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Seattle Regional Conference

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The Westin Seattle

October 14-16, 2019 | 12 CEUs | $645

About AAPC Regional Conference

Discover how to be a thought leader with some of the business of healthcare’s brightest minds. Breakdown the world of revenue cycle management and deliver breakthrough ways of getting your business fewer denials and better management. Plus, get the CEUs you need to maintain your certifications.

Here are a few more reasons to attend:

  • Get inspired during any of our 50+ breakout sessions
  • Build your network and connect with industry leaders and experts
  • Take the opportunity to hear our world class general speakers
  • Meet the makers of products you use every day

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Pre-Conference

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

Pre 1:Teach the Teacher

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC; Andrel Jones, CPC, CPC-I; Kris Taylor, Education Operations Manager In PMCC

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.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Pre-Conference

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8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 2.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

Pre2:Local Chapter Leadership Meeting

Information

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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Registration/General Info/Product Store

General Session

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11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 1.00 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

GS1:Conference Welcome

Bevan Erickson, AAPC CEO

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.

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

GS2:Legal Trends and Issues

Stacy Nicole Harper , JD, MHSA, CPC; Timothy P Blanchard, MHA, JD; Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CASCC, CCPC, CUC

This panel discussion, led by AAPC’s Legal Advisory Committee, offers insights into today's – and tomorrow’s – most pressing legal concerns for medical practices and facilities facing increased financial scrutiny and regulation. Join us for this perennial favorite!

1:45 PM - 3:00 PM | 1.25 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, CPEDC, CPMS, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS3:What Happens When E/M Guidelines Change?

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

How will this affect you? This session will discuss the upcoming changes to the E/M Documentation Guidelines released in the Proposed and Final Rules, and what changes to expect in years to come. We will review case examples and determine how overall code selection will be impacted applying changes to the guidelines. This will be an interactive session where the audience will be encouraged to share their best practices. Come be part of the solution to a complex coding structure.

Breakout Session 1

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3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, Approved-Instructor, CANPC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CDEO-I, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIC-I, CIMC, COBGC, COC-I, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-9, CPCD, CPC-I, CPCO-I, CPEDC, -I, CPMS, CPPM, CPPM-I, CPRC, CRC, CRC-I, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

1A:Modifier 25

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

Modifier 25 is likely the most confusing and misused CPT modifier of all time. The OIG targets this modifier constantly, and CMS has published many reports on the millions of dollars paid incorrectly due to this simple little modifier. During our presentation, we will have an interactive conversation on the proper use of modifier 25, along with advice on how to discuss this potentially harmful modifier with your providers. Actual case examples will be discussed and clues given on how to audit records with modifier 25.

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

1B:Peripheral Vascular Coding and Compliance

Sharon Jane Oliver, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I; Christine L Borowski

Peripheral coding is a comprehensive area based on proper catheter selection as well as knowledge to identify the hierarchies required for correct reimbursement. The coder must recognize when to use the endovascular revascularization codes for the procedures on the legs vs. identifying when vascular family order is appropriate along with supervision and interpretation codes. A thorough understanding of the CPT guidelines to ensure correct coding is required.

  • Objectives
  • Attendees will learn the vascular anatomy of the leg
  • Learn the usage of CPT Appendix L
  • Learn when to use peripheral coding vs. diagnostic procedures
  • Learn all the guidelines pertaining to peripheral procedures
  • Identify the Territories of the leg and how they relate to vascular family order

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPPM

1C:What Kind of Leader Are You?

MariaRita Genovese, CPC

Effective leaders guide and inspire others to achieve their very best. Identify your leadership style, recognize the keys to successful leadership, and identify the pitfalls that could inhibit your success.

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CHONC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1D:Outpatient CDI; Improving Coding and Documentation Opportunities

Terri Thomas, COC, CPC, CPC-I

Clinical Documentation Improvement assist in the health record being clear, specific, accurate and complete in coding and supporting services for reimbursement. In this presentation, we shall look at improving documentation and coding of chronic conditions. Coding cases of chronic conditions will be presented in; Heart Failure, Diabetes, Neoplasm, Anemia, Pneumonia, COPD, Chronic Kidney Disease, BMI and Fractures with guidelines of a best practice compliant query. CDI tips in the areas of Emergency Department, Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery and a Physician Practice.

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CDEO, CHONC, CIC, CPB, CPPM, CRC

1E:Risk Adjustment & Quality Metrics

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

Value-Based Care, Risk Adjustment & Qualityi s a platform and a common ground that utilizes the various health information data elements like the diagnoses coding data from its inception as medical records in EMR, lab data and ICD-10 & CPT/HCPCS codes that move along in the claims systems.
Data-mining the EHR & claims data will provide gems such as chronic care-gap suspects, high dollar value chronic condition HCC recaptures, data triggers for the Case/Utilization management especially in the realm of Medicare managed care.

  • Objectives
  • Learn about Risk Adjustment methodologies
  • Risk Adjustment date capture model and RAF score development
  • Data Partnership between Risk Adjustment and Quality
  • Trends in Medicare Managed Care
  • Risk Adjustment HCC coding, data mining & HCC suspecting

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CPB, CPCO, CPPM

1F:Stay Compliant with the Kickback Expansion

Stacy Nicole Harper , JD, MHSA, CPC

This session will define the Anti-kickback Statute and Stark Law. It explains carve outs for these laws, how the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) of 2018 now imposes requirements on physician financial arrangements, and how the decade old Travel Act is being used for bribery prosecution. You will learn about the Forest Park case, which shows that the federal government will pursue physician financial relationships that potentially violate these state laws, even if they do not involve federal healthcare dollars.

