine
    • Use of Animals in Research
  • Wrapped up the Parent Response to Ear Disease in Children with and without Tubes (PREDICT) QOL Study by submitting manuscripts for publication in October 2013.
  • Developed a resource of administrative and national survey databases for use by otolaryngologists, which is posted on the AAO-HNS website at www.entnet.org/content/research-databases.
  • Reviewed and provided comments on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) draft quality metrics for sleep disorders.
  • Work continues on a Database Compare project that will look at the variability between large datasets and would ultimately result in a journal publication.
  • Drs. Brietzke and Shin fulfilled their 2013 G-I-N Scholar requirements by publishing commentaries in the journal on guidelines and served as chair and assistant chair for the Clinical Consensus Statement: Pediatric Sinusitis which is published in the October issue of the journal and was presented at the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM.
  • Work in progress on a small registry project with data templates related to guidelines developed by Dr. Shin and Dr. Lusk. These templates are under review by the clinical content committees and OREBM.

Panamerican Committee

Juan Manuel Garcia Gomez, MD, Chair

Dr. Pablo Stolovitzky, Regional Advisor for Latin America, organized another successful Latin American webcast, which reaches audiences who cannot attend the Annual Meeting. Committee chair Dr. Juan Manuel Garcia Gomez is the president of the Panamerican Congress of ORL-HNS in Cartagena, Colombia, October 26-29. The program included numerous Academy speakers and a joint meeting of the Academy and the Colombian Society was conducted in conjunction with the Congress. The Panamerican and International Steering Committees together with the Guidelines Task Force are looking into translating Guidelines Executive Summaries into Spanish and other languages to post on the website. The resident exchange program launched by Committee chair Dr. Juan Manuel Garcia Gomez, with Drs. Pablo Stolovitzky, Gregory Randolph, and Mark Zafereo, has already hosted eight U.S. and Latin American residents in U.S. programs and programs in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. The committee welcomed the 2014 Antonio de la Cruz Visiting Scholar Dr. Ta Ju Liu of Paraguay, and the Nancy L. Snyderman Visiting Scholar Dr. Ariane Borroto of Havana, Cuba. The Bolivian Society of ORL recently became an International Corresponding Society, bringing the total to 56, of which 14 are Latin American.

Education Committees

Education Steering Committee

Sonya M. Malekzadeh, MD, Chair, Coordinator for Education

The Education Steering Committee provided leadership on several initiatives in 2014, including completion of the Otolaryngology Lifelong Learning Manual, Third Edition. The manual will be released in early 2015. All eight education committees contributed to the release of the first update for the AcademyQ® Knowledge Assessment app. The update includes 400 new questions and it is now available for both iTunes and Android markets. In addition, the education committees reviewed 37 expiring courses, published 28 Online Lectures and 10 clinical fundamentals courses, and submitted 120 questions to use for the Academic Bowl and the Question Bank. The committee also provided leadership to the Education Needs Assessment Initiative and in determining critical next steps in the evolution of AcademyU® including the implementation of an Education Gap Analysis. Richard V. Smith, MD, has been announced as the next Coordinator of Education and he will take over for Sonya Malekzadeh on October 1, 2015.

Core Otolaryngology and Practice Management Education Committee

Brendan C. Stack, MD, FACE, Chair

The committee continues to provide policy and content oversight to the Coding and Reimbursement workshops conducted regionally each year. The Coding and Reimbursement workshops included a new course offering for ICD-10 Training for ENT. Its members serve as experts in ever changing coding and practice management issues. In addition, the committee produced a Home Study Course on “Clinical Competency Issues.” Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Education Committee

J. Randall Jordan, MD, Chair

The committee produced a Home Study Course titled “Plastic and Reconstructive Problems” and released two PMP issues titled “Adult with Cutaneous Nasal Malignancy” and “Adult with Lesion of External Ear.” The committee also developed a popular Review Course for the Annual Meeting in Orlando. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

