2024 Annual Revenue Cycle Management Fall Conference
The Renaissance Austin Hotel
Austin, TX
September 17-19th, 2024
Regular Registration
Valid July 25th-September 12th, 2024
Members: $999
*Members with more than one attendee from the same company will receive a $50 discount after the first full price registration.
Non-Members: $1,149
Guests: $649
*Guest registration is for exhibit hall access only, meals are not included.
Onsite Registration
Valid September 17th-September 19th, 2024
Members: $1,249
Non-Members: $1,399
Guests: $899
*Guest registration is for exhibit hall access only, meals are not included.
Schedule
Day 1 - September 17th
12:00pm-1:00pm: General Session:
General Track: Automation Unleashed: Revolutionizing Billing Practices for Tomorrow's Success
Presented by Michael N. Brown, Dr. Philip Schrank, and Ed Berenblum
Description:
Embark on a transformative journey with us in our upcoming session, where we'll delve deep into the intricacies of automating tasks within billing organizations. This comprehensive course is meticulously crafted to provide participants with invaluable insights and actionable strategies to revolutionize their approach to billing processes.
Throughout the session, we'll guide you through a detailed exploration of key topics that are essential for understanding and implementing effective automation solutions in billing environments.
- Identifying Automatable Tasks:
First, we'll start by immersing ourselves in the art of identifying automatable tasks. Together, we'll develop a keen eye for discerning tasks ripe for automation, enabling you to pinpoint inefficiencies and bottlenecks within your billing workflows. We'll delve into the criteria and indicators that signal automation potential, equipping you with the tools to streamline and optimize your billing operations effectively.
2. Types of Automation Solutions:
Next, we'll embark on an enlightening exploration of the diverse landscape of automation solutions available to billing organizations. From robotic process automation (RPA) to advanced machine learning algorithms, we'll provide in-depth insights into the various technologies that can revolutionize your billing processes. Through real-world examples and case studies, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how automation can drive efficiency and productivity in your organization.
3. Calculating ROI for Billing Automation:
One of the most critical aspects of implementing automation in billing is understanding its financial impact. In this session, we'll master the skill of calculating Return on Investment (ROI) specifically tailored to the unique intricacies of billing processes. By exploring real-world case studies and practical examples, you'll learn how to quantify the financial benefits that automation can deliver to your organization, allowing you to make informed decisions about investment in automation initiatives.
4. Addressing Fears and Concerns:
Finally, we'll address the fears and concerns surrounding automation implementation, navigating the complex terrain of change management. We'll provide you with effective communication strategies to alleviate fears of job displacement and foster a culture of empowerment and adaptability among your workforces. By effectively positioning automation to existing Full-Time Employees (FTEs), you'll be able to foster a positive outlook on automation initiatives and drive successful implementation.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Identify and prioritize tasks with the greatest potential for automation within billing processes.
- Navigate the diverse landscape of automation solutions, selecting the most suitable technologies to optimize billing workflows.
- Calculate and articulate the tangible Return on Investment (ROI) of billing automation initiatives, quantifying the financial benefits for organizational stakeholders.
- Effectively address and mitigate concerns surrounding automation implementation, fostering a culture of positivity and collaboration within the workforce.
1:00pm-2:00pm: Concurrent Sessions:
Executive Track: Navigating Regulatory Waters: Transforming Compliance into Revenue in RCM
Presented by Adam Laing
Description:
Join our HBMA presentation on accreditation and compliance in RCM. Neglecting these measures can lead to fines, reputational damage, and legal issues. We emphasize active adherence to protocols, as merely having a program isn't enough. A current accreditation and robust compliance program can attract clients and build trust. Led by Healthcare Compliance Pros, our session equips you with strategies for HIPAA compliance, risk assessments, and ongoing education to navigate regulatory challenges and strengthen your organization.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Understand the potential consequences of neglecting compliance measures in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) companies, including fines, reputational damage, and legal repercussions.
