Home > Continuing Education > Conferences > HEALTHCON Regional 2024

HEALTHCON Regional 2024

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Attendees
Agenda
Speakers
Location
Sponsors and Exhibitors

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.

We’ll be announcing our 2025 agenda soon. Here is a recap from 2024.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Pre-Conference

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, ET | 4.00 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, RCMS

Pre: Teach the Teacher - Regional 2024

$195 | In-person and virtual options available, see "Additional Events" on the registration page to sign up. Topics to include Missed CPC Concepts w/eBooks on the Exam Platform, and an E/M deep dive. Earn 8 CTUs or 8 CEUs for participation in this workshop.

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, ET | 4.00 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, 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

Pre: E/M Deep Dive - Regional 2024

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

$99 | In-person and virtual options available, see "Additional Events" on the registration page to sign up. During this workshop, we will take a deep dive into the more challenging documentation concepts to support the E/M Guidelines. Over the past few years, we have seen significant revisions and refinements of the E/M guidelines that have prompted a lot of questions. In this very interactive workshop, we will work through redacted coding cases to help attendees gain confidence in applying the E/M guidelines.

Exhibit Hall

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, ET

EX1: Registration and Exhibitor Welcome

In-Person Only | We will have registration open early for you to grab your conference materials and get a lay of the land ahead of sessions starting on Monday. Please stop by and have your first chance to meet with vendors!

Monday, August 26, 2024

Pre-Conference

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

Pre: AAPC Wants Thought Leaders – That Means You!

Leesa A Israel, CPC, CPPM, CEMC, CUC, Approved-Instructor

In-Person Only Session: 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 know-how that can help other healthcare business professionals, share it with AAPC’s 250,000 members by becoming an author for AAPC the Magazine and other publications. Along with the satisfaction of helping your peers, authoring an article is a great way to raise your professional profile. And it can earn you continuing education units (CEUs) to support your AAPC credentials. You don’t have to be an experienced writer: Our editors will work with you to translate your ideas to the page and screen. Not a writer? Explore other ways to share your knowledge! Join this pre-conference session to learn more and start your journey as an AAPC content contributor.

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

Pre: Ask the Expert Series: Audit/Compliance Panel

Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC; Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC

In-Person Only Session: Join us for this insightful panel of auditing and compliance experts to get your most pressing questions answered. From best practices to regulations and nuances, the panel will help you tackle those tough topics you struggle with on a daily basis. Come prepared with your questions to make this interactive session the most beneficial for you. This panel of experts can help you understand what is needed for you to succeed in auditing and compliance.

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

Pre: Ask the Expert Series: Biller Panel

Corella Marie Lumpkins, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CEMC; Katherine Abel, CPC, CDEI, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I; Bridget Toomey, CPC, CPCO, CPB, CPPM

In-Person Only Session: Join us for this insightful panel of billing experts to get your most pressing questions answered. From best practices to regulations and nuances, the panel will help you tackle those tough topics you struggle with on a daily basis. Come prepared with your questions to make this interactive session the most beneficial for you. This panel of experts can help you understand what is needed for you to succeed in billing.

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

Pre: Ask the Expert Series: CDI/Risk Adjustment Panel

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CIC, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, Approved-Instructor; Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I; Donna Malone, CPC, CRC, Approved-Instructor

In-Person Only Session: Join us for this insightful panel of clinical documentation improvement and risk adjustment experts to get your most pressing questions answered. From best practices to regulations and nuances, the panel will help you tackle those tough topics you struggle with on a daily basis. Come prepared with your questions to make this interactive session the most beneficial for you. This panel of experts can help you understand what is needed for you to succeed in CDI and risk adjustment.

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

Pre: Ask the Expert Series: Coder Panel

Brenda Stevens, COC, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I; Becky T Strom, COC, CPC, CPCO; Heather Greene, CPC, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor

In-Person Only Session: Join us for this insightful panel of coder experts to get your most pressing questions answered. From best practices to regulations and nuances, the panel will help you tackle those tough topics you struggle with on a daily basis. Come prepared with your questions to make this interactive session the most beneficial for you. This panel of experts can help you understand what is needed for you to succeed in coding.

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

Pre: Ask the Expert Series: Practice Manager Panel

MariaRita Genovese, CPC; Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CGSC, COPC, Approved-Instructor

In-Person Only Session: Join us for this insightful panel of practice management experts to get your most pressing questions answered. From best practices to regulations and nuances, the panel will help you tackle those tough topics you struggle with on a daily basis. Come prepared with your questions to make this interactive session the most beneficial for you. This panel of experts will help you understand what is needed for you to succeed in practice management.

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

Pre: HEALTHCON Regional Rookies - Learn the Ropes

Is this your first AAPC Conference? Then this is the session for you! This session will be as informative as it is interactive. Learn about using our app, logging CEU codes correctly, networking best practices, and other information that will help you get the most out of your conference experience.

General Session

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS1: Conference Welcome

Bevan Erickson, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, COBGC

Join Bevan Erickson, AAPC’s CEO, for his State of AAPC address. He will cover exciting new and upcoming developments within your organization, why we’re moving in these directions, and how these evolutions will impact your daily life, both inside and outside of work.

