Indiana Sinus Centers

Brad Bichey MD

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United Healthcare

This post was created for all United Healthcare patient seen at Indiana Sinus Centers. In 2022, across the nation, United Healthcare’s official policy recognizes Balloon Sinuplasty as a covered service. Unfortunately they have been intermittently denying Prior Authorizations that DO MEET their published criteria for coverage.

Here is United Healthcare’s Policy for Coverage and what steps you can take if United Healthcare does not honor the coverage policies contained in your health insurance contract.

2022/2023 United Healthcare Policy on Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinus ostial dilation is proven and medically necessary for the treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis which has all of the following:

  • Lasted longer than 12 weeks
  • Persistence of symptoms despite administration of antibiotic therapy if bacterial infection is suspected
  • Persistence of symptoms despite administration of intranasal corticosteroids
  • Persistence of symptoms despite administration of nasal lavage
  • Confirmation on a computed tomography (CT) scan for each sinus to be dilated
  • Sinonasal symptoms such as pain, pressure, or drainage are present on the same side as CT scan findings of rhinosinusitis
  • The balloon sinus ostial dilation limited to the frontal, maxillary, or sphenoid sinuses
  • The balloon sinus ostial dilation performed as either a stand-alone procedure or part of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Link to Official Policy Statements

National Lawsuits Against United Healthcare are $500 Million

Panel Orders UnitedHealthcare to pay $10.8M for Alleged Underpayments

This lawsuit is one of nine cases throughout the country that TeamHealth has brought against United for alleged underpayments. The other eight cases are still ongoing. 

“United persists in exploiting vulnerable patients and refuses to adequately pay providers, despite having faced sanctions, jury awards, and settlement payments of some half a billion dollars,” said Dr. Jay Mesrobian, TeamHealth National Medical Director and Chief Clinical Officer.

According to the news release, the panel found that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) had paid TeamHealth physicians 30% of what they were owed as “fair payment” for their care.

“This judgment reflects United’s ongoing, extensive wrongdoing that puts their billions of dollars in record profits ahead of patients’ well-being and the U.S. healthcare system. We will continue to fight United until they change course and start fairly compensating providers,” the company said in a news release.

The contentious legal battle between the two companies began with a separate case in which a Las Vegas jury in late 2021 awarded $60 million to TeamHealth. That award included punitive damages on top of millions in compensatory damages for UHC’s underpayments on thousands of claims for treatment.

Link to Article

Patients Have Rights – What you can do if your claim is denied with United Healthcare in Indiana

The physicians and staff at Indiana Sinus Centers believe that if you are sick and you have insurance that covers treatment, your insurance plan should honor the contract you have with them.

If you have United Healthcare and we have attempted to contact them for treatment and they have denied your case, please understand:

  • We are acting on your behalf spending hours on the phone with United Healthcare arguing with reviewers and we are working as your ADVOCATE in your healthcare journey
  • If you call them they will tell you how easy the process is and also tell you that we need to do something that we have already done and then your case will be approved
  • United Healthcare is LYING TO YOU if they say this and ARE NOT ACTING IN YOUR BEST INTEREST OR AS YOUR ADVOCATE contrary to their advertising

If this happens with your submission we would suggest that you do two things immediately as this may help them eventually approve your procedure as a covered service:

  • FIRST – Call the customer service number on the back of your card and complain that they are not following their coverage guidelines for Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation (you need to use this term as your call will be recorded and reviewed by the IDOI)
  • SECOND – File a free complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI). This is a free service where the IDOI will review your case and United Healthcare’s Policy and potentially help your case get approved
    • LINK TO FILE A COMPLAINT (this link will note work on mobile and requires you to login with and email and create a password)
    • Main IDOI website for filing complaints is HERE (Scroll down to File a Consumer Complaint – Online Form)
    • Cut and paste this text into your complaint: “I was seen and evaluated for treatment of chronic sinusitis. I met criteria for coverage of Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation per United Healthcare’s published policy but they are not approving my Prior Authorization or recognizing it as a Covered Service in contradiction to my insurance contract. Please investigate this further. Thank you.”

