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HEALTHCON Regional 2022

HEALTHCON Regional, 2022 Denver
Denver, CO or Virtual | August 3-5, 2022 | 15 CEUs | $895

A Higher Level of Learning

This year, we’re bringing in the brightest minds in the business of healthcare to share their most recent insights and learnings. Join us in Denver, CO, or virtually, to earn up to 15 CEUs in a series of fun, constructive, and timely sessions.

Educational Events

Take part in the enlightening sessions designed to enrich your career and keep you up to date on the latest industry changes, like: 

  • Clinical Documentation Improvement
  • Telemedicine and Telehealth Updates
  • Revenue Cycle Best Practices

Expert Guidance

Learn from the best in the industry. Our panel of experts will be there to explore 2021’s best practices and answer your most challenging questions. 

Meet, Greet, and Grow

Connect with like-minded individuals and grow your professional network. 

Earn CEUs

It’s the most fun way to earn up to 15 CEUs.

Employer Sponsorship

Over 80% of conference attendees have it paid for by their employers. Visit Planning for tips on how to ask your boss to help. 

Share with Friends 

Help your colleagues network and stay up to date in their careers — come as a group! It makes the experience even more fun. 

Don’t Miss Out!

  • Get inspired during any of our 40+ sessions.
  • Build your network and connect with industry leaders and experts.
  • Take the opportunity to hear our world class conference speakers.
  • Meet the makers of the products you use every day.

Our 2022 Agenda

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Pre-Conference

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11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, MT | 1.00 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

Pre: Webinar: Industry Trends that Effect AAPC Members

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

Pre-Conference Webinar Session - Not available to attend in-person - In this session, we will discuss industry trends (regulatory changes, payment model shifts, technology advancements) and how they affect AAPC members. We’ll also discuss best practices for staying informed and educated to remain relevant and effective in your profession. We will also provide information on future initiatives at AAPC.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Exam

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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, MT

Pre: Exam

Pre-Conference

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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, MT | 8.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Teach the Teacher

This workshop provides certified instructors with tools to improve their teaching and communication skills. This is also a great opportunity to network with other instructors. Earn 8 CTUs or 8 CEUs for participation in this workshop.

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, MT | 3.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Local Chapter Officer Leadership Training

The AAPCCA Board of Directors will be holding a leadership meeting exclusively for all officers. Please plan on coming a little early for some great tips on serving as a local chapter officer and networking with like-minded individuals. Earn 3 CEUs for participating in this training.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Pre-Conference

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8:00 AM - 8:45 AM, MT | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Ask a Biller Panel

This pre-conference session is only available to in-person attendees in Denver.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM, MT | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Ask a CDI or Risk Adjustment Professional Panel

This pre-conference session is for in-person attendees in Denver.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM, MT | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Ask a Coder Panel

This is only available to in-person attendees in Denver.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM, MT | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Ask a Practice Manager Panel

This pre-conference session is for in-person attendees in Denver.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM, MT | 0.75 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre: Ask an Auditor or Compliance Professional Panel

This pre-conference session is for in-person attendees in Denver.

General

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

Pre: HEALTHCON Regional Rookies - Learn the Ropes

Is this your first HEALTHCON Regional? 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

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10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, MT | 1.00 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.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

GS2: Telemedicine Panel

Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC; Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor; Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I; Stephanie M Sjogren, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CPC-I

During this session a panel of experts representing the provider, facility, and payer perspectives will be discussing best practices for navigating the ongoing changes with telemedicine and telehealth regulations. There are so many changes occurring it is difficult to keep up. The panel will answer questions from the audience.

General

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12:15 PM - 1:30 PM, MT

BR1: Lunch Break

Breakout Session 1

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

1A: How to Negotiate Payer Contracts Like a Pro!

Marcia Brauchler, MPH, CPHQ, COC, CPC, CPC-I

What are your peers doing with their payer contracts? Walk through successful real-world contract negotiations from real-life practices. Learn to advocate for your practice using proven techniques from a veteran contract negotiator. Most physician practices focus on cutting expenses instead of improving revenue to the practice from non-governmental payers. A little focused effort on negotiating payer contracts can create much needed revenue for your practice.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1B: Coding Wound Repairs

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

We will review and discuss correct coding for wound repairs using various surgical techniques from simple to complex. We will explore the differences between W-, Y-, and Z-plasty repair techniques. The discussion will also include adjacent tissue transfers and skin flaps.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEI, CEDC, CEMC, CFPC, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPMS, CPPM

1C: Is Inpatient Cardiology Giving You Chest Pains?

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

During this session, we will delve into assigning ICD-10-PCS codes for cardiology procedures in the inpatient facility. We will also discuss clinical documentation and utilization review. The presentation will take the attendee from the OR to discharge and discuss revenue cycle management. We will also discuss how MCC and CC capture affects MS-DRG assignment.

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

1D: Compliance Risks in the EMR

Sandra Kay Giangreco Brown, RHIT, Approved Instructor, COC, CPC, CPC-I, COBGC

Due to the push for healthcare providers to document in an electronic medical record (EMR) and establish EMR interoperability, practitioners may be creating new compliance risks. In this session, we’ll look at how copying and pasting documentation from encounter to encounter can not only cause confusion for other providers but also compromise patient care.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1E: Climbing the Rocky Mountain to a Level 5 Encounter

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

In this session we will discuss what it takes to achieve that prized peak of E/M services the 99205 or 99215. The 2021 guidelines have specific definitions for the three parts of medical decision making and we will look at documentation examples from each to determine support of the level 5. In addition, we will consider how time based coding may support the level 5 also. This should be a fun interactive session, bring your questions and your thoughts on how to climb to the top of the level!