11:15 AM - 12:30 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, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS2: Enhancing Revenue Integrity with AI-Powered DRG Validation

Nicola Sahar

Join us for an insightful session where we explore the evolution of DRG validation in healthcare. Discover how Semantic Health revolutionizes the landscape by integrating AI and human expertise to streamline the validation process. Learn how our innovative approach ensures cost- effectiveness, reduces workload, and provides comprehensive coverage for all DRG accounts. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the future of revenue integrity and data quality in healthcare with Semantic Health.

Exhibit Hall

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, ET

EX2: Lunch with Exhibitors

In-Person Only

Breakout Session 1

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CRC

1A: Documentation and Coding From the Clinician Perspective

Lynn Rapsilber, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FAANP

Little is taught to healthcare providers about business. As a result, there are challenges in compliance with documentation, coding, and billing practices, which affects the revenue stream. Often there is a disconnect between the coder and biller and the provider. This session will focus on the healthcare provider’s viewpoint.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CGSC, CPB, CPPM, CUC

1B: Deciphering Urodynamics

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

What is urodynamics and how do the pieces fit together? We’ll talk through all of the procedure codes found in this small but mighty genitourinary section of CPT® and discuss when to bill separately and when to bundle services together.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CEMC, CGSC, CPB, CPPM

1C: Cardiology: Condition, Procedure, Device

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

Whether you are new to coding or a seasoned coder, having an understanding of the condition of the patient to be able to “draw the picture” for the payer for accurate diagnosis and reimbursement is essential. Guidelines in 2021 and 2023 direct us to identify the condition of the patient. In this presentation, we’ll identify the patient’s cardiology problem, what procedures will be performed to help correct the condition, and the devices used to help the patient achieve a better quality of life.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1D: CMS guidelines for Mental Health Counselors (MHC)

Susan Marie Roelant, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMC

In this session we will explore the newly approved MHC to support the need for mental health professionals for Medicare patients. We will discuss the guidelines around using this new clinician type and audit therapy notes of these new professionals to CMS.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

1E: Implementing an AAPC Xtern Program Site at Your Facility

Corella Marie Lumpkins, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CEMC

In this comprehensive session we’ll learn how to develop and implement an effective coding externship program. We’ll review considerations employers must make when setting up individualized programs at a facility as well as program set-up with an in-depth step-by-step process from advertising and interviewing to post-externship steps to assist new coders in securing employment in the field.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CDEO-I, CIC, COC-I, CPB, CPB-I, CPCO, CPPM, CPPM-I, CRC, CRC-I, I

1F: How to Effectively Communicate Risk Adjustment

Vikii R Schmidt, CPC, CPMA, CRC

This session will focus on the importance of risk adjustment, pre-visit planning, post-visit workflows, and shadowing and auditing providers. It will provide valuable feedback and suggest how to set up your providers, coders, billers, care teams, and quality folks for success.

Breakout Session 2

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, CIRCC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

2A: Split/Shared and Incident-to Guidelines

Ellen Hinkle, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CANPC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COBGC, CPCD, Approved-Instructor

CMS’ split/shared and incident-to guidelines have been an area of confusion for coders and providers for years. During this presentation, we’ll dive into the recent changes to split/shared rules, what the state of the guidelines is today, and discuss the differences between split/shared and incident-to.

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs 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, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CSFAC, CUC

2B: Complex Wound Repairs

Corrie L Alvarez, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEDC, CEMC

Coding for skin repairs can be complicated and confusing. Attendees of this session will walk away with a clear understanding of the different types of wound repairs, including complex repairs using skin grafting and Z-plasty, W-Y plasty. We’ll review how to calculate wound repair using square centimeters, what’s bundled, and what’s not. We’ll also review illustrations and sample operative reports. Learn how to code complex wounds like a pro!

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPPM, CRC

2C: Coders Make the Best CDIs

Ava Antonia Johnson, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPCD, CPEDC, CRHC, CUC

It’s debatable whether only clinical professionals should be documentation specialists. Medical coders who are trained how to identify clinical indicators in a patient’s chart can be the most well-rounded CDI; able to both front-end and back-end the entire documentation and coding process. This presentation will cover the basics on how coders can become outpatient CDI by being able to identify open condition gaps, use their coding expertise in documentation requirements, and close the loop with their coding knowledge.

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2D: What is Your Potential Legal Liability if Your Practice is Investigated?

Robert Walton Liles, CPC

Regardless of whether work at a small, single practitioner clinic or at a large practice, there is a significant chance that your organization will be subjected to an audit or investigation in the near future. As we have seen in a number of recent cases, the government will not hesitate to prosecute Managers, Billers and Coders who are found to be involved in fraudulent conduct. How should you respond if your practice is audited or investigated?

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

2E: The Three Layers of Leadership

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

Healthcare is in crisis. Consolidation has contributed to the rise and fall of hashtaghealthcare. Understanding hashtaggaps that happen during consolidation can turn healthcare around. This session will go through the layers in leadership that contribute to decline in healthcare services, how to develop strategy to increase satisfaction and profit while delivering quality care. We will go over: Top operational gaps How the layering of leadership effects outcomes What to measure depending on your role

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CEMC, CFPC, CIC, CIC-I, CIMC, COC-I, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-I, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, I

2F: Diabetes, Insulin Pumps, CGMS, and Remote Patient Monitoring

Crystal Tompkins, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, COBGC, Approved-Instructor

Learn the intricacies of remote monitoring and diabetes care. By the end of the presentation attendees will know the requirements of remote patient monitoring and how to use it to provide faster and easier healthcare services for patients. This presentation will cover guidelines, documentation, and billing requirements.

