2012 Regional Conference - Chicago, IL

There are over 500 Local Chapters that are the networking backbone of AAPC. This meeting is designed to provide additional education, support and networking for current local chapter officers, anyone interested in becoming an officer, and those who are considering starting a chapter in their communities. This two-hour meeting will focus on handbook clarification, group breakouts for each officer role, current local chapter challenges, and a review of some of the common questions received by the National Local Chapter Department. The goal is to leave with hot new ideas that will light a fire in Your Chapter!

Reed Pew
Reed Pew, Chairman and CEO of AAPC, will present the opening address at the Chicago Regional Conference. Come find out what's working, what's being worked on, and what the future holds for AAPC members.

Dan Schwebach

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC
ICD-10 will bring some of the most significant changes ever to hit the health care arena. In this session, learn what you need to be focusing on now, how you can begin preparing, what key changes are in the new coding system, and when you really should start the learning process.

Taizoon H Baxamusa, MD, FACS
This session is a highly visual description of common hand and upper extremity surgeries. Conditions and anatomy are explained and correlated with current procedural terminology (CPT). Simple reconstructive cases and complex multiprocedure trauma cases will be presented.

Peggy F Eiden, CPC, CPMA, CPCD
Faith C M McNicholas, CPC, CPCD
We will present the basics and beyond in dermatology coding, so that at the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 1) Easily identify correct, appropriate use of dermatology-related codes and their application to ensure accurate documentation reflects patient encounter; 2) Properly apply codes for more complex procedures to accurately reflect the services provided; and 3) Recognize the importance of using appropriate modifiers to avoid reimbursement issues.

Linda Martien, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CEDC
This session will provide the answers to questions such as the difference between a surgical and selective debridement, billing for a wound vac when applied over a skin substitute, what constitutes supervision for HBO, and many more. Examine treatment modalities, both surgical and medical, along with the coding pitfalls, irregularities, and requirements in this rapidly growing discipline.

Judy B Breuker, CPC, CPMA, CEMC
Are you looking for ways to rev up your revenue? Has your cash flow stalled? This session will help you audit your claims process, reduce denials and increase cash flow in the fee-for-service environment. Learn tips and tools to identify claims which can be appealed. Attendees will be shown examples of various appeals and suggested resources. This session will also address patient collections and refunds. Audience participation is welcome.

Angela M Jordan, CPC
How many times have you heard that EHRs are going to replace coders, and you started having second thoughts about your career choice? This session will focus on the roles a certified coder can play during the selection, training, implementation, and daily use of an EHR. We will go step-by-step through the process and identify all the areas that need the attention of someone who is well versed in ICD-9, CPT, HCPCS, E/M Documentation Guidelines, Medicare carrier rules--the list goes on and on. At the end of our time together, you will walk away with new respect for your skills, eager to learn all you can about EHRs, and confident that you can be an integral part of the new paperless office.

Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD
Understanding anatomy and pathophysiology is a must for ICD-10 due to its clinical nature. Travel through the body systems with me to identify key areas of challenge posed in ICD-10. The knowledge learned in this session will get your mind on the right track in preparing for the transition to ICD-10.

Chandra Lynn Stephenson, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COSC
Medicare pays for many preventive services including diabetes, cardiovascular, prostate, and colorectal screenings, just to name a few! CMS recommends that preventative services be used to identify and assess diseases. With the growing population of baby boomers, early detection is critical in efforts to save lives and keep patients healthy. Coders must understand coverage, coding, billing, and reimbursement guidelines for each preventive benefit covered by Medicare.

Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CPCO, CASCC, CCPC, CUC
This program will define what role compliance efforts should have within your organization, whether a formal or informal approach is best for you and factors that increase compliance risk. We will also outline a number of common sense approaches to minimizing compliance risk, as well as identifying how to make your compliance program effective, thereby making it an asset as opposed to a potential liability.

Judy A Wilson, CPC, CPC-H, CPCO, CPC-P, CPC-I, CANPC, CPPM
In this session we will take an in-depth look at cardiac anesthesia codes and thoracic anesthesia codes. Additional procedures reviewed will include invasive line and robotic- assisted pacemaker procedures. As we move into ICD-10 codes, we will also review some of the billing rules complicating anesthesia coding.

