Course Descriptions

Complexity of E&M Documentation for Your Providers
Presented by Shannon Deconda
The world of E&M coding and documentation is complex and certainly an area of risk for every provider organization. During this session we will identify concerning elements of E&M components and code selection and tips for you as a practice manager to assisting your providers in a better understanding.

Information Technology and Your Practice
Presented by Sheryl Cherico
Examines information technology and your practice by focusing on what you need to know including 1) Practice Network Security / Cyber Security & Crimes, 2) HIPAA Knowledge & Best Practices, 3) How to Select a IT Firm, 4) New Practice Start Up Tips, and 5) Cloud vs On site Servers.

Marketing Your Medical Practice in a Digital World
Presented by Lisa Dye
Due to advancements in technology, the marketing landscape is changing rapidly. Learn about the latest in digital marketing and how using it can help to increase your practice’s revenue.

Risk Management and Patient Safety
Presented by Deborah Wexler
Takes an in-depth look at potential liability in the everyday workings of a medical practice. Highlights medical malpractice in the U.S., what causes it, and the means to reduce its risk.

Financial Management Reporting
Presented by T. Blake King
Provides an understanding of the basic principles of accounting. Learn essential accounting terminology and financial statement analysis. In addition, the course also covers non-traditional management reports.

Gold Star Customer Service
Presented by Debbe Childress Garrett
It takes five times more money, effort and time to attract new patients than it does to keep existing ones happy! Learn how to improve your medical or dental practice’s service by enhancing your knowledge of telephone skills, positive attitude and communication techniques, handling difficult situations and teambuilding.

Maximizing Management Relations with Physicians
Presented by Dale A. Rothenberg
Takes an in-depth look at establishing four indispensable goals to better assure your success as a medical practice manager.

Identity Theft Prevention: Best Practices
Presented by M. Ann Bachman
It is no longer just a problem for financial institutions, credit entities and other companies whose business requires the storing of personal information; medical practices could face the risk of liability when personal information of employees and patients fall into the wrong hands. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site, “Identity theft occurs when someone uses personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes.” Medical practices that are careless in maintaining personal information may be subject to a claim of negligence if the information is purloined and, as a result, an individual suffers a loss. Come learn about best practices to avoid becoming a statistic.

Leadership in a Medical Practice
Presented by Valora Gurganious
Examines the need for and characteristics of leadership. Provides an opportunity for self-evaluation of individual leadership traits, to grow current leadership skills, and learn ways to better influence convince and motivate your medical practice staff.

Effective Operating Strategies
Presented by Bill Bristow
Identifies the two essential ingredients for effective office operations. Also examines general operating procedures including telephones, scheduling, registration, insurance billing & follow-up, and medical records.

HIPAA For Medical and Dental Offices
Presented by Kelly Ogle
Focuses on practical attention to HIPAA requirements. Commonsense approach to dealing with patient privacy, security of healthcare information, business associates, and breach notification.

Driving Revenue Accountability
Presented by Doug Graham
Learn techniques to interpret practice productivity reports (i.e., charges, payments and adjustments) and accounts receivable reports, including metrics, to get out in front of the practice effectively collecting payments from insurance companies and patients. Understand how data drives decision making when using financial reports.

Medical Professional Liability 101
Presented by Michael Beckett
Medical professional liability lawsuits are extremely personal and attack the very fabric that makes up your physicians. This educational session will emphasize a “101” view of the medical professional liability industry including its history, policy terms, rates, claims, and what’s next.

Creating a Culture of Compliance
Presented by Sean Weiss
To create a culture of compliance within an organization, regardless of size, it requires a commitment from top to bottom. With new and existing audit and investigation initiatives by CMS and their contractors as well as the Special Investigative Units of Commercial Payers, disregarding them and thinking it will keep you off the radar can be detrimental.

This session led by Partner and Vice President of Compliance for DoctorsManagement, LLC, Sean M. Weiss will focus on compliance from a top-down approach to ensure the attendee has a firm understanding of what risks exist and how to mitigate them. Specific focus of this session will include:

1. The Filip Factors
2. Defining Compliance
3. Medical Necessity and How to Defend It
4. The Treating Physician Rule and The Limitation/Waiver of Liability
5. Steps to Take for Defending Yourself During and After an Audit
6. Risk Based Internal Auditing (RBIA)

This 90-minute session is packed with real world examples of cases brought by the government, their contractors and commercial payers; along with outcomes and the process undertaken to defend the client(s); Sample Policies to get you started down the road of compliance; and much more…

Managing a Practice in Challenging Times
Presented by Valora Gurganious
In the current economic environment, many medical practices feel under siege. Practices face pressure from all directions. Healthcare reform, Medicare, Medicaid, insurance companies, coding, PQRI, tort reform, private pay, cost of doing business, and the economy in general are all creating pressures. With all the chaos, let’s focus on what you can do to help manage your practice. You will learn about strategic planning, optimizing practice revenues, and managing leaks in order to position the practice for long-term success.

Payor Contract Negotiation
Presented by Donna White
Focused on Maximizing Reimbursement through Contract Negotiation, this session covers the key steps for successful contract negotiation. Many offices have never renegotiated contracts and very few renegotiate on an annual basis. As a result, money is being “left on the table”. This session covers the steps for preparation, how to perform reimbursement analysis, negotiation, contract and fee schedule review and negotiation steps. You have probably heard it said, “the devil is in the details.” This is certainly true when reviewing payor contracts, analyzing current reimbursement and preparing for contract and fee schedule negotiation. We will help you prepare for successful negotiation with Commercial Healthcare Insurance Carriers.

Wage and Hour Compliance
Presented by Philip Dickey
Takes an overview look at the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Focuses on coverage, minimum wage, hours worked, overtime, nonexempt and exempt status, recordkeeping, violations, and enforcement.

Maximizing Retirement Benefits
Presented by Sean King
Provides a down-to-earth understanding of retirement plans and tax-saving options for business owners and employees. Learn common terminology and what plans are losing favor and which are growing in popularity. Specifically addresses tax and business advantages of qualified benefit and qualified contribution plans like profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, and money purchase plans, etc.

Successful HR Management
Presented by Philip Dickey
Visits the vital role of personnel management and how it can accomplish business goals in the medical practice. Examines issues of governmental compliance, personnel policies, compensation, benefits, and medical practice staff development.

OSHA for Medical and Dental Offices
Presented by Kelly Ogle
Takes an in-depth look at the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Hazardous Chemical Communication Standard, emergency preparedness, ergonomics, and workplace violence.

Introduction to CLIA
Presented by M. Ann Bachman
All clinical laboratories (except waived laboratories) are inspected every two years by the federal government, a state agency, or a private accreditation organization. The CLIA inspection process can be a daunting experience. Compliance with the CLIA regulations is essential and is required to keep the ability to test specimens. Understanding the inspection process and knowing what is expected can take the stress out of hearing “Your inspection is tomorrow”. Is your lab ready for an on-site inspection? Learn the requirements of compliance.