General

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2:45 PM - 3:05 PM, MT

BR2: Afternoon Break

Class Change

Breakout Session 2

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3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

2A: Fundamentals of Credentialing

Stephanie Ann Thebarge, CPC, CPCO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CEMC, CHONC

Credentialing a new provider can seem like a daunting task, but anyone can master it with the right tools and workflows. In this session, we will break down the fundamentals of credentialing: What is it and why do it; best practices; payer requirements; and how the role of credentialing specialist has evolved.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CEMC, COSC, CPB, CPPM

2B: E/M Documentation and Coding for Orthopedics

Jennifer McNamara, Approved-Instructor, CCS, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CGSC, COPC

In this session, we dig deep into the world of orthopedic evaluation and management (E/M) services. We will review the basics of the 2021 guidelines and delve into each area with a specific focus on orthopedic conditions, common data points, and areas of risk. Examples and documentation tips for physicians included!

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CASCC, CDEO, CPB, CPPM

2C: ABCs of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

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

During this session, we will delve into the complicated world of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) coding and billing. Learn from the history to the daily functions of an ASC, from front door to billing for procedures. You’ll get an extensive look at billing practices and documentation requirements. At the end of the presentation, there will be an interactive coding simulation and a question/answer period.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2D: Program Integrity Audits and the Special Investigation Unit

Elizabeth A Deak, CPC, CPMA

The program integrity unit serves to detect and prevent fraud, waste and abuse (FWA). It is the responsibility delegated to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to review provider activities, issue audit requests, identify overpayments, and educate providers. In recent years, with mandates to proactively detect FWA, these audits are increasing. This session will delve into data analytics used to identify and trigger an audit request, how to respond to the request, and how to implement post audit findings in the provider office.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 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

2E: E/M Auditing - What Does It Really Mean?

Brenda R Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPMS, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

2021 brought changes in how we audit physician office evaluation and management (E/M) services. In this session, we’ll look at clinical documentation and how it holds up under the new 2021 E/M guidelines. We’ll discuss some of the areas that have proven to be tricky or maybe that we need to think about a little differently. Come prepared to interact and have a good time!

Exhibit Hall

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4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, MT

EH1: Welcome Reception with Exhibitors

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Exhibit Hall

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7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, MT

EH2: Breakfast with Exhibitors

General Session

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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM, MT | 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

GS3: E/M Panel

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

During this session, an expert panel made up of a physician, coder, auditor, and representative from the AMA will answer audience questions regarding the 2021 E/M guidelines for office visits.

General

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9:15 AM - 9:30 AM, MT

BR3: Morning Break

General Session

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9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS4: Diagnosis Coding Insights from the Experts Panel

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I; Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC; Marianne Durling MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CPC, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, Approved-Instructor; Leonta Williams, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC

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.

General

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10:45 AM - 11:00 AM, MT

BR4: Mid-Morning Break

Class Change

Breakout Session 3

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11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 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: Physician Cost Efficiency in the MIPS Environment

James S. Kennedy MD, CCS, CCDS, CDIP

Physicians electing for CMS’ Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) will experience +/-9% impact in their traditional Medicare reimbursement based on their performance, 30% of which is derived from cost efficiency. In this session, we’ll review inpatient and outpatient episode models, including screening colonoscopies, cataract surgery, knee and hip replacements, and many others that are being assessed; emergency physician encounters (99281-85) that will be implemented in 2024; and CMS' impending changes to the inpatient and ED E/M leveling guidelines, all of which make your job more important than ever.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CEMC, CPB, CPPM

3B: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology Diagnostics and Therapeutic Procedures

Tyler Griffeth, CPC, CPRC

Do you want to be able to understand the disease processes behind the procedures and diagnoses that you are coding? Come with the expectation that you will learn about some of the deadliest disease processes currently afflicting humankind and the near miraculous things that our cardiothoracic surgeons do to treat them. How to code for these procedures and relevant national coding guidelines will be layered into this dynamic and fascinating presentation. CPT® and ICD coding instruction will also be included.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CSFAC, CUC

3C: Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Coding for Professional and Facility Fees

Jarrod Dyck, CPC

This session provides a detailed overview of the wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) specialty. We’ll cover both professional and outpatient facility coding methods and all relevant CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes. Included is a PowerPoint presentation, videos, and a packet of basic to advanced exercises for participants to work through during the session.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPPM, CRC

3D: Risk Adjustment, a Focus Review for Coders, and Clinical Documentation Improvement

Barbara Maria Shaw, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CRC, CEDC

This session will cover risk adjustment auditing and CDI and how shared collaboration and reporting can be used to help not only the coder, auditor, and CDI specialist, but most importantly the provider. We will review HCC categories with information and tips on improving documentation. We will also review some actual coding scenarios for applying what we have learned.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, MT | 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

3E: Looking Back: Comparing Providers’ Documentation Response to the 2021 E/M Guidelines

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

Attendees will walk through a documentation comparison of providers who embraced the 2021 Evaluation and Management (E/M) Guidelines and those who didn’t. We will explore documentation examples that highlight provider comprehension of changes and discuss auditing pitfalls and provider education best practices.

Exhibit Hall

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12:15 PM - 1:30 PM, MT

EH3: Lunch with Exhibitors

Breakout Session 4

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

4A: Crucial Conversations

MariaRita Genovese, CPC

Tough conversations are a reality of leadership. Know how to prepare so you will be in the right frame of mind to address the real issues at hand. Consider the importance of dialogue — the free flow of meaning between people — so everyone talks openly and honestly with each other. Grasp how to set up conditions to talk about almost anything.