Shannon O'Tyson DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC
This session will provide a hands-on workshop for auditing surgical records. Attendees should expect to cover utilization of the NCCI edits for surgical auditing, medical necessity and appropriateness, the basic auditing steps of the surgical record, and the global surgical package. Time will be spent reviewing some of the gray areas that are a bit less defined by rules and guidelines. This session will not be a review of what the rules and guidelines are, but rather a practicum of them. The content reviewed will be presented in a format that will be appreciated by the seasoned surgical auditor/coder or compliance officer, as well as an individual that may be newer to the surgical side of medicine.

Susan Ward, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CEMC, CPCD, CPRC
This session will discuss not only the most commonly performed breast reconstruction procedures, but will also take a look at some of the newer options available for breast cancer survivors. This presentation will also cover the different stages in breast reconstruction and the proper way to submit for reimbursement. As always, be prepared for some photographs showing these incredible surgeries.

Marc Breslow, MD
This session will discuss the basics of anatomy and pathology, along with both operative and nonoperative management.

David Dunn, MD, CPC-H, CIRCC, CCC
This physician will guide you through the vascular families, showing you the first, second, and third-order vessels. He will explain how catheters travel through these vessels, and how to determine what order of vessels they are. As with any road trip, you should be cognizant of possible detours or changes.

Lynn M Anderanin, CPC, CPC-I, COSC
CPT and CMS both have routinely made changes to the coding and rules for infusions and injections. This session will review the current coding for these services, as well as the most recent information related to these procedures. This will include information on coding and reimbursement for the drugs used in these services.

Caren J. Swartz, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I
This session presents a look at the anatomy and coding issues surrounding colon surgery. Learn from real operative notes, reviewing terms and guidelines, as well as modifers for getting the most from these procedures. Gain insight and understanding into the procedures and key terms that drive the code selection.

Cynthia Stewart, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I
This session will cover everything you need to know to interpret and correctly assign codes for procedures focusing on treating conditions affecting the brain and its supporting structures. Together we’ll travel through each procedure, discussing the approach and anatomy in detail along the way.

Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CPCO, CASCC, CCPC, CUC
This program will address common misconceptions about what constitutes fraud, as well as the liabilities that coders face, whether working directly as an employee of a provider or functioning in a third party billing situation. Specifically, we will address what makes a claim legally false, when fraud liability is likely to be attached to coders (and when it likely isn’t) and we will provide some best practices for resolving situations that often cause coders to be concerned. By the end of this program, attendees will better understand when they need to be concerned and what they can do to mitigate their personal risk.

Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD
This session will discuss the anatomy of the heart and coding issues regarding cardiology. Surgical photos and video will be shown in order to enhance the attendee’s understanding of some of the more common cardiology procedures. CABG, valve procedures, and pacemaker/defibrillator procedures, along with modifiers related to them will be discussed.

Judy B Breuker, CPC, CPMA, CEMC
Are you committed to compliance? This session will start with a review of the Medicare Claim Review Programs including Medical Review, Recovery Audit Contractor and CERT which focus on evaluation and management services. The OIG Work Plan identifies several issues related to E/M services and has included a study which focuses on physician documentation in an EMR. You will learn why payers are focusing on E/M services documented using an EMR by identifying the specific areas of vulnerability.

Amy E Bishard, CPC, CPMA, CEMC
This session will focus on the many billing complexities for mid-level providers. Due to a national shortage of physicians, the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners are on the rise. Topics to be discussed will include the challenges with split/shared visits, incident-to guidelines and billing for assisting in surgery. We will also take an in-depth look at the various scopes of practice for mid-level providers.

Dixon Davis
Effective practice managers are in demand. This session will explore aspects of practice management that make this an exciting and challenging career. During the session we will discuss topics including revenue cycle management, corporate compliance issues, options in technology, and leadership and management skills. You will leave this session with a core understanding of what practice management entails along with some fundamental keys for success.

Jill M Young, CPC, CEDC, CIMC
Pulmonary billers now need expertise in many areas in the outpatient and inpatient locations, from E/M services in the office and hospital to critical care, from inpatient and outpatient pulmonary testing to hospital procedures; not to mention that new technology has finally come to pulmonary procedures. Are your carriers considering these new codes and what you can do to be considered for payment? Proper use of codes, modifiers, and documentation are essential pieces to the finished product. There may also be a need for you to understand sleep study billing. This fast-paced lecture will touch on each of these areas to help expand the knowledge of any pulmonary coder.

