What are the benefits of staying at the host hotel?

You will be surrounded by your fellow conference attendees, NAB and AAPCCA board members, along with staff from the AAPC national office. It is also a great chance to meet new friends and catch up with all your conference friends from previous years.

What does my conference registration include?

All of the general and breakout sessions, and all of the meals during the program, including the member appreciation banquet lunch.

Will I meet any of the National Advisory Board, the AAPCCA Board, or any of the AAPC staff at conference?

Yes, both the National Advisory Board (NAB) and the AAPCCA Board are involved in putting on the conference and are available throughout the conference to meet and network with conference attendees. You will also have the opportunity to meet other staff members from the AAPC national office.

Where will I find my handouts for the conference?

Handouts will be available two weeks prior to and three weeks following the conference. They are accessible to registered attendees conference web page (once you are logged in). If you wish, you can print out the handouts and bring them to the conference, but it is not necessary. Paper copies of the handouts will not be provided at the conference.

A code card lists all of the approved sessions on one document. The vendor portion of the code card includes the title, index number, specialty designations, and number of CEUs for each session. The attendee portion of the code card has the same information excluding the index number. Each AAPC member attendee should be given an attendee code card prior to the conference. The index number of a session should be released to the attendees at the close of each session. It is the responsibility of the attendee to write the index number on their code card and retain the document.

What to expect at AUDITCON

Wednesday, December 4, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, MT

GS1 / Using AI, NLP, and Tech Solutions - PANEL / Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor / Stephani Scott, CPC

Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and tech solutions offer the exciting possibility of enhancing and scaling up an organization’s auditing efforts. Used responsibly, these solutions can increase efficiency, improve detection of risk areas, and provide improved insights. Come discuss what solutions are available to augment the work your team does. Join us for this engaging panel where we will discuss the possibilities as well as the challenges of using AI and NLP in your program.

Wednesday, December 4, 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM, MT

1A / Beginners Track / A Deep Dive Into the Responsibility of Being an Auditor / Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

In this session we’ll not only discuss the basics of being an auditor. The goal is to take a deeper look at the responsibilities that come with the act of auditing medical records and delivering the findings. There are typically financial outcomes associated with audit findings, along with those findings often becoming a part of a compliance package. The seriousness of being an auditor cannot be overlooked, and this session will present the reasons why this is true.

1B / Advanced Administrator Track / Auditing Policies / Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Regional Director, AAPC Services

Effective healthcare documentation auditing hinges on well-crafted policies that ensure consistency, compliance, and accuracy. As regulations tighten and the demand for transparency grows, having robust auditing policies is crucial for safeguarding your organization against risks and maximizing operational efficiency. In this session you’ll learn the essentials of designing healthcare documentation auditing policies that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. We’ll guide you through the process of developing policies that address critical areas such as compliance, coding accuracy, and risk management. You’ll gain practical tips on how to implement these policies, monitor their effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments in response to evolving regulations.

1C / Advanced Auditor Track / I Am a Professional Auditor / Angela Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, COSC, CGSC, AAPC Approved Instructor

You have been auditing for years. You know your codes. You know the AMA guidelines. You know CMS guidelines and policies. You know the ICD-10-CM guidelines. But, do your audit results/reports reflect your skill set? When someone else reads your reports would they want you on their team? The work you produce should confirm that you are a professional. In this session, we will discuss how you can make sure you are selling yourself as an auditing professional through the work you produce.

Wednesday, December 4, 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM, MT

2A / Beginners Track / Difference in Monitoring and Auditing / Stephanie Sjogren, CCS, HCAFA, CPC, CRC, CDEO, CPMA, CPC-I, COC

Compliance monitoring and internal audits are both important functions within an organization, but they have different purposes and objectives. In this session, we will discuss the differences between the two, as well as working and developing practice/facility internal policies, industry standards, and regulations. The overall compliance goal of minimizing and identifying risk and working together as strategic partners within both programs will also be reviewed.

2B / Advanced Administrator Track / Audit of Non-Billing-Related Items (Security/Risk) / Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

So often we discuss audits that focus on coding and documentation, but there are other types of audits we need to do based on risk that drive quality and compliance in healthcare. In this session we’ll discuss other risks and how to firm up your audit process. You will learn how to determine your risk, how to analyze and audit non-billing type risks, and how to address key stakeholders for improvements needed.

