Are Otolaryngologists Seeing More Cough? Longitudinal Trends and Patterns

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) are increasingly involved in managing chronic cough.
• Limited data exists on patient demographics and referral patterns for otolaryngology-led cough management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze patient demographics and referral patterns for cough visits to otolaryngologists.
• To identify trends in otolaryngologist involvement in cough management using a national database.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) from 2005-2019.
• Examination of cough-related visits to surgical specialists (primarily otolaryngologists), medical specialists, and primary care physicians.
• Univariable and multivariable analyses to compare patient demographics and access factors.

Main Results:

• Otolaryngologists accounted for over 84% of surgical specialist visits for cough.
• An increasing trend of 0.52% per year was observed in surgical specialist visits for cough.
• Hispanic patients and those in non-metropolitan areas had reduced access to surgical specialists for cough.
• Patients with referrals and chronic cough were more likely to see surgical specialists.

Conclusions:

• Otolaryngologists are increasingly managing cough, with a growing proportion of specialist visits.
• Identifying disparities in access for Hispanic and rural populations highlights the need for improved care.
• Enhanced education on otolaryngologists' roles and integrated care models are crucial for equitable access to specialized cough treatment.