Introduction to Migraine and Sinus Headache
This pre-work lecture is an introduction to sinus headache as a complaint and migraine headache as a diagnosis. Be sure to attend the live session given by Dr. Mark Mehle on Friday, November 8 at 4:30 PM PST on the Sinus Headache and the Allergy/Migraine Connection, which will expand on this pre-work lecture.
Faculty: Mark Mehle, MD

Joint AAOA-ARS Endotype Panel
The panel will review Endotypes and Phenotypes, pathophysiology, immunology, discussion of institutional infrastructure for endotyping, preference for endotyping or classic phenotypic paradigm, clinical implications from endotyping, impact on medical and surgical management, utility for recalcitrant disease, followed by some case discussion to help elucidate role of endotyping.
Faculty: Peter Filip, MD, FAAOA; Dana Crosby, MD, FAAOA; Kara Detwiller, MD; Kent Lam, MD; and Mona Patadia, MD, FAAOA
Watch The Preview Here

If It Is Not Documented, It Didn’t Happen – Coding Conundrums
Join Teresa Thompson and Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA as they discuss common coding conundrums and best practices to avoid miscoding and reduce the likelihood of an audit. Ms Thompson and Dr. Puchalski review testing codes and when to bill EM, vial prep and the nuances of the CME billable unit and CPT dose, as well as the impact USP General Chapter <797> is having on payer compliance, and incident to and direct supervision. They also share some common payer denials and how to prevent those payment denials, as well as how to view audits as learning and teaching opportunities for better outcomes.
Faculty: Teresa Thompson, Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA

Please find the DRAFT agenda* for the live portion of the meeting in the Friday-Sunday tabs!

* Subject to change, times in PST

10:00 AM  – 10:45 AM Welcome to 2025 Annual Meeting with Exhibitors
We’re excited to kick off this year’s Annual Meeting with a special gathering in the Exhibit Hall. Join us for an exciting start where you can connect with our valued Exhibitors, network with fellow attendees, enjoy California-inspired refreshments, and discover exciting opportunities to win prizes!

10:45 AM – 11:05 AM  Welcome to the 2025 AAOA Annual Meeting
Faculty: Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA

11:05 AM  – 11:20 AM Evidence-Based immunotherapy
This presentation will review the studies demonstrating the dose required for immunotherapy to be superior to placebo. The difficulties in converting that data to current commercially-available U.S. products will be discussed. Ultimately, the primary focus of the course will be how to apply all that information to clinical practice. Specific recommendations will be made on the volume of various antigen extracts that should be delivered with each maintenance injection. Data related to the appropriate frequency of injections as well as the proper duration of maintenance immunotherapy will also be presented. Although the primary focus will be on subcutaneous immunotherapy, the probable effective dose range for sublingual drops will also be discussed.
Faculty: Hunter Hoover, MD, FAAOA

11:20 AM – 11:55 AM Pardon the Interruption
This session promises to be a fast-paced, high-energy discussion for our hot debates panel. Join Michael Platt, MD, MSc and our debating teams as they explore a variety of issues. The audience will up vote which side of the debate is more convincing.
Moderator: Michael Platt, MD, MSc, FAAOA
Panelist: Hunter Hoover, MD, FAAOA; Christopher Brook, MD, FAAOA; Charles Ebert, MD, FAAOA; Kenneth Rodriguez, MD; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA: Keith Sale, MD, FAAOA

11:55 AM – 12:15 PM The Migraine/Allergy Connection and the Sinus Headache Patient
Migraine and allergy are both common diseases. Many patients suffer from both, and the vast majority of patients with “sinus headache” complaints are found to have migraine, making migraine identification important to otolaryngic allergists. This review will confirm that allergy and migraine are comorbid conditions, focusing on epidemiology, shared biochemical pathways, and underlying mechanisms. Therapeutic implications of this relationship have been the subject of several recent studies, making a review of this association timely and prudent.
Faculty: Mark Mehle, MD

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM Non- AAOA Satellite Event
Learn More Here

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Challenging Cases
Our panel of experts will get together to discuss some of our most challenging cases when it comes to immunotherapy.
Moderator: Charles Ebert, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Christopher Brook, MD, FAAOA; Mona Patadia, MD, FAAOA; Tran Locke, MD, FAAOA; Bryan Leatherman, MD, FAAOA

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM In-Office Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis
Faculty: Mas Takashima, MD

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM Bringing Surgery into the Office: Patient Selection, Anesthesia, and Office Flow
Moderator: Arvin Rao, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA; Peter Filip, MD, FAAOA; Scott Fortune, MD, FAAOA

2:45 PM – 3:05 PM Bringing Image Navigation into the Office
As Office based rhinology procedures increase in number and complexity, adding technology such as Image Guidance Systems for endoscopic sinus surgery can become an important tool in the Otolaryngologist’s treatment room. This panel will explore topics surrounding use of image guidance systems in office rhinology; we will cover the topic from the perspectives of academia, private practice, and those who do not currently use image guidance systems in their office.
Moderator: Scott Fortune, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Mas Takashima, MD, FAAOA; Dole Baker, MD, FAAOA, Arvin Rao, MD, FAAOA; Christopher Brook, MD, FAAOA

