HBMA Innovation Conference

Marriott Buckhead Hotel
Atlanta, GA

March 12th-13th, 2025

Member Registration: $899
Non Member Registration: $1,049
There is no guest registration available, and you must have an attendee or exhibitor badge to access any education or networking event.

HBMA's Room Block is Available for $149 a Night.

March 11th

12:00pm-5:00pm - Early Registration

5:00pm-7:00pm - Opening Reception

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March 12th

7:30am-8:30am - Breakfast

7:30am-5:00pm - Registration

8:30am-9:30am - Conscious Coupling of AI and Human Expertise for RCM Success Presented by Hanes Singh

As artificial intelligence (AI) infiltrates the revenue cycle, one key question remains: how can revenue cycle management (RCM) professionals effectively leverage AI to make quick, informed decisions that practically impact financial outcomes? While AI is still evolving, the human element is and will remain crucial in complementing AI within RCM workflows. Ultimately, strategically embracing AI is essential for achieving faster and higher reimbursements, staying competitive, and growing business.

In this session, we’ll start with the basics of AI and explore examples of how human expertise complements the technology. We’ll further share specific ROI tied to these smarter decisions and improved financial outcomes. Additionally, we’ll discuss how AI can enhance workflows by prioritizing overlooked denials, increasing the success rate of challenging cases, and streamlining processes for those likely to succeed. This conscious coupling between AI and human judgment not only has the power to boost efficiency, but also ensures focus on the denials that matter most. Join us to learn how adopting AI can transform your RCM operations.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Develop a framework for evaluating practical versus impractical AI tools in RCM
• Assess and implement an AI solution that best aligns with the needs of your team and business
• Identify where the human element is essential to maximize the effectiveness of AI
• Build a compelling case for investing in AI

9:30am-10:30am - Vendor Showcase

10:30am-11:00am - Exhibit Hall

11:00am-12:00pm - What Every Revenue Cycle Leader Needs to Know About Cybersecurity Part 1 Presented by Mike Green

In February 2024, the healthcare sector was shaken by one of the most devastating cyberattacks in its history. For weeks, millions of patients were unable to fill prescriptions or schedule critical care, while hundreds of thousands of providers struggled to submit claims or receive reimbursements. This catastrophic event underscored a stark reality: even the most comprehensive risk mitigation strategies are insufficient without an equally robust incident response plan.

For revenue cycle leaders and billing professionals, the implications of such an attack are profound. The disruption of claims processing and reimbursement flows can lead to significant financial instability, erode trust with providers and patients, and jeopardize the overall operation of healthcare systems.

This presentation will explore the cyberattack’s key lessons and explore actionable
strategies for safeguarding your organization against similar threats. While no solution is foolproof, the industry must prioritize not only prevention but also rapid recovery, ensuring that clearinghouses and billing systems can maintain continuity even in the face of severe cyber threats.

Key topics include:

1. The Current Cybersecurity Landscape in Healthcare:

• An overview of the most prevalent cyber threats targeting healthcare organizations today, with a specific focus on their impact on revenue cycle operations.
• Insights into how recent high-profile breaches have affected patient data security and disrupted healthcare financial processes.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Standards:

• Understanding the critical regulations that govern healthcare data security, including HIPAA and HITECH, and their specific relevance to revenue cycle management.
• Best practices for maintaining compliance, developing redundancy, and implementing resiliency initiatives to ensure uninterrupted claims processing and reimbursement.

3. Developing Robust Security Frameworks:

• Strategies for integrating comprehensive security policies into the revenue cycle management workflow.
• The importance of continuous monitoring, leveraging threat intelligence, and implementing effective incident response planning to protect financial operations and patient data.