Exhibit Hall

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4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

EX1:Break with Exhibitors

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Information

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7:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Registration/General Info/Product Store

Exhibit Hall

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7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

EX2:Coffee With Exhibitors

General Session

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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM | 1.25 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, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

GS4:Diagnosis Coding Insights from the Experts

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

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, Approved-Instructor, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CDEO-I, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIC-I, CIMC, COBGC, COC-I, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPB-I, CPC-9, CPCD, CPC-I, CPCO, CPCO-I, CPEDC, -I, CPMS, CPPM, CPPM-I, CPRC, CRC, CRC-I, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC, I

GS5:ICD-10-CM Updates with insight to ICD-11 WHO

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

An in depth look at the changes to ICD10 for 2020. We will explore why the changes occurred and how the World Health Organization (WHO) plans for changes each year. We will also look at what the WHO is planning for ICD-11.

Breakout Session 2

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

2A:Exploring Job Roles for Credentialed Coders with Evolving Technology

Rhona Moses; Christine L Borowski

Provide insight into different pathways and opportunities that credentialed coders have across our healthcare organization. With continued evolving technology we have expanded the role and value of our coding professionals. Share innovative and strategic business processes along with various job roles and functions.

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

2B:Mastering Orthopedic CPT Coding

Nate Felt, CPC

This presentation will dive into common orthopedic coding concerns. This will include a review of CPT, NCCI and AAOS guidelines to help you more accurately code for orthopedic surgeries. This presentation will also give you a clinical perspective of orthopedic coding that will better prepare you for working with orthopedic surgeons. Objectives include; 1) Orthopedic keys to correct evaluation and management coding, 2) Addressing the risk associated with reporting modifier 25, 3) Common orthopedic surgical coding errors, 4) Correct usage of modifiers during the global surgical period, 5) Keys to discussing coding related concerns with orthopedic surgeons.

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

2C:The Strength of Ethics

Jennifer Lynn Sanders, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I

Ethics are the standards by which we operate our business. But what makes for a strong ethical person? I will review the Ethics of Healthcare as learned in the MBA Healthcare Management program by discussing the pillars of moral strength as a foundation of ethics. This workshop should inspire the attendee to review their career, employer and themselves to determine how strong their ethics are.

  • Objectives
  • Discussion of the pillars of moral strength as they relate to ethics in healthcare
  • Self-evaluation of our individual ethical background
  • Discussion of how ethics determines our everyday actions & how to change it

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

2D:Correct Coding and Billing for Outpatient Mental Health Providers

Charla Prillaman, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPC-I, CCC, CEMC

Mental health services bring with them distinct documentation and coding requirements to support correct billing for services. This presentation will focus on coding updates, documentation requirements, evaluation and management coding for psychiatry, and incident-to in the mental health treatment setting. We will include information about the growing use of telemedicine/telepsychiatry as well.

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

2E:How You Can Negotiate Payor Contracts Llike a Pro!

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

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

  • Objectives
  • Think through why your practice should bother to ask for a raise
  • Prepare in advance of the negotiations, getting organized with your data
  • Define your practice's value proposition to the payors
  • Learn strategies for negotiation, including fixes for frustrating coding denials
  • Make permanent improvements to your payor contracts

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

2F:The Complexities of Inpatient E/M Services

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

During this session you will be provided real world inpatient encounters to audit. They will vary from initial inpatient, subsequent inpatient, observation, and critical care. Attendees will be provided a few minutes to audit the note themselves, and then we walk through each note in detail (line by line) and answer all questions regarding what counted toward each level of service. An inpatient-specific audit tool and documentation cheat card will be provided to each attendee of this session.

Exhibit Hall

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

EX3:Lunch

Breakout Session 3

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

3A:A Coder’s Guide to Coding Diabetes- Sweet!

Kathryn Williamson, CPC, CIC

Coding diabetes accurately may not always seem straightforward. Learning how to appropriately abstract information from the documentation and mix it together with the respective guidelines is a skill everyone can master. Coding diabetes and diabetic-related conditions can be as simple as following a recipe. This presentation will attempt to expand a coder’s knowledge of diabetes mellitus, it’s pertinent comorbidities, and related ICD-10-CM guidelines. Together we will review case examples and learn to give diabetes mellitus it’s “just desserts”!

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

3B:Pulmonary Function Testing

Louis Jimenez, RRT, CHT

When coding pulmonary function tests for lung disease, it helps to understand the underlying disease process and why they are performed. Pulmonary function tests are performed during the non-acute phase of pulmonary disease and provide the measurements of the patient’s lung volumes, capacities, flow rates, airway resistance, and lung compliance. This session will review pulmonary diseases, types of pulmonary functions tests and when they are used, which codes report the services, and tips for code selection, so you can apply codes appropriately.

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

3C:Crucial Compliant Conversations

Kristi Hudson, CPCO

Non-compliance in healthcare can have very serious, and sometimes devastating consequences. There has been an increase in auditors and investigators disguising themselves as new patients in offices across the country. Every conversation, starting with, "How much does it cost to see the doctor?" is now under scrutiny.

