Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
As an otolaryngologist, Dr. Kayem treats all disorders that affect the nose, throat, and ears, including:
- Sinusitis (bacterial, allergic, and recurrent)
- Allergies
- Clogged nasal passages
- Deviated septums
- Enlarged or diseased adenoids, tonsils, or uvulas
- Nasal and sinus polyps and tumors
In addition, Dr. Kayem has been studying and providing solutions for snoring and sleep apnea for over 25 years.
Yes, Dr. Kayem treats all ages. Well known for his accessible and warm manner, he is an especially good choice for young patients.
Some procedures are covered by insurance, we are contracted with Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross and TriCare. We are able to accept any PPO insurance as an Out of Network Provider.
Call our office or stop in to find out if what is covered by your insurance plan and total out of pocket costs.
Questions About Sinus Procedures
Yes. To determine a diagnosis he performs a thorough examination of the nasal passages and airway, which could include the use of Nasal Endoscopy, and /or CT Scans when necessary.
Yes. To determine a diagnosis he performs a thorough examination of the nasal passages and airway, which could include the use of Nasal Endoscopy, and /or CT Scans when necessary.
If your sinusitis becomes chronic or recurring, it’s probably time to consider a permanent solution. Dr. Kayem does perform traditional endoscopic surgery but has found that Balloon Sinuplasty is a better option for most people. The minimally invasive procedure is performed in just one 45-minute office visit, and there is no downtime. Most insurance covers the treatment, which has a success rate of over 90%.
Dr. Kayem uses only clinically proven procedures. There are no peer-reviewed articles to support laser treatment for sinus issues.
Questions About Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatments
Remedies suggested by others could work for you, but:
- Dentists address snoring from a dental angle, which cause only a minority of snoring issues.
- Allergists can help with runny noses and sneezing but won’t add anything extra as far as snoring treatment.
- Snoring appliances purchased online only benefit the small amount people whose snoring is caused by their tongue—around 10-15% of all snorers.
An otolaryngologist like Dr. Kayem can perform a thorough physical examination to determine the exact cause of your snoring. As a physician who has specialized in snoring solutions for over 25 years, Dr. Kayem has diagnosed and treated many different causes of snoring.
If snoring is caused by an obstruction of the tongue, Dr. Kayem may recommend you see your dentist to be fitted with an oral appliance. As mentioned above, tongue obstruction alone causes snoring in only a minority of cases.
Since the causes of snoring and sleep apnea are individual to each patient, Dr. Kayem will recommend different procedures based on the anatomical cause and severity of each case. These may include include:
- Radiofrequency (RF) treatments for the soft palate, tongue, and turbinate reduction
- Elevoplasty
- Hyoid suspension
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
- Tracheostomy
Questions About Sleep Apnea
Though you may suspect that you have sleep apnea, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. Dr Kayem takes a four-pronged approach to sleep apnea evaluation:
- A history and evaluation of symptoms
- A physical exam, which may immediately reveal the problem
- A bed partner’s observations
A sleep study, when necessary
Primary care physicians may be able to determine whether you have sleep apnea, but they probably won’t be able to pinpoint the exact root cause. A specialist like Dr. Kayem has detailed knowledge of the anatomical causes and solutions of sleep apnea.
Questions About CPAP Machines
The acronym CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure,” and the machine provides just that: continuous positive airway pressure. APAP stands for “auto-adjustable positive airway pressure,” which means that you can adjust the pressure according to the way you inhale. A BiPAP machine delivers “bi-level positive airway pressure”—different pressure for inhalation and exhalation.
Yes, and no. While CPAP works well for many people, studies show that non-compliance to the treatment is startlingly high: 46 to 83%.
Yes. Dr. Kayem offers Several minimally invasive procedures, including radiofrequency (RF) treatments for the soft palate, tongue and turbinate reduction, and Elevoplasty. These procedures lift, remove, or stiffen excess tissue in order to open up your airway, and are performed in Dr. Kayem’s office, sometimes in as little as ten minutes.
Questions About Sleep Studies
After hearing from a patient’s medical history and having a complete ENT exam, depending on the problem a patient might be a good candidate for a sleep study.
Sleep study: Patient’s sleep is monitored throughout the night to obtain a polysomnogram which measures different aspects of patient’s sleep patterns, sleep interruptions, measures important physiologic parameters including the amount of airflow during breathing and the amount of oxygen in the blood.
In Home Sleep Testing: portable monitoring equipment for use in the comfort of a patient’s own home. Dr. Kayem provides a wearable that tracks important aspects of sleep and can assist in a diagnosis for most patients.
In Lab Sleep Testing: patients are scheduled to stay overnight in comfortable and spacious rooms with convenient locations.
No. Most sleep apnea treatments are covered by insurance, as long as a physician has provided the diagnosis and prescription.
