Manatee Review

• 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. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free said a balloon sinuplasty is an easy procedure to treat sinus troubles in a minimally invasive way.

"There's so many cutting-edge innovations in the world of sinus surgery. I think minimally-invasive options are such a huge breakthrough in the field," Dr. Pate told Manatee Review. "One procedure that I utilize in my practice is called balloon dilation or balloon sinuplasty. This procedure is unique because it takes the natural anatomy of the sinuses, augments it and opens it up so people can breathe better. It's a pretty easy procedure for most people."

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.

According to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website, Dr. Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, embarked on her academic path by earning a Magna Cum Laude bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. She achieved her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, graduating among the top 5% of her class. Following this, she underwent an otolaryngology internship at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Later, she completed her otolaryngology residency at the same institution, where she not only held the position of chief resident but was also recognized for her work by earning a research award.