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

4B: Anesthesia Coding, Billing & Documentation Nuances

Kristen R Taylor, CPC

This session will differentiate anesthesia procedures including modifiers, concurrency, and medical direction based on who is performing the service. You will learn of interactions between anesthesiologist and CRNA throughout anesthesia procedure, and gain clarification of different anesthesia modifiers and how to determine the correct one. We will also discuss chart documentation related to billing.

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

4C: Coding and Billing for Rural Health Clinics and Community Health Centers

Gary W Lucas, MSHI

RHCs and FQHCs have distinctly different rules related to professional coding and medical billing. Billing Medicare/Medicaid plans via per diem payments is drastically different than billing fee-for-service. Developing a shared platform of knowledge between providers, managers, and coders/billers is key to maximizing reimbursement and merging clinical and business goals.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

4D: Compliance Challenges with Non-physician Practitioners

Sandra Kay Giangreco Brown, RHIT, Approved Instructor, COC, CPC, CPC-I, COBGC

Practices and hospitals are employing more advanced practice providers to meet the growing healthcare needs, but they often do not understand the coding, billing, and supervision requirements. This session will cover the Medicare guidelines related to services provided in different settings, billing requirements, and other considerations.

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

4E: E/M Office and Other Outpatient Guidelines – Risk Associated with Coding for Time

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

In this session, we will discuss compliance risks associated with the E/M time guidelines for office and outpatient services. We will discuss best practices for implementing time-based coding.

Exhibit Hall

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2:45 PM - 3:05 PM, MT

EH4: Afternoon Break with Exhibitors

Breakout Session 5

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3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 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

5A: ICD-10-CM Sequencing: The Right Way

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

Sequencing ICD-10-CM codes has always been problematic for novice coders, but it must be mastered to understand its proper use in our everyday work. Many claim denials are due to improper sequencing, which leads to CPT® codes being linked to an incorrect diagnosis pointer. Even with electronic billing software, if the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and Tabular List are not adhered to correctly, a clean claim will not be submitted, causing non-payment or improper payment rightfully due to the provider or facility. This presentation is designed to provide awareness of the guidelines and how the respective diagnosis code is used.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CDEI, CDEO, CENTC, CIC, CPB, CPPM

5B: Controversies and Hot Topics in Otolaryngology Coding

Lawrence M. Simon, MD

This session will provide an advanced review of hot coding topics in otolaryngology coding. The course will focus on proper code selection from surgical documentation and will cover new codes, code revisions, and current coding controversies. Sample topics include surgical nasal endoscopy, bone anchored hearing aids, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

5C: Resident vs. Student Documentation

Christopher Chandler, CPC, CGSC

There have been regular changes to CMS documentation requirements for residents, interns, fellows, and students. This presentation will cover those changes, the latest guidelines, and how to audit recent and older encounters.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

5D: Considerations in Clinical Pathology Auditing

James Ashmore, CPC

We'll review coding guidelines (including MUE, frequently used modifiers, unbundling, proprietary codes, Category III temporary codes, and use of unlisted codes). We’ll also review frequent areas of FWA (toxicology, COVID, and genetics) and data mining to find potential FWA. Types of laboratory certifications, the Clinical Lab Fee Schedule, and documentation requirements will also be covered.

3:05 PM - 4:20 PM, MT | 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

5E: Counting of Data

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

We are now more than one year into the 2021 E/M Documentation Guidelines for Office or Other Outpatient Services. Even with the time lapse, there are still some pressing questions and remaining ambiguity for assigning data points for MDM. Join us as we discuss some of these pain points: Does my test include interpretation? When should I assign credit for a lab order or review? What happens if the review takes place on a different date from the encounter? How much weight should I really give to the “Data” MDM element if my other two categories are minimal or low risk? Get answers to your questions by fully understanding all the definitions around “Data,” and how to communicate these definitions to providers.

Friday, August 5, 2022

Exhibit Hall

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7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, MT

EH5: Coffee with Exhibitors

General Session

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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM, MT | 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

GS5: E/M Lessons Learned

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

In this session we will discuss best practices for documentation improvement to support the 2021 E/M guidelines for office and other outpatient services and changes going into effect in 2023.

General

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9:15 AM - 9:30 AM, MT

BR5: Morning Break

Class Change

Breakout Session 6

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9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

6A: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness in the Medical Field

L. Renee Bradley, CPC, CPC-P

While there has been a recent focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout a variety of industries – understanding the impact on healthcare organizations becomes extremely important in improving health outcomes and quality of life for patients. DEI initiatives implemented throughout multiple areas of the healthcare field are a must and help improve the patient and family experience in outpatient and inpatient settings.

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CIC, CPB, CPPM, CRC

6B: The Future of Reimbursement: Risk Adjustment

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

We will clarify what a risk adjustment model is and define and explain how a patient's risk score is calculated. We will review CMS' risk adjustment data validation (RADV) requirements and analyze a few real-life examples. By the end of the presentation you will understand value-based payment models, risk adjustment factors, HCC supporting documentation, and how to conduct a RADV audit.

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CIC, CPB, CPPM

6C: Stereotactic Procedures for Diagnosis of Intracranial Lesions

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

Intracranial lesions are brain lesions or tissues that have been damaged through an injury or disease. Getting a small piece of the lesion and studying it under a microscope by a surgeon will assist the surgeon to determine the exact nature of the lesion, its cause, and the treatment option. In this session, you will learn how to properly code these services.