Exhibit Hall

4:15 PM - 6:00 PM, ET

EX3: Welcome Reception - Happy Hour: Sponsored by Judge Healthcare

In-Person Only | The first day of conference is filled with excitement and after our sessions let out for the day it's time to unwind. Meet, mingle, grab a drink, and a bite to eat. Enjoy some prize giveaways and entertainment! This is a not to be missed event. This event is sponsored by Judge Healthcare - Stop by their booth to learn more about what they have to offer!

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Exhibit Hall

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, ET

EX4: Breakfast with Exhibitors

In-Person Only

General Session

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

GS3: Diagnosis Coding Insights from the Experts Panel

Marianne Durling, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor; Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC; Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I; Heather Greene, CPC, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor

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.

Breakout Session 3

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, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

3A: Fantastic Codes and Where to Find Them

Anders Yanike, CPMA

Enter the magical world of ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, where all diseases and injuries both real and imaginary can be captured. Delve deep into the classification and discover some of ICD-10-CM’s more obscure codes, some of which can be used in your day-to-day coding. Learn strategies to correctly assign

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CEMC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CPRC

3B: Breast Cancer Coding

Halee Garner, CPC, CPMA, CHONC, Approved-Instructor

In this session we’ll dive into medical oncology coding for breast cancer. We’ll review diagnosis codes, surgical treatment (including watching a clip of a mastectomy), and medication to treat breast cancer, including ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and recommend modifiers. We’ll also discuss common signs/symptoms of breast cancer and how often a mammogram is recommended by different organizations, as well as other diagnostics procedures and their coding.

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

3C: What Is a Critical Access Hospital?

Samantha B Geroux, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEDC, CEMC

This presentation will illustrate common and not-so-common healthcare billing and coding scenarios and provide the regulatory guidance you can use to make recommendations for compliance to your healthcare organization. This presentation is designed to be entertaining, practical, and interactive so that attendees will learn and understand the value of federal and state guidance and how it can be used to protect organizations and develop sound policies. Describe what it means to be a Critical Access Hospital, and how that designation is determined. What are the requirements? What are the benefits of CAH status? Standard payment method (method 1) or Optional Payment Method (method II).

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

3D: Where Does It Say That?

Pamela J Warren, COC, CPC

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

3E: Coaching Employee Performance

MariaRita Genovese, CPC

Mentoring in the workplace is a great tool for employers to help employees connect in meaningful ways and advance learning. An effective mentor can make a difference in the careers of the individuals in their workplace. Many accomplished professionals point to someone who invested time, energy, and support in helping them navigate a formative point in their lives. This session will address coaching employee performance.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CDEO-I, CEDC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIC-I, CIMC, COBGC, COC-I, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-9, CPC-I, CPEDC, -I, CPPM, CRC, CRC-I, I

3F: Vaping: An Epidemic Just Waiting to Happen

Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC, Approved-Instructor

This session will provide a description of vaping, including what vapes are and what they look like, how it’s coded, and how it will affect the future of coding. Discussion will include “EVALI” and diagnosis code U07.0.

Exhibit Hall

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, ET

EX5: Lunch with Exhibitors

In-Person Only

General Session

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, 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

GS4: E/M Panel

Samuel Le Church MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I; Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Leslie Prellwitz, Director, CPT® Content Management & Development; 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, and Leslie Prellwitz, Director, CPT® Content Management & Development with the AMA, will answer audience questions about the E/M guidelines.

Breakout Session 4

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, 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

4A: Modifier 25

Oby C Egbunike, COC, CPC, CRC, Approved-Instructor

With the 2021 E/M update, a patient history and physical, as well as examination, is no longer a driver to select a level of E/M. What is the documentation requirement that will justify an E/M code to be a significant, separately identifiable service in addition to a procedure? Prior to 2021, a provider’s sufficient amount of documentation about a patient’s history and physical exam would easily support a seperately identifiable E/M service. In this session, we’ll clarify the latest guidelines and use of modifier 25.

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CENTC, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4B: ENT Procedure and Surgery Coding: The Basics and the Mind-Blowers

Dottie Davis, COC, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC

This presentation will look at in-office procedures (endoscopies with or without an EM visit), surgical cases (FESS can be a mess), ENT/neurosurgery cases (endoscopic vs. open approach), and postoperative endoscopies (to bill or not to bill?).

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4C: Unlocking the Secrets of Coding and Billing Clinical Trials

Denise Anne Quint, CPC

Clinical trial billing requires knowledge of claims processing requirements, coding, and coverage rules for all government and commercial payers. Attendees will leave this session understanding that all billing entities providing services related to clinical trials must treat these claims differently. We’ll go over the regulations and specific examples.

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4D: Understanding the New OIG Compliance Program Guidance

Charles Joseph Wolf MD MEd CPC COC, COC, CPC, Approved-Instructor

The OIG released its most significant updated compliance program guidance in November 2023. The 91-page document is full of best practices for building and running a compliance program. This session will provide an overview of the new guidance and dive deeper into select sections that affect coding, billing, auditing, medical necessity, and risk assessments.