Please be respectful in all interactions you have with the IDOI and with the Staff and Physicians at Indiana Sinus Centers. We are your only advocates in these unfortunate circumstances.

We look forward to partnering with you in good health and sincerely hope this information helps you both understand this unfortunate situation with United Healthcare and also get the care you need to recapture the quality of life you deserve.

Sincerely

The Healthcare Providers and Staff at Indiana Sinus Centers

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OTC MEDICATIONS

XLEAR

XLEAR is a drug free nasal spray that can be used instead of regular nasal saline. Some patients may find it more effective at controlling drainage and cleaning the nose in the post-procedure time period.

You may be advised to start using Xlear Nasal Spray over the course of treatment with Dr. Bichey at Indiana Sinus Centers.

This product is safe for most patients to use along with or instead of nasal saline. It is also used to dissolve steroid or antibiotic therapies if advised by Dr. Bichey.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE WITH CLINDAMYCIN

If you have been advised to use clindamycin topically in the nose you will be given a prescription for clindamycin 300mg capsules to be picked up at your pharmacy. After you receive your prescription please buy a new bottle of Xlear for use in topical antibiotic therapy.

Instructions:

  1. Unscrew the top of the Xlear bottle
  2. Take two 300mg clindamycin capsules and empty the contents of the capsules into the bottle of Xlear
  3. Do not place the capsules unopened in the Xlear bottle as they will not dissolve into solution
  4. Shake the bottle well after you have placed the powder from two capsules into solution
  5. Directions – the typical directions for use are two sprays each nostril 3 times a day unless advised differently from Dr. Bichey
  6. Duration of Use – this will depend on your condition. Please check with Dr. Bichey about how long you should use this product.

Where to buy Xlear:

Xlear is generally available at most major retailers except Walmart. It is also available on Amazon here:

https://a.co/d/0t5iNix

Please contact Indiana Sinus Centers if you have any questions about use of this product.

Thank you.

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Sinus Forecast Archive

NON-INVASIVE SINUS AND NASAL SURGERY OPTIONS

Indiana Sinus Centers through its partnerships with local hospitals, imaging centers and national training sites is committed to offering the surrounding residents of Indiana the safest, least invasive, and most advanced treatment of chronic sinus conditions. Dr. Bichey is a board certified specialist skilled in the utilization of new techniques such as Balloon Sinuplasty, VivAer, RhinAer, and Non-Invasive Radio Frequency Ablation Technology. Our goal is to bring sinus suffers back to a state of normal health with minimal inconvenience, time off work and recovery.

Start the road to better sinus health and see if you are a candidate for treatment. Dr. Bichey is available for an immediate free consultation by clicking HERE.

Sinus Forecast November 7, 2022

WEATHER   November 7, 2022. Today will be mild with sunny conditions this morning transitioning into a pleasant afternoon. It will be dry across the state. High 60/Low 40. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast October 24, 2022

WEATHER   October 24, 2022. Today will be mild with sunny conditions this morning transitioning to a mostly cloudy afternoon. It will be dry with showers moving in tomorrow. High 76/Low 55. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast October 17, 2022

WEATHER   October 17, 2022. Today will be much cooler, breezy, with periods of sun and a 15% chance of scattered rain or light snow. There is a freeze warning for this evening. High 46/Low 32. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast October 3, 2022

WEATHER   October 3, 2022. Today will be cooler, mostly sunny and pleasant with no chance of rain. High 67/Low 37. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast September 19, 2022

WEATHER   September 19, 2022. Today will be cooler this morning with scattered showers. The rain will clear into the afternoon as temperatures rise into the low 80’s. Dewpoints are high today so expect a muggy day. High 81/Low 62. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast September 12, 2022

WEATHER   September 12, 2022. Today will be cooler with scattered afternoon and evening showers. Chance of rain is 55% as we move into the afternoon. High 64/Low 53. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast September 6, 2022

WEATHER   September 6, 2022. Today will be humid with afternoon showers. Chance of rain is 65%. High 77/Low 62. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast August 29, 2022