General Otolaryngology Education Committee

Karen T. Pitman, MD, Chair

The committee provided leadership to the fourth successful ENT for the PA-C conference conducted in conjunction with SPAO in Pittsburgh. The committee produced a Home Study Course on “Trauma and Critical Care,” and is currently working on an update to the Geriatrics eBook available on AcademyU. Also, the committee conducted its popular review course for the second year at the Annual Meeting in Orlando. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Head and Neck Surgery Education Committee

Richard V. Smith, MD, Chair

The committee is currently developing a Home Study Course on “Neoplastic and Inflammatory Diseases of the Head and Neck” for release in February 2015. The committee released a PMP course on “Adult with a Neck Mass” in October 2013. In addition, the committee assisted in publishing the Reference Guide to TNM Staging of Head and Neck Cancer and Neck Dissection Classification eBook available on AcademyU. The committee also developed a popular Review Course for the Annual Meeting in Orlando. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Laryngology and Bronchoesophagology Education Committee

Catherine R. Lintzenich, MD, Chair

A Home Study Course on “Laryngology, Voice Disorders, and Bronchoesophagology” is in production for November 2014 release. The committee also created a PMP titled “Neonate with Stridor” that was released in May 2014. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Otology and Neurotology Education Committee

Bradley W. Kesser, MD, Chair

The committee is producing a Home Study Course on “Otology and Neurotology” for release in April 2015. The committee produced a PMP issue titled “Adult with Single-Sided Hearing Loss” in September 2014. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Pediatric Otolaryngology Education Committee

Kenny H. Chan, MD, Chair

The committee worked in conjunction with ASPO to produce 10 additional webinars for the Pediatric Otolaryngology Continuing Education Webinar Series. Each of the webinars focused on a pertinent pediatric otolaryngologic topic relevant to the practicing otolaryngologist. The committee is producing a Home Study Course on “Congenital and Pediatric Problems” to be released in September 2015. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Rhinology and Allergy Education Committee

Brent A. Senior, MD, Chair

The committee published a Home Study Course on “Rhinology and Allergic Disorders” in September 2014. The PMP “Adult with Recurrent Rhinorrhea” was released in November 2013 and a second titled “Adult with Epiphora” was released in April 2014. The committee also developed a very popular Review Course for the Annual Meeting in Orlando. Committee members contributed to the Education Gap Analysis.

Board of Governors (BOG) Committees

Peter J. Abramson, MD, Chair
Wendy B. Stern, MD, Incoming Chair

Representatives from Board of Governors societies from across the country were well-represented during the March 2014 AAO-HNS/F Leadership Forum and during the September 2014 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO.

BOG Executive Committee
Peter J. Abramson, Chair

For the past year, the group focused on the following:

  • Developing a formal method of prioritizing and responding to issues raised through the BOG Socioeconomic & Grassroots (SEGR) Representatives and regional reps.
  • Engaging specialty societies and working closer with the Specialty Society Advisory Council (SSAC) and our newly designated specialty society liaison.
  • Societies Connected — this newly developed task force under the BOG Rules & Regulations (R&R) Committee focused on the importance of supporting struggling societies and directing members without a society as well as making sure that current member societies are operationally compliant with the AAO-HNS.
  • Website review of all BOG-related information.
  • Mentoring residents, fellows and young physicians.
  • Working more closely with the SRF, YPS, and WIO Sections, and the Diversity Committee;
  • BOG Legislative Affairs Committee and task forces worked to address the I-GO Program, advocacy network and ENT PAC.
  • Reformatting and expanding the 2014 AAO-HNS/F Leadership Forum (BOG Spring Meeting and advocacy-related events) including content, attendance, diverse representation, and CME.