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

3D:Developing Internal Coding Policies and Procedures

Sheri Poe Bernard, COC, CPC, CDEO, CRC, CPC-I

It’s a slippery slope for coders who don’t know the compliance requirements for verbal or written queries. This interactive session will consider when queries should be issued, how they should be written, how to use query templates in your organization, and what to do with the provider responses. We will also discuss how verbal queries should be documented. We will look at queries for coding in addition to queries that are focused more on clinical documentation improvement. Due to the breadth of this topic, we will limit the context to ICD-10-CM.

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

3E:How to Review Records for Risk Adjustment

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPC-P, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

You've learned the Essentials of Risk Adjustment and now you want to learn more. This session will allow participants the chance to review some chart review challenges as it pertains to accurately coding for risk adjustment. We will dissect and code charts for some of the most prevalent chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, and congestive heart failure.

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

3F:Auditing for Risk and Revenue

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

The audit process and plan must change to adapt to the changes in the delivery of healthcare services and the changes in the payment methodology. This presentation will address how to update the scope of an existing audit plan to adjust to the changing environment of the healthcare setting and payment policies. The presentation will introduce real life examples of these changes and suggest how they can be incorporated into the scope of the audit. The new audit plan should be able to recognize risk and verify reimbursement.

Breakout Session 4

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

4A:Modifier Maze

Peggy A Stilley, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, COBGC

The objectives for this session will be to clarify the definitions of modifiers and understand what occurs when modifiers are reported on claims. Modifiers can affect reimbursement or can allow payment for services that are typically bundled. Some modifiers have been misused and are under scrutiny with payers.

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

4B: Lets Get Critical About Critical Care

Chad Benjamin Peterson MBA, CPC, CEMC

The Office of Inspector General announced last year they would be including critical care within their 2019 work plan. Additionally, one of our larger MAC's (Novitas) conducted a Critical Care Medical Necessity Probe Audit. Since hearing of the work plan and audit, it's critical to ensure you know the specific governing rules to reporting critical care and how documentation should look. Identifying within the note supportive illnesses and interventions will help ensure medical necessity is supported and safe guard you against an audit.

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

4C:The Evolution of HIPAA Compliance and Cyber Risk in Healthcare

Jeff Mongelli

Cyber threats continue to evolve and healthcare remains target number one. Being cyber-safe and HIPAA compliant is everyone's responsibility in your organization. We’re going to teach you how to identify cyber-threats and introduce tools, free and otherwise, you can use to make your organization safer and remain HIPAA compliant.

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCVTC, CDEO, CGSC, CIC, COSC, CPB, CPCO, CPPM, CPRC, CSFAC

4D:Surgical Complications Don’t Have to Be Complicated

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

We’ll explore some “common” conditions that might be classified as a surgical complication. Some of these are inherent to the procedure performed, completely unavoidable, and not a complication at all! As we examine real-life scenarios, we’ll see the necessity of good documentation and identify instances where a follow-up query would help clarify. Objectives: Identify conditions which typically are inherent and/or unavoidable Review common diagnosis which are typically surgical complications Define cause and effect relationships

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

4E:2021: History and Examination Lose Key Component Status – How Can You Prepare and Respond?

Michael Warner DO, CPC, CPCO, CPMA; Mary Wood, CPC, CPC-I

The loss of ‘Key Component Status’ for History and Examination is a drastic departure from documentation standards. Dating back in time thousands of years to the earliest of health care records, the patient’s presentation and clinical examination findings have been key ingredients. How will the healthcare community react to this new policy change? How can we tackle this paradigm shift where providers roles shift away from documenting what is wrong with the patient and what is discovered during clinical examination? This presentation engages general coding and all specialties because listening to the patient and conducting an examination is common to all healthcare professionals. This presentation also extends beyond outpatient care to inpatient care because CMS plans to soon expand new policies to hospitalized care. While this presentation is 90 minutes, an entire conference could be devoted to leading our members through a new paradigm shift in healthcare. On the surface, loss of History/Examination key component status sound like departures from quality care and high health record integrity. Looking deeper, these changes will empower all team members to engage like never before. The results, which will manifest by the end of 2021, will launch us into a new digital age era of healthcare. This presentation addresses shows the pathway.

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

4F:Forensic Auditing – Defining the Process and Purpose

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

In this session we will define the forensic process and its application to auditing of healthcare service billings. We will also review industry standard guidance for auditing of healthcare claims published by the OIG Office of Audit Services, the federal rules of evidence relative to expert testimony and their relevance to the performance of a forensic audit, the steps of the process for performing such an audit and the circumstances for which a forensic audit is performed and the implications for the findings of such an analysis.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Information

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8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Registration/General Info/Product Store

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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

GS6:Networking Breakfast

Breakout Session 5

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

5A:Yes Virginia, you can bill level 5 E/M

Najwa N Liscombe, CPC, CPC-I

Are your providers shying away from 99205 and 99215 so they stay under the radar? If you are seeing patient with complicated chronic conditions, you may be undervaluing your services.

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CGIC, CGSC, CIC, CPB, CPPM

5B:A lesson in Colon surgery

Caren J Lampitoc, COC, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CPCD

A look at colon procedures that reviews anatomy, terminology and codes surrounding bowel procedures. Discuss live operative notes, with open coding of cases. Come prepared to review and discuss your questions on these cases.

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

5C:How To Talk So Providers Will Listen. How To Listen So Providers Will Talk

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

Have you ever felt like providers you were educating were not understanding, nor trying to understand what you were teaching? This presentation will give insight on the clinical thought process of a provider and why it gets in the way of your education. After attending this session, you will be able to understand the importance of using different training practices to get the most from your education session.

