Carolina Ear Nose & Throat Practice brings Technology closer to its patients. Carolina Ear, Nose & Throat/Head and Neck Surgery Center in Hickory became only the third ENT practice in the state to incorporate an in-office CT scanner to its clinical practice.  Traditionally performed in a hospital setting, office based CT scanners are the newest trend in medicine to control medical costs, improve patient care and convenience.  CT scans are used in Ear, Nose & Throat practices for the evaluation of chronic sinusitis, dizziness, chronic ear disease, and cancers and tumors of the head and neck.
Shani Otterberg, practice administrator for Carolina ENT, feels that this investment will benefit patients significantly.
"Traditionally, patients would see their physician and a CT would be ordered to be performed on a separate day, followed by a second office visit to review the findings of the study and recommend treatment.  With our in-office CT, what used to be a 3 visit process can be done all in one day.  This will decrease the number of clinic visits, speed treatment options, and bring about significant medical cost savings."
The CT scanner was a recent addition in a multi-year investment made by Carolina Ear, Nose & Throat/Head and Neck Surgery Center in an effort to develop a cost effective center of excellence for the care of ear, nose, and throat disorders.  Dr. Dawn Griesen, a physician in the practice, notes patients used to have to travel to Winston-Salem or Charlotte to receive certain tests or treatments.  "Our goal for the region was to bring in the most advanced technology available in our specialty and incorporate those technologies to enhance care and reduce the cost."
Over the past four years, Carolina ENT has developed a comprehensive balance and hearing disorder clinic through Carolina Audiology, a Speech and Swallowing Center with the introduction of in-office transnasal esophagoscopy, pH probe testing, and esophageal motility testing, and an outpatient surgical and allergy center specializing in the treatment of sinus and nasal disorders.  The practice is also involved in several clinical studies developing clinical pathways designed to improve medical care while decreasing health care costs. Our patients have benefited from these clinical programs.  Last year alone, we were able to save our patients over 1 million dollars with the integration of these protocols and services. Mrs. Otterberg points out that today, medical cost and access are more important than ever.  "Our physicians are dedicated to making this region a leader in both medical advances and health care cost containment.  If the Unifour region is going to remain competitive on a global basis, a healthy workforce and an efficient, cost effective delivery of health care will be vital."
Carolina Ear, Nose and Throat/Head and Neck Surgery Center is located in the Harry L. King Medical Building in the Viewmont section of Hickory and has satellite offices in Lenoir and Lincolnton.  Further information can be found on the practice website carolinaearnosethroat.com.