2C / Advanced Auditor Track / Choo-Choo! Conducting a Claims Audit and Keeping on Track / Amy Lee Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP, AAPC Approved-Instructor

All aboard for an examination of the what/why/how of performing a claim audit. We will do a brief walk-through of a sample claim audit and discuss how to document results. As we ride along, we will also learn tips, tricks, and common risk areas to keep us on track.

Wednesday, December 4, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM, MT

3A / Beginners Track / How to Present Audit Findings / Angela Clements, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, COSC, CGSC, AAPC Approved Instructor

In this session we’ll discuss how to present your audit findings in a meaningful way. Communication of audit results is vital to the future success of providers and coders. We will cover how to handle different situations in which the provider or coder may be defensive, making the conversation difficult. Staying professional in difficult situations is key to maintaining your professionalism. Learn a few tips and tricks to build your confidence as you approach the difficult conversations we all wish we could avoid and come out of those conversation without feeling defeated.

3B / Advanced Administrator Track / How to Audit an Existing Policy / Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor

We’ve made our policies and they are all in place. Now what? In this session we’ll talk about the best ways to audit those policies for optimal impact. We’ll cover how to determine how and when to audit a policy, how to make the most effective policy changes, and how to incorporate education into all policies and revisions.

3C / Advanced Auditor Track / Conducting a Diligence Audit: Know the Steps and Why It Needs to be Done / Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

Selling a physician practice, mergers with other practices, bringing in new providers: These are some of the reasons diligence audits are performed. It’s always a good idea to understand the financial impact of these types of transactions. In this session, we’ll discuss what is involved in performing a complete diligence audit and determine when and why they should be performed.

Wednesday, December 4, 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM, MT

4A / Beginners Track / From Risk to Respect: How to Recognize and Communicate Your Limits as an Auditor / Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, CPMA, AAPC Approved Instructor

In this session we’ll explore the importance of recognizing and respecting your professional limits as a medical coding and billing auditor. Understanding your expertise and staying within your scope are crucial for maintaining credibility and ensuring accurate and ethical audit practices. We’ll discuss strategies for identifying the boundaries of your auditing capabilities and provide practical guidance on how to communicate these limits professionally to colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. By effectively managing these boundaries, you can enhance your reputation, avoid potential risks, and build trust and respect in the healthcare auditing community.

4B / Advanced Administrator Track / Best Practices to Build an A+ Audit Team / Kathleen Spaulding, COC, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CCS, Approved-Instructor

In this session we’ll discuss how to hire, manage, and professionally develop a team of auditors while navigating the complexities of an ever-changing environment in healthcare. We’ll focus on specific strategies to choose the right people and tap into their individual talents, while also touching on creating and maintaining workflows for a bulletproof audit program.

4C / Advanced Auditor Track / Auditing for Modifiers, ICD-10-CM, and CPT^®: Practical Strategies and Collaborative Learning / Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, AAPC Approved Instructor

This interactive session is designed to enhance your auditing expertise, focusing on modifiers, ICD-10-CM, and CPT^® codes. With the dual format of expert-led discussion and collaborative breakout sessions, attendees will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in applying auditing principles.

Thursday, December 5, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM, MT

GS2 / Regulatory Audits - PANEL / Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, AAPC Approved Instructor / Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor / Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Regional Director, AAPC Services

Is your team ready to show you have the right safeguards in place to stand up to external audit scrutiny? Being ready for regulatory audits is a challenge for most organizations as they continue to manage multiple priorities. Regardless of the area of healthcare in which you work, regulatory audits are a part of your business. Join this discussion to stay up to date on the latest audits. We’ll discuss how to analyze your preparedness and ensure you are ready to pass your next regulatory audit.

Thursday, December 5, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, MT

5A / Beginners Track / Developing Audit Scope / Lori Cox, MBA, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, Regional Director, AAPC Services

In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, accurate documentation is critical for ensuring compliance, optimizing reimbursement, and enhancing patient care; and with the complexities of healthcare regulations and coding standards, crafting a well-defined auditing scope is more important than ever. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify key focus areas, set clear objectives, and establish criteria that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or new to the field, this presentation will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a comprehensive and targeted audit plan that drives results.