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

4E: Denials Management: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

Andrew Harding

In this presentation we’ll discuss ways that healthcare organizations can unlock revenue potential with proper denial management. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the denials management process, discuss how practices can get the most out of their services, and prioritize an actionable game plan to recover owed revenue.

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CDEO-I, CIC, CIC-I, COC-I, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-I, CPCO, CPCO-I, -I, CPMS, CPPM, CPPM-I, CRC, CRC-I, I

4F: The Future of CDI and Documentation Practices: Leveraging the Benefits

Shirlivia Parker

Navigating the implementation of IP CDI AI software can present challenges, including doubts about its efficacy and encountering resistance from physicians. Additionally, in the realm of artificial intelligence, compliance with queries is paramount to ensure ethical and effective utilization of the technology in healthcare. AI prompts must adhere to stringent guidelines outlined in the query practice brief to uphold the integrity of clinical documentation processes. These prompts should prioritize accuracy and compliance. This session will address the value this software brings to your institution and whether it is worth the investment.

Exhibit Hall

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM, ET

EX6: Afternoon Break with Exhibitors

In-Person Only

Breakout Session 5

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, CIRCC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

5A: What AI Will Bring to Coding and Healthcare

Christopher Chandler, CPC, CGSC

This presentation will cover the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is applied in healthcare and in coding. It will explore the potential use of AI in healthcare, coding, assist attendees in recognizing opportunities for AI to assist them in their roles.

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CFPC, CIC, CIMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CRC

5B: Navigating HCC Auditing in Primary Care: Strategies for Optimizing RAF Scores

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

This session aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of auditing for Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) within a primary care setting and resulting Risk Adjustment Factors (RAF) impact. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, mastering the intricacies of HCC coding and RAF scoring becomes crucial. Attendees will gain insights into the best practices for identifying and documenting HCCs, strategies to accurately capture patient RAF score data, and the impact of precise coding on risk adjustment initiatives and financial outcomes. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, participants will leave equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of risk adjustment and contribute to the financial health and success of their healthcare organizations.

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

5C: The Troublesome Five – A Look into the Complexities of Inpatient Coding

Renee Baucum, COC, CIC, CPB, CRC, CPC-I; Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC

In this session we will review five condition topics where auditors are seeing increased denials from payers, and perhaps where coders are being too aggressive with code assignment. The five conditions/guidelines we will focus on include coding homelessness as a SDOH, AKI in CKD, coding symptoms in lieu of a definitive diagnosis, acute respiratory failure, and encephalopathy vs. altered mental status. Join us as we review coding and documentation requirements for these conditions, as well as discuss payer policy and denial trends.

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

5D: E/M Coding – An Auditor’s Perspective

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

In this session we’ll discuss what is required to support each level of risk for the MDM and discuss gray areas and how they pose a risk in an external audit. We’ll also dissect a note and discuss the areas of risk.

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

5E: Three Key Trends That Make or Break Your Revenue Cycle

Sherrie Lynne Thevel, CPC, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I

This presentation will thoroughly cover three key trends that make or break the revenue cycle. 1) Correct Demograhics 2) Accurate Billing 3) Prompt Denials Management. I will discuss all three trends and provide guidance on how to clean up these areas for a successful revenue cycle.

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CIC-I, COBGC, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-9, CPC-I, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, I

5F: Oh, Baby! Coding and Documentation Reminders for Newborn Facility Coding

Leigh Poland, CIC

In this session we will review the ICD-10-CM/PCS coding and documentation nuances for newborn facility coding. We will analyze coding audit error trends identified in reviewing newborn encounters. We will highlight the ICD-10-CM/PCS guidelines for newborn, perinatal, and congenital conditions as well as examine key AHA Coding Clinics surrounding newborn encounters. Documentation improvement opportunities for newborn encounters will also be reviewed.

General

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, ET

Post: Summer Wind Gala — Recapture the magic

Free for conference attendees | In-person only Step back into the 1960s for the night, dressed in your best vintage attire. On the 33rd floor in the penthouse of one of America’s first skyscrapers, we’ll enjoy live entertainment, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres as we take in sweeping views of the city. You’ll never experience a night of networking as classy, nostalgic, and unforgettable as this one.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

General Session

8:30 AM - 9:45 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, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS5: From Concept to Code: The Journey of Medical Coding Data Beyond Reimbursement

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

Step into the captivating world of medical coding with a session inspired by the iconic cartoon on how a bill becomes a law. This enlightening journey will take you through the entire lifecycle of a medical code—from its initial conception and meticulous development to its crucial implementation and the pivotal role it plays in healthcare beyond reimbursement. Discover how these essential codes not only facilitate billing but also significantly impact patient care, drive research, influence public health initiatives, and shape policy-making. Through this session, you’ll gain insights into the many stakeholders involved in the process, including healthcare providers, coding specialists, policymakers, and professional organizations. Learn about the rigorous procedures and evaluations that each code undergoes before approval, ensuring accuracy and relevance within the healthcare system. Understand how precise medical coding has far-reaching implications, enhancing clinical documentation, improving healthcare outcomes, supporting epidemiological studies, and informing healthcare policies. By the end of this session, you’ll appreciate the intricate and vital work behind medical coding and how it contributes to the broader landscape of healthcare, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and quality in both patient care and health administration.

Breakout Session 6

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs 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, CPC-9, CPCD, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

6A: The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach to Denials Management

Lettie Cale

This presentation will explore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to denials management. Healthcare denials management is becoming increasingly complex, with an increase in both initial claim denials and post-claim recoupment audits. To be successful, denials management departments must bring together professionals from all phases of the revenue cycle.