BOG Legislative Affairs Committee
Paul M. Imber, DO, Chair

  • Members received updates on the Academy’s federal legislative priorities, including status reports on SGR repeal and audiology scope of practice proposals.
  • Since the launch of the In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) program in late 2013, more than 20 local I-GO events have been scheduled for AAO-HNS members, with a dozen more pending.
  • The AAO-HNS State Tracker program has grown to include 84 volunteer state trackers in 43 states. Monthly conference calls took place from December 2013-May 2014 to help identify national trends.
  • ENT PAC, the political action committee of the Academy, achieved 100 percent participation by the AAO-HNS/F boards and the BOG Executive Committee. Additional FY 15 strategic plan goals include: 50 percent BOG member participation and 8 percent participation by the Academy’s general membership.
  • The BOG Legislative Affairs Committee was selected as a 2014 AAO-HNS/F Model Committee.

BOG Rules & Regulations Committee
Joseph E. Hart, MD, Chair

  • The committee made a concerted effort to encourage more nominations for the BOG Practitioner Excellence and Model Society Awards. This included discussing ways to push the message out to state and local society presidents to forward this information to their colleagues.
  • A Task Force of the committee proceeded with proposing a rewrite of the current document as the items need to be addressed come forward.
  • The committee formed a Societies Connected Task Force to work on assessing the health of each state/local society’s health as a grassroots network to the AAO-HNS. The Task Force will strive to support any society with answers to their questions of how to improve meetings and dynamics with the BOG.

BOG Socioeconomic & Grassroots (SEGR) Committee
David R. Edelstein, MD, Chair

  • The committee continued to refine their Regional Representative Plan to enhance communications across the BOG society network and to assist those societies that may need assistance.
  • The committee sponsored several well-received and informative panel discussions during the Leadership Forum and also at the annual meeting.
  • The committee distributed a poll to BOG societies on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

BOG General Assembly

  • BOG committee chairs provided updated activity reports on their respective committee during the past year.
  • The Virginia Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (VSO-HNS) received the BOG Model Society Award. Joseph A. Brennan, MD, received the BOG Practitioner Excellence Award.
  • Peter J. Abramson, MD, BOG Chair, presented Recognition Awards to Denis C. Lafreniere, MD, and Stacey L. Ishman, MD for their service on the BOG Executive Committee.
  • Dr. Abramson presented Chair Awards to: William J. Grist, MD; his wife, Cara R. Abramson; his mother, Phyllis Abramson, RN, PhD; and his father, Norman Abramson, MD.
  • Governors (or their alternates) in attendance elected Dr. Edelstein to the position of BOG Chair-Elect and Spencer C. Payne, MD, to the position of BOG Member-at-Large.

BOG Executive Committee-sponsored Minseminar

Sanjay R. Parikh, MD, BOG Secretary

“Hot Topic 2014: Will Fee for Service Survive?”

Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF)

Kanwar S. Kelley, MD, Chair

The Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training (SRF) functions as an advisory board to the Board of Directors (BOD).

Over the past year, the SRF has been extremely busy with a variety of projects.The following are a few highlights:

  • Revitalization of the Resident Annual Fund, creating an opportunity for Millennium Society donations to go directly to support residents and fellows-in-training, as well as a forum for educational contributions from industry.
  • Record number of resident/fellow attendees at the AAO-HNS/F Leadership Forum meeting in March 2014, many of whom were sponsored by Academy Resident Leadership Grants (RLG).
  • Establishment of a resident panel at the Society of University Otolaryngologists (SUO) meeting, with input from many residents on multiple committees. In addition, multiple scholarships were created for resident attendance at the SUO meeting.
  • Completion of two surveys, with the highest response rate for the Annual Survey in the history of the SRF.
  • We will continue to represent and advocate for the future of our specialty. We look forward to another outstanding year ahead!

