Want to learn the latest on coding and reimbursement issues and cover “hot topics” for coding professionals? Do you know how to prepare for the implementation of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS? Join us for AHIMA Regional Coding Meeting – Florida!   

We’ll cover the most recent developments regarding recovery audit contractors (RAC), outpatient medical necessity, and effective processes related to revenue cycle. Clinical topics relevant to coding professionals such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, coding E/V dialysis graft interventions, and MRSA are included.  Practical examples and best practices for managing benchmarking for coding professionals, documenting and developing a clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program, and assuring documentation through the physician query process will be presented. 

In addition, we will identify coding professionals’ knowledge gaps in anatomy and physiology needed to effectively transition to ICD-10-CM/PCS, and will explore the value of improved clinical documentation in ICD-10 systems.

Special Audio Seminar Discount Offer for Spring Conference Attendees

How You Will Benefit – Top Reasons You Should Attend

1. Obtain clinical knowledge to assist coding professionals in their daily responsibilities relative to data analysis and reimbursement purposes. 
2. Prepare for the permanent RAC program by learning how to manage appeals, manage and respond to RAC reviews, and how Coding Guidelines affect automated and complex RAC reviews. 
3. Learn to identify potential medical necessity issues and determine best coding practices to avoid medical necessity denials. 
4. Discover how to achieve a successful CDI program and assure documentation accuracy by establishing an effective physician query process. 

Expand knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS compared to ICD-9-CM, and address how to increase knowledge in anatomy and physiology. 

Continuing Education Units Available: 12
Learning Level: 3 - Analysis
Learning Category: Coding and Reimbursement

Monday, March 16, 2009
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	AHIMA Welcome Reception
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.	Registration Continental Breakfast
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.	Welcome
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	Preparing to Transition to ICD10CM/PCS for Coding Professionals This presentation will discuss the latest on the implementation dates for ICD10CM and ICD10PCS in the U.S. Further, in order to understand the impact to a facility, it is important to know the differences and similarities between ICD9CM and ICD10CM and ICD10PCS. There are numerous uses of coded data, and this transition will have far reaching impact throughout the industry. This session will focus on the potential impact of transitioning to ICD10 and identify planning and preparation methods to use during this transition period. To assist HIM lead and manage this transition, we will discuss how best to prepare for the implementation. The focus of this presentation will be how coding professionals can prepare. Steps can be taken, such as increasing anatomy/physiology knowledge and establishing or improving Clinical Documentation Improvement Programs. Coders and other HIM professionals will learn what steps they can take now in order to be successful.	Ann Zeisset, RHIT, CCS, CCSP AHIMA
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.	Networking Break and Exhibits
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.	Benchmarking to Improve Coding Accuracy and Productivity Attendees will be able to define benchmarking; discuss best practices for Coding Quality Reporting and Coding Productivity; display computerized tools to assist in coding quality; and relay AHIMA’s plans to update benchmarking standards based on regulatory changes in coding.	Donna D. Wilson, RHIA, CCS Senior Director Compliance Concepts, Inc.
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.	Lunch and Exhibits
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.	Recovery Audit Contractors This is a comprehensive review of the key diagnosis and procedural coding findings from the demonstration program and how providers can prepare for the permanent RAC program including: how to manage appeals, how to manage and respond to automated RAC reviews, how HIM & Coding guidelines effect automated & complex RAC Reviews, and best practices.	Barbara Flynn, RHIA, CCS
Cancelled Presentation	Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery This session will go into detail about the anatomical structures of the oral and maxillofacial regions as well as the neck. Trauma surgery will be explained in addition to cosmetic procedures involving grafting and other unusual repairs. You will leave this session with a new understanding and respect for the complicated nature of facial procedures involving cancer and trauma in an effort to restore a patient’s selfesteem and dignity.	Lance F. Grenevicki, MD, DDS, FACS
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Wound Care	John F. Bishop, PA-C, RCC, CIC President, Bishop & Associates
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.	Registration Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.	Coding A/V Dialysis Graft Interventions Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to ArterioVenous Dialysis Grafts continues to present a challenge to many medical coders. During this session, a seasoned Radiologic Technologist and Interventional Radiology Coder will present a detailed description of the percutaneous diagnostic and interventional therapeutic procedures and the coding conventions associated with A/V Dialysis Grafts.	John Marshall, CRA, RCC, RT
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.	Networking Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Query Process Accurate documentation is the key to assuring quality coding. Healthcare facilities should establish policies and procedures for assuring the accuracy of documentation by healthcare providers. This presentation will review the process for developing an effective query process. Topics include, who to query, when to query, and the types of acceptable queries. The importance of developing provider education and auditing programs is also emphasized.	Kathy DeVault, RHIA, CCS AHIMA
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.	Documenting Our Excellence – Developing a CDI Program Through this session you will learn how to implement a clinical documentation program by either hiring dedicated staff or using your current HIM coders. You will learn how to incorporate positive core measure and quality outcomes through your CDI program. This presentation will provide you with best practices, procedures, spreadsheets, and systems to achieve a successful CDI program within your organization.	Jenna Jordan, RHIA
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.	Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.	Outpatient Medical Necessity This presentation will cover coding issues regarding medical necessity in the outpatient setting. Attendees will be able to identify potential medical necessity issues and determine best coding practices to avoid medical necessity denials.	Marsha Diamond, CPCH, CPC
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Networking Break
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	MRSA Participants will be able to describe the growing threat of MRSA in the community; identify at risk populations for MRSA infections; outline the clinical features of a community acquired MRSA infection; and list specific prevention and infection control strategies in the healthcare and community settings.	Kathy Smith, ARNP