Jill M Young, CPC, CEDC, CIMC
This session will discuss upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy, the similarities and differences. This specialty program will look at coding and billing issues specific to gastroenterology, including multiple procedures, separate procedures, modifiers, and specificity in diagnosis coding. Additionally, with screening procedures being a mainstay in a GI office, proper documentation of screening vs. diagnostic will help avoid compliance issues. And let’s not forget when and how to use the Neoplasm Table. All these concepts rely on a good understanding of endoscopy billing, which is the foundation of this lecture.

Marie Mindeman
This obstetrics and gynecology presentation includes an anatomy and physiology review of systems, with emphasis on how to code screenings with pathology/lab results based on documentation guidelines. We will cover coding for common gynecological conditions, prenatal care and obstetrical triages/ultrasound readings, including practical case scenarios to code. Time will be allowed to address questions and common problems.

Rachel Coon, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-P, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

This session will discuss documentation pitfalls, as well as provide answers to questions such as what is the appropriate documentation and requirements for procedures performed in the office such as cerumen removals, annual preventive service, and injections. This session is also designed to help educate on proper documentation for evaluation and management codes, as well as modifiers utilize in the office environment.

Kimberly Garner Huey, MJ, CPC, CCS-P, CHCC, PCS, CHAP
Medical necessity documentation - or lack of it - is one of the most common reasons for claim denials. It may be obvious to you (or your physician) that the service is medically necessary, but if documentation doesn't support that, you won’t get paid. This presentation defines medical necessity from the legal viewpoint as well as from the physician, coder, and payer standpoints. We will discuss medical necessity as supported by diagnosis coding, as well as that addressed through the Nature of Presenting Problem in the Evaluation and Management Documentation Guidelines. What to do if the claim is denied anyway? Appeal, but with emphasis on appealing for medical necessity. We will also discuss the Advanced Beneficiary Notification process.

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC
Is there something a little off between you and your physician when discussing coding? It isn’t a language barrier, but a communication barrier! Communication between a professional coder and a physician is vital to quality documentation and reimbursement. Coding and compliance can be optimized when a physician understands the rules around documentation. You will learn to overcome the communication barrier by using the Cornerstones of Effective Coder Communication.

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC
During this session we will discuss maximizing charge capture and maintaining compliance with codes selected in the emergency department. Common modifiers and procedures reported in the emergency department will be reviewed.

Susan Ward, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CEMC, CPCD, CPRC
Yvonne D Dailey, CPC, CPC-I
Cynthia Stewart, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I
Chandra Lynn Stephenson, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COSC
From the time a service is rendered until payment is received, a number of people, processes, and pieces of documentation are involved. We'll review this spectrum and the five major players involved: Provider, Coder, Biller, Compliance Officer and Payer. Focus will be on all the things that affect the service provided. A review of the entire revenue cycle including documentation requirements, coding guidelines, payer contracts and policies, appropriate payment posting and denial research, will make this a very informative and educational session.

Jaci C. Johnson, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC
The first half of this presentation will be dedicated to a comprehensive look at what goes into performing an audit for E/M services. Whether the audit is performed by an external source or internal to the practice, there are certain elements that must be considered before the audit commences as well as during the audit process. The second half of the presentation will allow the participants to ask any type of E/M questions. We will have a panel of experienced E/M coders from various backgrounds to work through the answers.

Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD
Melody S Irvine, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CFPC
Maria Rita Genovese, CPC
Want to look at other options in your coding career? This session is designed to learn about other career opportunities in the coding field, and the necessary steps to accomplish that vision.This will be an open forum to learn and ask questions about possible career paths in management, consulting, auditing, billing, teaching, or owning your own business.

Amy S McCreight, CPC, CPMA, CEMC
The CMS regulations outlining how and when clinical services are coded, billed, and reimbursed for those physicians teaching interns, residents, fellows, and medical students during patient treatment can be confusing. During this presentation, we will review the do’s and don’ts of actual documentation by medical students, residents, and attendings following the Medicare and Medicaid guidelines provided to us.