SRF General Assembly

At the Annual Meeting, Monday was once again officially recognized as Residents Day with several special events geared towards residents. The Section conducted a well-attended General Assembly meeting. During the session, attendees elected the following new officers:

  • Kanwar S. Kelley, MD, JD, Chair (re-elected)
  • Meghan N. Wilson, MD, Vice Chair
  • Kara Davis, MD, Member-at-Large
  • John M. Carter, MD, Information Officer
  • David S. Cohen, MD, SRF BOG Governor
  • Peter M. Vila, MD, SRF BOG Legislative Representative
  • Claire M. Lawlor, MD, SRF BOG SEGR Representative
  • In addition, Nikhila M. Raol, MD, will remain as Immediate Past Chair

Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section

Mona M. Abaza, MD, Chair
Christine Blanche Franzese, MD, Incoming Chair

The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section seeks to support women otolaryngologists by identifying their needs, fostering their development, and promoting women as leaders in the specialty.

WIO Section Committees

  • Each of the six WIO committees conducted committee meetings to plan and coordinate their activities for the year. The 2013-14 committee leaders were:
    • Awards, Valerie A. Flanary, MD, Chair
    • Communications, Erika A. Woodson, MD, Chair
    • Development/Endowment, Pell Ann Wardrop, MD, Chair
    • Leadership Development and Mentorship, Carol R. Bradford, MD, Chair
    • Program, Lauren S. Zaretsky, MD, Chair; Suman Golla, MD, Chair-Elect
    • Research and Survey, Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD
  • The Section’s Communications Committee connects WIO members via several media outlets including Bulletin articles, quarterly eNewsletters, and an outgoing and active social media presence.
  • The Endowment Committee funded two project proposals benefitting women in otolaryngology.

WIO Luncheon/General Assembly

  • The Program Committee secured Susan Miller, PhD, Washington, DC, keynote speaker to kick off the WIO Luncheon with her thought provoking and practical, with posture, speaking and engaging tips for all interactive presentation, “Presenting Your Best Self.”
  • The Awards Committee collaborated with the Program Committee to create the Section’s most remarkable moment, presenting the Helen F. Krause, MD Trailblazer Award in memory of Linda S. Brodsky, MD. Her daughter, Rebecca Greenberg accepted the award and memories of Dr. Brodsky were also shared by several of her close colleagues. The WIO Luncheon was named to honor Dr. Brodsky’s tireless work on behalf of women in medicine.
  • The WIO Nominating Committee (Drs. Susan Cordes, Chair; Samantha Anne; Peggyann Berguer Nowak) reviewed several applications and nominations for the 2014 elections. Elections were conducted during the WIO General Assembly with the following results: Kathy Yaremchuk, MD, Chair-Elect; Kristina Hart, MD, Information Officer; and Suzanne Doud Galli, MD, Member-at-Large.
  • General Assembly attendees had the opportunity to network with their colleagues and learn more about WIO Section committees and the Academy by participating in roundtable discussions.
  • The Program Committee submitted a jointly sponsored Miniseminar, Protecting Your Practice, Protect Yourself, and Protect Your Family, that was well-received.
  • The WIO Endowment Fund continues to be very successful in its fundraising efforts and plans to once again offer Requests for Proposals that fulfill the Section’s charge to support the career development of women otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons.
  • Section activities are open to all female Academy members who are strongly encouraged to participate and apply for membership to WIO Section Committee’s or by running for an elected office.

Young Physicians Section (YPS)

Ayesha Khalid, MD, Chair
Lawrence M. Simon, MD, Incoming Chair

  • A Governance Task Force was formed to develop and document the governance structure for the newly formed section. The proposed governance structure was presented and approved at the meeting of the YPS during the 2014 Annual Meeting.
  • Serving as Chair of the YPS, Lawrence Simon, MD, is joined by Samantha Anne, MD, and Jeffrey Liu, MD, as Chair-elect and Secretary, respectively, until elections for governing positions take place during the YPS meeting at the 2015 Annual Meeting.
  • Ayesha Khalid, MD, Past-chair of the YPS, is leading the nominating committee which also includes Jeremy Prager, MD and Maura Cosetti, MD, in identifying and nominating candidates for YPS election at the 2015 Annual Meeting.
  • Priorities of the YPS for the upcoming year include: young physician representation on Academy committees; publication of young physician authored articles in the Journal; analysis and presentation of young physician survey results; development of programming for a 2015 Annual Meeting meeting; and increasing YPS ENTConnect community involvement and engagement.

