Mortality and major morbidity after tonsillectomy: etiologic factors and strategies for prevention.

Objective/hypothesis: To report data on death or permanent disability after tonsillectomy.

Study Design: Electronic mail survey.

Methods: A 32-question survey was disseminated via the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery electronic newsletter.

2012 update on meaningful use of electronic health records: recommendations from the AAO-HNS Medical Informatics Committee.

In 2011, the US federal government implemented an oversight program to encourage the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Otolaryngologists may receive as much as $44,000 under Medicare or $63,750 under Medicaid as part of this law. To receive this full benefit, otolaryngologists must acquire a certified EHR and demonstrate stage 1 meaningful use requirements by the end of 2012.

Meaningful use of electronic health records in otolaryngology: recommendations from the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Medical Informatics Committee.

Under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, passed as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the US Congress implemented new regulations to encourage the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). The federal government will expend up to $27 billion in incentive payments to physicians and hospitals to increase adoption and implement "meaningful use" of EHRs. Otolaryngologists may receive as much as $44,000 under Medicare or $63,750 under Medicaid as part of this law.

Extracts from The Cochrane Library: Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The "Cochrane Corner" is a quarterly section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to highlight implications for clinical decision-making. This installment features a Cochrane Review entitled "Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis," which shows that saline irrigations are well-tolerated and could be included as a treatment adjunct for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.