Upcoming ICD-10 Training Sessions for Practice Administrators: Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) across the state will be holding ICD-10 training and implementation sessions for medical practices. The sessions will assist practice administrators, managers, coders, billers, and clinical staff, understand ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and identify documentation and implementation issues that may impact a practice. The program costs $135 for early registration and $150 up to ten days before the event. Click here for training session schedules, session agendas, and to learn more about awarded continuing education credits.
“Cracking the Codes: Getting it Right—Immunization Coding and Payment” webinar, offered by Sanofi Pasteur, is now available online. To download the archive, click here. This complimentary webinar provides a review of correct coding for vaccination billing to ensure entitled payment. The webinar covers reporting and documentation requirements for decreased financial liability and tips for a successful vaccine business model.
Carolinas Chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Annual Meeting will be held Friday-Sunday, August 24-26, 2012 at the Marriott Resort and Spa, Hilton Head Island, SC. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Carolinas Chapter/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (CC AACE) and Wake AHEC. Attendees can obtain a maximum of 11.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Topics of discussion include diagnosing and treating hyperparathyroidism, thyroid cancer and acromegaly management, screening and treating endocrine causes of hypertension, treatment of water metabolism disorders, diabetes self-management obstacles, technologies available for managing glycemia, and ICD-10 changes. Click here to register. Questions can be directed to Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at 800-722-1350 or [email protected].
NCMGM 2012 Fall Conference will be held on Wednesday – Friday, September 12-14, 2012 at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville. The conference theme is “Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges Today,” and will focus on health care reform, the future of health care, changes in health care technology, EMR implementation, ICD-10, and much more. Click here to register. Questions can be directed to 800-753-6462 or [email protected].
Physician Practice Survival Conference will be held on Friday – Saturday, September 14-15, 2012 in Alexandria, Va. The conference was established to promote discussion of the business models needed to help independent physicians safeguard medical practices and quality patient care. NCMS member Kerry A. Willis, MD, will speak at the conference to address emerging models of sustainability for independent physicians. To register, click here. The conference also will be held in Raleigh the weekend of October 19, 2012.
National Lipid Association (NLA) Fall Clinical Lipid Update will be held Friday-Sunday, September 14-16, 2012 at The Westin Charlotte. The event features scientific sessions, symposia, and case presentations that provide the resources for applying the latest research in clinical practice. The NLA also will provide professional training courses. For more information, click here or contact the NLA at 904-998-0854.
ACE of Heart Symposium will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Embassy Suites, Concord. Topics of discussion include anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation, abdominal aortic aneurysm, statins, acute coronary syndrome, updates on peripheral stents, and much more. The event is hosted by Carolinas Medical Center NorthEast and Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Participants can receive up to six AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Click here to register.
North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCSEPS) 2012 Annual Meeting will be held Friday-Saturday, September 21-22, 2012 at the Grandover Resort, Greensboro. The goal of the meeting is to educate physicians about current treatment of intraocular malignancies, Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, review current Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology, discuss medico-legal issues, requirements for meaningful use, and much more. Attendees can receive up to 8.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. NCMS member Michael Brennan, MD, will provide an overview of the ophthalmologist’s role in patient care. To learn more about the meeting, click here or contact Nancy Lowe, NCMS Associate Director Specialty Society and Meeting Services, at 800-722-1350 or [email protected].
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) 23rd Annual Meeting and Symposium will be held at Turnberry Isle Hotel Miami, Aventura, Florida on Thursday-Sunday, December 6-9, 2012. The meeting will provide the latest developments in treating mental health substance use disorders. AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ will be awarded. For more information, click here or contact Miriam Giles, AAAP Director of Professional Development, at 401-524-3076 or [email protected].
‘Alcohol Misuse and Abuse Affects Us All’ Patient Resources: ACTnowNC has launched an initiative to build awareness and communication about alcohol issues. Visit http://www.actnownc.org/ or contact Tanya Roberts, MSW, ICPS, NC ABC Commission Contractor, at 252-665-3424 or [email protected] for these alcohol education resources. Physicians also can order free materials, such as exam room posters, fact sheets, literature for patients, and appointment reminder cards to promote alcohol abuse awareness at the above website.
Addressing Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) is a free educational resource that assists health care professionals in their efforts to recognize and address substance abuse. The modules focus on prevention and recognition of abuse of medications and other substances in the clinical setting. To order, click here. Registration is required.
Patient Resource Regarding Bipolar Disorder: Healthline provides a comprehensive overview of bipolar disorder that may be a useful resource for physicians and their patients during the first stages of diagnosis. Healthline’s website offers user-friendly, basic information about bipolar disorder, how to find treatment, and how to continue a daily routine and build relationships after diagnosis. The website also provides tips for caregivers. To learn more about Healthline, click here.