WEATHER   August 29, 2022. Today will be in the mid 60’s out the door with clear skies. Dew points will create a muggy day into the evening and then storms will role in across the state. Look for temps to hit the mid 80’s this afternoon. High 85/Low 65. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast August 16, 2022

WEATHER   August 16, 2022. Today will be in the low 60’s out the door with clear skies. Dew points have dropped overnight so today will definitely feel less muggy. Look for plenty of sun as temps rise into the low 80’s this afternoon. High 82/Low 60. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast August 15, 2022

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

WEATHER   August 15, 2022. Today will be in the mid 60’s out the door with a slight chance of rain through mid-morning. Skies will clear in the afternoon with temps rising into the mid 70’s. High 76/Low 63. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast August 9, 2022

WEATHER   August 9, 2022. Today will be in the mid 60’s out the door with temps rising into the mid 70’s this afternoon. There will be plenty of rain through the morning and afternoon with clearing into the evening. High 74/Low 65. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast August 8, 2022

WEATHER   August 8, 2022. Today will be in the low 70’s out the door with temps rising into the high 80’s this afternoon. There will be plenty of sun this morning , clouds rolling in this afternoon, and evening showers. High 89/Low 71. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast August 2, 2022

WEATHER   August 2, 2022. Today will be in the mid 70’s out the door with temps rising into the high 80’s this afternoon. There will be plenty of sun this morning with clouds rolling in this afternoon. High 88/Low 67. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast August 1, 2022

WEATHER   August 1, 2022. Today will be in the mid 70’s out the door with temps rising into the mid 80’s this afternoon. There will be a chance of rain and thunderstorms this morning with afternoon clouds. High 84/Low 68. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast July 26, 2022

WEATHER   July 26, 2022. Today will be in the mid 60’s out the door with temps rising into the mid 70’s this afternoon. The dew-point will be pleasant with a slight chance of rain north of Indianapolis and storms to the south. High 74/Low 65. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

We are the experts for Balloon Sinuplasty in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Ft Wayne. Screen your symptoms and schedule an appointment for sinuplasty HERE.

Sinus Forecast July 25, 2022

WEATHER   July 25, 2022. Today will be in the mid 60’s out the door with temps rising into the high 70’s this afternoon. The dew-point is falling so expect a less muggy afternoon. Today will see clouds with only a 2% chance of rain. High 78/Low 63. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

WHAT TO DO  The sinus forecast can help you determine what to do to feel better. If you are having symptoms, seek-out indoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.  There are also plenty of over the counter nasal sinus medications such as oral antihistamines, and nasal steroids that you can try to help your symptoms.  If you can take over the counter decongestants safely this may help headaches triggered from the shifting barometer.  If those don’t work, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free new patient evaluation if you have chronic sinus symptoms.  Sinuplasty is a great option for many patients in Indiana who fail medications and are still having chronic sinusitis symptoms in Indianapolis, Ft Wayne, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield Indiana. Just click the link for treatment on this page or on the site homepage.   –  Dr Bichey & The Staff  #sinusitis #indiana #medical #surgeryday #congestionrelief #congested #congestion #bit.ly/indianasinus

Sinus Forecast July 19, 2022

WEATHER   July 19, 2022. Today will be in the low 70’s with temps rising into the low 90’s this afternoon. The dew-point is still elevated so it will be tropical feeling with plenty of sun and no rain predicted. High 90/Low 69. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

POLLEN   Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and across Indiana may see allergy triggers affect severity when levels rise and also see worsening with rising mold counts during periods of rain.  Increasing symptom triggers will cause increasing symptoms of drainage, itching, and eye issues as well as more nasal, sinus and respiratory symptoms.

Fine Particulates are elevated today which may cause sensitive groups to experience minor to moderate symptoms during long-term exposure.

