Hawaii Regional Conference

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Exhibit Hall

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM

EH1: Morning Break with Exhibitors

Coffee break will feature Kona Blend coffee, decaffeinated coffee and assorted teas. Macadamia Nut granola bars and whole fruit will accompany this morning break.

Information

6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

General: Registration/General Info/Product Store

General Session

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | 0.50 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS1: Conference Welcome

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

Come hear AAPC’s Vice President of Member and Certification Development, Raemarie Jimenez, discuss the future of healthcare, AAPC updates, and opportunities for its members.

8:45 AM - 10:15 AM | 1.50 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC

GS2: E/M Ambiguities - Panel Discussion (Open Forum)

Jaci J. Kipreos, COC, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC; Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CASCC, CCPC, CUC; Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC

A panel of industry experts including auditing, compliance/legal, physician and payer representatives will host an interactive discussion of the most common problems with proper reporting of E/M services.  The panel will respond to questions from attendees regarding troublesome E/M documentation and scoring issues.  The perspective of each panel member on these common issues will provide attendees with valuable insight that can be applied when developing internal compliance policies for resolving these concerns. 

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | 1.50 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

GS3: ICD-10-CM 2018 Coding Updates

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

Even though we have over 69,000 codes, it’s not the numbers we focus on but what is contained in them. There are many additions and revisions for 2018 that will help us to be able to better demonstrate the true clinical condition of the patient. We will discuss the ICD-10-CM coding updates, guideline changes that are available and the clinical aspects of the coding system. We will also discuss any new documentation challenges with the revised and new codes.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Exhibit Hall

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

EH2: Morning Break with Exhibitors

Coffee break will feature Kona Blend coffee, decaffeinated coffee and assorted teas. Bagels with cream cheese and whole fruit will accompany this morning break.

Information

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

General: Registration/General Info/Product Store

General Session

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

GS4: Ethics, Professionalism and Coder Liability Post Yates

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

This session will outline the revised AAPC Code of Ethics to include its core principles and why adherence to those principles is necessary in every professional discipline. We will compare professional standards expected of AAPC members with those of other recognized professional disciplines and the role that ethics plays in not only your own professional image but in the image of our members as an integral part of the healthcare team.

Breakout Session 1

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1A: Advanced Care Planning, AWV/IPPE and Annual Comprehensive Exams, a Comparison

Michele Davis, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

Advanced Care Planning is a topic no one wants to discuss. If the conversation happens, it is more often than not, in the medical provider’s office. Fortunately, as of January 1, 2016, Medicare pays the provider to have this conversation with their patients, but when is the right time. This presentation will discuss the best, and likely most appropriate time for this to occur and the guidelines associated with billing for these services.

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CFPC, CIMC, CPB, CPPM

1B: The ABC's and Z's of Sleep Diagnostics

Louis Jimenez

During this session, we will discuss the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, how sleep studies are performed and selection of the correct codes for sleep studies.

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CRC

1C: Risk Analysis and Communication

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

During this session, we will discuss risk analysis and its necessity for accurate coding and audit results. We will additionally address ways to communicate coding concerns and audit results back to the provider and/or practice in a manner most likely to result in positive change. Audit report drafting and verbal communication tips will be provided.

Breakout Session 2

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

2A: Payer Communications - Denials and Appeals

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

Ever been frustrated by the wall payers tend to surround themselves with? Ever seem like payers speak a foreign language? Then this session is for you! In this session we'll cover claims issues, denials and appeals, basic communications, and the importance of policy in the payer world. We'll discuss strategy and tactics of how we can begin to break down barriers to successful payer communications.

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CPB, CPPM

2B: Follow the Record! The Anesthesia Record!

Judy A Wilson, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC

After attending the session you will be able to read and understand the anesthesia record and know what is needed on all records, where to find the information and how to tell what type of anesthesia is used. What are the types of anesthesia and how does the physician decide which one to use on a patient and why. What are all the symbols on the anesthesia record and what do they mean. You will leave with a better understanding of how to bill actually for your physician services from the actual anesthesia record and what is needed from them for you to be able to perform you job as a coder/biller.

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

2C: What to Do When an Audit Letter Comes

Sarah Jane Reed, CPC, CPC-I

In this session, Ms. Reed will address with the attendees the different types of external audits and their purpose (including, but not limited to, CERT, OIG, HEAT, ZPIC, MAC, MIC and commercial payer). In addition to defining and educating on what the intent of the audit is, she will provide information on how to respond and track these audits in your practice. Who should be involved - from manager to coding staff to providers - and how should you respond? Ms. Reed will also give some education tips for sharing in the practice so that staff understands the process and the importance of the audit in progress.

