HEALTHCON Regional 2023

August 7-9, 2023 | 15 CEUs | $995

Connection and Collaboration in the Nation's Capital

Join your AAPC community this summer in historic Washington, DC/Maryland, August 7-9. We're bringing a stellar lineup of speakers to deliver to you the most up-to-date and valuable information that affects the business of healthcare. Stay current and engaged, grow your knowledge, earn CEUs, and get to know other like-minded professionals in your industry.

We'll cover the revenue cycle's latest and most important information. This includes updates in clinical documentation improvement, telemedicine, telehealth, E/M guidelines, and much more. Check back later this spring for our full agenda.

  • Get inspiration from any of our 40+ educational sessions
  • Gain real world insight from 30+ talented speakers
  • Have a blast and earn up to 15 CEUs
  • Get to know your community with 500+ onsite attendees

What's at the heart of HEALTHCON Regional?

Education

Learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry. We encourage you to not just be a spectator, but to take part in our educational sessions. Our expert speakers are there to cover the latest changes and trends in the business. Take part by asking questions and sharing your feedback on topics that affect you. Our smaller Regional event provides even greater opportunities to interact with speakers.

Community

Get to know your fellow industry professionals. Build your inner circle of colleagues to help support you as you grow in your career. In between breakout sessions and after conference concludes for the day, we'll offer hours of opportunity to meet, mingle, and share memories with old friends and new.

Continued Growth

Never stop learning. Join industry relevant sessions that compliment your talents and consider taking a few outside of your wheelhouse. Stay engaged and continue your journey in mastering your field of ability. Stay inspired and discover new ideas and get answers to questions you didn't know you had.

Over 80% of conference attendees have their attendance paid for by their employers. Visit our planning page for tips on how to ask your boss to help.

Come as a group! Help your colleagues network and stay up to date in their careers. Consider it the greatest team building exercise of the year.

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Pre-Conference

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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, ET | 8.00 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CUC

Pre: Teach the Teacher

Topics to include Teaching with Codify, Most Missed CPC Concepts w/eBooks, Teaching Neurodivergent and How to Properly Self-Evaluate as an Instructor. Earn 8 CTUs or 8 CEUs for participation in this workshop.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, ET | 2.00 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CRC, CRHC, CUC

Pre: Chapter Officer Appreciation Event

Current chapter officers are invited to our Officer Appreciation Event which is slated to be motivational as well as informative. We'll meet from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, concentrate on networking and education, have some light refreshments, and earn 2.0 CEU. You'll have time afterwards to meet up with friends for dinner!

Monday, August 7, 2023

Pre-Conference

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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, ET | 1.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: AAPC Wants Thought Leaders – That Means You!

Share your knowledge — learn how to become an AAPC content contributor from AAPC’s Head of Publishing, Leesa Israel. Healthcare is a vast and ever-changing area, and we continually learn. The best way to learn is from each other! Each AAPC member has knowledge and experience from which other members can benefit — including you. If you have news or ability that can help other healthcare business professionals share it with AAPC’s 220,000 members by becoming an author for Healthcare Business Monthly and more.

Introductory

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9:00 AM - 9:45 AM, ET | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Rookies: Learn the Ropes

General Session

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10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CRC, CRHC, CUC

GS1: Conference Welcome

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS2: Emerging Technology Compliance

Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CGSC, COPC, Approved-Instructor; Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor

New technology is being implemented at a blazing fast pace, but how does this new technology impact your compliance program? Learn from a panel of experts how to navigate the ever changing landscape of new technology compliance. Ask questions and find out best practices for review of new technology coverage, working with payers, auditing processes and how to work with operational teams and RCM teams to ensure compliant adoption.

Exhibit Hall

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12:45 PM - 2:00 PM, ET

EH1: Lunch with Exhibitors

Breakout Session 1

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2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCVTC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

1A: Chronic Care Management: A Solution to Better Patient Health and Care

Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

This presentation will cover what chronic care management (CCM) and complex CCM are, as well as principal care management. You will learn who can provide and who can receive each, what the coding and billing requirements are, and what constitutes a comprehensive care plan.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CFPC, CPB, CPEDC, CPPM

1B: Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

Carrie Smith Christy, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPEDC

Pediatric coding starts from the day a baby is born and lasts until the child transitions to adult services. This presentation will look at all aspects of pediatric coding, including newborn hospital codes, NICU, circumcisions, preventive visits, labs, immunizations, screenings, and the role states and insurance companies play when it comes to modifiers and guidelines.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CDEO, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1C: Taking the Pain Out of Pain Management

Amy C Pritchett, AAPC Fellow, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC; Kristen R Taylor, CPC

In this session we will discuss all aspects of outpatient pain management from registration to procedure billing and coding. We will discuss pain contracts, urine drug screens, and multiple ways to stay compliant with new guidelines.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CRHC, CUC

1D: Auditing Behavioral Health Documentation

Susan Marie Roelant, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMC

This presentation will explore the documentation requirements for behavioral health services and what to look for when auditing records. Examples will incorporate CMS guidelines and current examples of TPE audits that have been conducted for the use of psychiatric diagnostic evaluation codes 90791 and 90792.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

1E: The Legalities of an Appropriate History and Exam

Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

The AMA E/M guidelines no longer require quantifiable elements for history and exam. The new guidelines require a medically appropriate history and exam. In this session we will discuss best practices for compliant documentation to support the new guidelines for both outpatient and inpatient encounters. We will discuss what is the purpose of the medical record and how the information contained in that record can and may be used.