- Recognize the importance of active adherence to compliance protocols, beyond merely establishing a program, to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
- Understand how actively holding a current accreditation and demonstrating a robust compliance program can transform regulatory compliance from a cost center into a revenue source, by attracting discerning clients who prioritize security, regulatory compliance, and ethical practices.
Operations Track: Navigating a Client’s Coding Expectations
Presented by Melody Mulaik
Description:
Ensuring correct coding and billing for clients is an ongoing challenge. The introduction of new “complexity” codes, telehealth services and the use of extenders have served to make this challenge even greater. This session will address how to determine if a provider can bill for all of the services that have requested so that everyone functions in a compliant manner. Tips on how to have challenging discussions with supporting authoritative guidance and data will be included so that attendees leave feeling equipped for success.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Identify current coding and documentation risk areas that may pose concerns for Clients and Billing company staff.
- Discuss authoritative guidance versus industry buzz and the impact on compliance and revenue.
- Learn tips to facilitate success in challenging conversations.
2:00pm-2:10pm: Break
2:10pm-3:10pm: Concurrent Sessions:
General Track: How to Keep Good Ones: Retention and Training for RCM Professionals
Presented by Nicola Hawkinson
Description:
Join Nicola Hawkinson in this insightful session focused on human resources within the context of medical billing staff in revenue cycle management. Explore strategies for retaining top talent and fostering continuous training for RCM professionals. Understand the unique challenges in the medical billing field and how to create a supportive environment that ensures staff retention and ongoing professional development.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Discover effective strategies for retaining skilled medical billing professionals in a competitive healthcare environment.
- Explore innovative approaches to training programs tailored to the dynamic needs of RCM professionals in medical billing.
- Understand the importance of fostering a workplace culture that promotes job satisfaction and employee well-being.
- Identify and address challenges specific to medical billing staff in revenue cycle management, and develop solutions for improved performance.
General Track: Round Tables
Description:
Join subject matter experts and your peers to discuss various topics that relate directly to the RCM industry. Attendees will rotate tables several times to allow you to discuss topics that mean the most to you!
3:10pm-3:25pm: Break
3:25pm-3:40pm: President's Welcome
3:40pm-5:00pm: Keynote Presentation
General Track: Legal Lessons from the Change Healthcare Data Breach
Presented by Mark Cunningham
Description:
In early 2024, the United States healthcare system was significantly disrupted because of cyberattack on one of the country's largest clearinghouses, Change Healthcare. The cyberattack resulted in the cessation of Change's clearinghouse operations and disrupted services throughout the United States' healthcare infrastructure, including the revenue cycle industry.
This presentation will focus on the fundamental problems caused by the Change event, including an overview of the operational disruptions and the legal consequences, with a specific focus on its impact to the revenue cycle management (RCM) industry. Due to the cyberattack, parties throughout the healthcare industry have grappled with privacy issues, client disputes, allegations of default and struggles to perform services at historical levels.
We will analyze the primary legal issues implicated in the event, address steps that need to be taken by RCM to the billing companies to manage future potential risks, and review specific contractual provisions that need to be considered both within client and third-party vendor contracts.
We will also address exposed weaknesses within the clearinghouse framework and discuss whether the healthcare industry can modify existing claim processes or require more interoperability to avoid similar catastrophic situations in the future.
The hope is that an attendee will be able to mitigate its existing risk profile and gain tactics to better protect itself from either future cyberattacks and/or allegations of non-performance that are outside of their control.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Understand the legal consequences associated with and potential fallout from the cyberattack on Change Healthcare
- Learn risk mitigation steps to better protect a billing company
- Be presented with contractual provisions/options designed to deal with potential future disruptions in the industry
5:00pm-7:30pm: Reception
Day 2 - September 18th
7:20am-8:20am: Breakfast
8:20am-9:20am: Concurrent Sessions:
Executive Track: Making Data-Driven Decisions: How Dynamic Reporting Insights are a Game-Changer for Revenue Cycle Management
Presented by Jessica Wagner, Millie Hoffmann, and Julian Glenesk
Description:
Are your decisions grounded in data? Is your organization harnessing the power of revenue cycle analysis and visualization? Join us for a deep dive into the world of “advanced reporting,” where we’ll uncover crucial insights, metrics, and KPIs that billing companies must master to empower data-driven decisions and transform their financial and operational performance.
