Regional Medical Coding Conference

David Zielske, MD, CPC-H, CIRCC, CCC

An intense and comprehensive review of the interventional radiology and cardiovascular specialty, allowing the participant to successfully sit for the Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder examination. The all-day class is taught by Dr. David Zielske and Dr. David Dunn of ZHealth Publishing, and includes a course workbook. A CIRCC® Exam Study Guide can be purchased for an additional fee.

Note: All preparatory training for the CIRCC® exam is offered in conjunction with our partners, ZHealth Publishing, Medical Learning, Inc. (MedLearn), and Medical Asset Management.

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC

Evaluation and Management coding can be challenging for all coders. E/M is the most commonly coded professional service and can often be the most confusing. There are so many hurdles to overcome from documentation deficiencies, EMR over documentation, medical necessity and giving the appropriate credit for the elements for the key components. Not only are there two sets of guidelines to choose from but coders also need to know the variations of the documentation guidelines according to the MAC in their region. Coders need to know the resources available to them to make confident decisions for the gray areas in E/M code selection. Navigation of the online resources available from CMS and MACs can provide the answers needed to select a code with confident and know the E/M level will stand up to any audit.

Join us for hors d'oeuvres in an informal setting that encourages attendees to interact with colleagues, see what is happening at local chapters in the area, and expand their network of coders and friends.

• Assorted Chilled Juices
• Freshly Baked Assorted Bagels
• Muffins & Danish
• Flavored Cream Cheese
• Fruit Preserves & Butter
• Sliced Fresh Fruit
• Assorted Cold Cereals and Fruit Yogurt
• Starbucks Freshly Brewed Regular & Decaffeinated Coffees and Selection of Teas

Judy B Breuker, CPC, CPMA, CEMC
Increase your ICD-9-CM Vol. II & II coding skills by reviewing and understanding the ICD-9-CM changes effective October 1, 2011. This class will focus on the rationale for the changes and explanation of the conditions added to the code set. This presentation will review the Official Coding Guidelines and increase your diagnosis coding confidence.

Neil Kudler, MD;
With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Federal government earmarked $19.2B to spur the adoption and implementation of health information technology in hospital systems and physician practices. As part of this package, the Office of the National Coordinator for HIT has defined what is known as Meaningful Use, an extensive set of criteria that are meant to demonstrate the use of this technology to the benefit of patients and all members of the healthcare system. This project is all-encompassing and is designed to improve quality of care, communications with patients and their families, the coordination of care, and the health and general well-being of the population at large. Meaningful Use is the defining project for ambulatory clinical informatics. In this session, we will review the essential elements of MU and how it relates to the everyday practice and business of medicine.

Angela C Boynton, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I
Join us as we learn about ICD-10 from the payer perspective. In this class we will analyze what business areas are impacted, and how payer’s can advocate for their providers while ensuring over all success in the ICD-10 transition. Whether you work for a payer, or are simply looking to understand how payers will react to ICD-10, this is the class for you.

Lisa L Campbell, CPC, CPC-H
By incorporating real life scenarios, the presenter will utilize a case study approach to demonstrate how improper billing and coding practices lead to a federal and state investigation for two providers. This session reinforces the importance of following correct coding practices. Upon completion of this session, the attendee will be able to: 1. Identify improper billing and coding practices that can lead to an investigation 2. Understand the ramifications for submitting false claims 3. Apply knowledge learned in day-to-day practice

Michael D Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CASCC, CUC
Health and Human Services has published new regulations mandating notification to affected individuals in the event a security breach occurs on systems containing protected health information. The breach notification rules were published in response to a mandate in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). You will learn to identify the events that trigger the notification provisions, as well as what you and your Business Associates have to do in response to a security breach. You will learn what must be included in the notification, the time frames for providing notification, and the acceptable methods of providing notification. We will also review the exceptions to the notification requirements and penalties for non-compliance. An updated model Business Associate Agreement will be provided.

Susan Ward, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CEMC, CPCD, CPRC

During this presentation we will take a look at procedures that our physicians are performing for the patient. With some great photographs and a few scenarios you will walk away with a good understanding of what happens behind the closed doors of the operating room, and what we as coders would want to see documented from our physicians. Bring your sense of humor, questions and a strong stomach as this will be interactive and informative.

Kerin Draak, CPC, CEMC, COBGC
This session will review billing for the global obstetric package from antepartum through delivery to postpartum. You will learn how to code for routine pregnancy services and more importantly, how and when to code outside OB global package. This session will also review how to break apart the global package, when only the pieces can be billed. What level of E/M service does a routine antenatal note support? Fine tune your OB coding skills with in this session.

• Caesar Salad
• Penne with Sauce
• Chicken Parmesan
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Marinated Artichokes, Roasted Peppers, Olives and Marinated Mushrooms
• Fresh Rolls and Butter
• Coffee, Tea, Decaf
• Chef's Choice of Dessert

Jacqueline J Stack, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CFPC, CIMC, CPEDC

Maximize reimbursement through knowledge with your fellow attendees. Ensure your practice is not missing additional services that could be billed. Learn about common pediatric procedural coding with modifi ers, well visits, immunizations, and complex care of medically fragile children in both the outpatient hospital and inpatient settings.

