Virginia Regional Medical Coding Conference

Testing Ashish; David Zielske, MD, CPC-H, CIRCC, CCC
This is an intense and comprehensive review of the interventional radiology and cardiovascular specialty, allowing the participant to successfully sit for the Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder examination. This all-day class is taught by Dr. David Zielske of ZHealth Publishing and includes lunch and course workbook. A CIRCC Exam Study Guide is available for purchase prior to the conference.

Reed Pew, President/CEO AAPC

Hugh E Aaron, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I
Mr. Aaron will share some of the techniques he has learned over years for researching Medicare coverage, billing and payment issues. His presentation will focus on practical tips for finding answers buried in the Medicare regulations, manuals and transmittals. He will also review techniques coders can use to make sure that they stay current on important Medicare changes.

Judy B Breuker, CPC, CEMC
Avoid your claims being put on hold due to improper ICD-9-CM coding. The new and experienced coder will benefit from this session, which will focus on learning strategies for accurate diagnosis coding. Correct and current ICD-9-CM coding is essential to establish the medical necessity of the procedures the physician is performing. This session will include an overview of the 2010 ICD-9-CM codes implemented in October.

Wendy Graefe, CNM
This presentation will cover the fundamentals of contraceptive technology. We will review all modalities of contraception and how they work. Coding related to the evaluation, prescription and management of contraception will also be discussed.

David Zielske, MD, CPC-H, CIRCC, CCC
This session will review the nuances of percutaneous angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement, endovascular stent-graft insertion, dialysis graft/shunt intervention, thrombolysis and thrombectomy. An explanation of the procedure and pertinent anatomy, followed by common coding and documentation pitfalls will be discussed, as well as case examples describing both common and complex scenarios.

Lashelle Walker, CPC, CPC-I
This presentation will cover the fundamentals of radiation oncology coding. We will begin with the E/M visit; follow through to the RT series of coding (including special modalities); review appropriate modifier usage; and close with a briefing of diagnosis sequencing for radiation oncology.

Patricia Raymond, MD, FACP, FACG
Join gastroenterologist Dr. Patricia Raymond on a spectacular journey through the digestive tract! Explore the vast array of enthralling topics from first chew to final splash, including gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, infusion therapy, hemorrhoid banding and capsule endoscopy. Discover your personal risk of colon cancer and how to avoid it!

Debra Mariani, CPC, CGSC
Review of Evaluation and Management Codes: We will discuss the differences between consultations, transfer of care and new patient visits. Surgical Modifiers: We will go over modifiers during the Global package as well as same day procedures. Surgery Guidelines: This will include breast surgery, open vs. laparoscopy vs. unlisted surgery codes, and NCCI edits .

Jill M Young, CPC, CEDC, CIMC
This table has a unique role in coding - identifying abnormal cells both in their locations and in the cell's actions and potential harm to the body. Each of the six columns in the table has a distinct role in coding. Most coders use the table infrequently, so when they turn to it, it is important that they have a good understanding of the table and a grasp of the ramifications of their code selection.

Ian Mattis, CPC, CEMC
Consultation services make up almost 30 percent of E/M errors. You might think it's the 3 R's that cause a consultation service to be denied. It’s NOT. It's incorrect coding! A majority of these services are down-coded because of supporting documentation. Learn about the common documentation errors and how to get your physician's documentation in line with the level of service.

Donna L Stewart, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I
The tide is changing. In the past, carriers focused audit efforts in areas where there was a high rate of return. Patient visits were small change compared to an inpatient stay and historically high costs were associated with evaluation and management medical record reviews. Therefore, these services have been audited less frequently than many others. But with estimates showing more than $20B lost annually on incorrect coding, there is an increase in the amount of complex medical review audits focusing on evaluation and management services. Carriers allow coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be medically reasonable and necessary. Therefore, the E&M service must be coded to the appropriate service level rendered, medically necessary and appropriately documented. This session discusses preparation and audit readiness for the new design of payer-driven evaluation and management audit programs.

Terry Leone, CPC, CPC-P, CIRCC, CPC-I
This presentation will begin with the review of CMS and American College of Radiology guidelines for billing radiology procedures. This session will also review guideline requirements for other specialties that are billing radiology technical component, professional component or both from their offices. The presenter will lead an open discuss for the attendees to raise their billing questions and office practices for billing radiology procedures.