By advocating for a holistic approach to cybersecurity that involves all stakeholders and leverages cutting-edge technologies, this presentation will provide a comprehensive roadmap for revenue cycle leaders. The goal is to transform cybersecurity practices within their organizations, ensuring a more secure, efficient, and trustworthy healthcare system. In doing so, they can protect sensitive patient information, maintain regulatory compliance, and secure the financial health of their organizations—ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Equip healthcare leaders with actionable strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
• Highlight the significance of regulatory compliance and adherence to industry standards.
• Demonstrate the value of building resilient health data systems to ensure continuity and reliability.

12:00pm-1:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm-2:00pm - What Every Revenue Cycle Leader Needs to Know About Cybersecurity Part 2 Presented by Mike Green

In February 2024, the healthcare sector was shaken by one of the most devastating cyberattacks in its history. For weeks, millions of patients were unable to fill prescriptions or schedule critical care, while hundreds of thousands of providers struggled to submit claims or receive reimbursements. This catastrophic event underscored a stark reality: even the most comprehensive risk mitigation strategies are insufficient without an equally robust incident response plan.

For revenue cycle leaders and billing professionals, the implications of such an attack are profound. The disruption of claims processing and reimbursement flows can lead to significant financial instability, erode trust with providers and patients, and jeopardize the overall operation of healthcare systems.

This presentation will explore the cyberattack’s key lessons and explore actionable
strategies for safeguarding your organization against similar threats. While no solution is foolproof, the industry must prioritize not only prevention but also rapid recovery, ensuring that clearinghouses and billing systems can maintain continuity even in the face of severe cyber threats.

Key topics include:

4. Potential Cybersecurity Regulations for Healthcare Clearinghouses:

• A look into the latest regulatory developments aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity posture of healthcare clearinghouses and billing companies.
• How these regulations, if implemented, will affect revenue cycle management and what steps organizations should take to comply.

5. Building Resilience in Health Data Exchange:

• Techniques for ensuring the resilience of health data systems against cyber threats, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of financial transactions.
• The role of accreditation and certification in strengthening data exchange infrastructure, with an emphasis on organizations like DirectTrust.

6. Fostering Trust Among Stakeholders:

• The importance of transparency and proactive communication in building trust with patients, providers, and payors.
• How revenue cycle leaders can engage stakeholders in cybersecurity efforts, leveraging technology to enhance trust and secure financial data exchanges.

By advocating for a holistic approach to cybersecurity that involves all stakeholders and leverages cutting-edge technologies, this presentation will provide a comprehensive roadmap for revenue cycle leaders. The goal is to transform cybersecurity practices within their organizations, ensuring a more secure, efficient, and trustworthy healthcare system. In doing so, they can protect sensitive patient information, maintain regulatory compliance, and secure the financial health of their organizations—ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Equip healthcare leaders with actionable strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
• Highlight the significance of regulatory compliance and adherence to industry standards.
• Demonstrate the value of building resilient health data systems to ensure continuity and reliability.

2:00pm-3:00pm - Vendor Showcase

3:00pm-3:30pm - Exhibit Hall

3:30pm-4:30pm - Using AI to Reduce the costs of the RCM Billing and Pre-Certification Processes, while Increasing Revenues Presented by Steven Chamberlin

We will discuss how utilizing AI in the RCM process and how it is making dramatic differences in how fast and how much more providers are being paid. He will discuss how the AR days have effectively been cut in half due to AI filing claims in exactly the way each individual payor wants to see them. Since denials go way down, providers are getting paid so much faster and at higher rates, due to AI adjusting filing as payors requirements change.

Additionally, he has been able to go back to previous denials and get those paid as well by utilizing the power of AI. He will discuss how AI will and has changed the Pre-Approval / Pre-Certification process.

All of these areas have dramatically reduced time to get paid and increased the amounts paid all while using less labor to do so. The power of AI will transform the whole Billing, Pre-Approval / Pre-Certification dramatically reducing labor costs, halving AR days, all while increasing revenues. Using AI in the RCM, and Pre-Certification / Pre-Approval process will change the health care industry in big ways and all for the better for, Providers, Payors and Patients, all while reducing costs and increasing revenues.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Understand how AI will reduce the costs, and halve the AR Days Outstanding of RCM while increasing revenues.
• Understand how AI will speed up and reduce costs associated with the Pre Certification Process.
• Understand how AI will speed up the Arbitration Process while reducing costs.