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6D: Recent Healthcare Enforcement Activities and Fraud Trends

Tony Maffei; Kenny Barrett

Special Agents Kenny Barrett and Tony Maffei will summarize recent federal law enforcement activities and successful prosecutions from OIG's investigative and enforcement efforts on opioid fraud and diversion matters in the Appalachian region. They’ll also discuss current fraud trends and schemes in the areas of pharmacy and diagnostic testing.

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

6E: Don’t Make My Mistakes

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

In this session, experiences from audits gone awry or looking back to find a better way are discussed. This is an opportunity to note best practices that make for complete, compliant audits with fewer problems and setbacks along the way. We will also discuss when to say “no” to an audit.

General

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10:45 AM - 11:05 AM, MT

BR6: Mid-Morning Break

Class Change

Breakout Session 7

Back to top

11:05 AM - 12:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

7A: Take Your Career From All Right to Dynamite with Networking

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

By the end of this interactive presentation, members will have the ability to define networking, understand its importance, learn how to build and maintain a network, and expert level networking tips that new and experienced networkers can add to their toolbelt.

11:05 AM - 12:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CGIC, CPB, CPPM

7B: Ain’t Nothin’ but a Gastro Thang

Jessica Miller, CPC, CPC-P, CGIC

We will discuss advance coding challenges in all areas, from butts to guts. Procedures will be colonoscopy, EUS, EGD, POEM, and ERCPs. We will discuss payer issues and the documentation needed to support medical necessity. We will discuss some of the billing errors, CCI edits, and proper modifier use, along with LCD/NCDs applicable to this specialty. We will also cover the billing issues with colonoscopy screenings and discuss pre-visit screening. This session covers both adult and pediatric coding.

11:05 AM - 12:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CIC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7C: Conquer the Rocky Mountain of Hospital High Risk Areas

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

This session will review all the various areas of high risk for hospitals. This will cover both inpatient and outpatient facilities. We will review risk areas for coding, billing, regulatory and privacy. We will look through the lens of staff, administration, compliance and outside auditors as we examine some common and uncommon risks areas. Protect yourself and your facility by being aware of the pitfalls and requirements.

11:05 AM - 12:20 PM, MT | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEI, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

7D: Getting ROI Out of Your Chart Audit

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

Make your time and budget spent on chart audits worthwhile! Internal audits should NOT be a mere to-do item on your compliance checklist. Reviews should be geared toward effective and compliant use of coding based on the note as documented. Equally important is purposeful feedback. Only then does the session become purposeful, and real change occur in your organization. Your reports will no longer merely state, “The documentation supports the service as billed” after this session.

11:05 AM - 12:20 PM, MT | 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

7E: Think Like an MD When Auditing with 2021 E/M Coding Guidelines

CJ Wolf MD MEd CPC COC, COC, CPC

How does a presenting risk or condition differ from management and diagnosis? What are physicians thinking and how should they document their thought process? How does a physician think of morbidity? How does this and other concepts relate to terms and categories found in the MDM table from the guidelines? Ask your questions of the presenter, who is a physician, certified coder, certified compliance professional, and certified auditor. Submit some of your questions ahead of time by emailing them to the presenter at info@compliancereality.com. Frequently asked questions will be addressed during the presentation.

General Session

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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, MT | 1.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS6: Closing General Session

Join us to network with attendees on your last day of conference! This session DOES have a CEU and we'll be giving away amazing prizes for our challenge and networking winners, as well as doing some fun end of conference trivia where anyone can be a winner. This is a session you won't want to miss!


Interesting in learning more about Denver area activities? Download our Travel Brochure.

Conference Venue

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80019
Phone:+1 720-452-6900

Hotel Pricing

Hotel room reservations is open — you can reserve a room here.

Hotel rooms are $259 per night (single/double occupancy). Each additional person to a room is $20. Pricing Includes resort fees, all taxes are not included in price.

Check-in: 4:00pm | Check-out: 11:00am

Transportation

  • This hotel does not provide shuttle service from the airport.
  • The estimated taxi fare is $30 one way from airport to hotel.
  • Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 6.3 miles to hotel.
  • Airport phone: +1 303-342-2000

Directions from Denver International Airport

No Tolls: Follow Peña Boulevard to Exit 5 for Tower Road. Turn left onto Tower Road. Turn left onto East 64th Avenue. Turn left on North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard.

Tolls: Follow Peña Boulevard to exit 6A toward I70 South toward Colorado Springs. Keep left at the fork to continue onto E470 South. Take Exit 25 for 64th Avenue. Turn right onto 64th Avenue. Turn right on North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard.

Commuter Train: The A Line Commuter Train offers transportation between the airport and the 61st & Peña Station (continuing on to Union Station in downtown Denver). Board the train at the Denver Airport Station on level 1 of the airport. Gaylord Rockies offers a complimentary shuttle from the 61st & Peña Station (Hours of operation are subject to change so please contact the resort for the most current details.)

Location Map

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80019

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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.

Thanks to our amazing 2022 speakers!

Amy Pritchett

Amy Pritchett, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CANPC, CASCC, CEDC

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

Barbara Shaw

Barbara Shaw, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CRC, CEDC

Barbara Shaw, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CRC, CEDC, has a career spanning over twenty years, with healthcare being her sole professional journey. She began in physician practices and moved on to a university health system and a Medicare Advantage payer. Her roles have all been in the middle revenue cycle, and she’s been successful in fully implementing a risk adjustment team for a multispecialty group. Shaw prides herself on continuing to present to AAPC local chapters monthly, speaking at a national level, and mentoring her chapter and other chapters.

