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Panel Presentations

Head and Neck Surgery

Debating Cost-Effective Head and Neck Surgery

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Location: 127
Disclosure(s):
Larissa Sweeny, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Mark K. Wax, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Alexandra E. Kejner, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: There is continued concern regarding the fiscal sustainability of health care systems with an increasing need to better understand heath care economics. Efforts to limit health care spending and provide efficient use of health care dollars has become paramount. This panel is designed to allow experts in the field to debate controversial fiscal topics in head and neck surgery. Are there ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of the surgical care? Proposed topics of debate include: does a longer inpatient admission improve outcomes and reduce readmission rates (through more timely identification of complications and improved needs assessment)? Should otolaryngology training be divided into two pathways, one path for those dedicated to a career in academics, and a second pathway dedicated to a career in community practice? Evolution of training in “the sign out” era; How do we maintain responsibility and rapport but comply with regulations and work-life balance? Do wound healing agents improve outcomes or just add cost?

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Upon completion of this activity, the participants should be able to understand controversial topics in head and neck surgery.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Upon completion of this activity, the participants should be able to understand the data in support of certain practice patterns.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Upon completion of this activity, the participants should have an understanding potential options to improve cost effectiveness.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: With increasing scrutiny on health care spending, it is imperative that we continuously review our outcomes to ensure we are providing cost-effective, quality care. Panels such as this are crucial to the pertinent and rapidly evolving conversations regarding our everyday practice patterns.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • LS

    Larissa Sweeny, MD

    Associate Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    University of Miami Health System
    Miami, FL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Mark K. Wax, MD

    Professor Otolaryngology/Maxillofacial Surgery, Program Director
    Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, Oregon, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Joseph M. Curry, MD

    Professor
    Thomas Jefferson University
    Wynnewood, PA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Alexandra E. Kejner, MD

    Associate Professor
    Medical University of South Carolina Rutledge Tower Annex
    CHARLESTON, South Carolina, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.