Breakout Session 2

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3:45 PM - 5:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

2A: Traverse the Trail of Diagnostic HCC Codes Through the Risk Adjustment Forest

Dawn Carter, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC; Khushwinder Singh MD MHA, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC

Come travel the pathway of diagnostic HCC codes from inception of medical charts through claims all the way to the summit of risk adjustment. In this session we will discuss the importance of accurate HCC coding in value-based care and show coders the nuances they need to learn about HCC pathways. Coders will learn how to help their providers document around prospective diagnoses that optimize the RAF score in a compliant way.

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CGSC, CIRCC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2B: Congenital Interventional Cardiology Coding: Are You Up to Date?

Monica Wright, CPC, CPCO, CPMA

Several new CPT® codes have been introduced into the congenital interventional cardiology space over the past few years. Learn the ins and outs of the existing codes and new codes coming in 2024 in this informative presentation.

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CDEI, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2C: Inpatient Coder Today, Inpatient CDIS Tomorrow

Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC

If you’re an inpatient coder looking to transition into the world of clinical documentation improvement (CDI), this session will show you the activities and job functions that cross over between coding and CDI. We will discuss key coding guidelines around secondary and other diagnoses that CDI specialists issue queries on, as well as some of the nuances around pathology and other diagnostic reports. Many facilities are now opening the door to coders as CDI specialists. Will you be ready when presented with the opportunity?

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2D: Best Practices for Conducting Site Visits

Paulina Davis, CPC

Come ready to gain valuable insight into preparing for a site visit and bring tips back to the office to incorporate into your planning. In this session you’ll learn the difference between surveillance and site visits and the benefits of each strategy and acquire insight on preparing for a provider interview. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge of why site visits are important, how to document findings and record-keeping tips, and key takeaways.

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

2E: Risk and Pro-Fee Auditing With the E/M Guidelines: Doing the Two-Step Shuffle

Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I

Risk adjustment is all about the diagnosis with some very unique rules for what counts for risk. The AMA documentation guidelines have placed a lot of emphasis on documenting a thought process and outlining risks to patients and severity of the condition(s). Do these two worlds collide or connect? This session will address that thought as we consider both angles and dissect a few visit notes.

Exhibit Hall

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5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET

EH2: Welcome Reception

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Exhibit Hall

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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, ET

EH3: Breakfast with Exhibitors

General Session

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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS3: E/M Panel

Samuel Le Church MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I; Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC

During this session, an expert panel made up of a physician, coder, auditor, payer and representative from the AMA will answer audience questions regarding The E/M guidelines for office visits.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, CIRCC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS4: Diagnosis Coding Insights from the Experts Panel

Heather Greene, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor; Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC; Lori A Cox, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC; Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I

Led by a panel of experts from various backgrounds, this discussion offers perspective into the often blurred lines of the proper rules surrounding diagnosis coding for professional fee coding, risk adjustment coding, and facility coding. The panel will review hospital inpatient medical records and compare what diagnosis codes would be acceptable/reportable based on the focus of the billing: the provider, facility, or risk adjustment.

Exhibit Hall

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11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, ET

EH4: Lunch with Exhibitors

Breakout Session 3

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1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

3A: Understanding the Neurodivergent Mind

Kaitlyn Brack, CPC, CEMC, CFPC, CPEDC, Approved-Instructor

We’ve all felt the recent shift from a growing neurodivergent workforce. In this highly interactive session we’ll discuss what neurodivergent means and how different neurological conditions can impact our teams. Helpful insights from neurodivergents will be presented to promote a successful work relationship with everyone on your team.

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CDEI, CDEO, CGSC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

3B: Spine Fusion Confusion

Deni Adams, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CEMC

Join me for a brief overview of the spine structures leading into a full review of spine fusion coding. We will break down an op note to identify the correct code choices for each fusion type and hardware used. Coding examples will round out the session to solidify our understanding.

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

3C: Inpatient Coders: What’s on Your Radar?

Heather Greene, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC

Coders should understand positive impact appropriate coding has on the facility. In order to facilitate correct coding, the coder should be able to identify risk areas and have an understanding of how they may be able to mitigate risk. In this presentation we will take a look at the top risk areas that should be on an Inpatient coder’s radar. Including the documentation standards and possible query opportunities and DRG changes. 1. Identify inpatient coding risk areas 2. Discuss documentation standards 3. Understand query opportunities

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

3D: Capitalizing on Revenue: How to Find Those Missing Dollars

Lori A Cox, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC

Whether you work for a small practice with a few providers or a large multi-million dollar healthcare system, chances are your practice is leaving money on the table. In this session we’ll root out the revenue that practices don’t even know they’re losing. E/M services, HCPCS Level II drug code units, and missed add-on codes are all areas that show significant loss of capital. We’ll look at how to perform audits to increase your practice’s bottom line.

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, CIRCC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

3E: Analyzing the 2021 E/M CMS Data: Insights for Audits

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC

During this session we will review the shifts in the E/M level distribution for top specialties from 2021. We will discuss how to utilize this data to approach E/M audits and how to benchmark providers. We will also discuss gray areas in guidelines that can impact audit findings.

Breakout Session 4

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2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4A: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Understanding Microaggressions

L Renee Bradley, CPC, CPC-P

Microaggressions stem from unconscious bias or misunderstanding of groups of people who are different from us. They are indirect, subtle discrimination against members of a marginalized group, usually taking the form of a statement, action, incident, or exclusion. Rarely are these actions intentional, but they still create great harm and erect barriers between individuals. This presentation will help you understand what microaggressions are and how to deal with them within your work environment.