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

5D:The Magical World of Oncology Billing

MariaRita Genovese, CPC

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

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

5E:ERISA Finding the Hidden Gold in Your Revenue Cycle

Lea Fowler

This session will help you to articulate what ERISA can and cannot do and define how it can be used to appeal underpaid or denied commercial health claims. This session will also discuss overpayments and how to fight them and the difference between a B-2 and B-3 assignment and why it’s important.

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

5F:Communicating Professional Audit Results

Norma Ann Panther, CPC, CIRCC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, CHONC

This session will share tips for conducting and delivering professional audit findings to providers (MD, DO, APRN, PA). We’ll review audit findings spreadsheets, examples of handouts and other forms to assist in audit organization. This session will be useful regardless of how you audit – via software or by hand.

Breakout Session 6

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10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | 1.25 CEUs COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CFPC, CGIC, CIMC, COBGC, CPB, CPEDC, CPPM

6A:Coding Preventive Care Services

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

Preventive care is often a confusing topic, and defining the differences between chronic disease management, wellness, IPPE, and AWV is often a confusing differentiation. Let’s also complicate that with a sick visit in conjunction with any of these preventive services- when is that reportable and what level of service can be billed with such a comprehensive encounter. During this session we will define each type of preventive encounter, the documentation expectations of each, as well as speaking to visits billable in addition to the preventive encounter. Attendees will leave with a checklist of documentation expectations, and modifier 25 considerations to ensure accurate documentation, billing, and reimbursement for services provided.

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

6B:Gynecology Coding

Peggy A Stilley, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, COBGC

Being knowledgeable of female anatomy and terminology provides a better understanding of correct code selection for hysterectomy, pelvic repairs, and colposcopy. This session will include specific CPT® and ICD-10-CM coding for common office and surgical procedures. We will also dive into wellness visits and CMS BPP exams, with discussion of documentation requirements, Advanced Beneficiary Notices, and reimbursement issues.

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

6C:How LEAN is your office?

Jennifer Lynn Sanders, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I

Does it feel like you do a lot of "extra" or "double work"? Are there many steps to the standard operating procedures in your office? Attend this workshop to find how to rid the waste in your routine to become LEAN and efficient.

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

6D:Creating a Compliant Query Tool Kit

Sheri Poe Bernard, COC, CPC, CDEO, CRC, CPC-I

Provider documentation is first and foremost the foundation for good patient care. With that said, it is a miracle some of our patients survive! In today’s economic climate, the facility is also dependent on good clinical documentation for its fiscal survival. What is the best way to achieve this in a compliant and non-leading manner? Come discuss the when, why, and how to approach the provider with the written query for “pertinent" clinical findings in the medical record.

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

6E:2019 Medicare Telehealth Coverage Expansion & Private Payer Comparison

Jacob Geertsen, CPC

Telehealth reimbursement guidelines can be confusing. Medicare has strict rules prescribed by Congress, and private payers have their own rules. The guidelines sometimes align, yet in other cases they don’t. This presentation will analyze Medicare’s 2019 Telehealth coverage expansion, examine their guidelines, and compare private payers’ policies on these services.

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

6F:Formulating the Findings of an Audit

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

The audit has been completed and now it is time to relay the results. There are many ways to accomplish this task and the answer lies within the original scope. In this session we will look at a variety of templates that reflect audit findings and discuss what should be included in all written audit reports.

Breakout Session 7

Back to top

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

7A:Beat the Behavioral Health Coding Blues

Annie Allred, CPC

Anxious about the difference between counseling and therapy? Depressed due to denials for E/M with psychotherapy encounters? Obsessing over the new psychological and neuropsychological testing codes? Then this course is for you! Learn these coding guidelines from an expert behavioral health coding consultant. (Disclaimer: Course attendance may increase happiness.)

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

7B:The State of Coding and Auditing in 2019

Stephani E Scott, CPC

There are many dynamic pieces in coding and auditing compliance which leaves too much room for error. But this is where strength in our ‘coding community’ comes in. Learn what 1,000 plus healthcare professionals are doing within their coding and auditing departments. We will discuss Coder and Auditing productive standards, staffing trends, how organizations get the work done and more.

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

7C:Time - Importance of Content & Context

Chad Benjamin Peterson MBA, CPC, CEMC

There's a lot of information and guidance on how to report a visit based on history, exam, and medical decision making. However, there seems to be disparity with information and guidance on how to report a service correctly based on counseling and coordination of care. AMA/CPT provides some good information on what potentially counts, as well as CMS indicating that "sufficient detail" is required, but what items truly qualify as counseling and/or coordination of care, and how much should be documented?

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

7D:What are Patient Safety Indicators and Why Might They Matter to Coders?

Kelly Mitchell, CPC, CPMA, CGIC

PSI’s are used by hospitals to identify, and improve the safety of inpatient care. As a coder, it is important to understand what code assignments might trigger a PSI, and to become familiar with some basics of the more common PSI’s that hit. What diagnoses and procedures you capture while coding can have an effect on overall hospital safety reports

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | 1.25 CEUs CPMA, COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPC-9, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC

7E:Transforming Physician Coding for Value-Based Reimbursement

Katharine Barbagallo, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

With the implementation of MACRA, It has never been more essential in the practice setting to identify new documentation, coding and workflow standards. An outpatient CDI program is critical and this presentation will share tools to bridge the physicians’ documentation and coders’ skill set.