 

AHIMA Sponsorship Opportunities

Check out AHIMA’s corporate opportunities…
Your company is committed to the health information management (HIM) field and all its potential. How do you make an impact on leading practitioners in the field and support the profession at the same time? As a sponsor of an AHIMA program, you will maximize impact by associating your name with networking events, educational programming, exceptional speakers and valued professional resources. Position your company as a leader in the field – and get the kind of visibility no advertising dollar can buy. Your support demonstrates your commitment to the advancement of the profession and associates your name with the best and most innovative work in the industry.

• Download a listing of our most current corporate partner opportunities.

For full proposals and additional information contact:
Rob Nelson, MBA, CAE, FACHE,
VP Business Development & Strategy
via email at Rob.Nelson@AHIMA.org or phone (312) 233-1149

Hotel Information

JW Marriott Grande Lakes
4040 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, Florida 32837

Hotel Reservations

To make hotel reservations please call (800) 576-5750 or (407) 393-4750 and use the meeting reference code CCRCCRA. Discount rates will be offered to AHIMA attendees prior to the cutoff date listed below.

Rate: $179 - Limited Time Offer!
Cut-off  Date: Monday, February 23, 2009

Ground Transportation

Airport Shuttles

Mears Transportation Group - (407)423-5566

Shuttle van fares are charged per person.  Check with the attendant for round-trip fares and children's rates.

Shuttle vans are available on both the A and B sides of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), at the Commercial Lane parking spaces A9-A10, A36-37, B9-10, B40-41.

Taxis

Taxis may carry up to 9 passengers, and charge the same rate regardless of the number of passengers.  Metered rate may vary from the approximate rates quoted below. Taxis are available on both the A and B sides of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level (Level) 1, at Commercial Lane parking spaces A5-A8, A28-A31, B5-B8, B19-B24.

Car Rentals

Located on airport property within walking distance of the Main Terminal; Terminal A and Terminal B - Ground Transportation Level (Level 1).  Rental car companies include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, EZ Rent A Car, L & M Rental Car and National.

Save 10-15% of rental cars from Enterprise and Avis.  Contact ATC for more information and to reserve your car today! You may also call your own agency or the vendors directly and refer to the following I. D. numbers:

Enterprise	32H7476	(800) 593-0505
Avis	J952801	(800) 331-1600

Air Transportation

Association Travel Concepts (ATC) is the official travel agency for AHIMA.  ATC is a full service travel agency that provides personalized service, advance seat assignments, special meal requests, frequent flier program updates, electronic ticketing, e-mail access for convenient booking of your tickets, and more.  ATC is available for reservations from 9:00 am until 7:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Some restrictions may apply. Service fees apply.

ATC offers these cost saving options:

• Up to 15 percent off applicable classes of service for tickets purchased more than 30 days prior to the meeting. Restrictions apply and not all classes of service apply for the 15 percent discount. (United) 5 percent off applicable classes of service for tickets purchased prior to the meeting. (American Airlines).
• ATC will also search for the lowest available fare on ANY airline.

ATC Online Travel Center – Association Member Benefits 

You get direct access to ATC online booking tools and live agents for discounted meeting travel. Simply log on to www.atcmeetings.com and click on “Meetings to Air - Meetings and Leisure (TravelASP).” When you register using the online booking tool please enter AHIMA in the Company or Organization or Association field. ATC is proud to offer AHIMA attendees complete access to Member Benefits Travel deals. Our new Travel Center is your one stop online destination for all of your meeting and leisure travel needs.

Contact ATC via:

•  Web: www.atcmeetings.com
• Email: reservations@atcmeetings.com
• Phone: (800) 458-9383

You may also call your own agency or the vendors directly and refer to the following I. D. numbers:

United	510CK
American Airlines	81H7AB

 

Registration Fees

AHIMA members receive discounted pricing for meetings.

 

Pricing (After March 9 Onsite Only)
	Both Days	Day 1	Day 2
AHIMA Member Price	$455	$355	$355
Price	$499	$399	$399

Contact Customer Relations at 1-800-335-5535 for more information.

Onsite Registration

• Online Registration (Now Closed)
• Print registration form and bring completed form and payment onsite:

                JW Marriott Grande Lakes
                4040 Central Florida Parkway
                Orlando, Florida 32837

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your meeting registration, you may either provide a substitute, or cancel your registration. In either case, please notify AHIMA in writing as soon as possible. A $75 processing fee is assessed on all cancellations received two weeks prior to the appropriate meeting date. After that date, the full registration fee will be forfeited unless your registration is cancelled due to an emergency. In an emergency, please notify AHIMA’s registrar of your cancellation via fax, including an explanation for your cancellation. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after receipt.

AHIMA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a conference due to unanticipated circumstances. In the event of cancellation, registrants will be contacted and the full registration fee will be refunded. AHIMA and ATC are not responsible for any travel arrangement cancellation charges incurred by event cancellations.