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CHONC, CPB, CPPM

4B: The Magical World of Oncology Billing

MariaRita Genovese, CPC

Oncology billing can be challenging. This session will highlight common denials, authorization processes, place of service issues, and new chemotherapy medication procedures.

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CIC, CPB, CPPM

4C: What You Need to Know to Be a Successful IP Coder

Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor

This session will review the differences between IP and OP coding. We will talk about the important elements and regulations you need to understand if you want to make the transition from OP coder to IP coder. We will also talk about education, jobs and advancement for IP coders.

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, COPC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4D: The Incident-To Rule: Common Misconceptions and Fraud Liability

Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CASCC, CCPC, CUC

This advanced interactive session will outline, through common examples, the more problematic elements of the CMS incident-to rule, which is applicable to outpatient services. This program will address the compliance risks associated with reporting services under this rule. Attendees will be asked to work through a number of common scenarios to “operationalize” their understanding of some of the more commonly problematic components of the rule, which include: • What it means to establish that care is “integral although incidental” to the physician’s professional service • How licensure issues impact compliance with the Incident-to rule under the auxiliary person definition. • How or if the rule applies to care supervised by non-physician practitioners.

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CEMC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4E: E/M in Orthopaedics - an Auditor's Perspective

Angela B Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC, COSC, Approved-Instructor

In this session, we will discuss E/M documentation supporting a level of service related to the Orthopaedic Specialty. What information are we stretching and giving credit for that could put the practice at risk in an external audit? How do we educate our providers to have documentation that supports the level of service that was coded?

Breakout Session 5

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4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

5A: Coding and Billing Split/Shared Services

Beverly A Strube, COC, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, COBGC

Split/shared coding and billing is undergoing rapid changes. This Medicare concept is very confusing to providers and it’s not getting any easier. This presentation will include the current state of split/shared billing and the planned future of the concept. We will also discuss best methods for explaining the concept to the provider community.

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

5B: It’s a Cruel, Cruel Summer: The Transition from V24-V28 Risk Adjustment Model

Amy C Pritchett, AAPC Fellow, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC

In this session, we will discuss HCC coding and Risk Adjustment “with a twist”. We will begin by delving into the complicated world of Risk Adjustment and end with the transition from V24 to V28 for Medicare Advantage plans. The session will also include easy, at-a-glance changes and how they will affect reimbursement; not only in the ACO but, across Medicare Advantage Organizations. Please join me for this highly interactive and informative session!

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEDC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

5C: Capitol”-ize on Facility Emergency Department Leveling

Caroline Znaniec; Amy Lee Smith, COC, CPC, CPMA

This session will provide background and guidance in the historical development of hospital emergency services facility levels, with a discussion of the pressures from payers to reduce spending and from the regulatory bodies to increase transparency. By the end of the session, we will: • Understand the intent of CMS’ eleven guidelines for the development of emergency services facility levels. • Discuss the growing pressures from payers and regulatory bodies to support emergency levels and strategies to mitigate the risk of reduced revenues from denials and down-coding, in a transparent environment. • Understand varied methodologies in the development of a facility’s guidelines, including pros and cons of each. • Identify opportunities for improvement in current facility methodologies and immediate next steps to assess and implement positive change.

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

5D: Finding Balance Between the Physician and the Auditor

Shannon O'Tyson DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

Being an auditor is a complex job. You must talk, walk, and look the role, know your stuff, but never lose your cool. You must analyze and review superiors, then educate them on found deficiencies, staying pleasant and approachable the entire time. The job can feel like a tightrope from which you might fall at any time. This session will walk you through tips and facts on building and maintaining a stellar auditor reputation.

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CEMC, CFPC, CGIC, CIMC, CPB, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM

5E: E/M Audits for Primary Care

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, Approved-Instructor

Join us as we discuss the latest updates and changes in E/M coding and documentation guidelines as they pertain to primary care, exploring primary care audit risks in each MDM section! Attendees will walk through practical tips and strategies for improving documentation accuracy and completeness in the primary care setting. We will also cover common errors and pitfalls in E/M documentation that primary care providers should be aware of to avoid denials or payer audits. The importance of ongoing education and training for primary care providers and their staff to ensure continued compliance with E/M guidelines and best practices will be reviewed. Overall, attendees will come away from the lecture with a better understanding of the E/M auditing process as it applies to primary care, and with practical strategies for improving their documentation and coding practices to ensure compliance and accuracy in E/M documentation and coding for primary care.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

General Session

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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS5: Apathy and Burn Out Panel

Heather Greene, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC; Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC; Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CGSC, COPC, Approved-Instructor; Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor

Not only do we get code changes every year , we get policy changes throughout the year, and then there was/is COVID and all the upheaval from that situation. Are we performing at maximum potential? Do we even want to anymore? If you are tired and overwhelmed, you are not alone. This panel session is an opportunity to share ideas of how to avoid or decrease the feeling of "burn-out" and apathy as we continue to "get the job done". What are the signs and what can we do? Come join us for a great conversation!