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

7F:Audit Scope and Selection: How to Get an Audit Started

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

When beginning an audit the more effort that is put into determining the scope will make for an easier time with the selection and the delivery of the results. In this session we will discuss the meaning of a scope, discuss how to make a selection and look at various types of audits. We will review what should be asked at the beginning of the audit process to help determine the actual scope of the audit to be performed.


Dedication to Quality: AAPC is dedicated to the delivery of top-level education to our members and attendees. To accomplish this, AAPC reserves the right to make any necessary program adjustments/changes (for example, industry updates, speaker changes, schedule adjustments, etc.) that we feel may provide you with the very best event/educational experience. CEUs are one-time use only.

Conference Venue

The Westin Seattle | 1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Host Hotel

The Westin Seattle

Gaylord Texan Resort

Taxes and fees included

  • $265 (single / double occupancy)

Check-in: 4:00 PM | Checkout 11:00 PM

Location Map

The Westin Seattle | 1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Hotel Direction: 13.3 miles N

This hotel does not provide shuttle service.

  • Estimated taxi fare: $45 USD (one way)
  • Bus service, fee: $18 USD (one way)
  • Subway service, fee: $3 USD (one way

Driving directions

From Sea-Tac Airport, get on WA-518 E from Airport Expressway. From WA-518 E, take the exit for I-5 N and travel north on I-5 for 12.4 miles. Take the Seneca Street exit #165. The exit will be on the left. Turn right on 6th Ave and proceed north for six blocks. Cross over Stewart Street. The hotel will be on the left.

Parking

  • Off-site parking, fee: 9 USD hourly
  • On-site parking, fee: 50 USD daily
  • Valet parking, fee: 60 USD daily
  • Self/valet parking are offered in adjacent garage with hourly/daily rates. Overnight rates include in/out privileges.

Interested in getting your products and services in front of AAPC members? AAPC Regional Conferences offer the perfect venue for meeting, showing, and demonstrating what your company offers. This event offers table-top exhibits and has limited space, so reserve yours today.

Download the exhibitor prospectus

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact:
Mark Sherwood |Office: 801-990-7923 | Cell: 661-542-2255 or mark.sherwood@aapc.com

Learn more about this and other AAPC exhibiting opportunities.

Exhibiting Companies

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. Visit the employer justification page to help you prepare 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

  • Review the full conference agenda with over 50 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.
  • Download this 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 the 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.

Annie Allred, CPC

Ms. Allred works as a Senior Coding Consultant for Intermountain Healthcare specializing in professional Behavioral Health services. She has over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. Annie will graduate next year with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Psychology.

Barbara Tyson, CCS, CPC

Ms. Tyson is the CEO of Barb Codes, which offers personalized coaching and custom coding workshops for individuals, hospitals and physician practices. Her 20 plus years of experience in healthcare ranges from file clerk to HIM Director. She has an extensive background in OP CDI and in Risk Adjustment model implementation in ACO’s and hospitals. Ms. Tyson is a published author and adjunct instructor.

Caren J Lampitoc, COC, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I, CPCD

Ms. Lampitoc has been working in the field of medicine for over 25 years.  Her career began as US Navy Corpsman/Surgical Technician, where she was part of the surgical team at the subbase in Groton, Connecticut. Her duties included lead Ortho tech and later went on to supervise the general surgery clinic. She has worked in office settings in orthopedics, oral surgery, oncology, general and vascular surgery, and large multispecialty practices. She has been certified as a CPC since 1999, is a PMCC instructor, a past local chapter president and works as a senior consultant/auditor for Practice Integrity, LLC as well as QA in risk adjustment for IonHealthcare.  She is also a certified ICD-10 trainer and was part of the 2015-2018 AAPC National Advisory Board.  Currently, she works for United Healthcare/Optum as a Medicare Consultant in risk adjustment. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time traveling, gardening and most of all, with her 4 grandchildren.

Chad B Peterson, MBA, CPC, CEMC

Mr. Peterson is a Sr. Coding Technical Manager. He has worked as a billing/coding manager, a Sr. Coding Analyst for a large health insurer, and a Sr. Coding Consultant, where he audited and educated clinicians and coders. He regularly presents to large groups and teaches the CPC course for a local community college. Chad has been featured on several coding podcasts, webinars, and coding advisory committees.

Charla Prillaman, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPC-I, CCC, CEMC

Ms. Prillaman has more than 25 years experience providing coding, compliance and billing services to physician practices.  She has worked in a number of capacities; including coding and compliance for billing companies, a physician practice consultant for both mid-size and Big 4 consulting firms as well as 7+ years as a director for physician compliance for a major healthcare system employing approximately 2,000 physicians.  She has experience in an academic setting as well as private practice.   Ms. Prillaman’s compliance experience includes auditing, IRO work, development and implementation of practice compliance plan, and writing policy & procedure.  She is a frequently sought speaker and educator.  She has been active in her local AAPC chapter and has served on both the AAPC’s National Advisory Board and AAPC Chapter Association’s Board of Directors.  Ms. Prilllaman was named the AAPC’s Coder of the Year In 2000.

Christine L Borowski, CCS-P, CPC, CHC

Ms. Borowski has over 30 years of medical experience, which includes Consulting for Medical Offices, Compliance, Revenue Cycle functions and Managing Epic Applications. Currently, she is the Sr. Director for Coding Education and Revenue Cycle Integrity. In her role she supports compliance, benefits, financial services, and IT for Epic systems as well as the implementation of many projects.

