Geospatial evaluation of access to otolaryngology care in the United States.

Objectives: This county-level epidemiological study evaluated the travel distance to the nearest otolaryngologist for continental US communities and identified socioeconomic differences between low- and high-access regions.

Methods: Geospatial analysis of publicly available 2015-2022 NPI records was combined with US census data to identify geospatial gaps in otolaryngologist distribution. Moran's index geospatial clustering in distance to the nearest county with an otolaryngologist was used as the core metric for differential access determination.

Otolaryngology Care Disparities in American Indian Populations.

Our objectives were to quantify geographical disparities in otolaryngology care access with respect to American Indian (AI) populations and to identify gaps in care. Although increased incidence and mortality rates of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in AI populations are well documented, few studies address factors contributing to these differential outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of US states with AI areas that either met the population threshold for the American Community Survey annual estimate or annual supplemental estimate.

An Integrative Model of ENT Healthcare for the Homeless Population.

Objective: Our aim was to determine the need for otolaryngology care within the homeless population, identify barriers to access that the homeless population may face, and develop a model system which would address these needs with respect to the barriers.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 812 patients seen between 1/25/16-3/21/2020 was performed. Charts were obtained from homeless patients seen at free general clinics held shelters in Chicago, IL (781 charts) and in Champaign, IL (31 charts).

Evaluation of Wait Times for Otolaryngology Appointments in Illinois.

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the wait times that patients may encounter for common clinical diagnoses when seeking otolaryngology care, while determining whether a wait time disparity exists based on geographic location within Illinois.

Methods: In November 2022, a list of Illinois otolaryngologists was obtained from www.entnet.

Incorporating hearing screening to an otolaryngology surgical mission in the rural Dominican Republic.

Introduction: Hearing loss disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. Children with undiagnosed hearing loss may have difficulty with learning, language development, and behavior. The aim of this study was to understand the extent of hearing loss and common otologic disorders among school-age children in the rural western region of the Dominican Republic and to chronical the early stages of a limited-resource, locally-sustained hearing screening program in tandem with a bi-annual surgical mission.