Brenda Edwards

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPMS, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPMS, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC, has been in healthcare for more than 30 years, working closely with practices, providers, and residency programs to ensure documentation is compliant and accurate. She has written many articles for national publications. Her humorous and engaging presentation style has made her a conference favorite.

Christine Hall

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

Christine Hall, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, is CEO and senior consultant for Stirling Global Solutions, LLC, with more than 30 years of healthcare administration and information management experience. She has a degree in health information management and sociology. Hall is certified in healthcare compliance and is a certified professional coder, certified professional biller, certified professional medical auditor, certified risk coder, and certified AAPC Instructor. She is the current chairwoman of the AAPC Billing Advisory Committee, a skilled educator, and 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 and has had the pleasure of working with many of the gold star standard organizations in healthcare like AAPC, AHIMA, national medical associations, and societies. Hall serves as the education officer of the Palm Beach local chapter.

Christopher Chandler

Christopher Chandler, MHA, MBA, CPC, CGSC

Christopher Chandler, MHA, MBA, CPC, CGSC, is technical manager of documentation and coding for lntermountain Healthcare, working on a system-wide level to consult, educate, and present to providers, staff, and operational leaders. He specializes in surgery, non-physician practitioners, and GME documentation and coding guidelines. Chandler has presented at AAPC's HEALTHCON and regional conferences and teaches a physiology and coding class at a local college.

CJ Wolf

CJ Wolf, MD, MEd, CPC, COC, CHC, CCEP, CIA

CJ Wolf, MD, MEd, CPC, COC, CHC, CCEP, CIA, has been involved in healthcare for over 22 years, beginning with his years in medical school. Wolf later made a career change to healthcare administration, reimbursement, and compliance. He has worked in various coding, reimbursement, and chief compliance officer roles for lntermountain Healthcare, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas System, and an international medical device company. Wolf currently holds faculty appointments at two universities and provides coding, compliance, and training services through Compliance Reality.

Colleen Gianatasio

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CCS, CCDS-O, Approved- Instructor

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CCS, CCDS-O, AAPC Approved-Instructor, has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of the business of healthcare. As director of ambulatory CDQI for Mount Sinai Health Partners, she is responsible for provider engagement and clinical documentation improvement for accurate coding. Gianatasio specializes in developing innovative coding curriculum and instruction to support compliance with federal guidelines and appropriate reimbursement processes. She is a certified AAPC instructor and enjoys teaching a variety of coding, documentation, and auditing classes. Gianatasio currently serves as president of the AAPC National Advisory Board for the 2022-2025 term.

Corrie Alvarez

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

Corrie Alvarez, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CEDC, CEMC, has been a coder and educator for over 30 years. She has hands-on coding, auditing, and management experience in a variety of specialties. Alvarez is a national speaker for various medical and coding organizations.

Elizabeth Deak

Elizabeth Deak, CPC, CPMA, CEMA

Elizabeth Deak, CPC, CPMA, CEMA, has been in the healthcare industry for over 15 years. She is currently an auditor investigator in the SIU at Evolent Health. Deak has spoken at many healthcare industry events, most recently at the NHCAA.

Gary Lucas

Gary Lucas, MSHI

Gary Lucas, MSHI, has taught 1,900+ full-day courses on documentation, coding, and billing in person in 46 states for over 26 years. His current focus is on creating and maintaining rural/federally qualified health center (RHC/FQHC) coding and billing certifications and training offered by the Association for Rural & Community Health Professional Coding (ArchProCoding). Lucas also worked with Booz Allen Hamilton for five years, providing change management services on large-scale government healthcare projects. He holds a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia.

Jaci Kipreos

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. She has been a Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) since 1994 and attained her Certified Outpatient Coder (COC™) in 2005 and Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO®) in 2019. She is also a Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) and is certified in the specialty of evaluation and management (E/M) coding. Kipreos 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 E/M guidelines. She has been an instructor for various AAPC workshops for the past 10 years and has spoken at AAPC’s annual HEALTHCON conference for more than 10 years, as well as AAPC’s regional conferences. Kipreos received her Bachelor of Science in finance from Virginia Tech. She has 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, Va., and Charlottesville, Va., local chapters, and also served as president of AAPC’s National Advisory Board from 2015-2018.

Jacob Swartzwelder

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

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CRC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor, got an unexpected start in medical coding when his office manager identified him as their newest coder. Having worked both for well-known hospitals and international coding companies, he specializes in E/M auditing, risk adjustment, operational risk reduction, and leadership development. Swartzwelder has maintained his Certified Professional Coder certification since 2010, later earning his Certified Risk Adjustment Coder and Certified Evaluation and Management Coder certifications.

James Ashmore, CPC

James Ashmore, CPC

James Ashmore, CPC, has more than 30 years' experience in various parts of the revenue cycle for pathology and labs including charge capture, documentation review, claim review, denial review, and auditing. Currently, he works as a revenue manager for DUHS Clinical Labs, reviewing and optimizing coding, revenue, and reimbursement. Ashmore also has a PhD in religion and spent 20-plus years teaching at a local college.

James Kennedy

James Kennedy, MD, CCS, CCDS, CDIP

James Kennedy, MD, CCS, CCDS, CDIP, is an internist who has been advocating ICD-10-CM/PCS compliance for over 20 years. As a strong champion of the coder’s relationship with providers, Kennedy promotes proactive clinical documentation integrity critical thinking, infrastructure, processes, and work, assuring that the documentation and resultant HIPAA-related codes accurately represent patient circumstances, illnesses, assessments, and therapies.