3:05 PM  – 3:35 PM Exhibitor Meet & Greet: Networking Break with Exhibitors 

3:05 PM  – 3:35 PM Non-AAOA Clinical Skills Workshop
Learn More Here

3:35 PM – 3:55 PM Review of new CPG from AAO-HNS — What You Need to Know and How It will Change (Impact) Your Practice | What Will Shake Your World + Challenging Cases Building Off Guidelines
Updates on management of sinusitis including examples biologics, antibiotics, alternative medications, etc. We review the new AAO-HNS guidelines on chronic sinusitis and discuss how these are best incorporated into your practice, particularly with challenging cases.
Faculty: Peter Filip, MD, FAAOA

3:55 PM – 4:25 PM Shark Tank
Host: Keith Sale, MD, FAAOA
Sharks: Rebecca Kamil, MD, FAAOA; Wesley VanderArk, MD, FAAOA; Christopher Vickery, MD, FAAOA
Pitchers: Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA; Michelle Liu, MD, FAAOA

4:25 PM  – 4:45 PM Antigen Selection: How to Define & Refine Testing and Treating Panel
Moderator: Christopher Brook, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Hunter Hoover, MD, FAAOA; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA; Glen Porter, MD, FAAOA

4:45 PM – 5:05 PM Probing Questions: Build of member challenges
Faculty: Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA

5:05 PM – 5:25 PM Improve Nasal Airflow
With all the different ways to improve nasal airflow, it is difficult to know which is best for a patient. This session will explore all the surgical options and how to choose which one is right for your patient.
Faculty: Mona Patadia, MD, FAAOA; Dole Baker, MD, FAAOA

5:30 PM – 6:45 PM Reception with Exhibitors  – AAOA Californication: Sun, Fun, Sneezing, and Sinuses
Unwind and connect at our lively evening reception, where the West Coast vibe meets networking opportunities. Enjoy refreshments, light bites, lawn and beach games, and casual conversations with exhibitors in a relaxed, California-inspired atmosphere. 

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Non-AAOA Satellite Event
Learn More Here

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Coffee & Connections: Coffee with Exhibitors 

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Research Forum
Moderators: Charles Ebert, MD, FAAOA; Kenneth Rodriguez, MD

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM New Research on Value of Nasal Breathing Review
Nasal breathing is important part of treating allergic rhinitis patients but can be often overlooked in treatment of other Otolaryngologic complaints such as poor sleep and sore throat. This session will discuss the value of nasal breathing in our patient population.
Faculty: Christine DeMason, MD, FAAOA

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Team-Approach to Nasal Breathing Complaints
This session will look at difficult cases and the importance of a team approach in managing these patients.
Moderator: Christine DeMason, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA; Wesley VanderArk, MD, FAAOA; Hunter Hoover, MD, FAAOA; Haidy Marzouk, MD, FAAOA

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM Exhibitor Meet & Greet: Networking Break with Exhibitors 

10:15 AM – 10:35 AM Staffing and Staff Retention
How to build the organization you want to work at. Practical tips on building your team and the importance of organizational leadership. What techniques and skills have you learned over the years to effectively lead an organization? How do you find staff?
Moderator: Cheyenne Brinson
Panelist: Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA; Glen Porter, MD, FAAOA; Alpen Patel, MD, FAAOA

10:35 AM – 11:20 AM One-on-One with Jack Krouse
Insights into large systems and how to navigate the world of practice acquisitions. Learn more in this video
Host: John Krouse, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAOA
Guest: Beth Greenwood, MD – Learn More About Dr. Greenwood 

11:20 AM – 11:50 AM ABCs of Allergy Billing & Coding
Allergy services are a valuable service line and revenue stream for ENT practices. This comprehensive session will break down everything you need to know—from supervision requirements and proper documentation to accurate billing and collecting. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, ensure compliance, and maximize reimbursement for allergy testing, vial preparation, and immunotherapy. Whether you’re new to allergy billing or looking for expert-level guidance, this session will provide the practical tools and strategies needed to streamline your processes and optimize financial performance.
Faculty: Cheyenne Brinson – Learn More About Cheyenne Brinson

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Non-AAOA Satellite Event
Learn More Here

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Master ENT Denials and Get Paid!
Never do a peer-to-peer again! Maybe not never, but learn to significantly reduce the number of prior authorization denials, requests for peer-to-peers, and how to successfully avoid and appeal common denials in otolaryngology practices. Gain valuable insights and strategies for appealing denials with detailed responses and documentation requirements. Enhance your practice’s efficiency and revenue with expert advice and practical tips from industry leaders.
Faculty: Cheyenne Brinson

1:30 PM – 1:50 PM Craziest Denials and Appeal Approach
This is an informative panel that enumerates typical denial situations, why denials happened and strategies on how to avoid typical pitfalls.
Moderator: Cheyenne Brinson
Panelist: Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA; Peter Filip, MD, FAAOA; Arvin Rao, MD, FAAOA; Rebecca Kamil, MD, FAAOA

