AAPC Regional Conference Attendance Highest Ever

Nearly 700 attendees join the AAPC in Norfolk, Va., for two-day event

NORFOLK, Va.—Oct. 12, 2009—The American Academy of Professional Coders’ (AAPC) Regional Conference last weekend drew the largest number of attendees ever in the history of regional conferences, with nearly 700 medical coders and health care professionals attending the two-day continuing education event, Oct. 8-10. The conference boasted more than 20 educational breakout sessions, covering topics such as Medicare research tips and traps, understanding fraud and ICD-9-CM updates for 2010.

“One conference, 700 attendees and almost 20 exhibitors all in one place—this conference was a complete success and exceeded our expectations,” said Reed Pew, AAPC President and CEO. “We first began hosting regional conferences two years ago, and with the response we received this weekend in Norfolk, we look forward to hosting future regional conferences.”

Pew kicked off the conference Friday morning, discussing the AAPC’s plans for 2010 and its growth rate. The AAPC’s membership drive is in full swing, aiming to reach 100,000 members by the end of 2010. Additionally, Pew announced two new specialty credentials in Hematology/Oncology and Podiatry, as well as a new core credential, the Certified Professional Medical Auditor credential (CPMA). Pew also spoke about the AAPC’s efforts in the successful delay of the final implementation date for ICD-10.

AAPC Vice President of Strategic Development, Deborah Grider, presented a general session on beginning preparation now for ICD-10. The session discussed preparation of implementation and analysis of ICD-10 for physician practices, hospital departments and health plans—small or large. The AAPC will offer on-site ICD-10 training for both providers and health plans beginning in 2010.

The AAPC will host its 2010 National Conference June 6-9 in Nashville, Tenn., and its 2010 Regional Conference Oct. 7-9 in Springfield, Mass.