Breakout Session 6

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10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6A: Defusing Denials

Shannon O'Tyson DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

As an operating expense, denials are one of the costliest. They represent duplicative work that, in many cases, could have been prevented. In this session we’ll discuss the big picture to be considered, including analyzing denials for better understanding of the scale and source of the volume, the type of denials (whether billing or documentation), and proactive measures that can alleviate future denials.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC, CIC, COSC, CPB, CPPM

6B: Grasping Wrist, Hand, and Finger Coding

Karen M Bowman, CPC, CPMA

By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to easily identify basic anatomic parts; understand the difference between flexor and extensor tendons and how these impact coding for repairs; grasp the idea of hand and wrist fracture treatments; code complex wrist and hand procedures; and know where to turn for help.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6C: Industry Inpatient Coding Standards of the Medical Record

Shannon Cameron MBA MHIIM CPC, CPC, CPC

This session will cover facility coding as it relates to common denials and top misreported DRGs per recent CMS and OIG feedback. In addition, we’ll review conundrums and challenges organizations face during the facility revenue cycle process and ways to determine if your facility is compliant.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6D: Understanding NCD's, LCD's and Payer Guidelines to Improve your Compliance

Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor

This session will focus on the how best to utilize CMS NCD's, MAC LCD's and Payer guidelines to improve your compliance, revenue and be better positioned for any necessary appeals. This information is invaluable as you create coding guidelines and system logic rules.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6E: E/M Audits for Cardiology

Sharon Jane Oliver, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor

In this session we will be dissecting the information in an actual patient's encounter. We will evaluate the documentation (HPI, exam, diagnosis, assessment) to determine the accuracy of the medical record. Also, we will take a look at the progression of the patient's condition. Open discussion is encouraged as we evaluate to show the various view points on determing the level of service and accurate reporting of the diagnosis.

Breakout Session 7

Back to top

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

7A: Using Modifiers

Christina Lynn Deeke, CPC, CEDC

This presentation will teach proper use of the most commonly used modifiers through incorporated examples. You’ll learn about modifiers that impact revenue, updated modifiers for 2023, and tips on how to avoid denials.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CUC

7B: CPT® Coding Changes for Urologists

Edna Rosa Maldonado, CPC

In this session we’ll review coding changes that affect urology practices and how to make the necessary changes to submit clean claims. We’ll cover medical necessity and proper documentation, bundling edits by different carriers, and how to stay on top of these changes.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7C: Top 5 Documentation and Revenue Tips in Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers

Gary W Lucas, MSHI

In this webinar session we will review opportunities for Rural Health Clinics (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (aka Community Health Centers) to improve their clinical documentation, professional coding, and medical billing with a focus on the unique CMS rules and regulations we face when reporting our valuable health services to our various insurance entities. Your clinical providers (ex. MD, PA, NP, CP, CSW), facility leaders (ex. CFO, revenue cycle managers, office managers), are invited to join in along with professional coders and medical billers. The overall focus of the class is to help you generate 100% of the revenue you are entitled to, but no more than you are allowed. All content is presented from the perspective of a CMS-approved RHC/FQHC with a focus on details found within CMS Claims/Benefits Manuals Chapters 9 and 13.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7D: Key Strategies for Compliance Walk-throughs

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, Approved-Instructor

Compliance walk-throughs are the lifeblood of a compliance program. In this session we’ll discuss the importance of compliance walk-throughs and key areas to look at, including sample language for communication and follow-up.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEDC, CEMC, CPB, CPPM

7E: 911 - Emergency in DC: How to Level E/M Services in the ED

Lori A Cox, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC

Coding for Emergency Room E/M services can be tricky but interesting at the same time. Since time is not a factor for these levels, we will focus solely on the MDM. We will look at E/M case examples together – from straightforward injuries to complex trauma patients. This will be an open, interactive discussion with time for Q&A.


Interested in learning more about things to see and do in Washington DC/Maryland? Download our Area Points of Interest Brochure HERE.

Conference Venue

Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745

To reserve your room register online here or please call (877) 622-3056 and reference AAPC HEALTHCON Regional.

Each guest will be responsible for their own charges. All reservation cancellations must occur at least 72-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night's room and tax penalty charge.

Location Map

Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745

Interested in taking part as a 2023 sponsor or exhibitor? We have new and exciting opportunities for you. Connect with us to learn more

We are pleased to announce our 2023 Exhibitors!

1. Talk to Your Employer - Over 80% of attendee's costs are paid by their employers. Don't be afraid to ask! Educate your boss on the benefits for both you and your company. Review the employer justification steps below to help you be prepared to talk to your boss.

2. Tell Your Friends - Conference is a blast, but it's even more fun with friends and colleagues. Be a good friend and inform them of the educational benefits.

3. Personalize Your Schedule - Look over the education and build the schedule that best fits your needs.

4. Make Your Travel Plans - Flight booked, check; hotel confirmed, check; Other activities, check!

How to Convince Your Boss

Anyone who's been to conference will tell you it's an incredible, career enhancing experience. But when you ask your employer to pick up the tab, we know you have to make a bold case for attending.

So here's a bit of advice on getting your manager or business decision maker to send you to AAPC Conference: It's not about you. It's about how you AND the entire team - in fact, your company - will benefit from the information and insights you'll gain.

By leveraging the steps below, we feel confident you can make a game plan, create your story and leverage your communication skills.

STEP 1

Be Prepared

  • Once available, review the full conference agenda with over 40 sessions and map out your customized conference agenda. AAPC offers tracks across a variety of topics and disciplines, so you can choose a mix of sessions that benefit you personally and some that benefit your organization. You might even plan to show your manager the sessions and let them choose a few sessions they would like you to attend.
  • Prepare a persuasive letter for your boss. Include a few of the sessions you'd like to attend and name-drop some speakers.
  • Ready your argument that attending conference will make you a bigger asset to your company.

STEP 2

Pick the Right Time to Talk About It

  • Lay the groundwork with your letter, then schedule a brief meeting to state your case in person.
  • Explain the ROI on sending you to the event.
  • Tell your manager you'll bring back best practices from leading experts, thought leaders and organizations.
  • Talk about why you are choosing the sessions you want to attend and how the skills will complement your capabilities and those of the organization.
  • Tell your manager conference packs a full year's worth of value into just 3 days.
  • Walk through the conference website to review the agenda and speaker lineup, adding credibility and transparency to your request.
  • Explain that you will take accountability and return ready to present your findings to the team and how they can be implemented into your current work processes.

