West Florida News

• The majority of Americans receiving health insurance from their employer are subject to an annual deductible.
• If you've already met your deductible, you have the opportunity to save on healthcare costs at the end of the year.
• If you're struggling with sinusitis, a balloon sinuplasty is a quick, in-office procedure that many medical insurance companies cover in some form.

One strategy for cutting costs before the end of the year is to make the most of your health insurance if you've met your deductible. Many sinusitis sufferers have the opportunity to treat their issues at a lower cost during this time, and Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free said a balloon sinuplasty is a quick procedure for those who struggle with sinusitis.

"The recovery is very, very favorable for the patient compared to traditional sinus surgery," Dr. Blair told West Florida News. "Most people will benefit from it to the point where they won't need a second procedure."

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation, is a procedure designed to alleviate blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005, this relatively new procedure is often colloquially known as the "smart sinus" technique. It's minimally invasive and can be completed in an in-office setting.

In its 2014 statement, the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) advocated for the inclusion of balloon sinuplasty as a standard covered procedure by all insurance providers.

Not only does a balloon sinuplasty cost much less than other traditional sinus procedures, but many insurance companies are now offering either partial or complete coverage of the treatment, according to GoodRX.

Dr. Blair earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, according to Gulf Coast Breathe Free's website. Subsequently, he attained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Following this, he pursued further education, completing his internship and residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan, with a specific focus on Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery. He achieved board certification in 2015.