Jarrod Dyck

Jarrod Dyck, CPC

Jarrod Dyck, CPC, has been a Certified Professional Coder since 2011. His coding experience includes general surgery, gastroenterology, psychiatry, and behavioral health. Dyck’s current focus is wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy coding for professionals and outpatient facility coding for a major health system in Portland, Oregon.

Jennifer McNamara

Jennifer McNamara, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CGSC, COPC, CCS, Approved-Instructor

Jennifer McNamara, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CGSC, COPC, CCS, AAPC Approved-Instructor, has been in healthcare 19 years and has worked in various specialties including gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and many others. As the owner of Ozark Institute, she offers CPC® education as an approved education site with AAPC and she hosts the podcast "Life as a Coder." McNamara currently serves as the education director for OncoSpark. 

Jessica Miller

Jessica Miller, CPC, CPC-P, CGIC

Jessica Miller, CPC, CPC-P, CGIC, has been in the healthcare industry in various roles for over 20 years. She has worked in medical records, and through the entire revenue cycle process. She has a unique background in medical billing and coding to improve the revenue cycle as a whole. Miller has been an educator for several years and enjoys training in the medical industry for all medical billers, coders, and provider staff.

Kaitlyn Brack

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

Kaitlyn Brack, CPC, CEMC, CFPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is a medical coding quality analyst and CEMC exam committee member at AAPC. Her coding strengths include Medicare wellness, evaluation and management (E/M), family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics, with experience in endocrinology, oncology, rheumatology, palliative care, rural health, nursing homes, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. She has a Bachelor of Science in health informatics and information management from the University of Southern Indiana. Brack is considered a subject matter expert in E/M.

Kristen Taylor

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.

Lawrence Simon

Lawrence Simon, MD, MBA

Lawrence Simon, MD, MBA, has been involved in CPT® for 10 years, serving as the CPT® advisor for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and on both the CPT ®Assistant Editorial Board and the CPT® Editorial Panel. He currently sits on the executive committee of the CPT® Editorial Panel and is co-chair of the Molecular Pathology Advisory Group.

Leonta Williams

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

Leonta (Lee) Williams, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CCDS, CPC, CPCO, CRC, CEMC, CHONC, is director of medical coding, Georgia Cancer Specialists and Healthcare Management Consultant, Karna, LLC. She has more than 18 years of health information management experience as a coding director, auditor, educator, trainer, practice manager, and mentor. She has provided coding leadership and oversight on programs sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, the U.S. Consumer and Product Safety Commission, and Industrial Economics, Inc. Williams has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, CDI, and risk management. She is founder and past president of the Covington, Ga., local chapter and served as secretary on the 2018-2021National Advisory Board.

Lisa R Bradley

Lisa R Bradley, CPC, CPC-P

Lisa R Bradley, CPC, CPC-P, is a special assistant to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Rhodes 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.

Marcia Brauchler

Marcia Brauchler, MPH, FACMPE, CPC, COC, CPC-I

Marcia Brauchler, MPH, FACMPE, CPC, COC, CPC-I, is the founder of Physicians' Ally, Inc., a healthcare consulting firm and concierge physician billing company. She advises physicians and staff on payer contracts, reimbursement, coding, and compliance. Brauchler is a published author on these topics and contributes articles to Healthcare Business Monthly. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from UNC-Chapel Hill and her Master of Public Health from UCLA. Brauchler teaches the AAPC CPC® exam prep curriculum at the University of Denver on a recurring basis.

Marianne Durling

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

Marianne Durling, MHA, RHIA, CPC, CCS, CDIP, CPCO, CDEI, CIC, AAPC Approved Instructor, has a very diverse background, having spent 38 years working in almost every aspect of healthcare. She is currently an associate compliance officer for Duke Health System. 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 HEALHCON Education Committee.

Mariarita Genovese

Mariarita Genovese, CPC

Mariarita Genovese, 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 former member of AAPC’s National Advisory Board and is a former member of 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 Healthcare Business Monthly as well as the popular Knowledge Center blog. Genovese is also a frequent speaker at AAPC national and regional conferences.

Oby Egbunike

Oby Egbunike, CPC, COC, CRC, CCS-P, Approved Instructor

Oby Egbunike, CPC, COC, CRC, CCS-P, AAPC Approved Instructor, has over 15 years of experience in the business of healthcare. She is a graduate of Northeastern University Boston with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management information systems. Currently, Egbunike is the director of professional coding and education at Beth Israel Lahey Health, where she is responsible for the daily management of coding both outpatient and inpatient services as well as hospital-based diagnostic testing.

Raemarie Jimenez

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

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC, has over 26 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. She is a nationally recognized speaker and thought leader in the business of healthcare and serves as a coding liaison to the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel. Over the past 12 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 the senior vice president of products, she oversees all AAPC product lines.

Prior to joining the AAPC, Jimenez spent many years running billing and coding departments, audit services, provider education programs, and client services. At Concorde Career Institute, she served as assistant academic dean, program director for the coding and medical assistant programs, and director of graduate services. Jimenez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University and is a member of the Salt Lake City, Utah, local chapter.

Samuel Church

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

Samuel Church, MD, MPH, CPC, CRC, CPC-I, is a solo private practice rural family physician, providing both inpatient and outpatient services. His practice is a recognized NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home. Dr. Church teaches medical students for the Medical College of Georgia and is on the faculty for Northeast Georgia Medical Center Family Medicine residency program, where he is responsible for the coding and practice management curriculum and is a coding instructor for the local community college. In addition to speaking and teaching on various coding topics at regional and national conferences, Dr. Church consults for both small practices and health systems on HCC coding, practice workflow, and chronic care management implementation and coding. Dr. Church serves as advisor to the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel for the AAFP and also serves on numerous quality and compliance advisory groups.