Kerin Draak, CPC, CEMC, COBGC
This session will cover the documentation requirements for Initial and Subsequent Hospital and Nursing Facility Care, Hospital and Nursing Facility Discharges, and Observation and Critical Care services. How to bill for 'consults' in the facility setting following Medicare's new rules will also be reviewed. 2010 has brought significant changes to many of these codes. Come learn what the documentation needs to look like to support these services.

David Zielske, MD, CPC-H, CIRCC, CCC

This advanced session will review CPT coding as it pertains to neurovascular interventional procedures. A basic review of catheter placement guidelines, imaging documentation and bundling issues with some interventions will be discussed, along with the myriad of catheter-based neurointerventional procedures performed in many labs around the country. We will include numerous anatomical discussions, review angiographic images and practice coding several complex neurointerventional cases. The session will invite questions throughout these reviews and audience participation is encouraged.

Judy B Breuker, CPC, CPMA, CEMC

Rev up your Revenue……..Collect the Cash…….Know your Numbers. This workshop will increase your confidence in understanding your accounts receivable and how each person in the process from the beginning to the end of the revenue cycle can maximize the opportunity to improve collections. You will be given solid advice and tools to effectively monitor and manage your practice’s A/R.

Brenda Edwards, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC
This presentation is designed to be a more advanced lesson in evaluation and management issues that may arise in Internal Medicine. You will learn: How to decipher documentation of skin procedures When to code for a joint aspiration, injection or both Cerumen removal tips Carve-out visits How to apply to coding career: The presentation will assist coders in deciphering some of the challenges in Internal Medicine. This webinar will give you confidence when selecting appropriate codes for procedures performed in the office, determine when a separate evaluation and management service can be billed on the same day of a procedure, and how to carve-out a preventive medicine visit.

Anita L Barsalou, CPC
As both a coder and a consumer, each of us should be aware of what healthcare fraud and abuse costs us. With recent healthcare reforms and managed care limitations, it is more important than ever to be aware of the impact that this has on our practices and our families.

Cynthia A Trapp, CPC, CPC-I
Every coder needs to know the ins and outs of compliance. This presentation will give an in-depth view of compliance as it relates to coders. We will review the history, consumer demand for compliance, The Medicare Integrity Program, The Medicare Trust Fund, The Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program, Program Safeguard Contractors (PSC), Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC), and government offices that monitor and enforce compliance relating to billing and coding. We will review the OIG Work Plan, risk areas for compliance, specific cases related to compliance, levels of appeals, and recommendations for compliant coding.

Sarah L Todt, CPC, CEDC
Evaluation and Management coding for Emergency Medicine poses it own unique challenges. This presentation will show coders how to apply the 1995 Documentation Guidelines when evaluating ED visits for proper assignment of Evaluation and Management codes. We will also discuss how the nature of presenting problem may affect code assignment.

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC
This session will provide beginner and expert alike with a thorough understanding of the Corporate Integrity Agreement. We will explore the dynamics between the Corporate Integrity Agreement and the Compliance Officer; what type of role the Independent Review Organization plays in overseeing the CIA; how the provider can play an integral role in negotiating the terms of its own CIA; the differences between the CIA and less burdensome CCA and a case discussion on Pfizer’s $2.3 billion criminal fine, settlement and CIA.

Terry Leone, CPC, CPC-P, CIRCC, CPC-I

The presenter will review some of the unique coding requirements for Diagnostic Radiology. He will review each area of imaging, highlighting their unique requirements, ie., Diagnostic Radiology, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Positron Emission Tomography and Mammography. Terry will talk about "medical necessity" and the changes we are about to face in the future.

• Assorted Chilled Juices
• Freshly Baked Assorted Bagels
• Muffins & Danish
• Flavored Cream Cheese
• Fruit Preserves & Butter
• Sliced Fresh Fruit
• Assorted Cold Cereals and Fruit Yogurt
• Starbucks Freshly Brewed Regular & Decaffeinated Coffees and Selection of Teas

Deborah Grider, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC, COBGC, CPCD
There's more to ICD-10 than just learning a new code set and upgrading your software. The transition will affect every aspect of your practice. Find out what areas will affect your organization, what you need to do to do to get ready, and tips to prepare you for the transition. You’ll learn how these massive changes will affect you and your practice, and you’ll understand the magnitude of the implementation process. Attend this session and get all of your questions answered.

Linda F Teti, CPC;

This presentation is a basic overview of both programs and their impact on the provider community and the Medicare Trust Fund. This session will discuss how these programs interact with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC’s) and the roles each contractor plays in the Medicare program. It will also discuss documentation tips and suggestions for decreasing errors. In addition, there will be an overview of some of the current/significant changes to the Medicare Program.