Colleen Gianatasio, CPC, CPC-P, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

Ms. Gianatasio has 19 years of experience in the health insurance field. She has experience in customer service, claims, quality, and coding. As risk adjustment quality and education program manager for Capital District Physician’s Health Plan, her primary responsibilities are provider engagement and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) for accurate coding. She specializes in developing innovative coding curriculum and instruction to support compliance with federal guidelines and appropriate reimbursement processes. Ms. Gianatasio enjoys teaching a variety of coding, documentation, and auditing classes. She is a member and past president of the Albany, New York, chapter.

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

Ms. Kipreos has been in the field of medical coding and auditing for 29 years. She has been a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) since 1994 and attained her COC for facility-based coding issues in 2005. She has also obtained her credential as a Certified Professional Medical Auditor and is certified in the specialty of Evaluation and Management Coding. She has worked in a variety of practice settings and has expertise in coding for family practice, urgent care, OB/GYN, general surgery, Medicare’s Teaching Physician Guidelines, with an emphasis on compliance with Evaluation and Management guidelines. Jaci has been with Practice Integrity since 2003. There she leads a group of AAPC Certified Instructors in teaching the Professional Medical Coding Curriculum. She also manages a national client list in monitoring provider documentation and performing audits for physician practices. She provides a wide range of educational topics to assist clients in the area of chart documentation, Medicare’s Teaching Physician Guidelines, surgical coding, modifier usage and basic coding skills. Ms. Kipreos has been an instructor for various AAPC workshops for the past five years and is a Certified ICD-10 Instructor through AAPC for both ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS. She has spoken at the annual AAPC HEALTHCON event over the past seven years as well as AAPCs regional conferences.  She has provided presentations for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners state event in Virginia and for the national event for the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Jacob Geertsen, MPH, CPC

Mr. Geertsen is a Technical Manager in Intermountain Healthcare’s Professional Documentation and Coding Department. As an advocate for accurate representation of professional services, he regularly consults, educates, and presents to providers, staff, and administration regarding coding guidelines and payer policies. Jake holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University.

Jeff Mongelli, CLFP

Mr. Mongelli speaks nationally on the subjects of cybersecurity in healthcare, HIPAA compliance, social media risks, and securing your healthcare IT infrastructure. He's a member of the FBI's Infragard program and a collaborator in their Healthcare Cybersecurity Workgroup. He's also a member of Homeland Security's Information Network.

Katharine Barbagallo, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

Ms. Barbagallo has over 29 years’ experience with insurance companies, Physician practices and Compliance departments, starting as an MA. She has a CPC, CPMA, CRC, and CPC-I. She is coding, Compliance & Education Supervisor with Lighthouse Healthcare Advisors in Maryland., MHA, MSHI, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CGIC

Kathryn Williamson, CPC, CIC

Ms. Williamson is the Education Specialist for the inpatient curriculum at AAPC. Her career began 11 years ago as a dental assistant before transitioning to an outpatient multi-specialty medical facility. She has been a medical coder for over 6 years and enjoyed being the sole on-site coder for a 40-bed full-service hospital. She is currently pursuing a degree in Health Information Management. She has a passion for inpatient modalities, cardiothoracic specialties, and pathophysiology.

Kelly Mitchell, MHA, MSHI, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CGIC

After passing her CPC test in 2010, she began as a pro-side coder, and in 2013 became a Coding Specialist for facility-side coding. After receiving her MHA, she accepted her current position as the Audit and Quality Monitoring Coordinator for the Health Information Services Department at University of Missouri Health Care.  Kelly also teaches an on-line course in Insurance, Billing and Coding at Central Methodist University.

Khushwinder Singh, CPC, CRC, CPMA, CPCO

Dr. Singh is a trained clinician and an experienced healthcare management professional, having over 15 years of HIM experience. He has served as Director Risk Adjustment leading the teams at Medicare Advantage, SNP & Medicaid Health plans. He is continuously helping to drive the culture of excellence & committed to improving the healthcare quality with a focus towards IHl's Triple AIM.

Kristi Hudson, CPCO

Ms. Hudson is the Director of Business Relations at ChiroHealthUSA, where she developed one of the largest weekly webinar series within the chiropractic profession. She has written a number of articles on the topics of billing, collections, staff training, and compliance. She has spoken at chiropractic conventions all across the country.

Lea Fowler

Ms. Flower is a nationally recognized expert in ERISA appeals and recovery with a proven track record in the millions. She has spoken at several conferences which include: AMBA, HBMA, Becker's Hospital Conference and more recently the Northern New Jersey Chapter of AAPC. She is also a published author on ERISA.

Leonta Williams, RHIT, CPC, CPCO, CEMC, CHONC, CRC, CCDS, CCS

Ms. Williams has over 15 years HIM experience as a coding director, auditor, educator, trainer, practice manager and mentor. She is presently the Coding Director at a large cancer facility in the southeast. She is founder and past president of the local AAPC Covington, GA chapter and currently serves as Secretary of AAPC's National Adivsory Board. Lee holds a B.S in HIM and is pursuing her MBA.

