In-Office Procedures FAQ
Wondering what it means to have a sinus or ENT procedure done right in our office instead of a hospital or surgery center? We've compiled answers to the most common questions patients ask about in-office care at Breathe Better Institute to help you feel informed and confident in your treatment options.
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What Is an In-Office Procedure?
An in-office procedure is a treatment performed right here at Breathe Better Institute, with in-office anesthesia tailored to your comfort and modern, minimally invasive techniques, rather than a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. This approach is designed to reduce the cost, scheduling, and downtime that often come with traditional hospital or ASC-based surgery.
What In-Office Procedures Does Breathe Better Institute Offer?
Dr. Stewart performs Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive treatment for chronic sinus symptoms, right in the office. Our team also provides in-office allergy testing and allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) on site, so patients can be evaluated and treated without being sent elsewhere.
Why Choose an In-Office Procedure Over A Traditional Surgery?
In-office procedures are typically performed without a hospital stay or general anesthesia, which can mean a faster recovery, less overall discomfort, and lower cost than a traditional hospital-based surgery. At Breathe Better Institute, it also means longer, unrushed appointment times and care from our sinus and allergy experts, using advanced, in-office technology.
Am I a Candidate for an In-Office Procedure?
Candidacy depends on the specific procedure and your individual symptoms. Many patients dealing with chronic sinusitis, frequent sinus infections, nasal blockage, snoring or sleep disturbances or allergy symptoms that haven't responded to medication may be good candidates for in-office care. Take our quick Sinus & Allergy Quiz or schedule a consultation with one of our ENT sinus and allergy experts to find out which options are right for you.
Is an In-Office Procedure Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans cover in-office ENT, sinus, and allergy procedures, including Balloon Sinuplasty, allergy testing, and allergy immunotherapy, when they are medically necessary. Coverage varies, and we verify your benefits before treatment. Based on 2026 Medicare national payment rates, in-office balloon sinus dilation costs Medicare less than half as much as traditional sinus surgery performed in a hospital outpatient department. [5] This is Medicare's cost, not our prices. Our team can verify your coverage and walk you through your options during a consultation.
What Should I Expect During an In-Office Procedure?
Most in-office procedures are performed comfortably in our office, with in-office anesthesia tailored to your comfort, rather than general anesthesia. There's no hospital stay involved, and Dr. Stewart and the team walk you through every step, including how long your specific procedure is expected to take, so you know what to expect before, during, and after your visit.
How Long Is Recovery After an In-Office Procedure?
Recovery time varies by procedure. Many patients return to normal activities within one to two days. In the REMODEL trial, the average recovery after balloon sinuplasty was about 1.7 days, compared with about 5 days after traditional sinus surgery. [3]
Do I Need a Referral for an In-Office Procedure?
Typically, no separate referral is required. Some insurance plans do require a referral, so reach out to us if you have any questions prior to booking an appointment. Because Dr. Stewart treats sinus, nasal, and allergy conditions together, you can be evaluated and, if appropriate, treated with an in-office procedure without being sent to an outside specialist first.
How Do I Get Started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers to discuss your symptoms and find out whether an in-office procedure is the right option for you. You can book online or call our office directly.
Still Have Questions? Talk to a Sinus Specialist
If you have more questions about in-office procedures or want to learn how they compare to traditional treatments, we're here to help. Our team is ready to address your concerns and guide you toward lasting relief.
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Don't wait to get the relief you deserve. Find out if an in-office procedure could help you Breathe Better. Live Better. Schedule your consultation today.
Schedule your consultation(Many insurance plans cover these procedures. Referral requirements vary by plan.)