STEP 3

Respond to Objections and Questions with Confidence and Detail

  • You probably already know the questions or objections your boss will have, impress your boss with your communication skills by being prepared to answer the expected AND unexpected.
  • Objection: "It's too expensive." Your response: "This isn't just a three-day conference; I see it as an investment. The learnings can have real impact on our organization's bottom line. I'll capture detailed notes from every session, so our whole team can learn along with me. And conference offers group and corporate discounts and discounted lodging."
  • Objection: "You can't be away from the office for several days." Your response: "I might be away from the office, but I will still be working when I can. WiFi will be available, and the schedule allows me to move between tracks and sessions. I'll be able to stay connected at the same time I’m gathering information and best practices that will take our team’s work to the next level."
  • Objection: "How do I know this a credible conference and a good use of your time?" Your response: AAPC is the world's largest training and credentialing organization for the business of healthcare, at over 250,000 members.
Amy Pritchett, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC, AAPC Fellow

Amy Pritchett, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC, AAPC Fellow

Amy Pritchett, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC, AAPC Fellow, has over 20 years of experience in medical billing and coding, high-level auditing, project management, and directing coders across multiple facility locations. Her background also includes educating and presenting to her coding staff and quality assurance managers. Pritchett holds several certifications ranging from coding specialist to ICD instructor.

Amy Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP

Amy Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP

Amy Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP, is a director of internal audit for Bon Secours Mercy Health, an integrated, multi-state Catholic health system based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Smith leads a team that performs revenue cycle, coding, documentation, billing audits, and data analytics. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business with concentrations in finance from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. Smith has spent most of her career in healthcare finance and auditing and now has over 27 years of experience in the industry. She is a frequent speaker at both the regional and national level and has authored several articles for various professional journals. Smith is an active member of AAPC, the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Association for Healthcare Internal Auditors, for which she serves on the board of directors and the editorial board. She is also the president of her local AAPC chapter. Smith is an avid W&M Tribe sports fan, an active leader on the local alumni board, a former Special Olympics swim coach, and a lifelong swimmer. She is a proud dachshund mom and a native and current resident of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Angela Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC, COSC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Angela Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC, COSC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Angela Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC, COSC, AAPC Approved Instructor, has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She served as Region 5 representative on AAPC's National Advisory Board from 2013-2015 and as the member relations officer from 2015-2018. Clements has extensive experience in multi-specialty coding, documentation, and auditing. She’s also a frequent speaker at local medical managers’ meetings, as well as other AAPC local chapters in her region.

Beverly Strube, CPC, COC, CPMA, CEMC, COBGC, CPC-I

Beverly Strube, CPC, COC, CPMA, CEMC, COBGC, CPC-I

Beverly Strube, CPC, COC, CPMA, CEMC, COBGC, CPC-I, has 20 years of experience in physician-based accounts receivable, coding, billing, auditing, provider education, and compliance. Strube has been a medical auditor for the past 14 years, has many years of multispecialty auditing experience, and also has vast experience in physician coding education.

Carrie Christy, CPC, CPEDC, CEMC, CPMA

Carrie Christy, CPC, CPEDC, CEMC, CPMA

Carrie Christy, CPC, CPEDC, CEMC, CPMA, is a physician coding auditor and educator with MedKoder. She holds credentials in auditing, pediatrics, and evaluation and management. Christy has over 20 years of coding and auditing experience, has been a chapter officer with AAPC for six years, and enjoys speaking at chapters across the U.S.

 Caroline Znaniec, MBA, MS-HCA, CRIP

Caroline Znaniec, MBA, MS-HCA, CRIP

Caroline Znaniec, MBA, MS-HCA, CRIP, is Protiviti’s Healthcare Revenue Cycle Practice Leader. She has extensive professional consulting and industry experience in the healthcare industry. Caroline works with various healthcare provider organizations including hospitals, health systems, home care, physician specialty groups and clinics, free-standing ambulatory care providers, payers, private equity groups, and investors. Prior to joining Protiviti, Caroline led the development and client delivery of revenue integrity consulting services for CohnReznick LLP, Grant Thornton LLP and Navigant Consulting, Inc.. Caroline has experience serving in industry roles such as Corporate Compliance Officer and Director of Revenue Integrity for integrated health systems. She is a recognized industry speaker and author in the areas of revenue integrity, revenue cycle transformation, regulatory compliance, electronic health record design, implementation and optimization, and data analytics.

Christina Deeke, CPC, CEDC, RMC, RMA, CPhT

Christina Deeke, CPC, CEDC, RMC, RMA, CPhT

Christina Deeke, CPC, CEDC, RMC, RMA, CPhT, is an auditor and physician educator for an organization where she provides education and training to over 500 multispeciality providers, ranging from inpatient and outpaient to consultations and office-based evaluation and management. Deeke is the president of the Oak Brook, Ill., local chapter.

Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is the CEO and senior consultant for Stirling Global Solutions, LLC. She has a degree in health information management and sociology, along with more than 30 years of healthcare administration and information management experience. She is chairwoman of AAPC’s Billing Advisory Committee, a skilled educator, and a national public speaker. Hall has a strong core in compliance, ethics and regulatory affairs, revenue cycle management, coding, credentialing, and practice management. She is a subject matter expert in specialty coding, risk adjustment, telehealth, and reimbursement. Hall has had the pleasure of working with many of the gold star standard organizations in healthcare such as AAPC, AHIMA, and various national medical associations and societies. She serves as the education officer of the Palm Beach, Fla., local chapter.