Intricate datasets abound within medical billing, but raw data alone is insufficient unless time and effort are spent to decipher and act on it. Gain an understanding of the dynamic reporting insights available within modern medical billing software. Recent advancements within the healthtech industry have enabled billing systems to perform analysis and build visualizations for you—allowing billing teams to respond swiftly to evolving conditions, spot trends, reduce errors, and optimize revenue generation to improve day-to-day workflows and create efficiencies.
This session will also explore the impacts of leveraging patient insights for the healthcare organizations and practices that medical billing teams work with every day. Data-driven decisions matter just as much for your clients and can provide more streamlined care, improved customer service, and a better understanding of the patient population they serve.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Discover the importance of data-driven decision-making and its impact on success.
- Identify the advanced reporting metrics and KPIs that you’ll need to enhance financial and operational performance.
- Navigate and use reporting and visualization features -regardless of system- to extract the insights relevant to you and your clients.
Operations Track: Mastering Negotiation - How to Properly Negotiate with Managed Care, or Anyone!
Presented by Steve Shain
Description:
When we think about Negotiation, it often brings to mind people in suits, slamming their fists down on large oak tables demanding concessions. The truth is, we are constantly negotiating. A meeting with your boss; a phone call with someone selling you a service or product-that always involves negotiation. Sometimes we even negotiate with our family. In this session we will learn about actual Managed Care negotiations, and how to apply these skills to your next tough meeting!
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Analyze the techniques used by good negotiators.
- Respond better to during negotiations, by driving the discussion.
- Differentiate between the portions of Managed Care contracts, that are worthwhile negotiating and those those not.
- Apply negotiating skills to Managed Care interactions and conversations.
- Evaluate at which point it makes sense to walk away from the negotiating table.
9:20am-9:30am: Break
9:30am-10:30am: General Session
General Track: 2024 Washington Update
Presented by Matt Reiter
Description:
Understanding federal policy is not a luxury, it is a necessity. 2024 has been an incredibly active year for federal health policy and more changes are on the horizon next year after the election. From the annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to the Change Healthcare cyberattack, RCM companies must have their fingers on the pulse of Washington to prepare themselves and their clients for success. This presentation will review federal policies from this year that RCM companies and their clients must know and understand. It will also explore how the 2024 federal election could impact these topics in the future. Lastly, it will describe HBMA’s government relations activities on behalf of the RCM industry.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Understand important policies that impact the RCM industry.
- Understand how the 2024 election could impact these topics.
- Learn about HBMA’s government relations activities.
10:30am-11:30am: Exhibit Hall Break
11:30am-12:00pm: General Session
General Track: Seizing the Day
Presented by Jackie Willett
Description:
Join us for a fireside chat with Jackie Willett, SVP and General Manager of Hospital Based Physician Solutions and Practice Management Operations of R1 RCM, Inc, as she describes her experiences growing her company, selling her company and successfully navigating through being an employer to becoming an employee. Discover how HBMA impacted her company growth and provided her with various tools she used to gain her success. Brad Lund, HBMA’s executive director, will be onstage with Jackie for this interview and will be asking her the burning questions behind her success.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Be inspired and encouraged
- Bring excitement to possibilities!
- Understand how important HBMA is in your journey
12:00pm-12:30pm: Awards Session
Presented by Kyle Tucker and Kirk Reinitz
Description:
Join us as we honor the volunteers who have dedicated their time and efforts into the success of HBMA! We will also be acknowledging the various companies who have completed and maintained their company compliance accreditation in 2024.
12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm-2:30pm: Concurrent Sessions:
Executive Track: Transforming RCM: How AI is Revolutionizing Revenue Cycle Management
Presented by Vinod Sankaran
Description:
In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, physician practices, Hospitals and revenue Cycle Companies face mounting pressure to optimize operations, streamline workflows, and maximize revenue. Traditional methods are no longer enough. That's where Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes in.
