Nasal endoscopy in office?

[greygooseuria]

Hey all, so I work in an outpatient family med office, and we're currently experiencing a backlog of referrals to ENT providers. I was wondering if anyone knows of how one gets certified to/can have their office buy the equipment to do flexible nasal endoscopies in the office to help with diagnosis of chronic sinusitis problems etc. I've had one done to me and it seemed no more difficult than an NG tube, which I excel at, so I'd like to get trained and start offering this to patients so they don't have a wait as I see A LOT of allergic rhinitis and other ENT patients on a daily basis and it would help so much. Any ideas?

[YoutubeTheNP]

I like your enthusiasm towards advancing your skills and procedures. However, I don't see any advantage of doing it yourself in the office. First, why would you do a scope if you're treating for allergic rhinitis? Even if you get trained in scoping patients, if you find chronic sinus disease you're going to refer to ENT anyway. Then, they will likely do another scope in their office. You're patient won't like getting scoped twice. Plus insurance may not cover a second procedure for the same work up. I don't think your ent doc will appreciate that.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I work in an allergy practice and do nasal endoscopies. I was taught by one of the physicians in the group. I primarily do them to evaluate chronic cough and voice changes. Honestly, I don't see where they have a place in primary care. You would likely be better off getting a sinus CT for patients with chronic sinusitis and having that already done when they see ENT.