NE Valley Times

• 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. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center said a balloon sinuplasty procedure is a simple option that can cure sinusitis.

"I was the first doctor to do the procedure in the state of Pennsylvania," Dr. Gergits told the NE Valley Times. "Balloon sinuplasty can replace the traditional approach, where we would have to take tissue out, make big openings inside the sinus cavities, remove tissue, and insert lots of packing. With the traditional approach, there is a longer recovery period and more side effects after the procedure compared to balloon sinuplasty. Now that we have balloon sinuplasty, we can approach patients with chronic problems in a much more conservative way."

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. Gergits obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from West Virginia University, followed by a Master of Science in biochemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, according to Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center's website. He then pursued his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.