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCPC, CIC, COSC, CPB, CPPM

6B: Breaking Free from Back Pain: A Journey Through Spine Decompression

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

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

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPMS, CPPM

6C: Explore the Exciting World of Registry Coding Careers!

Marianne Durling, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor

Learn about opportunities to use your coding skills in a Registry Coding career. We will explore how experienced coders can take their skills and experience to another level with a new career as a cancer tumor registrar or trauma registrar. This session will review both job skills and the requirements for employment.

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6D: Detecting Potential Fraud

Edna Rosa Maldonado, CPC

Detecting potential fraud in medical billing involves various techniques and technologies to identify irregularities or patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities. These techniques include data analysis, anomaly detection including identifying suspicious billing patterns, analyzing claims data for inconsistencies, investigating unusual billing practice, and implementing preventive measures such as regular audits and compliance monitoring. Additionally, collaboration between healthcare providers, insurance companies, government agencies, and law enforcement is crucial in detecting and preventing fraud in medical billing.

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

6E: Practice Management in a Cross-Generational and Hybrid World

Nichole Nicke

We currently find ourselves in a workforce that has never been seen before, spanning four generations of active employees and including the technology to accommodate remote and hybrid teams. This presentation will explore how to navigate the employee generational gap, the importance of servant leadership, and how to use hybrid work to your advantage.

10:00 AM - 11:15 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, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

6F: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of a Clean Claim: Understanding the Life Cycle of a Claim

Amy Lee Smith, COC, CPC, CPMA

Let’s follow a claim through the entire revenue cycle process, from beginning to end. In this session we’ll walk through each step in the life of a claim, starting with scheduling/account creation and ending with reimbursement/collections/account closure. Along the way, we’ll discuss things that can go wrong, as well as tips and tricks for ensuring that each step goes smoothly.

Breakout Session 7

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, CIRCC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

7A: Telehealth Beyond Borders: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities

Keisha Wilson, CPC, CPCO, CPB, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor

Let’s dive into international telehealth, digital health complexities, and untapped potential. This session tackles the logistical, cultural, and regulatory hurdles in delivering care across international borders. Explore the real-world impact and tangible benefits of global telehealth, inspiring collaboration and propelling the evolution of healthcare for all.

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CEMC, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7B: Code Uncertain Diagnoses as if established

Keiaundria Sheduane Ragland, CPC

Reporting code of uncertain diagnosis as if established. Understanding "Rule outver" versus "Ruled out", Borderline diagnosis, the use of sign/symptoms and "unspecified" codes in short-term acute care and long term hospital setting

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CRC

7C: Mastering Inpatient Coding: Understanding MDCs, MS-DRGs, and Hospital Reimbursement

Heather Greene, CPC, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPMA, CRC, Approved-Instructor

Join us for an insightful presentation on inpatient coding, where we will delve into the intricacies of Major Diagnostic Categories (MDCs), Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs), and the impact they have on hospital reimbursement. From the coding and CDI perspective, we will also explore best practices for queries, denials management, and optimizing reimbursement outcomes.

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPC-9, CPPM

7D: Improving Revenue Integrity using Audit Insights

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

Join us for an in-depth session on optimizing revenue across inpatient and outpatient settings, based on real audit findings from over 500,000 medical records. Discover strategies to enhance revenue, reduce risks, and make audit insights actionable. We will explore accuracy rates in inpatient facilities, common DRG errors, diagnosis accuracy, procedural accuracy, and the financial impact of coding inaccuracies. Learn how to address these challenges with targeted training, CDI efforts, and effective risk mitigation to drive your organization’s financial success.

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

7E: Reimbursed Concierge Care Through CCM & PCM

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

CCM and PCM are pivotal in optimizing healthcare delivery; a conduit of reimbursed concierge care for those who qualify. However, implementing these programs requires strategic guidance, as well as understanding the purpose and nuances of the programs. This session will teach you to claim the role of a strategy expert in revitalizing or implementing your organization’s program.

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, ET | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CDEI, CDEO, COBGC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7F: Obstetrical Coding for Procedures and Encounters

Sandra Kay Giangreco Brown, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-I, COBGC

In this session we’ll review the caveats and the challenges that go along with OB coding for both office visits and procedures to equip attendees with the information needed to improve coding and billing practices. We’ll review when encounters can be billed outside of the global package as complications, how to code CPT® procedures, which ICD-10-CM diagnosis to include on the claim, and the best documentation methods to protect a practice. Whether your providers only see the occasional obstetrical patient or you work for an ob-gyn practice, you will take back valuable information to your office.

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

Inquire Here

View Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus

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.

We’ll be announcing our 2025 speaker line-up soon. Here’s who joined us in 2024.

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

Amy Smith is a Director of Internal Audit for Bon Secours Mercy Health, an integrated multi-state Catholic health system based in Cincinnati. She leads a team that performs revenue cycle/coding/documentation/billing audits and data analytics for the entire system. Since earning 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 audit and now has over 27 years of experience in the industry. She is a frequent speaker at the regional and national levels and has authored several articles for various professional journals. Smith is an active member of 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. Smith is also the president of her AAPC local chapter, an avid W&M Tribe sports fan and active leader on the local alumni board, and a former Special Olympics swim coach.