Sandy Giangreco Brown

Sandy Giangreco Brown, CPC, COC, CPC-I, COBGC, RHIT, Approved-Instructor

Sandy Giangreco Brown, CPC, COC, CPC-I, COBGC, RHIT, AAPC Approved-Instructor, is the director of coding & revenue integrity at CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. She has more than 28 years of experience in healthcare and medical records management, coding, auditing, and compliance in the hospital, outpatient, and physician settings. Giangreco Brown's areas of specialty include chargemaster, revenue cycle, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, evaluation and management, and radiology.

Shannon DeConda

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

Shannon DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, is the president and founder of NAMAS, a division of DoctorsManagement, in which she is a partner and has been with them now for 16 of her 20-plus years in healthcare. NAMAS provides training, education, and resources for coders, auditors, and compliance professionals, and DoctorsManagement is a full-service physician consulting firm in business since 1956, providing support services in coding, auditing, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, HIPAA, accounting, human resources, credentialing, and power buying.

Sharon Oliver

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

Sharon Oliver, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is a 36-year medical professional and owner of Medical Coding and Consultants. She has been a Certified Professional Coder for 18 years and a PMCC instructor for 17 years. Oliver has been a practice manager and worked in the specialties of interventional radiology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, internal medicine, and infectious disease. She is a co-contributor to several medical publications, continues to hold CPC® classes, and travels the nation to conduct on-site training sessions for physicians and staff. She has also presented at numerous national and regional conferences for AAPC and is on several AAPC working committees. Oliver was on the AAPC Chapter Association Board of Directors from 2013 to 2016 and is a member of the Southern Appalachian Coders local chapter in Johnson City, Tenn., where she has served as president and member development officer.

Stephanie Sjogren

Stephanie Sjogren, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CPC-I, CCS, HCAFA

Stephanie Sjogren, CPC, COC, CDEO, CPMA, CPC-I, CCS, HCAFA, is director of coding and provider reimbursement, working with payment integrity to ensure proper claims adjudication and to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Prior to joining Connecticare/EmblemHealth, she performed provider audits and education at a women’s healthcare group. Sjogren has also worked with physicians and staff to integrate and use electronic health record systems effectively and to stay in compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rules and regulations. Her areas of specialty are E/M, auditing, and clinical documentation improvement. Sjogren has served as an officer for the Hartford, Conn., local chapter.

Stephanie Thebarge

Stephanie Thebarge, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CEMC, CHONC

Stephanie Thebarge, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CEMC, CHONC, has 20 years of experience in healthcare working in oncology coding, evaluation and management (E/M) auditing, education, compliance, payer contracting, credentialing, and revenue cycle management. She is the owner of Seacoast Health Compliance Consultation LLC, auditing and educating physician practices. Thebarge served on AAPC’s 2018-2021 NAB and was the 2018 education officer. She is a member of the Portland, Maine, local chapter and has served two terms as president.

Tony Maffei

Tony Maffei

Tony Maffei has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience investigating criminal and civil healthcare fraud matters for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, resulting in dozens of criminal and civil prosecutions and the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Tyler Griffeth

Tyler Griffeth, CPC, CPRC

Tyler Griffeth, CPC, CPRC, has been employed as a coding consultant at Intermountain Healthcare for 10 years. During that time, he has written coding recommendations, devised best practices across numerous specialties, and presented to hundreds of physicians, management, and their staff regarding coding audits, guidelines, and updates. He recently graduated from Gonzaga University with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. Griffeth holds two AAPC certifications. He has held his Certified Professional Coder certification for the last nine years and also has a Certified Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Coder certification. Most recently, he won first place in the PDC Cheesy Potatoes Casserole contest, winning not only a certificate of achievement but also the coveted Golden Potato Head statue trophy.

DENVER REGIONAL FAQs

COVID-19 INFORMATION

AAPC's Official COVID-19 Statement

As we move ahead with planning and implementing the programming of HEALTHCON Regional 2022, AAPC will continue to place high importance on facilitating measures that will ensure optimal health and sanitary conditions for everyone onsite during the event.

For those who do not feel comfortable traveling on-site or have state travel restrictions, we also offer a virtual experience for HEALTHCON Regional.

If you are planning to attend in person and this is your first big gathering since the onset of the Coronavirus, the first hour will be exciting, but also a bit awkward. You may also feel a little distant from fellow attendees. You may want to give a colleague you have not seen in years a big hug or sit closer together during the sessions. These are instincts we all have, but you will be encouraged to refrain from any close contact throughout the conference.

Event organizers will adhere to local mandates as well as the Events Industry Council and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommendations. Our precautions will stay in effect until it is no longer recommended to be a necessity for large gatherings. Below are precautions we are taking for your health and safety.

Limited Onsite Seating Capacity

To maintain social distance in our meeting space, we will need to limit the capacity of members attending in person. We have limited attendance to 75% of the meeting room’s normal seating limits. A waitlist will be available once registration is sold out. If you are on the waitlist, you will be contacted if a seat becomes available.

Onsite Temperature Monitoring

Mandatory temperature checks will happen each day before entering the event. You will be given a new color wristband each day as clearance to partake in the event. If a temperature is indicated, you will kindly be asked to quarantine in your room and log onto our virtual online experience.