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor, has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of the business of healthcare. In her current role, she is responsible for provider engagement and clinical documentation improvement for accurate coding. Gianatasio specializes in developing innovative coding curricula and instruction to support compliance with federal guidelines and appropriate reimbursement processes. She enjoys teaching a variety of coding, documentation, and auditing classes, and is president of the 2022-2025 AAPC National Advisory Board.

Dawn Carter, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, Fellow

Dawn Carter, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, Fellow

Dawn Carter, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, Fellow, has worked in healthcare for 28 years. She has extensive experience in developing revenue integrity and software solutions for risk adjustment, as well as social determinants of health. Carter’s experience also includes multiple teaching engagements in medical administration, billing, and coding.

Deni Adams, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CEMC, CPEDC, CCA

Deni Adams, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CEMC, CPEDC, CCA

Deni Adams, CPC, CPB, CPPM, CEMC, CPEDC, CCA, has been involved in medical coding and billing since 2001. She currently works in coding, compliance, and billing implementation where she is responsible for creating provider fee schedules, staying current on payer policies, and using payer policies in coding and denial management.

Edna Maldonado, CPC, ACS-UR, AHIMA ICD-10-CM Trainer

Edna Maldonado, CPC, ACS-UR, AHIMA ICD-10-CM Trainer

Edna Maldonado, CPC, ACS-UR, AHIMA ICD-10-CM Trainer, has over 30 years’ experience in urology. She is a coding education trainer for the American Urological Association (AUA) and is currently a coding manager for United Urology Group. Maldonado has conducted more than 20 customized coding seminars and is a faculty speaker for the annual coding seminars for the AUA.

Gary Lucas, MHI

Gary Lucas, MHI

Gary Lucas, MHI, serves as VP for Research & Development for the Association for Rural & Community Health Professional Coding (ArchProCoding) and has provided more than 1900 courses on documentation, coding, and billing in 46 states for over 29 years, with a current focus on rural and community health (RHC/FQHC). He also worked with Booz Allen Hamilton, providing change management services to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Department of Defense. Lucas manages the curriculum for the Rural/Community Health-Coding & Billing Specialist (RH/CH-CBS) certifications for ArchProCoding.

Heather Greene, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CDIP

Heather Greene, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CDIP

Heather Greene, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CDIP, has over 20 years of experience in a variety of health information management (HIM) roles, including as a coding instructor and a HIM manager. She is an educational specialist at AAPC concentrating on inpatient coding. Greene provides education to students and clients regarding coding, medical documentation, and HIM functions nationally. Additionally, she is a frequent speaker/author on HIM topics for various organizations, including AAPC and AHIMA. Greene has a BS in health information management and an MBA.

Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC, has been in the field of medical coding and auditing for over 30 years and received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Virginia Tech. She has worked in a variety of practice settings and has expertise in coding for family practice, urgent care, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, and Medicare’s teaching physician guidelines, with an emphasis on compliance with evaluation and management guidelines. Kipreos has been an instructor for various AAPC workshops for the past 10 years and is a frequent speaker at AAPC’s national and regional HEALTHCON conferences. She has also provided presentations for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners state event in Virginia and the national event for the American Association of Medical Assistants. Kipreos is a past president of the Richmond, Virginia and Charlottesville, Virginia local chapters, and served as president of AAPC’s National Advisory Board from 2015 to 2018.

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor, brings over 15 years of healthcare experience working in private offices, hospitals, consulting firms, and international coding companies. He specializes in evaluation and management (E/M) auditing, risk adjustment, operational risk reduction, and leadership development. Swartzwelder is a SAFe 5 Practitioner and an AAPC 2022-2025 National Advisory Board (NAB) member and co-chair of the Career Advancement committee. He also owns and manages Compliant Approach Partners, LLC.

Kaitlyn Brack, CPC, CEMC, CFPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Kaitlyn Brack, CPC, CEMC, CFPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Kaitlyn Brack, CPC, CEMC, CFPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is a medical coding quality analyst at AAPC. Her coding areas of expertise include Medicare wellness, evaluation and management, family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics, with experience in endocrinology, rheumatology, palliative care, NH/AL/SNF, rural health, inpatient/outpatient, and oncology. Brack has a Bachelor of Science in health informatics and information management from the University of Southern Indiana. She also has her yellow belt certification for Lean Six Sigma. Brack writes HBM articles, presents topics at chapter events and conferences, is a member of the CEMC and CPEDC exam committees, and runs an AAPC TikTok account.

Karen Bowman, FACMPE, CPC, CPMA

Karen Bowman, FACMPE, CPC, CPMA

Karen Bowman, FACMPE, CPC, CPMA, Practice Administrator, Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland. Bowman has been the practice administrator at Gastrointestinal Associates of Cleveland for more than 19 years. She is Fellow with the American College of Medical Practice Executive. Bowman is a past president of Tennessee Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and currently serves as the ACMPE forum rep. She also serves on the ACMPE Certification Commission and is the forum rep liaison with MGMA; is a past MGMA state liaison for Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi; and is the Cleveland MGMA President. She has volunteered in several capacities with MGMA and ACMPE and has served as an officer for AAPC and MGMA local chapters, including president, for many years. Bowman has presented to multiple organizations, including the Cleveland Chapter AMA (AAMA), AAPC, MGMA Forum Reps and Tennessee MGMA. In addition to serving on advisory boards for UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Palmetto, she has served as an advisory board member for numerous years with QRS Healthcare, a medical software company, and Cleveland State Business Advisory Council, along with South College Advisory Board. She is a past adjunct faculty member at Cleveland State Community College and South College, where she taught medical coding and billing. Bowman is married, has two children, one special grandson, and three rescue Yorkies and one rescue kitten.