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

Regional Director, Healthicity Audit Services Ms. Cox has 20 years of experience working in the business side of medicine. Lori began her career in patient accounts and then moved into billing and coding for a multi-specialty clinic. She was eventually promoted to Billing Supervisor and then to Compliance Officer, where she wrote, maintained and trained employees and providers on fraud and abuse. In 2015, she received her MBA from Quincy University in Quincy, IL. She has traveled the country educating coders and physicians on complex coding topics such as Hem/Onc and E/M guidelines. She is the Member Relations Officer for the AAPC National Advisory Board, an active member of her local AAPC Chapter, and is a Regional Director for Healthicity Audit Services.

Louis Jimenez, RRT, CHT

His experience spans adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care. In addition, Mr. Jimenez has experience in cardiopulmonary invasive and noninvasive diagnostics as well as in the field of hyperbaric medicine. Mr. Jimenez was also a professor teaching cardiopulmonary physiology, diagnostics, advanced life support and critical care medicine.

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

Ms. Brauchler is the founder of Physicians' Ally, Inc., a healthcare consulting firm and concierge physician billing company.  She advises physicians and staff on payor contracts, reimbursement, coding and compliance.  She is a published author on contract negotiations, chart audits, compliance regulations, and coding issues.  Marcia earned her BSPH from UNC-Chapel Hill and her MPH from UCLA.

MariaRita Genovese, CPC, PCS

Ms. Genovese currently serves as President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the AAPC, after serving as chapter president and vice president in previous years. She is a former member of the AAPC’s National Advisory Board and is a former member of the Chapter Association Board of Directors of the AAPC 2015-2018. Rita served on the Executive Board for the AAPCCA in 2016. She has contributed articles to Healthcare Business Monthly as well as the popular AAPC Blog. She is a frequent speaker at AAPC National and Regional Conferences. She is the Director of Revenue Cycle and Business Operations for MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.  She has over 20 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.

Mary Wood, CPC, CPC-I

Ms. Wood is lead physician educator for Kaiser northern district where she promotes health record documentation excellence. She is devoted to helping providers understand why it is important to document the patient’s story and best represent the provider’s thinking process. She also teaches students how to prepare for the AAPC CPC examination. She represents AAPC as a National Advisory Board Member – representing West/Region 8.

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

Mr. Miscoe has over 25 years of experience in healthcare coding and over 20 years as a forensic coding/compliance expert and consultant. He has provided forensic analysis and testimony as an expert witness on a wide range of coding and compliance issues in civil and criminal cases on behalf of providers and payers. Mr. Miscoe’s law practice concentrates on representation of healthcare providers involved in post-payment disputes with commercial and government payers. He has an extensive national speaking background and has been published in numerous publications on a variety of coding, compliance and health law topics. He is the incoming President of the AAPC National Advisory Board, is a member of the AAPC Legal Advisory Board and is the Chair of the AAPC Ethics Committee.

Michael Warner, DO, CPC, CPCO, CPMA

Dr. Warner has undergraduate degrees in Biology and Philosophy from Villanova University. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) from Des Moines University, where he also served a one-year undergraduate Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine teaching fellowship. Warner completed his internship and family medicine residency at Atlantic City Medical Center, New Jersey. He is board certified in family medicine (ACOFP) and neuromusculoskeletal medicine (AOBNMM). Prior to heading non-profit Patient Advocacy Initiatives, he practiced family medicine for more than 20 years in the Ebensburg/Johnstown, Pennsylvania region. Warner is a member of the American Osteopathic (AOA) Bureau of Socioeconomic Affairs Committee, an AOA alternate advisor on the AMA Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), and a 2016-2017 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Health Policy Fellow. He is a former level I chair of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. He is president of 501(c)(3) non-profit Patient Advocacy Initiatives, which empowers patients to co-author the History component of their health records. Dr. Warner is an Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and first year medical student course coordinator at Touro University – College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA.

Najwa N Liscombe, BHSA, CPC, CPC-I, CMA

Ms. Liscombe has been working in healthcare for more than 42 years. She has taught coding for multiple specialties - Anesthesia, Radiology, OB/GYN, Family Medicine, and Orthopedics. She was instrumental in starting the AAPC Gainesville, FL Chapter, and was the first president from 1996 through 1997. She works in an academic practice as a physician educator. She serves on the Board of Directors for the AAPC Chapter Association, 2015 – 2018 for Region 4 which encompasses, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Nate Felt, MS, CPC, ATC, PTA

Mr. Felt, MS, CPC, ATC, PTA, is a senior consultant for orthopedic physician coding at Intermountain Healthcare.  He has experience in auditing and educating physicians, as well as, working with staff and operational leadership regarding correct coding guidelines.  He has a graduate degree in athletic training and has worked as a clinician at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital for over 10 years. 

Norma A Panther, CPC, CEMC, CHONC, CIRCC, CPMA, CCS-P, CHC

Ms. Panther has more than 25 years of experience in coding, auditing, education, and consulting. She is active in her local AAPC chapter and is currently serving on the 2018-2021 AAPC NAB. Panther works in Corporate Compliance at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. She is a member of the Lakeland, FL Local Chapter.

Peggy Stilley, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CPB, COBGC

Ms. Stilley is currently employed by OSOI in Norman, Oklahoma as Revenue Integrity Auditor.  She was previously employed by AAPC, a member of the ICD-10 Training and Education team, and formerly Director of Audit Services.  Peggy has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry starting as a medical assistant, expanding her duties to billing and coding, and management in a teaching facility.  Her knowledge is enhanced by experience in multiple specialties including OB-Gyn, Maternal Fetal Medicine, General Practice, General Surgery, Neurology, and Orthopedics. Peggy is a national speaker for AAPC.  She has authored several articles on billing, coding, and practice management.  She is a current member of the Local Chapter in Moore, Oklahoma.   Her free time is spent with her family and 13 grandchildren. 