1:50 PM – 2:10 PM Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
How to use AI in Medicine. Using to document your note, billing denials, powerpoints for lectures (this lecture?), letters for insurance companies. How to mitigate risk and ensure safe and accurate information. What is the liability risk?
Faculty: Keith Sale, MD, FAAOA

2:10 PM – 2:40 PM Practice Acquisitions, Negotiations, VC funding
To include: practice acquisition and what to consider from the seller’s perspective too (in addition to the interview) and/or how to assess practices as potential employee. Learn more in this video
Moderator: John Krouse, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAOA
Panelist: Beth Greenwood, MD; Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA; Alpen Patel, MD, FAAOA; Erik Swanson, MD, FAAOA

2:40 PM – 3:10 PM Exhibitor Meet & Greet: Networking Break with Exhibitors 

3:10 PM – 3:30 PM Change to Headlines: Building off Friday’s Probing Questions
Discuss solutions and share management approach.
Faculty: Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Take Your Allergy Practice to the Next Level
Running a successful allergy practice is no small feat—it takes clinical excellence, strategic leadership, and efficient practice management to deliver top-tier patient care while maintaining a thriving business. This high-energy session will equip physicians with the essential skills to optimize workflows, enhance patient access, and maximize financial performance. Get ready to explore real-world strategies for improving scheduling efficiency, strengthening revenue cycle management, retaining top staff, and navigating compliance challenges with confidence. We’ll also uncover how leveraging technology, data-driven decision-making, and patient engagement can fuel long-term success. Whether you’re new to practice or a seasoned physician looking for fresh strategies, this session will provide practical, game-changing insights to help your ENT practice not just survive—but thrive!
Faculty: Cheyenne Brinson

3:50 PM – 4:20 PM Growing Patient Base, Reputation Management, Improve Searchability
Interactive session with breakout discussions about what people are doing to build their patient bases. From Zocdoc to online reviews to televisits that extend your reach, what are doctors around the country using to build their businesses. Using social media, instagram, etc. How to improve searchability. How people can find you when put you in the GPS. Podcasting. Getting your name out. Brand building. Reputation management. Search engine optimization = responding to reviews.
Moderator: Rebecca Kamil, MD, FAAOA
Co-faculty: Scott Fortune, MD, FAAOA; Steven Houser, MD, FAAOA

4:20 PM – 4:50 PM Global Allergy
In this session we will take a world tour of allergy and explore cultures influence on how allergies are viewed and treated. Furthermore, we will explore how we can learn from different cultural practices that may influence atopy. Lastly, we will see how we can use a balanced approach of cultural humility AND evidence based medicine to give our patients a positive experience.
Moderator: Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA
Michael Platt, MD, MsC, FAAOA, Kenneth Rodriguez, MD; Michelle Liu, MD, MPH, FAAOA

4:50 PM – 5:50 PM TikTok Myths and How to Help Educate Patients
Case-based discussion on how media influences some of the questions our patients ask in terms of nasal airflow and breathing.
Faculty: Christine DeMason, MD, FAAOA
Learn More Here

8:30 PM – Firepit Chat
Optional; No CME; First come, first served
Faculty: Dole Baker, MD, FAAOA; Robert Stachler, MD, FAAOA

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Non-AAOA Satellite Event
Learn More Here

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Coffee & Connections: Coffee with Exhibitors 

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Children and Immunotherapy
Allergy testing and immunotherapy is challenging in children but can be rewarding with some of these tips and tricks to adding it to your practice.
Faculty: Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA

8:15 AM – 8:35 AM Challenging Allergy Treatment with Special Populations
Case-based discussion on what do with some of the most challenging patient populations and allergic rhinitis therapy.
Moderator: Christine DeMason, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Bryan Leatherman, MD, FAAOA; Monica Patadia, MD, FAAOA; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA

8:35 AM – 8:55 AM Unique Mechanical Irritants
Review mechanical irritants and discuss what patients perceive as “allergy”.
Faculty: Scott Hardison, MD, FAAOA

8:55 AM – 9:20 AM Exhibitor Meet & Greet: Networking Break with Exhibitors 

9:20 AM 0 9:40 AM Elderly and Allergies
Case-based discussions on some of the issues related to geriatrics in terms of allergy management including immunotherapy challenges as well as polypharmacy and co-treating for aging rhinitis.
Moderator: Christine DeMason, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Michelle Liu, MD, MPH, FAAOA; Keith Sale, MD, FAAOA; Charles Ebert, MD, FAAOA

9:40 AM – 10:10 AM Allergy Masterclass
In this lecture, we will focus on translation of the clinical practice guidelines into daily practices.
Moderator: Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA
Panelist: Bryan Leatherman, MD, FAAOA; Christopher Vickery, MD, FAAOA; Kenneth Rodriguez, MD, FAAOA; Michelle Liu, MD, FAAOA

10:10 AM – 10:30 AM AAOA Annual Business Meeting  – Voting Members Only