Anders Yanike, CDIP, CCS, CPMA

Anders Yanike is a coding auditor and educator at Lifebridge Health, a multi-hospital system in Baltimore, and is an inpatient coding quality review specialist for AQuity Solutions. He is a former adjunct faculty member at Carroll Community College where he taught basic diagnosis coding. Yanike has been a presenter for multiple MdHIMA educational sessions and webinars consistently since 2019 and most recently spoke at the 2023 WVHIMA Annual Convention.

Andrew Harding

Andrew Harding is an RCM expert with extensive project work in operations management and process improvement on the provider side of the healthcare revenue cycle. Harding is VP of Customer Success at Rivet and brings over a decade of experience improving the efficiency of people, processes, and technology across the healthcare continuum.

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

Angela Clements has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She served as Region 5 representative on the AAPC National Advisory Board from 2013 to 2015 and as its Member Relations Officer from 2015 to 2018. Clements has extensive experience in multispecialty coding, documentation, and auditing. She is a frequent speaker at local medical managers meetings and other AAPC chapters and is an AAPC VILT instructor.

Ava Johnson, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPCD, CPEDC, CRHC, CUC

Ava Johnson is Associate Director of the Outpatient Clinical Documentation Quality Improvement department at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. She is a seasoned coding instructor, physician educator, multispecialty coder, CDI specialist, and public speaker with special focus on helping leaders and career development. As an executive leader, Johnson teaches risk adjustment coding and documentation strategies at a leading U.S. teaching hospital.

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CRC, CPMS, CMRS, CMCS, CPA-RA

Brenda Edwards has been involved in healthcare for more than 35 years, with experience in chart audit, coding and billing, education, consulting, practice management, and compliance. She works to ensure documentation is compliant and accurate.

Christopher Chandler, MHA, MBA, CPC, CGSC

Christopher Chandler collaborates with health system and revenue cycle executives, educates providers, and manages several teams of consultants, coders, and auditors. He specializes in surgery, APP, and GME coding and revenue cycle. He leads his department in artificial intelligence application and is certified in Healthcare AI through MIT and AAPC. He is a member of AAPC's Education Committee, has written questions for the CPC exam, has taught medical coding courses, and regularly speaks at national conferences.

Charles Wolf, MD, M.Ed., CPC, COC

CJ Wolf is an experienced compliance officer, medical coder, and healthcare educator with over 24 years of professional experience. Dr. Wolf currently teaches at two universities, provides consulting services, and creates online learning experiences for medical coders at codermedschool.com. He has worked full-time in various coding, billing, and compliance roles for Intermountain Healthcare, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Texas System, and also as Chief Compliance Officer for an international medical device company.

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

Colleen Gianatasio 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 2022-2024 AAPC National Advisory Board.

Corella Lumpkins, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CEMC, CHC, CCS, CCS-P

Corella Lumpkins has over 35 years of experience working in every area of the healthcare revenue cycle. She has a bachelor’s degree in health services administration and has an extensive background in auditing, billing, coding, compliance, CDI, denial management, education, and practice management. Lumpkins works closely with providers and staff and is a certified instructor teaching both the CPB® and CPC® curriculum. Lumpkins is also an AAPC mentor, Project Xtern host employer, president of the Leesburg, Va., local chapter, and member of the 2022-2025 AAPC National Advisory Board.

Corrie Alvarez, CPC, CPC-I, CEDC, CPMA, CEMC, CRC, CPCO

Corrie Alvarez has over 30 years of professional experience in the field of medical coding and auditing. She is an approved instructor for AAPC’s PMCC course and has been teaching coding and auditing for over 20 years. Alvarez has a passion for teaching and is a frequent speaker at national and local medical coding conferences. She is the founder of the Mission Hills, Ca., local chapter for which she has held several officer positions and is a past board member of both the NAB and the AAPCCA.

Crystal Tompkins, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, COBGC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Crystal Tompkins is an auditor and coding educator who teaches providers at a large organization about coding requirements and how to code. She has been nominated as one of Hall County’s best medical educators. Tompkins is president of her local chapter, presents education to many other chapters monthly, and is a fill-in educator with her local college’s healthcare program.

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

Deni Adams 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.

Denise Quint, CPC, CHC, CHRC

Denise Quint has almost 30 years of coding and compliance experience with a sub-specialty in clinical trial billing. She is skilled in both hospital and professional billing and areas such as RAC and PERM audits, medical necessity, chargemaster, utilization review, inpatient rehab, and psychiatric and substance abuse programs.

Dottie Davis, CPC, COC, CGSG,CEMC, CPMA

Dottie Davis has a bachelor's degree in business management, more than 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, and more than eight years of coding experience with Medkoder, LLC, where she is a physician team lead coder. She was a speaker at HEALTHCON 2024 in Las Vegas. Davis's expertise is in ENT/otolaryngology, neurosurgery, plastics/reconstructive surgery, and wound care surgical coding. Davis is a previous vice president of her local chapter.

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

Edna Maldonado has over 30 years of 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.

Ellen Hinkle, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, CPC-I

Ellen Hinkle has over 25 years of experience in the medical billing and coding industry. She has worked in billing, A/R, collections, charge entry, auditing, education, and consulting and currently works as a director of revenue cycle compliance for a large hospital/physician organization. Hinkle has contributed her expertise to the industry by serving as a local chapter officer and presenting at local AAPC chapters and nationally.