Christine Brennan, RN
We will discuss wound V.A.C. therapy and mechanism of action, indentify wound types and application, describe clinically when wound V.A.C. therapy would be used, and differences in inpatient/outpatient setting. Will have a list of HCPC codes for wound V.A.C. therapy; pump, dressing and canisters, and list two CPT codes and associated procedures. You will experience the difference for yourselves.

Michael D Miscoe JD, CPC, CASCC, CUC
In an era where federal, state, and commercial payers are increasingly sensitive to false claims, many in health care drop the five letter “F” word inappropriately. Where improper allegations are raised, the enforcement community and the targeted provider waste valuable resources. In the process, the whistleblower’s credibility is destroyed. Fraud requires more than simple falsity. Providers and coding personnel need an understanding of all the elements of fraud, as well as the legal standards applied for evaluating each element. With such an understanding, all can focus on proper methods of identifying potentially fraudulent conduct and correcting it as well as avoiding conduct that could lead to such allegations.

Deborah Grider, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I, CDERC, CEMC, COBGC
ICD-10-CM is the diagnostic coding system that is expected to replace ICD-9-CM sooner than you think. In a world in which documentation remains a coder's number one problem with physicians, how can we seamlessly move from a system with 17,500 codes to a system with 155,000 codes? We'll give you some ideas. We will discuss preparation of implementation and analysis of ICD-10-CM for physician practices, hospital departments, and payers small or large. This session will provide a basic understanding of the new classification's conventions, guidelines, and specifications; develop your familiarity with new terminology; accelerate the learning curve; demonstrate your understanding and preparedness with this important new classification; help you understand the latest regulatory issues involved with the conversion to ICD-10-CM; and provide guidance as to steps you can take to "get ready."

CDR Stuart H. Shippey, MD
Come learn female urinary disorders, pelvic organ support defects, diagnostic tests and other office procedures that can help with stress/urge incontinence, bladder hyperactivity, interstitial cystitis or urinary retention.

I. A. Barot, MD
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a vastly under-recognized and therefore undertreated condition that is present in the majority of the U.S. population. It is known to be a major contributor to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory loss, sexual dysfunction, and of course, daytime fatigue, among many other conditions. This talk will explicate upon the diagnosis and treatment of SDB.

Rose Moore, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC
As a part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other regulatory agencies have issued joint regulations regarding the detection, prevention, and mitigation of identity theft. The joint regulations, commonly referred to as the Red Flag Rules, broadly apply to financial institutions, creditors, and many health care providers. The enforcement date of these standards is August 1, 2009. Although banks, financial institutions, and debit and credit card companies are most affected by the Red Flag Rules, some of the obligations apply to other entities that are considered creditors, including many health care providers, non-profit organizations, and even government entities. Essentially, by establishing an account that permits a patient to make multiple payments, a health care provider is considered a “creditor” maintaining “covered accounts,” and thus subject to certain provisions of the Red Flag Rules. Such health care providers are required to implement a written medical identity theft program.

Donna SanGiovanni, CPC, CASCC
Coders face unique challenges and ever-changing policies in an ambulatory surgery center setting. Join us to explore ASC coding, including CPT and ICD-9-CM review, proper use of modifiers, hands-on operative note coding, contract negotiation skills, and management tips.

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC
With MIPPA came an advent of changes in philosophy and proposed payment systems. Incentives for quality performance and reporting, efficiency, and value are being developed and incorporated into payment systems. See how these systems work and could affect the future for providers.

Judy A Wilson, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I, CANPC, CMBSI, CMRS
During this anesthesia session, you will learn the history of anesthesia and its early beginnings. The coder will be taken on a journey of how to bill for anesthesia and the types of books (tools) needed to properly bill anesthesia. We will cover the modifiers used and the list of other procedures that are performed by the anesthesiologists. You will learn the different roles of the anesthesiologist and types of anesthesia used and why. The coder will take away a good understanding of how to begin to bill and code anesthesia.

Janine Utecht , CPMA, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P; ; Faith Ellen Bauer, CPC, CPC-H
Learn to work hand-in-hand with your payers for the best possible outcomes. If you’ve never worked for a health insurer, come hear what’s on the other side of the fence. Included in this session will be a checklist of to-dos before you submit your claim and examples of the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Kathleen G Bailey, CPA, MBA, CPC, CPC-I
The challenges facing coding and billing for physicians are numerous. So are financial and patient care workload considerations. For many practices, part of the resolution may be to employ mid-level or non-physician providers. This session will provide the coding professional with an overview of billing and compliance issues for mid-level providers.