No Onsite Registration

Conference bags with registration information will be mailed ahead of time for all onsite and virtual registrants. All onsite registrants please be sure to pack these items with you as there will NOT be onsite registration. Your registration conference bag will include a conference program and for onsite registrants a name badge and a lanyard.

Personal Accountability Commitment

By attending HEALTHCON Regional in Denver, CO, you agree to abide by and engage in certain health-and-safety-beneficial conduct while attending the event. This includes, but is not limited to, submitting to daily temperature checks, always wearing a mask in public areas, engaging in appropriate physical distancing, and not attending the event if you are ill or have been recently exposed to COVID-19.

How Is the Gaylord Rockies Ensuring Attendee and Guest Safety?

See how the Gaylord is ensuring attendee and guest safety in the Commitment to Clean guide which provides in-depth details on how they facilitate a safe, secure, and healthy environment onsite for all participants.

GENERAL INFORMATION

August 3-5, 2022 – Denver, CO

Anyone

Registration price through April 30 - $595
Registration price May 1 through May 31 - $695
Registration price June 1 through August 3 - $795

Access to the latest updates in the industry, latest announcements from our CEO Bevan Erickson, general sessions, 35 breakout sessions to choose from, earning up to 15 CEUs, and a conference bag. Please Note: Your registration conference bag will include a conference program and for onsite registrants a name badge and lanyard. All onsite registrants please be sure to pack these items with you as there will NOT be onsite registration.

Please check your SPAM mailbox. If you are still unable to locate your access link email conferences@aapc.com and we will be able to get your personalized access link.

Cancellations for the conference will be granted without penalty if a cancellation request is received by July 1, 2022, in writing before the start of the conference. Due to financial obligations incurred by AAPC, a refund will be issued less a processing fee of $250 for requests received between July 2 - July 15, 2022. No refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests after July 15, 2022. However, in person will be able to attend the virtual event and will have access to the recorded sessions. Please note recorded sessions are not CEU eligible. Substitutions are permitted. Cancellations must be submitted via email to conferences@aapc.com . No-shows will not be refunded.

If the conference must go to a virtual experience due to Denver, CO COVID-19 restrictions OR you are unable to travel due to your state being shut down because of effects of the virus, registrants will be transferred to our virtual experience and the above cancellation policy will apply. AAPC will not be responsible for reimbursement of any participant’s expenses related to the cancellation or postponement of an event.

Registrants will be responsible for making their own hotel reservations through the Gaylord Rockies AAPC specific reservation link. The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has a 72-hour prior to arrival cancellation policy. Should you need to cancel your reservation please do so outside the 72-hour cancellation window to avoid a fee. If you need to cancel within the policy you forfeit your deposit that was taken at the time of booking, or we will charge your card a one-night room and tax cancellation fee.

A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee your reservation with a deposit of one night's room and tax. The deposit will only be refunded for reservations that cancel prior to the 72- hours to arrival cancellation policy.

You will only need a computer with a web browser (Google Chrome, Apple Safari), an Internet connection, and speakers. There will be no software to purchase. Stay tuned for instructions from us on connecting to the conference event app and webpage.

At the end of each session, there will be a QR code, and a CEU code listed. The quickest way to capture your CEU is to use the My AAPC app and scan the QR code when it comes up on the screen. You may also type in the provided CEU code in the My AAPC app or online in the CEU tracker at www.aapc.com. CEUs will not be offered for any recorded sessions. To receive a CEU for a session, you must attend the session live.

You will receive an email two weeks prior to the conference with instructions on how to download and access the app.

On AAPC.com: Once the session selection is open, log in to your member area and access the event portal under purchases and items. This is where you will select sessions ahead of time.

On the Conference App: Once you receive instructions on how to access the conference app, you will make any adjustments to your schedule in the app. You will also have access to all the session handouts that we have received from the speakers. Any session handouts not on the conference app either we will post it as soon as we receive it, or we were not given permission by the speaker to post.

Yes, two weeks prior to the event. We highly suggest you make your session selection as soon as you get registered because there is a capacity limit for all sessions. We cannot guarantee availability for any session as they are on a first-come basis.

Session handouts are made available two weeks prior to the event if received and or made available by the speaker.

We have many great locations and virtual experiences booked for the future! Check out all our upcoming event dates.

  • RISKCON: June 22-23, 2022
  • Collaborative Compliance Conference: August 30-31, 2022
  • AUDITCON: November 3-4, 2022
  • HEALTHCON 2023 Nashville, TN: May 21-24, 2023

We look forward to HEALTHCON Regional 2022 in Denver, CO as an opportunity to gather the AAPC community in person and virtually to be able to reconnect! Thank you for your understanding and ongoing enthusiasm for AAPC and our community.

Register Now

Join Us

In-Person

  • 35 Breakout Sessions dedicated to top industry insights
  • 5 General Sessions, including a Telemedicine panel discussion
  • Earn up to 15 CEUs
  • Access to conference recordings
  • Virtual and in-person networking
  • Meals Included (limited to conference hours)
  • Meet with exhibitors in-person or virtually
  • Join our Rookies session
  • Option to join our Colorful Colorado Celebration
  • Local Chapter Officer Training (limited seating)

Virtual

  • 35 Breakout Sessions dedicated to top industry insights
  • 5 General Sessions, including a Telemedicine panel discussion
  • Earn up to 15 CEUs
  • Access to conference recordings
  • Virtual networking
  • Meet with exhibitors in the virtual exhibit hall
  • Join our Rookies session

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