Kimberly Reid, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC

In the ever changing world of coding, it is hard to keep up with the guidelines and requirements for each payer. Consultations have been eliminated by Medicare, but what are some of the other payers looking for? If we can't bill for consultations, what services should we be coding when a true consultation has been performed?

Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CRHC
Practice makes perfect. In this session as we audit E/M notes, we will discuss the gray areas in selecting the appropriate E/M services. 1995 and 1997 CMS Documentation Guidelines will be discussed, as well as tools you can use to become proficient in auditing E/M services.

Yvonne D Dailey, CPC, CPC-I
We’ve all heard that the pulse of a practice is its ability to collect from both the carriers and patients. However, we sometimes find it difficult to ask for payment. During this session we will discuss effective collection methods to keep that pulse alive by reviewing methods such as: new technology with multiple payment options, small claims vs. collection agencies, using the Internet for Skip tracing techniques, performing written and oral communication collection techniques, as well as others. Join us for a great brain-storming session.

Stephen Levinson, MD

ENT services range from delicate ear microsurgery and endoscopic sinus interventions to megasurgery of the head and neck and skull base. Reviewing this spectrum includes challenges of coding multiple procedures and using appropriate modifiers. Discussion will also include anatomical diagrams. The audience is encouraged to bring their coding challenges for discussion.

Donna SanGiovanni, CPC, CASCC
This workshop will cover management tips, including staffing and contract negotiations for the ASC manager, as well as basic coding principles such as modifiers used in an ASC, frequently seen coding errors, and tools necessary for the ASC coder. We will look at the payment differences between hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers.

• Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, or Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Pasta Salad
• Broccoli Salad
• Sliced Fruit
• Assorted Bags of Chips
• Coffee, Tea, Decaf
• Chef's Choice of Dessert

Kerin Draak, CPC, CEMC, COBGC

This session will review Medicare's complex guidelines that apply to incident-to billing, and when it is appropriate to bill split/shared care services. We will also review appropriate documentation necessary to meet these guidelines.

Terry Leone, CPC, CPC-P, CIRCC, CPC-I

The speaker will review the coding rules for percutaneous biopsies, abscess/fluid drainages, and arthrograms, including image guidance and modifiers. The presenter will also review the differences of joint injections, arthrography, and joint pain management.

Angela C Boynton, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I
Learning how to effectively communicate with payers starts by understanding their systems and adjudication processes; this is an important skill for any medical coder. This presentation will provide additional understanding of payer systems and aims to lift the veil of secrecy that seems to exist around payer claims processing. We will discuss everything from what happens upon claim submission to tips and tricks that can help with the appeals process. If you have ever wondered what happens to a claim once it has been submitted? This is the class for you.

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC
In this presentation we will go over the issues that abound in the implementation of ICD-10. Learn what to look for in your practice or facility during the planning and implementation phases such as gap analysis, business plans, documentation issues and communication. This session is a must for anyone involved in implementation.

Cynthia S Snow, CPC, CIRCC
Is your cardiologist performing vascular interventions in the cath lab? This interactive course will take you on a drive through the vascular anatomy and explain how to code for the most commonly performed cath lab procedures. Bring your CPT books. Vascular anatomy tools will be provided.

Betsy A Nicoletti, CPC
Hospital services have higher error and denial rates than office services. Many physicians who are confident about coding in the office express confusion about their charges in the hospital. They find the charge slips confusing. They make mistakes in the category of service and date of service. This conference ends that confusion.

Stephen Levinson, MD
In this workshop you will learn to identify the correct levels of history, exam and medical decisioin making; recognize when '95 or '97 guidelines should be used; achieve consistent E&M audit results and predict when another auditor may come up with a different result and know why.

Judy A Wilson, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPC-I, CANPC

During the anesthesia session, you will learn the history of Anesthesia and its early beginnings. The coder will be taken on a journey of how to bill for anesthesia as well as the modifiers used. You will learn the different roles of the anesthesiologist. The coder with take away a good understanding of how to begin to bill and code for anesthesia.

Jill M Young, CPC, CEDC, CIMC
This session will cover coding for wheezing, snoring, test breathing and related procedures. Coding specificity for illnesses, acute exacerbations and coding rules in respiratory conditions are all in need of better documentation and understanding for correct coding. Rules for use of modifiers, quantities and bundling are concepts that are required for compliant coding for pulmonary and allergy offices that share some commonalities. Pulmonary procedures and testing seem straightforward, but have nuances that you may be missing in correctly coding for maximum reimbursement.

Susan Ward, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-I, CEMC, CPCD, CPRC

Join us as we take a look at several different types of breast reconstruction following mastectomies. Our discussion will include immediate and delayed reconstruction with tissue expanders, Latissimus dorsi flap, and TRAM flap reconstructions. There will be pictures and detailed explanations to understand the proper coding of these incredible surgeries.