Advisory Committees, Workgroups, & Task Forces

Ad Hoc Payment Model Workgroup

James C. Denneny, III, MD, Chair
Incoming Co-Chairs: Jane T. Dillon, MD, MBA and Robert Lorenz, MD, MBA

  • The Health Policy team, with input from Ad Hoc Model work group members, submitted comments to the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) on policy considerations for the development of innovative payment models for specialty provider services furnished mainly as outpatient care for patients with specific medical conditions. The Academy provided CMMI with several otolaryngology disease processes that have sparked interest among the AAO-HNS physician leaders regarding the possibility of developing an episode of care or bundle.
  • In addition to providing input on this comment letter, members of workgroup provided feedback to the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute (HCI3) regarding their tonsillectomy episode grouper workgroup. HCI3 is in the process of reviewing the workgroup to develop a bundle framework for use by commercial payers.
  • Workgroup members met with industry representatives during the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Orlando regarding potential collaboration on data analysis and interest in collaboration on a registry.
  • In the upcoming year, the workgroup will work to develop a process to solicit information from members about alternative payment models otolaryngologists are participating in, and determine methods to disseminate this information.
  • The workgroup will also collaborate with the Advisory Committee on Quality and Research, and the Performance Measures Task Force, to make recommendations for possible quality metrics that members may consider using in alternative payment models.

Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) Study Section

Christine G. Gourin, MD, Chair, Head & Neck Surgery
David R. Friedland, MD, PhD, Chair, Otology
Rodney J. Schlosser, MD, Chair, General Otolayngology

  • This year the CORE Study Section reviewed 183 applications seeking $3,412,376 in research funding. The 2014 CORE leadership (including the boards and councils of all participating societies) approved a portfolio of 43 grants totaling $820,768 ($223,317 specifically awarded by AAO-HNSF and its sponsors including Alcon, Cook Medical, and Oticon).
  • Presented two Miniseminars and one instruction course at the AAO-HNSF 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in Orlando, FL:
    • Miniseminar: “Grant Writing Pearls and Pitfalls–Maximizing Your Funding”
    • Miniseminar: “Building Research into Your Practice”
    • Instruction Course: “Winning Grants from CORE, NIH, and More”

Instruction Course Advisory Committee

Sukgi S. Choi, MD, Instruction Course Coordinator

The Instruction Course Program features 312 Instruction Courses (371 hours of education). This year’s Instruction Course program includes:

  • Three Review Courses—”Head and Neck Surgery,” “Rhinology and Allergy,” and “General Otolaryngology.” These extended courses, two- and three-hours long, were designed to help members prepare for the MOC Part III cognitive exam.
  • A new Clinical Fundamental track has been added this year. This new track includes instruction courses on the 10 topics required for MOC Part III and will provide our members’ with the means to meet one of the maintenance of certification requirements.
  • An additional hands-on room has been added providing participants with more opportunities to interact with expert faculty while participating in cutting-edge demonstrations.
  • Thirty of the top rated Instruction Course presenters have been invited to submit a ‘State-of-the-Art Review’ paper to the Journal.
  • For the first time, Instruction Courses will take place on Wednesday morning together with the Scientific Program. Three blocks of courses have been scheduled, 8:00 am, 9:15 am, and 10:30 am.

