Why
a Multidisciplinary Sinus Center?
Chronic sinusitis is incredibly common disorder, which has been
reported by as many as 35 million Americans (See "What
is sinusitis?"). Until recently, chronic sinusitis has been
difficult to diagnose, but with the advances in computer imaging
(CT Scans), endoscopic instruments and basic research on mechanisms
of sinusitis, doctors have a new set of tools to diagnose and
treat patients with chronic sinus disorders.
Nevertheless, chronic sinusitis remains a difficult disorder to
treat, in part because treatment may require the coordinated efforts
of several specialists to treat all of the aspects of the disease.
Some patients with chronic sinusitis may need evaluation for underlying
allergies because allergies can predispose patients to chronic
sinus infections or prevent infections from resolving adequately.
Evaluation by an allergist is helpful for this group of patients.
It is also not unusual for patients with chronic sinusitis to
develop asthma, cough or wheezing, or to have exacerbations of
their underlying asthma. Treatment for this pulmonary or lung
disease is integral to patients overall recovery from sinusitis.
Treatment for chronic sinusitis may involve specialty evaluation
by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (an otolaryngologist), an allergist,
or asthma specialist. In addition, patients may need specialized
imaging studies such as a CT scan of the sinuses. CT scans give
detailed images of the sinuses in order to confirm diagnoses or
assess response to therapy. In the traditional office setting,
complete evaluation and treatment of chronic sinusitis may involve
one or more visits to these specialists, considerable medical
expense, and significant "sick time" or time off work.
The goal of the Michigan Sinus Center is to provide a high quality,
efficient, multidisciplinary care for patients with difficult
to treat sinusitis or disorders of the nose and sinuses. By screening
patients prior to their visit, our goal is to coordinate appropriate
appointments with necessary specialists in order to provide more
efficient care for our patients. At the same time we expect that
the multidisciplinary team approach and state-of-the-art diagnostic
and treatment tools will expedite the diagnosis and enhance the
treatment of patients with chronic sinus disorders.
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Who should consider
making an appointment at the Michigan Sinus Center?
At the Michigan Sinus Center we will try to accommodate any patient
wishing to be seen, but not every patient with sinusitis needs
to be evaluated in a multidisciplinary clinic. In fact, the vast
majority of patients with acute sinusitis are appropriately and
effectively treated by their family healthcare provider (internists,
family practitioners, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, or other
healthcare providers).
Staff at the Michigan Sinus Center see their mission as serving
as consultants to referring physicians and to assist in the treatment
of patients with chronic sinus problems that are refractory to
standard or "first line" care. For patients without primary physicians
we serve as primary caregivers for their sinus problem. Common
reasons for referral to our clinic include:
- Chronic
Sinusitis that persists despite broad spectrum antibiotics and
appropriate adjunctive care by primary care physicians (See
"What is sinusitis?").
- Recurring
acute sinus infections which occur three or more times a year.
- Patients
with chronic or recurrent acute infections that have significant
underlying allergies that need evaluation and treatment.
- Patients
with complicated sinus disorders that would like a second opinion
regarding sinus surgery.
- Patients
with more unusual sinus disorders such as fungal sinusitis,
mucoceles mucopyoceles, osteomyelitis or spinal fluid leaks
(See "Other Conditions Affecting
the Nose and Sinuses").
- Patients
with chronic sinus disorders that have been difficult to manage
despite allergy treatment, surgeries or other means.
- Patients
with nasal polyposis (including patients with "Triad Asthma,"
which is aspirin sensitivity, asthma and nasal polyps).
- Patients
with persistent or markedly decreased sense of taste or smell
associated with sinusitis symptoms.
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How do I make an appointment
at the Michigan Sinus Center?
In order to better understand your condition and make appropriate
plans for diagnosis and testing we would prefer to gather some information
about your condition, previous treatment, and previous tests (especially
x-rays or CT scans) prior to your appointment. Please call (734)432-7811 to make an
appointment. One of our staff may call you back to obtain further information and/or schedule testing prior to your appointment.
Keep in mind that some insurance carriers require pre-authorization
to be seen at the University of Michigan Heath System and Michigan
Sinus Center. Obtaining this approval is the responsibility of the
patient. Failure to obtain approval may result in a bill for services
that may be the patient's responsibility. If you have questions
regarding your insurance please contact your provider. If you have
a question whether or not we accept a particular insurance please
call University of Michigan billing office (800)914-8561 ask for Otolaryngology biller.
If you need to make an appointment with another clinic at the University
of Michigan please call the M-Line at (800) 962-3555.
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