Rhinology Roundtable: Where Expertise Meets Honesty, and the Conversations Go Beyond the Slides

Rhinology Roundtable - brought to you by the American Rhinologic Society - is where the real conversations happen. This isn't another recap of what you already heard at national meetings or read in journals. Instead, Rhinology Roundtable pulls back the curtain on the unspoken, the under-discussed, and the clinically nuanced topics that shape everyday practice but rarely make it to the podium or the page.

Join candid, unscripted discussions between colleagues as they tackle high-yield clinical dilemmas, gray-zone decision making, and the practical realities of rhinologic care. From controversial management strategies to "what we actually do" in clinic and the OR, this podcast delivers insights you won't find in textbooks.

Whether you're a seasoned rhinologist, a general otolaryngologist, or a trainee looking for real-world perspective, expect thoughtful debate, expert opinion, and actionable takeaways - all in a conversational format that feels like sitting in on a trusted peer discussion.


Episode 1: Sinus and Cents – Billing in Rhinology

Guest Speaker: Dr Seth Brown

Dr. Seth Brown is a renowned rhinologist at the ENT Institute of Connecticut and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, with expertise in rhinology and healthcare billing.

Unlock the secrets to proper medical billing in rhinology and safeguard your practice from costly mistakes. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by coding nuances, this episode will transform your understanding—saving you time, money, and compliance headaches. Most rhinologists underestimate how critical correct billing is. Dr. Seth Brown, a leading ENT specialist and billing expert, exposes common pitfalls—like misusing the 25 modifier, coding complex skull base surgeries, or improperly billing for scope. Whether you're a physician, coder, or administrator, you’ll discover the right way to bill everything from sinus surgery to high-stakes tumor resections.

In this episode, we break down:

  • The misunderstood magic of CPT modifier 25 and 79, including real-world examples on when and how to use them.
  • How to document complex cases like skull base surgeries to ensure fair reimbursement, including strategies for negotiating RVUs with hospitals.
  • The subtle art of differentiating between scope exams, follow-ups, and surveillance procedures to prevent costly rejections.
  • Practical tips for documenting medical decision-making at level 3 and 4, ensuring your coding reflects the true complexity of patient care.
  • Common reasons for claim denials—like unbundling, incorrect codes, or overusing diagnostic procedures—and how to address them proactively.

Why does this matter? Inaccurate coding not only threatens your practice’s revenue but also risks severe audits, penalties, or even legal issues. With the healthcare landscape evolving rapidly—especially with AI —knowing how to code ethically and correctly is more vital than ever. This episode arms you with the insider knowledge to confidently navigate billing, maximize reimbursements, and advocate for your expertise. Perfect for rhinologists aiming to boost revenue without risking compliance, or practice managers seeking pragmatic coding strategies, this episode is your essential guide to smarter billing. Tune in now and turn billing mistakes into revenue opportunities.