This session will delve into the transformative potential of AI, showcasing how this cutting-edge technology can revolutionize operations in every aspect, including:
- Enhanced Patient Care: AI-powered tools can analyze medical data to predict patient needs, personalize treatment plans, and automate administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for doctors & their staff to focus on what matters most – their patients.
- Streamlined Revenue Cycle Management (RCM): Say goodbye to tedious billing and coding errors. AI can automate Coding, claim submission, identify denial risks, and even negotiate insurance payments, boosting your client’s financial health.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: From scheduling appointments to managing inventory, AI can automate repetitive tasks, minimize human error, and optimize resource allocation, leading to a smoother, more efficient practice for your clients.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Discover the latest AI applications specifically designed for healthcare, especially for RCM companies and their clients.
- Learn how AI can enhance patient care, streamline RCM, and boost operational efficiency.
- Gain insights into the real-world benefits and challenges of implementing AI in your company and your client’s practice.
- Example of how to use available generative AI applications to draft emails, and appeal letters to insurance companies. Also, do market research and get a list of potential practices and help with sales.
Operations Track: Navigating the Maze: Understanding State and Federal Medical Debt Regulations and Their Hidden Impact
Presented by Shawn Gretz
Description:
Dive into an exciting exploration of the evolving landscape of medical debt regulations at both state and federal levels. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) poised to alter credit reports by potentially erasing medical debt, this session is more timely than ever. Join us to unravel the tapestry of state regulations enacted in the recent two years, understand the careless arguments behind the CFPB's groundbreaking move, and delve into the ripple effects that these changes could have on billing companies. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the dynamic world of medical debt management!
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Understand the medical debt regulations at the state level.
- Understand the medical debt regulations at the federal level.
- CFPB medical debt removal from the credit bureau
2:30pm-3:30pm: Exhibit Hall Break
3:30pm-4:30pm: Concurrent Sessions:
Executive Track: Increasing Quality and Capacity Within Revenue Cycle Teams with Lean Workforce Principles
Presented by Matt Seefeld and Emily Osetek
Description:
Healthcare leaders increasingly look to the expertise of third-party billing companies to optimize processes in a challenging financial climate. Amid extreme staffing shortages and growth in remote workforces, companies like Pettigrew Healthcare Profitability Solutions must find ways to increase capacity of existing staff to remain competitive.
In this presentation, attendees will learn how Pettigrew leveraged lean workforce principles, automation and advanced technology to maximize existing labor and create room for staff to work smarter across its 50+ clients. Participants will learn how the company gained visibility into the effectiveness of a remote team, which in turn, laid the groundwork for growth without the need to increase staffing—ultimately reducing collection costs and improving employee satisfaction.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Identify why staffing models built on labor effectiveness will define success going forward.
- Analyze the data limitations of practice management systems and EHRs and what’s needed to gain visibility into employee effectiveness.
- Understand how to apply lean workforce principles to increase capacity for existing staff
- Detail how Pettigrew Healthcare Profitability Solutions improved processes by implementing workflow automation and effective intelligence solutions.
Operations Track: A Look Into the Crystal Ball: Revealing the Future of Denials Prevention
Presented by Linda Perryclear
Description:
It’s estimated that 80 to 90 percent of denials are preventable, yet preventing denials continues to be one of the biggest challenges for providers. While countless hospitals, health systems and provider practices may have denials management processes in place, there are limitations with existing editing solutions. Given the manual nature of the tools, these solutions prove to be time-consuming and costly, with estimates as high as $150 to rework a single denial.
Thankfully, artificial intelligence – which thus far has been a game changer within the healthcare industry - can be used to improve denials prevention and reveal new revenue-growing opportunities. In this presentation, RCM experts from Availity will discuss how AI can be used to precisely predict denied claims and examine the associated causes before claim submission.