Physician Payment Policy (3P) Work Group

James C. Denneny, III, MD, Co-Chair
Jane T. Dillon, MD, MBA, Co-Chair
Robert Lorenz, MD, MBA, Incoming Co-Chair

  • Advocacy wins: CMS did not implement the OPPS cap policy, UnitedHealthcare no longer requires prior authorization for septoplasty, Cigna now covers 69210 and E&Ms billed together.
  • Ten Academy comment letters were submitted to federal governmental agencies.
  • The workgroup surveyed and presented 20 CPT codes to the AMA RUC, and submitted action plans for 15 codes.
  • 3P reviewed and/or presented on 19 code change proposals; drafted and reviewed 3 AMA CPT® Assistant Articles, as well as four new CPT for ENT articles to assist members with achieving correct coding.
  • Eight Position Statements and four Clinical Indicators reviewed.
  • Three new Payer Template Appeal Letters and Blanket Statements: CPT 69210 and E/M Code Denials; Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation Coverage; MiniCT Coverage. These letters are drafted to aid members in appealing denied claims with Medicare and private payers, and are crafted based on the most common denials reported by members.
  • Two new Medicare Quality Initiative Incentive Program factsheets were created for Value Based Payment Modifier and Physician Compare; three factsheets were updated: EHR Incentive, eRX and Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS).
  • Supported two Miniseminars at the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO: Alternative Payment Models and Academy Advocacy for Future Physician Payment; and ICD-10: Implementation Delayed But Not Eliminated.
  • Forty Bulletin articles were developed by the 3P and Health Policy staff.
  • New Technology Pathway Policies and Procedures were developed.
  • Conducted the 2014 AAO-HNS Socioeconomic Survey and displayed results at the 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO and to Members via the AAO-HNS website.

Program Advisory Committee

Eben L. Rosenthal, MD, Scientific Program Coordinator

  • The Scientific Program features 90 Miniseminars, 338 Oral presentations, and 413 Poster presentations encompassing all areas of the specialty–from basic/translational science to clinical research and practice. In constructing the Scientific Program this year, the Program Advisory Committee has incorporated several new opportunities to engage the audience that will enhance the overall scientific curriculum.
  • A ‘Best of Orals’ 80-minute session has been scheduled for Sunday morning at 10:30 am. This session includes twelve of the highest rated oral submissions representing all the subspecialties topics.
  • Based on positive feedback from last year, all oral presentations will now be delivered in five-minute increments. Three minutes will be allotted for the author to present their research and findings followed by two minutes of audience questions and response.
  • Twenty-five percent of the Miniseminars will use audience response technology allowing the participants to respond directly to the presenters’ questions and instantaneously view the results.
  • A morning breakfast symposia titled “View from the Editors: Peer Review, Publishing, and the Editorial Process” will take place from 7:00 am – 8:00 am on Monday at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
  • In addition to the tried and true Poster Awards recognition program identifying the top three posters, recognition has been expanded this year to include Gold and Silver ribbon commendations based on grading by the Program Advisory Committee.

Specialty Society Advisory Council (SSAC)

Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, Chair

  • SSAC endorsed a document drafted by Drs. Fried and Malekzadeh entitled, “The Otorhinolaryngologist as an Educator: Guiding Principles.” The basic purpose of the document was to reinforce to otolaryngologists the importance of what they do. The document will be made available to members and others in a variety of forums.
  • Clarified means of specialty society involvement with the Academy through representation on committees and the BOG.
  • Began extensive discussions relative to what SSAC societies and the AAO-HNS do well collaboratively vs. independently.
  • Discussed the 2015 CORE grant cycle, with most SSAC societies participating.

Surgical Simulation Task Force

Ellen S. Deutsch, MD, Chair

  • Developed the ENT Connect Surgical Simulation Interest Group, ENTConnect’s first special interest group, allowing all members to hold discussion and share resources on simulation in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
  • Conducted Open Interest Meetings on simulation in otolaryngology at COSM and the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM.
  • Presented oral presentation on Surgical Simulation in Residency Programs at 2014 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM and submitted manuscript to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
  • Invited to present on simulation in otolaryngology at SUO/OPDO in November 2014.
  • Developed nationwide residency simulation project in conjunction with SUO/OPDO.

More from December 2014/January 2015 - Vol. 33 No.12