Air-Quality affects the sinus forecast in Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel and Fort Wayne. Chronic sinusitis sufferers and patients who have recently had sinusplasty may have more triggers and symptoms when the air quality worsens Remember, OZONE, Particulates, and Nitrogen Dioxide, can trigger symptoms that mimic allergies in sensitive individuals. Symptoms like eye irritation, runny nose and breathing issues may be worse in sensitive individuals.

Sinus Forecast July 18, 2022

WEATHER   July 18, 2022. Today will be in the low 70’s out the door by mid morning. The air will be sticky all day with an isolated chance of rain late in the day as temperatures rise into the mid 80’s this afternoon. High 86/Low 68. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast July 11, 2022

WEATHER   July 11, 2022. Today will be dry with a slight chance of showers moving in overnight. The day will see plenty of sun and lower than normal dew points. This means less mugginess as temperatures rise into the low 90’s this afternoon. High 91/Low 62. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Start the road to better sinus health and see if you are a candidate for treatment. Dr. Bichey is available for an immediate free consultation by clicking HERE.

Sinus Forecast June 28, 2022

WEATHER   June 28, 2022. Today will be dry with plenty of sun and low dew points into the evening. This means less mugginess as temperatures rise into the low 80’s this afternoon. High 82/Low 52. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health and chronic sinus symptom triggers. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Start the road to better sinus health and see if you are a candidate for treatment. Dr. Bichey is available for an immediate free consultation by clicking HERE.

Sinus Forecast June 27, 2022

WEATHER   June 27, 2022. Today will be sunny and dry into the evening. It will also be less muggy with lower dew points and afternoon temps only rising into the mid 70’s. High 76/Low 57. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Indiana Sinus Centers through its partnerships with local hospitals, imaging centers and national training sites is committed to offering the surrounding residents of Indiana the safest, least invasive, and most advanced treatment of chronic sinus conditions. Dr. Bichey is a board certified specialist skilled in the utilization of new techniques such as Balloon Sinuplasty and Low Temperature RF Ablation Technology to bring sinus suffers back to a state of normal health with minimal inconvenience, time off work and recovery.

Start the road to better sinus health and see if you are a candidate for treatment. Dr. Bichey is available for an immediate free consultation by clicking HERE.

Sinus Forecast June 23, 2022

WEATHER   June 23, 2022. Today will be sunny and dry into the evening. It will also be less muggy with lower dew points and afternoon temps only rising into the mid 80’s. High 85/Low 68. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

POLLEN   Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and across Indiana may see allergy triggers affect severity when levels rise and also see worsening with rising mold counts during periods of rain.  Increasing symptom triggers will cause increasing symptoms of drainage, itching, and eye issues as well as more nasal, sinus and respiratory symptoms.

The EPA estimates low levels today: Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Sinus Forecast June 21, 2022

WEATHER   June 21, 2022. Today will be dry and the day will warm up quickly into the mid 90’s this afternoon in most areas of Indiana. It will feel less humid than yesterday and sunny all day. High 95/Low 65. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

The air quality will be in a poor range today for individuals across Indiana. It is a good day to pursue indoor activities if you are sensitive to air quality changes.

Sinus Forecast for June 20, 2022

WEATHER   June 20, 2022. Today will be dry but the heat will be rising again as we hit 90 this afternoon in most areas of Indiana. It will be sunny all day. High 90/Low 58. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

Sinus Forecast for June15, 2022

WEATHER   June 15, 2022. An excessive heat wave is forecasted again today as we hit the mid 90’s this afternoon. It will be sunny all day. High 94/Low 75. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast for June 14, 2022

WEATHER   June 14, 2022. Today will see tropical humidity starting this morning with a heat advisory peaking this afternoon. High 94/Low 75. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

Sinus Forecast for June 13, 2022

WEATHER   June 13, 2022. Today will be hazy in the morning with a heat advisory starting around noon. High 89/Low 68. For Indianapolis, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, and Fort Wayne .

The Sinus Forecast is an important predictor of your sinus health. It is affected by the weather, air-quality, and pollen and fluctuates daily. Don’t forget to visit frequently, especially when you are not feeling well to gain better understanding of your symptoms, what to do and options!

The air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure.

Schedule a Sinus Evaluation