Halee Garner, CPC, CPMA, CHONC, CCA, CPhT, AAPC Approved Instructor

Halee Garner is a multispecialty coder who loves oncology/hematology coding. She works as a coder, auditor, and educator for her coding team at an oncology practice. Garner was the education officer for the Asheville-Hendersonville, N.C. local chapter in 2023 and has worked with AAPC as a subject matter expert for the CHONC™ credential.

Heather Greene, RHIA, CDEI, CIC, CDIP, CPC, CPMA, CDEO, CRC, CPC-I

Heather Greene 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 bachelor's degree in HIM and an MBA.

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

Jaci Kipreos 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 and Charlottesville, Va., local chapters, and served as president of AAPC’s National Advisory Board from 2015 to 2018.

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

Jacob Swartzwelder has over 15 years of healthcare experience working in private offices, hospitals, consulting firms, and international coding companies. He specializes in 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 member and co-chair of the Career Advancement Committee. Swartzwelder owns and manages Compliant Approach Partners, LLC.

Keiaundria Ragland, RHIT, CCS,CPC

Keiaundria Ragland started her career in healthcare as an outpatient coder in 2008 and has continued her development and career growth in long-term hospital coding. As an active member of AAPC and AHIMA, Ragland strives to educate others about supportive documentation and reporting.

Keisha Wilson, CCS, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CRC, CPB, AAPC Approved Instructor

Keisha Wilson is the founder and CEO of KW Advanced Consulting, a minority and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE). She has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years, specializing in various areas of revenue cycle and compliance and focusing on retrospective, prospective E/M audits, as well as auditing and coding of multispecialty, documentation, and telehealth services. Wilson is experienced in risk adjustment/HCC provider and coder education/training and webinars and is a conference speaker and instructor. Wilson sits on the board of directors for an outpatient mental health clinic and on various telehealth and compliance committees for other working groups. She is a published author of monthly coding articles at KW Advanced Consulting, and she collaborates with AAPC on various primary care coding alerts, as well as the magazine.

Leigh Poland, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CIC

Leigh Poland is VP of Coding Services at AGS Health. She has over 25 years of revenue cycle management experience and has worked extensively in the coding and education realm. Her true passion is coding education and making sure coders are equipped to do their job accurately and with excellence. Poland has presented at AHIMA, ACDIS, and AAPC conventions on multiple occasions. She has been a guest speaker on AHIMA webinars and written articles for the AHIMA Journal, AHIMA White Papers, For the Record, and Part B News. Poland has traveled the U.S. and internationally providing coding education. She is responsible for managing the continuous coding education and certification preparatory programs for 3500+ coders and is also a key advisor for the AGS Health International Coding Training Academy. Poland is the coding SME at AGS and offers mentoring and guidance to the internal auditing team.

Leonta Williams, MBA, MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC

Leonta Williams is senior 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, Georgia local chapter and served as secretary on AAPC’s 2018-2021 National Advisory Board.

Leslie Prellwitz, Director, CPT^® Content Management & Development

Leslie Prellwitz has over 30 years of experience in healthcare management, coding analytics and consulting. She is currently the director of CPT^® Content Management & Development at the AMA. Her work focuses on setting the strategic direction for creation and maintenance of CPT^® content and providing advice on the proper use and application of CPT^® to key stakeholders across the industry, including educational content presented in CPT^® Assistant and Clinical Examples in Radiology. Prellwitz is secretary to the CPT^® Assistant Editorial Board and certified in both CPT^® and ICD-10 coding.

Lettie Cale, RN, BSN, CCM

Lettie Cale is a registered nurse specializing in healthcare revenue management. She is the Clinical Oversight Supervisor at Guidehouse Managed Services, working in clinical appeals. Cale has written hundreds of successful appeals and recouped millions of dollars for providers. She is committed to helping hospitals successfully navigate denials management.

Lynn Rapsilber, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FAANP

Lynn Rapsilber earned her diploma in nursing from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing and her BSN and MSN from the University of Connecticut, as well as her doctorate in nursing leadership from Quinnipiac University in 2016. She received the Benjamin and Juliette Trewin Award for Professional Leadership in Nursing. Dr. Rapsilber’s portfolio project “Reimbursement for Nurse Practitioner Services” was selected for presentation at the Eastern Nursing Research Society conference as a poster presentation. Rapsilber disseminates information regarding reimbursement for nurse practitioners (NPs) and other healthcare provider services. She is recognized as an expert on coding and documentation for APRNs. Rapsilber has presented at local, state, and national forums and is an author and educator of NP students and seasoned NPs.

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

Marianne Durling 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 is the director of revenue cycle and business operations for MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. She has more than 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, and has served 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 award by AAPCCA’s Board of Directors. She has contributed articles to AAPC the Magazine (formerly Healthcare Business Monthly) and AAPC's Knowledge Center blog. Genovese is also a frequent speaker at AAPC national and regional conferences.

Nichole Nicke

Nichole Nicke has more than 10 years of experience in revenue cycle management across multiple specialties including complex claims, third-party liability, workers’ compensation, and anesthesia. Nicke is an MHA student at Appalachian State University.

