How Some Major Accountable Care Organizations Work
A look at the functions and structure of the federally funded Medicare Shared Savings Program, and some privately run ACOs
Features
Otolaryngologists Prepare for the Era of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
As the ACO healthcare delivery model evolves and expands, otolaryngologists may play an active role in shaping the future of accountable care
History of the Cochlear Implant
How international discoveries and investigator persistence fueled the development of the groundbreaking device
Poor Taste Perception May be to Blame for Bad Eating Habits
A recent study suggests a correlation between taste sensitivity and childhood obesity
Stem Cell-Based Organ Transplants Emerging as Alternative to Conventional Donations
How regenerative medicine may help patients with failed otolaryngology organs
Departments
Special Reports
New Oral Cavity Cancer Quality Measures Included in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for Otolaryngologists
Quality initiative aims to give physicians feedback on their diagnosis and treatment of patients with oral cavity cancers
Literature Reviews
Literature Review: A Roundup of Important Recent Studies
Transnasal balloon catheter dilation of eustachian tube relieves ear pressure; fat graft myringoplasty highly successful in certain tympanic membrane perforations; molecular testing may improve differentiated thyroid cancer diagnoses; polysomnography widely used in pediatrics, but not up to practice guidelines; length of intubation, number of sedation doses affect subglottic stenosis risk in children; little difference between tetracaine and lidocaine for nasal endoscopy
Other
COSM13: TRIO President Urges Members to Help Shape the Future of the Organization
Triological Society members should seek out ways to keep the society relevant, both today and in the future, said Jesus E. Medina, MD, during his presidential address here on April 12 at the Triological Society’s 116th Annual Meeting. The meeting was held as part of the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
FDA’s Unique Identifier Program Has Benefits, Drawbacks
The proposed rule may assist with safety, but be costly.
Health Policy
The Future of ACOs
Although a shared savings model currently dominates for ACOs, it may not be the best long-term approach
TRIO Best Practices
Is Nasal Surgery Effective Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
While there is no evidence that nasal surgery alone will improve objective measures of OSA, patients experience subjectively better sleep and quality of life following corrective nasal surgery
TRIO Best Practices
Is Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging More Useful in the Evaluation of Pediatric Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Computed tomography (CT) may be a better initial choice, but a dual approach is useful for a patient who may be a candidate for cochlear implant
Calm, Empathetic Reaction by Physicians Best for Handling Angry Patients
How doctors can detect, defuse, and prevent patient anger against themselves and their employees