There is no magic potion that can completely prevent denials, but proactive steps can be taken to limit the number of denials and retain reimbursements. While no one can predict the future, we can share the benefits of incorporating AI your organization’s claims editing process to accurately predict denials before they occur and improve your revenue cycle management.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Acquire insider knowledge detailing what the future holds for denials management and reasons why proactive prevention with an AI-powered solution is a critical component of any revenue cycle.
- Gain insight into the benefits of leveraging forward-thinking editing tools to predict denials before they happen, plus gather actionable denials management insight that your organization can implement in the near future.
- Hear real-world examples and success stories that illustrate AI’s importance in the denials lifecycle, plus walk through predictive models detailing how a large health system with six million dollars in annual claims can realize potential annual savings of $1.7 million.
4:30pm-4:40pm: Break
4:40pm-5:40pm: General Session
General Track: A Day in the AI Life: A View of the Future of RCM
Presented by Kyle Tucker
Panel Members: Kevin McDonald, Michael Brozino, and Desmond Meridian
Description:
This session will peer into the RCM crystal ball and envision a day in the life of an RCM executive once AI is fully realized.
The first portion of our session will be set in the future where an RCM executive speaks with his AI-controlled billing software via an Alexa-like speaker. We will enact what we feel are potential interactions with the computer asking it to perform certain tasks, giving us updates, and changing actions based on its learning. We will look bring KPIs into the discussion with the computer so that people will be confronted with the game-changing nature of this technology.
The second portion of the session will be a panel discussion of the reality of what is available to today and the viability of the future we have just explored.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Understand the potential of AI and how it may change the future of RCM
- See how AI may change different facets of our business from coding to call center and more
- Consider some of the byproducts or unintended consequences of AI moving forward.
5:40pm-7:00pm: Exhibit Hall Closing Reception and Prize Awards
Day 3 - September 19th
7:00am-8:00am: Breakfast
8:00am-8:05am: President's Recap
8:05am-9:05am: General Session
General Track: Ahead of the Threat: Your Role in Cybersecurity
Presented by David Miller
Description:
In this session, we will delve into the critical importance of cybersecurity in healthcare organizations. The threat landscape continues to evolve, and we need to be ever vigilant against threats that come from ever-more sophisticated, malicious actors. As of May 20, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), lists over 900 open cases on the OCR breach site - 284 opened this year alone. The number will surely rise. This session will explore why healthcare organizations are attractive targets for bad actors, provide an overview of the top cyber threats, and discuss mitigation strategies all of us can participate in to protect patient data, reputation, and revenue.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Explain why bad actors target healthcare organizations
- Understand the top cyber threats for healthcare organizations
- Discuss what we all can do to prevent a breach
9:05am-9:25am: Break
9:25am-10:25am: Concurrent Sessions:
Executive Track: Crafting Contracts: Service Agreement Strategies for the Do-It-Yourselfer
Presented by Landon Tooke
Description:
This presentation delves into the intricacies of contract law as it applies to service agreements in the healthcare industry, specifically for revenue cycle management client agreements. The presentation starts with an overview of contract law principles relevant to healthcare. It then progresses to a detailed analysis of service agreements, highlighting essential clauses and their legal implications. Emphasis is placed on compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the Stark Law, underscoring the legal consequences of non-compliance.
A significant portion of the session is dedicated to practical strategies for drafting legally sound contracts, negotiating terms, and managing risks and liabilities. Through real-world case studies, participants gain insights into common legal disputes and learn from these examples to avoid similar issues.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Grasp the basics of contract law as it applies to healthcare service agreements.
- Identify crucial clauses in service agreements and understand their legal impacts.
- Learn to align service agreements with healthcare legal requirements.
- Understand how to identify and mitigate legal risks in contracts.
- Gain insights from case studies to avoid common legal issues in service agreements.