5B / Advanced Administrator Track / Help! I’ve Inherited a Team. What Do I Do Now? / Amy Lee Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP, AAPC Approved-Instructor

In this session we’ll discuss tips for merging teams or inheriting an existing team, resetting expectations, and for effectively managing remote/hybrid staff to maintain quality work.

5C / Advanced Auditor Track / How to Go From Coder to Auditor / Tammy Allen, CPC, CRC, CPMA, CHONC, CDEO, Risk Adjustment Coding Auditor II

In this session we’ll take an in-depth look at the requirements and recommendations for transitioning from a coder to an auditor by contrasting responsibilities and reviewing industry requirements, with a special focus on approach. Additional topics will include time management, audit scopes, audit summaries, and appropriate use of guidelines.

Thursday, December 5, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, MT

GS3 / Networking Lunch

Thursday, December 5, 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM, MT

6A / Beginners Track / NCCI Tips and Tricks and Your Audit Workflow / Lamon Willis, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-I

The first part of this session will enhance your understanding of NCCI’s critical role in preventing improper coding and billing practices. Attendees will learn the essentials of NCCI edits, including procedure-to-procedure edits and medically unlikely edits, and how these affect claim submissions and reimbursement. The session will also provide actionable tips to navigate these edits efficiently, ensuring compliance and optimizing coding accuracy. Part two of the session will focus on integrating NCCI principles into your audit workflow. We will cover practical strategies for identifying and addressing common coding errors during audits, ensuring that your workflow not only detects but also prevents violations. Real-world examples will be provided to illustrate how to correct and avoid costly mistakes. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to apply NCCI rules to maintain compliance and safeguard revenue. Whether you’re a coding professional or an auditor, this session is tailored to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance your organization’s coding and billing practices.

6B / Advanced Administrator Track / Implementing Root Cause Analysis / Stephani Scott, CPC

Elevate your compliance audit program with root cause analysis (RCA). Discover how to enhance the quality of your compliance audit program and maximize revenue through implementing RCA. This session will delve into the transformative power of RCA in medical documentation and coding audits. Learn how organizations have effectively used RCA to identify breakdowns in processes and systems, preventing future errors and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key takeaways include understanding the basic principles of RCA and its benefits; exploring common causes of errors in medical audits and how RCA can uncover these root causes; discovering the financial, operational, and regulatory benefits of implementing RCA; and gaining practical insights on integrating RCA into your existing audit processes to drive long-lasting improvements.

6C / Advanced Auditor Track / E/M - How to Handle the Gray Areas - PANEL / Jaci Kipreos, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

TBA

Thursday, December 5, 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM, MT

7A / Beginners Track / G2211 Auditing: To Code or Not to Code / Stephani Scott, CPC

To code or not to code — that is the question facing auditors as they wrestle with the complexities of G2211. This session will unravel the intricacies of this confusing code, helping you navigate its proper use in medical coding. We will explore the background of G2211, payer requirements, common scenarios for its application, and best practices for ensuring compliance and accuracy. With real-life examples and expert guidance, you’ll leave this session with the knowledge and confidence to make the right choice in your audits — whether to code or not to code.

7B / Advanced Administrator Track / Breaking Silos: Fostering Open Communication Between Revenue Cycle, Clinical, and Administrative Teams / Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CRC, CEMC, CPMA, AAPC Approved Instructor

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful healthcare organization, bridging the gap between revenue cycle, clinical, and administrative teams. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to break down silos and foster a culture of open communication across departments. Attendees will gain insights into understanding the unique goals and objectives of each team and learn how to align these goals to enhance collaboration. We’ll discuss various communication styles and preferences, offering practical tips for adapting to different needs and fostering mutual respect.

7C / Advanced Auditor Track / Auditing in a Teaching Setting / Beverly Johnson, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, Approved-Instructor

Auditing in a teaching physician setting involves ensuring compliance with specific guidelines and regulations, particularly those related to Medicare billing. Today we’ll cover some of the billing and documentation requirements for these services.

AUDITCON 2024