The Otolaryngologist’s Cost in Treating Facial Trauma
- 16 November 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery
- Vol. 146 (3), 366-371
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599811429007
Abstract
Objectives. (1) To define practice patterns and perceptions of junior otolaryngologists treating maxillofacial/neck trauma. (2) To identify manners in which the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) can meet future trauma needs. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. Academic and private otolaryngology practices. Methods. A 26-question survey was designed to identify demographics, practice patterns, perceptions, and areas for improvement in maxillofacial/neck trauma care. It was distributed anonymously to AAO-HNS members completing residency from 2005 to 2009. Analysis included descriptive statistics and χ2 comparisons. Results. Of 1343 otolaryngologists, 444 (33%) responded. A total of 85% of responding physicians treat maxillofacial/neck trauma, and 64% identify trauma as an ideal part of their practice. Sense of duty (54%), institutional requirements (33%), and enjoyment (32%) are the most common reasons for treating trauma. Major deterrents include patient noncompliance (60%) and lifestyle limitations (47%). Five respondents (3.1%) have been involved in a trauma-related lawsuit. While insufficient reimbursement is a major deterrent to treating trauma (52%), only 36% would increase their volume if reimbursement improved. Increased educational opportunities represent the most common request to the AAO-HNS (59%), followed by AAO-HNS focus on improved reimbursement and tort reform (28%). Conclusion. Most junior otolaryngologists treat maxillofacial/neck trauma on a monthly basis. A total of 64% identify trauma as a component of their ideal practice. They report being well to very well trained in all facets of trauma, with the exception of vascular and laryngotracheal injuries; but they desire additional education, such as courses and panels. Universal concerns include inadequate reimbursement, limited pool of treating physicians, and lack of practice guidelines.Keywords
This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Shortage of On‐call Surgical Specialist Coverage: A National Survey of Emergency Department DirectorsAcademic Emergency Medicine, 2010
- Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Workforce in the United States: A Severe Surgeon Shortage Appears ImminentJournal of the American College of Surgeons, 2009
- Understanding the Risk Factors of Trauma Center ClosuresMedical Care, 2009
- Facial Trauma Coverage Among Level-1 Trauma Centers of the United StatesJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2008
- A Financial Analysis of Operative Facial Fracture ManagementPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2008
- Women in otolaryngology: closing the gender gapCurrent Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 2006
- The Integral Role of the Plastic Surgeon at a Level I Trauma CenterPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2003
- Referral patterns for the treatment of facial trauma in teaching hospitals in the United StatesJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2003
- Cranio-maxillofacial trauma: a 10 year review of 9543 cases with 21067 injuriesJournal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 2003
- The Physician Cost of Treating Maxillofacial TraumaPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1993