Operations Track: Finally, No More Surprises in the No Surprises Act
Presented by Thomas LaGreca
Description:
The federal regulators responsible for implementing the NSA had interpreted the law in ways that were extremely challenging to the medical community. Those interpretations have included: 1. Affording the median in-network rate, the factor most favorable to the insurance industry, preferential treatment. 2. Requiring arbitrations to be on a per-CPT-code basis, rather than a per-claim basis. 3. The filing costs and arbitrator fees dramatically increased from 2022 to 2023, making many arbitrations cost prohibitive. 4. The delays alone in resolving payment disputes have caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damage to the medical community. There is cause for genuine optimism, however. A federal district court in Texas on 4 occasions has ruled in favor of the medical community, and this same court is addressing the issues of the per-code requirement and the filing cost increase. As a result, the medical community's success rate has greatly improved, the awards are for greater amounts, the cos structure is less prohibitive, and the timeline for resolutions has become much shorter. The delays and frustrations of the past two years are largely behind us, and, for this reason, it is critical that the medical community be involved in the NSA arbitration process and stays updated on the newest interpretations of the law and how it is being implemented. It is fast becoming the forum for all things out-of-network.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- To convey the most up-to-date information regarding the NSA, so that revenue cycle managers can adjust their behavior accordingly.
- To ask whether your revenue cycle process is staying abreast of the latest developments?
- To enable practices to predict what the revenue cycle landscape might look like in the near- and long-term.
10:25am-10:45am: Break
10:45am-11:45am: General Session
General Track: Offshoring and Near Shoring: Executive Realizations from the Journey
Presented by Joshua Klinge
Panel Members: Sudheer Yerneni, Neelima Yerneni, Imelda Sauceda
Description:
Join us for an exclusive session led by a CEO who embarked on the journey of establishing offshore and nearshore offices. Our executive team will unveil the unfiltered truth behind this process, shedding light on the "dirty little secrets" that ultimately pave the way for genuine partnership, transparency, and alignment. Delve into the fears, mindset shifts, and crucial do's and don’ts of onboarding. From dissecting service level agreements (SLAs) to celebrating small victories that foster team integration, we'll navigate the entire relationship spectrum with complete transparency. Hear firsthand about the challenges we've confronted and conquered, as we share unconventional strategies that lead to genuine success with offshore teams. Whether you're contemplating an offshore move, evaluating your current vendor, or seeking executive insights, this hour-long session promises invaluable insights to elevate your outsourcing endeavors. Join us for an unfiltered discussion that will revolutionize your approach to offshore collaboration.
Learning Objectives
Course participants will be able to:
- Foster authentic and transparent discussions surrounding cultural disparities and the inherent challenges encountered in RCM outsourcing.
- Acquire insights into cultural nuances, identifying avenues to enhance relationships with offshore/nearshore vendors and staff.
- Broaden understanding of the diverse opportunities presented by offshoring and nearshoring initiatives.
- Access firsthand expertise and practical advice from leadership experienced in launching Indian, Mexican, and US operations, empowering participants with invaluable insights for success.
11:45am-12:00pm: President's Close
Disclosures:
Health & Safety
HBMA is committed to your health and safety. COVID-19 protocols will be implemented and followed based on federal and state requirements. If any attendee is exhibiting symptoms, they will be asked to leave the conference area.
Photography
During the HBMA Annual Conference, HBMA and/or its designated representatives may take photographs or video recordings of conference attendees, and HBMA may use these materials for its editorial or marketing purposes. Conference attendees acknowledge that their image, likeness or voice may appear in these materials. By attending the HBMA Annual Conference, attendees’ consent to HBMA’s use of their image, likeness or voice for HBMA’s editorial or marketing purposes in connection with any materials in which attendees appear.
Terms of Payment & Cancelation
Mailed registrations must be accompanied by check made payable to HBMA in the full registration amount. HBMA will provide for a full refund of registration fees, less an administrative processing fee of $150, for any cancelations received in writing more than thirty (30) days prior to the event. No refund for cancelation will be made for requests after this time.
Changes in Registration
Registrations that require changes, such as attendee substitutions, will incur a $50 fee per change. Please contact the national office at info@hbma.org for any updates to registration.
Terms are subject to change at any time without notice.
Please see the HBMA Refund Policy page for details on refunds for educational events and products