Raemarie Jimenez

Ms. Jimenez has over 26 years’ 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 12 years at AAPC she has held a variety of responsibilities including leading the development of certification exams and exam preparation materials, overseeing the operations for the exam, distance learning and education licensing program departments. As the SVP of product, she oversees all AAPC product lines.

Prior to joining the AAPC, she 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. Ms. Jimenez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

Rhona Moses, RHIA, CCS-P

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

Ms. DeConda is 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 full-service physician consulting firm in business since 1956 providing support services in coding, auditing, OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA, accounting, HR, credentialing, and power buying.

Sharon Jane Oliver, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CPC-I

Ms. Oliver is a 33+ year medical professional. She was an ICD-10- CM/PCS instructor for AAPC, has been a CPC for 14 years and a PMCC instructor for 13 years. She served on the AAPCCA BOD 2013-2016. She travels across the US preforming teaching assignments for AAPC and loves speaking at Local Chapter events. She has been a practice manager, working in the specialties of cardiology OB/GYN, IM, FP.

Sheri Poe Bernard, COC, CPC, CDEO, CRC, CPC-I

Ms. Bernard has developed medical coding curricula and referential material for more than 25 years. She is an expert communicator of coding concepts. Ms. Bernard is a risk adjustment consultant as well as a freelance writer and educator. She is the author of Risk Adjustment Documentation and Coding and Netter's Atlas of Surgical Anatomy for CPT Coding, published by the AMA in 2018 and 2015 respectively, and the AMA's annual ICD-10-CM Chronic Disease Cards. She previously was vice president of clinical coding content at AAPC. Prior to joining AAPC as an employee, she served on its National Advisory Board for eight years and on the executive team of that board for four years. For 15 years, she created clinical coding products at Optum360, where she developed a love for the International Classification of Disease. She is a frequent national speaker on topics including anatomy and pathophysiology, coding and documentation, and risk adjustment coding.

Stacy Nicole Harper, JD, MHSA, CPC

Ms. Harper is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP where she counsels clients regarding regulatory compliance, healthcare reimbursement, and privacy and cybersecurity. She assists healthcare providers and insurance companies in navigating complex requirements including HIPAA, Stark, Anti-Kickback, Medicare Conditions of Participation, corporate practice doctrine, state licensure, and state data laws. She is a certified professional coder and former compliance officer. Ms. Harper is a former National Advisory Board member and currently serves on AAPC’s Legal Advisory Board.

Stephani E Scott, CPC

Ms. Scott has over 25 years’ experience in the healthcare industry working closely with physicians and staff in Health Information Management.  She has worked in a variety of settings including: Hospital, Long-term care, large multi-specialty physician practices, and Electronic Health Record software design and development.  She was also a part owner of a consulting company for many years providing services in best practices for physician practice management services including coding and documentation audits, compliance, and revenue cycle management. She has extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient auditing and coding compliance. Throughout her career Stephani, has enjoyed teaching Evaluation and Management Coding, proper medical record documentation, Compliance, and EHR implementation to many physicians and staff locally as well as nationally.

Terri Thomas, B.S., RHIA, LVN, CCS, CCDS, CDIP, CPC, COC, CPC-I

Ms. Thomas has over 25 years in Nursing, Utilization Review, Coding, Auditing and in Clinical Documentation Improvement. Past President of Las Vegas AAPC Chapter and of North Coast Health Information Association. Experience in CDI Inpatient, Outpatient Coding and Auditing; Emergency room, Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery, HEDIS, HCC, and E & M.

Timothy P Blanchard, MHA, JD

Mr. Blanchard has practiced health care law for 20 years as a member of the top-ranked health care practice of a leading international law firm in Los Angeles, and in 2009 formed his own firm to focus on health care issues.  His practice comprises health care regulatory issues, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage, billing and payment; fraud and abuse audits and investigations, and health care compliance programs; managed care, including Medicare Advantage issues; clinical trials billing and compliance; electronic health records and HIPAA privacy; certification, licensing, and enrollment; and medical necessity and utilization review.  The firm’s clients, located throughout the nation, are health care providers ranging from large healthcare systems and teaching institutions to specialty physician groups and individual providers.

He frequently speaks and writes on health care reimbursement, regulatory and false claims issues.

He is active in the American Health Lawyers Association, which has elected him a Fellow of the Association.  He served as chair or co-chair of AHLA’s Annual Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues from 2006 to 2013 and served two terms on the AHLA Board of Directors (2001-2007).  Tim is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and serves on the Legal Advisory Committee of the AAPC.

He has consistently been ranked as a leading lawyer in health law in such guides as The Best Lawyers in America.  Blanchard Manning LLP has been designated a Best Law Firm in Health Law (Seattle, Tier 1), 2015, and Tim has twice been designated Best Health Care Lawyer, Seattle region (2011, 2018).

Mr. Blanchard received the Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, from Oklahoma State University in 1982.  He participated in the Saint Louis University School of Law Joint Degree program, and was awarded the Juris Doctor, cum laude, and the Master of Health Administration in 1986.  He is admitted to the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Washington, and the District of Columbia Bar.

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