Exhibit Hall

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

EH3: Lunch with Exhibitors

Today’s box style lunch will include your choice of sandwich, accompanied by a cold pasta salad, Maui potato chips, Kahuna cookie, and a beverage.

Breakout Session 3

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

3A: Is Your Compliance Program Compliant?

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

While formal written compliance programs are not yet mandated by the Secretary of HHS many facilities and practices have implemented such programs. This session will address the potential risks associated with having “off the shelf” plans or plans that either do not conform to OIG or US Sentencing Commission guidance, or plans that impose requirements that the facility or practice is not following or cannot follow due to insufficient resources or inapplicability. Alternatives to formal written plans will be discussed for small physician practices consistent with OIG guidance.

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

3B: Documentation for ED Visits with "Additional Work-Up" Planned

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

One of the most debated areas of Evaluation/Management (EM) code documentation is the Emergency Department (ED) and what constitutes 'additional work-up planned' when using high level codes (99284-99285) in an ED place of service for a physician claim. CMS leaves the definition to payer discretion as well as providers can also have their own definition. This module will help to clarify some of the common areas of documentation that should be in place if a high level E/M code is used in an ED place of service.

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

3C: Audit Scope and Selection

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

These two parts of the audit process set the tone for the whole audit. In this session we will discuss the steps needed and questions to consider to determine the scope and make the selection to ensure the audit provides the information that was requested.

Breakout Session 4

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

4A: Ophthalmology Updates and Coding Tips

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC

In this session, we'll be covering the 2017 coding updates for opthalmology. You'll also learn coding tips for dealing with top issues related to opthalmology as well as how to strategically work with physicians to capture information needed for medical policy.

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

4B: Physician Compensation . . . Past, Present, and, Future

Boyd P Murayama, CPC, CPC-I

We will briefly explore the history of compensation models; review our present state of existing compensation models and why they are not succeeding and the need for change. Our final journey takes us on to future compensation models and incentive structures – the end and beginning of compensation as we know it today.

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

4C: Effective QA for Your Audit Team

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

Do you have an Quality Assurance (QA) program for your coding & audit team? Whether you have 4 or 24 auditors and coders you must perform QA to ensure accuracy. The OIG indicates the standards for a provider are a 95% accuracy rating, so then what level should coders/auditors be held to? Shouldn't it be the same if ultimately they are the "gatekeepers of coding/documentation compliance"? During this session we will discuss QA, identify why it is necessary, structuring your QA program, and how to ensure that your team maintains accuracy within their day-to-day operations.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Exhibit Hall

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

EH4: Morning Break with Exhibitors

Coffee break will feature Kona Blend coffee, decaffeinated coffee and assorted teas. Assorted scones and tropical fruit skewers will accompany this morning break.

Information

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

General: Registration/General Info/Product Store

General Session

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

GS5: Codes - It's Not Always About Payment

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

Reimbursement models are ever changing and now emerging models will change how we get paid but does that mean the use of codes will change too? Learning how valuable data obtained from codes and how it can support any payment model (e.g., MACRA and MIPS) can help transform your practice, your documentation and your physician buy in.

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | 1.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CCC, CCVTC, CEMC, CFPC, CIMC, CPB, CPPM, CUC

GS6: Coding Chronic Conditions

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

Chronic conditions account for a large percentage of healthcare dollars. The accurate capture of these charges is critical. Our discussion will include helpful tips to ensure documentation is thorough and complete. We will review the importance of reporting manifestations and combination codes. Chronic conditions discussed in this presentation include diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, heart disease, and sepsis.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | 1.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS7: Top Billing Mistakes and Myths (Panel Discussion)

Linda Martien, COC, CPC, CPMA; Yvonne D Dailey, CPC, CPB, CPC-I; Melody S Irvine, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CFPC; Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC

This panel of industry leading billers will address the most common billing mistakes and myths surrounding claims submissions. The interactive session will delve into your current issues and problem solve your billing nightmares. Come prepared to participate.

Exhibit Hall

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

EH5: Lunch with Exhibitors

Today’s lunch is an island style bento box that will include teriyaki chicken with white rice.