Khushwinder Singh, MD, MHA, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC

Khushwinder Singh, MD, MHA, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC

Khushwinder Singh, MD, MHA, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC, is a trained clinician, coder, auditor, and experienced healthcare management professional, with over 18 years of health information management (HIM), Medicare, managed care, and regulatory experience. As a seasoned clinician, Singh is always determined to meet higher goals and is committed to improving the health of patients, as well as helping medical providers manage health information coding data, minimize errors, and reduce waste. He drives healthcare forward every day with a focus on improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery to patients, as well as a focus on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Triple Aim. Singh has helped several providers operationalize their risk adjustment programs, optimizing risk scores to recapture strategies and enabling them to succeed in their risk-sharing, value-based care arrangements. Singh has a passion for value-based care and risk adjustment, finding ways to leverage the hidden power of healthcare data and help physicians deliver better care while reporting diagnosis data accurately. Over the past several years, Singh has worked as a consultant on numerous projects, acting as a subject matter expert for risk adjustment for encounter data submissions, risk adjustment operations and process improvement, HCC suspect analytics, and other coding compliance expertise. Singh has worked with Medicare Advantage health plans and ACOs, EMR companies, risk adjustment vendors developing NLP-based solutions, AI companies developing advanced HCC analytics solutions, and several billing, coding, and revenue cycle management entities. He has also engaged with physician practices, providing them with risk adjustment education and quality- and value-based care-focused managed care expertise, as well as helped several clients clean up their HCC coding recapture workflows, resolved RAPS and EDPS submission-related problems, and leverage the clinical documentation improvement process to recapture appropriate and accurate HCC risk scores.

Kristen Taylor, CPC, CHC, CHIAP

Kristen Taylor, CPC, CHC, CHIAP

Kristen Taylor, CPC, CHC, CHIAP, brings almost 30 years of experience in coding, revenue cycle processes, and compliance for physician and hospital reimbursement models. She conducts operational assessments, attorney-client privilege investigations, coding reviews, and education to providers and coders. Taylor’s coding expertise includes diagnostic and interventional radiology, pathology, primary care, radiation oncology, and anesthesia.

Leonta Williams, MBA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC, CCS, CCDS

Leonta Williams, MBA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC, CCS, CCDS

Leonta Williams, MBA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC, CCS, CCDS, is director of education at AAPC. She holds multiple credentials across several professional organizations and has more than 20 years of health information management experience as a coding director, auditor, educator, trainer, practice manager, and mentor. Williams is founder and past president of the Covington, Ga., local chapter and served as secretary on AAPC’s 2018-2021 National Advisory Board.

Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Director of Client Engagement

Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Director of Client Engagement

Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Director of Client Engagement, has over 20 years of experience working in the business side of healthcare. She began her career working as a patient accounts representative and then transitioned to the billing department. Cox was promoted to billing supervisor and later became the compliance officer, where she was responsible for maintaining the compliance plan and educating staff on fraud and abuse. Currently, Cox works for AAPC Services as a regional director, performing audits and education for clients across the United States. Cox was previously the Member Relations Officer of the AAPC National Advisory Board and has written many articles for Healthcare Business Monthly. Cox has spoken at HEALTHCON and regional conferences and has traveled the country speaking to coders and providers on topics such as hem/onc, E/M guidelines, and proper coding. Her other specialties include rad/onc, auditing, general surgery, internal medicine, family practice, and pediatrics. Cox has a Masters in Business Administration from Quincy University.

Marianne Durling, MHA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CIC, CDEI, CCS, CDIP, AAPC Approved Instructor

Marianne Durling, MHA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CIC, CDEI, CCS, CDIP, AAPC Approved Instructor

Marianne Durling, MHA, RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CIC, CDEI, CCS, CDIP, AAPC Approved Instructor, has a very diverse background, having spent over 40 years working in almost every aspect of healthcare. She is currently a compliance director at a large academic medical center. Durling has a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a post-baccalaureate certificate in health information administration. She has authored articles for professional publications and speaks nationally. Durling has served on AAPC’s National Advisory Board, several terms as an officer in her local chapter, and on the HEALTHCON Education Committee.

Mariarita Genovese, MHA, CPC

Mariarita Genovese, MHA, CPC

MariaRita Genovese, MHA, CPC, is the director of revenue cycle and business operations for MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. She has over 30 years of experience in billing and practice management, most recently in the areas of family medicine and medical oncology. She is active in educating the physicians and staff in medical coding and compliance regulations. Genovese currently serves as president of the Greater Philadelphia local chapter, after serving as chapter president and vice president in previous years. She is a member of AAPC’s 2022-2025 National Advisory Board and served on the 2015-2018 AAPC Chapter Association (AAPCCA) Board of Directors. Genovese served on the AAPCCA Executive Board in 2016 and was awarded the 2019 chapter officer of the year by AAPC’s Board of Directors. She has contributed articles to HBM as well as the popular Knowledge Center blog. Genovese is also a frequent speaker at AAPC national and regional conferences.