Nicola Sahar, MD

Dr. Nicola Sahar is the CEO at Semantic Health. He leads a team of experienced medical coders, engineers, and ML researchers in transforming medical coding and auditing with AI. Before starting at Semantic Health, Dr. Sahar was a clinical NLP researcher at the University of Toronto and a consultant at Bain & Company.

Oby Egbunike, CCS-P, CPC, COC, CRC, CPC-I

Oby Egbunike is a graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a concentration in management information systems. She is currently the Director of Professional Coding and Education at Beth Israel Lahey Health Care System where she is responsible for the daily management of coding outpatient and inpatient services, as well as hospital-based diagnostic testing.

Pam Warren, MHA, CPC, COC, AAPC Fellow

Pam Warren is the manager of billing compliance at MaineHealth, the largest healthcare organization in both Maine and all of Northern New England. She is responsible for the corporate auditing and compliance program, serving nine hospitals and several other healthcare facilities. Warren has an undergraduate degree in adult education and a master’s in health administration and has served on the AAPC Chapter Association Board of Directors and National Advisory Board.

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

Raemarie Jimenez 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 chief product officer, she oversees all AAPC product lines.

Renee Baucum, COC, CIC, CPB, CRC, CPC-I, CCS

Renee Baucum has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, working in reimbursement and coding in addition to being an instructor. She holds certifications with AAPC and AHIMA and is currently a clinical documentation improvement specialist for the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Baucum enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience while striving to inspire the next generation of professional medical coders as a certified VILT/PMCC instructor for AAPC and Integrity Coding, LLC. She is actively involved with AAPC as a local chapter founder and is a past local chapter officer of the Covington Professional Coders (Covington, Georgia). Additionally, Baucum holds membership with the North Georgia Health Information Management Association and the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists, Georgia Chapter.

Robert Liles, JD, MBA, MS, CPC

Robert Liles has worked on the provider side, as a federal prosecutor, and now represents providers around the country in connection with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer audits and investigations. While with the DOJ, he served as the first National Health Care Fraud Coordinator for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

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

Rhonda Buckholtz 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.

Samantha Geroux, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEDC, CEMC

Samantha Geroux has been in healthcare for 30 years. She started out in a solo physician practice, moved on to a larger group practice, and became the practice manager managing 30+ physicians and staff. After 10 years she became a certified coder and continued to expand her coding knowledge by obtaining multiple AAPC credentials. She is now manager of a physician billing revenue integrity team for a large healthcare group.

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

Dr. Church is a family physician in Hiawassee, Ga., 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. Dr. Church has a passion for teaching, not only for practicing physicians and coders, but especially medical students and residents. He 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.

Sandy Giangreco Brown, MHA, BS, RHIT, CHC, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, COC, CPC-I, COBGC, PCS, CHRI, CPCO, AAPC Approved Instructor, AHIMA ICD-10-CM Trainer

Sandra Giangreco Brown works full time for an auditing firm where she manages and develops relationships with clients, coding staff, and providers, providing them with auditing services and educational sessions. She has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and medical records management, coding, auditing, and compliance in the hospital, outpatient, and physician settings. Brown loves presenting and sharing education and continues to teach both nationally and locally, including teaching courses for AAPC. Her areas of specialty include ob-gyn, general surgery, cardiology, anesthesia, E/M, oncology, and radiology coding. Brown does regional and national presentations regularly for groups such as AHIMA, WHIMA, CHIMA, NCHIMA, HCCA, and AAPC.

Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Sarah Ragan is a coding educator who has spoken virtually to all 50 states, plus the Bahamas. She enjoys creating and presenting interesting educational content and encouraging everyone she meets.

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

Shannon DeConda 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 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 taught CPC® classes, has presented at numerous national and regional conferences for AAPC, serves on several AAPC work 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, Tennessee. Oliver travels the nation to conduct on-site training sessions for physicians and staff.

Sherrie Thevel, CPC, CPC-I, CRC, CPMA, CPPM

Sherrie Thevel has 25 years of experience working in the healthcare industry, including managing coding, billing, compliance, and the revenue cycle. Her journey began in 1997 processing claims for a third-party administrator in St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, Thevel has worked for Washington University School of Medicine in all aspects of the revenue cycle. She managed patient accounts for the department of neurology for over five years, as well as the department of plastic surgery and trauma prior to joining the payer world. Currently, Thevel works within the risk adjustment world and consults with organizations.

Shirlivia Parker, MHA, RHIA, CDIP

Shirlivia Parker has over two decades of experience supporting clinical documentation integrity coding and physician education and collaboration in both inpatient and outpatient care settings at numerous hospitals across the U.S. In addition to being an AHIMA approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer and risk adjustment coder, Parker is currently the President of Compliance, Ethics, and Education at Medovent Solutions.

Susan Roelant, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CEMC

Susan Roelant 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.

Vikii Schmidt, CPC, CPMA, CRC

Vikii Schmidt has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She has worked as a coding instructor at Concorde Career College, a coding auditor, in the front and back office for a private practice, as an ENT and HCC coding auditor, and as a provider and staff educator for a large multispecialty group. She has been engaged with providers from various specialties for all coding issues, ICD-10, CPT® and HCPCS updates, observations/workflows, and EMR template updates. Schmidt is an expert medical coding educator performing provider and mid-level medical provider staff education, including risk adjustment, quality, workflows, and processes, and is a big proponent of clinical documentation improvement.