Michael D. Miscoe, JD, CPC, CASCC, CUC, CCPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMA, AAPC Fellow

Michael D. Miscoe, JD, CPC, CASCC, CUC, CCPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMA, AAPC Fellow

Michael D. Miscoe, JD, CPC, CASCC, CUC, CCPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMA, AAPC Fellow, has over 30 years of experience in healthcare coding and over 20 years as a forensic coding/compliance expert and consultant. He has provided forensic analysis and testimony as an expert witness on a wide range of coding and compliance issues in civil and criminal cases on behalf of providers and payers. Mr. Miscoe’s law practice concentrates on representation of healthcare providers involved in post-payment disputes with commercial and government payers. He has an extensive national speaking background and has been published in numerous publications on a variety of coding, compliance, and health law topics. He is the past president of AAPC’s National Advisory Board, is a member of AAPC’s Legal Advisory Board, and is chair of AAPC’s Ethics Committee.

Monica Wright, CPC, CPCO, CPMA

Monica Wright, CPC, CPCO, CPMA

Monica Wright, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, has over 20 years of experience in medical coding, billing, and practice management. She has taught medical coding and billing to students, physicians, managers, and staff of private medical practices and within hospital settings. She has a master’s degree in health administration from LSUS.

Paulina Davis, JD, MPH, CPC, AHFI, CFE

Paulina Davis, JD, MPH, CPC, AHFI, CFE

Paulina Davis, JD, MPH, CPC, AHFI, CFE, is a special investigations unit manager for UnitedHealthcare. Her background includes multifaceted experience in legal, compliance, management, and investigations. Davis has presented at multiple industry conferences on topics ranging from audit readiness to skills and schemes. She holds a Juris Doctorate, Master’s Degree in Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC, CCS, AAPC Approved Instructor

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC, CCS, AAPC Approved Instructor

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC, CCS, AAPC Approved Instructor, has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is a nationally recognized speaker and thought leader in the business of healthcare. She serves as a coding liaison to the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel. Over the past 15 years at AAPC, Jimenez has held a variety of responsibilities including leading the development of certification exams and exam preparation materials, overseeing the operations for exams, and distance learning and education licensing program departments. As AAPC’s President, Membership and Content, she oversees all AAPC product lines.

Dr. L Renee Bradley, CPC, CPC-P

Dr. L Renee Bradley, CPC, CPC-P

Dr. L Renee Bradley, CPC, CPC-P, is a special assistant to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Rhode State College. She is responsible for championing the importance and value of diverse and inclusive environments across a wide spectrum of educational programs. Bradley has demonstrated a DEI focus throughout her professional and higher education careers.

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor, has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, working in the management, reimbursement, billing, and coding sectors, in addition to being an instructor. She was responsible for all ICD-10 training and curriculum at AAPC. Buckholtz has authored numerous articles for healthcare publications and has spoken at numerous national conferences for AAPC, AMA, HIMSS, AAO-HNS, AGA, and ASOA.

Samuel Church, MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I

Samuel Church, MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I

Samuel Church, MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I, is a family physician in Hiawassee, Ga., a rural area in north Georgia, with both office and hospital practices. He is a frequent speaker for medical practices, residency programs, hospital systems, coding conferences, and ACOs in optimized coding and workflow and correct coding. He currently serves on the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel. He has a passion for teaching, not only for practicing physicians and coders, but especially medical students and residents, and serves as a core faculty for the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Family Medicine Residency and as adjunct faculty for AU/UGA Medical Partnership SOM. He lives with his wife, Nancy, and their four children on a small farm and frequently partners with her on community projects.

Shannon Cameron, MBA, MHIIM, CPC

Shannon Cameron, MBA, MHIIM, CPC

Shannon Cameron, MBA, MHIIM, CPC, has years of medical revenue cycle experience, including chart acquisition, physician and facility coding and billing, accounts receivable management, reimbursement strategies for medical device manufacturers, provider education, and CPT® and APC/DRG analyses for medical facilities and physician groups across the U.S. Her expertise covers all areas of billing and reimbursement across multiple specialties.

Shannon DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

Shannon DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

Shannon DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, has worked in healthcare for more than 25 years. She is the president and founder of NAMAS, a division of DoctorsManagement, where she has worked for 18 years.

Sharon Oliver, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Sharon Oliver, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Sharon Oliver, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is a 36-year medical professional. Oliver has been a CPC® for 18 years and a PMCC instructor for 17 years. She has worked as a practice manager and in the specialties of IVR/cardiology, ob-gyn, family practice, internal medicine, and infectious disease. She is a co-contributor for several medical publications and the owner of Medical Coding and Consultants. Oliver teaches CPC® classes, has presented at numerous national and regional conferences for AAPC, serves on several AAPC working committees, was a former officer on the AAPC Chapter Association Board of Directors, and has held the offices of president and member development officer in her Southern Appalachian Coders local chapter in Johnson City, Tenn. Oliver travels the nation to conduct onsite training sessions for physicians and staff.

Susan Roelant, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPCO

Susan Roelant, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPCO

Susan Roelant, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPCO, is a highly experienced clinician documentation educator who specializes in behavioral health services. With over 25 years of experience in physician coding, auditing, revenue cycle management, and consulting, she has honed her skills in ensuring accurate and timely reimbursement for healthcare services. As a sought-after speaker, Roelant has presented at prestigious industry events such as the AAPC and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants conferences. She has also served as an independent review organization (IRO) and developed comprehensive education plans to prepare healthcare professionals for the new 2023 CPT® guidelines.

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What else is included?

  • Meals - continental breakfast and lunch provided during full days of conference
  • Sponsor / Exhibitors - access to explore the latest industry tools
  • Pre-conference - join extra sessions for more ways to earn CEUs
  • Networking - ample time to mingle after hours during the Conference Welcome Reception and other exciting events
  • More details - check back often and be abreast of all the happenings