4:30pm-5:30pm - Can AI Heal the Wounds Between Payors and Providers? Presented by Jonathan Wiggs

Let’s be honest, the relationship between payors and providers has never been easy. For decades, providers have been critical of the administrative burdens associated with getting paid, yet for the most part, these burdens persist. Can and will artificial intelligence be the solution we so desperately need?

In this session, we will explore the answer to that very question. In the process, we will debunk myths surrounding artificial intelligence, explore current uses cases and look ahead to what the future holds.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Evaluate artificial intelligence to solve for administrative burdens and staffing constraints within medical billing and claims management
• Identify the kinds of tasks and transactions most amenable to artificial intelligence
• Advocate for use of artificial intelligence to reduce tedium, allow greater focus on high value work, and improve employee retention and well-being
• Apply the concepts of human-agent teaming
• Set appropriate expectations surrounding the implementation of artificial intelligence
• Overcome fears that artificial intelligence will replace jobs and/or create havoc in the workplace
• Structure key performance indicators and calculate the economic ROI of implementing artificial intelligence

5:30pm-7:00pm - Reception

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March 13th

7:30am-8:30am - Breakfast

7:30am-12:00pm - Registration

8:30am-9:30am - Human-Generated Data: The Missing Link in AI-Powered Revenue Cycles Presented by Matt Seefeld

Adoption of automation, analytics and AI to streamline and improve revenue cycle functions remains a top strategy for healthcare organizations. A 2023 McKinsey analysis points to significant cost savings associated with these efforts. Yet many financial leaders are overlooking a critical opportunity due to the limitations of their existing technology stack: the power of “human-generated” data.

Existing infrastructures for revenue cycle processes in most organizations are limited to analyzing “common data,” such as information related to denials and claims status. This leaves out a critical influencer of success—the touchpoints of staff members and the effectiveness of their work. Without this information, financial leaders are missing visibility into insights that could significantly improve processes and operational margin by reducing the administrative waste associated with getting claims paid.

Attendees of this presentation will learn the power of applying automation and AI to both common and human-generated data via a case study presentation that showcases the journey of Future Care Consultants, a leading healthcare management company servicing hundreds of provider clients nationwide. Presenters will demonstrate how the organization went from managing staff worklists in spreadsheets to having full visibility into the staff productivity and effectiveness.

Additionally, attendees will learn how the organization leveraged revenue cycle workflow and financial clearance automation tools—applying AI to both common and human generated data—to achieve a 40% reduction in administrative waste in the revenue cycle. The new strategy which incorporates generative AI to better inform the workflows and RPA solutions to automate repetitive manual tasks expedited collections and improved overall margin by reducing the number of “touches” it takes to get a claim paid

Course Participants will be able to:

• Explore the opportunities of using automation and AI in revenue cycle functions and why it should be a top consideration
• Define the differences between common data and human-generated data and why both are critical to optimizing revenue cycle processes
• Analyze the data limitations of today’s practice management and EHRs and the importance of deploying infrastructures that can support greater insights into staff touch points along the revenue cycle
• Detail how one managed services organization improved processes by implementing workflow automation and effective intelligence solutions that support visibility into human generated data

9:30am-10:30am - Vendor Showcase

10:30am-11:00am - Exhibit Hall

11:00am-12:00pm - The Dark Side of Innovation: The Weaponization of AI in RCM Part 1 Presented by Landon Tooke

This presentation explores how cybercriminals weaponize artificial intelligence technologies to threaten Revenue Cycle Management cybersecurity. It examines how bad actors use AI to target healthcare data and RCM systems, employing advanced phishing techniques, developing exploits with generative AI, and leveraging deepfake technology for healthcare identity theft and fraud. Landon will analyze AI-integrated hacking tools designed to breach RCM systems, as well as AI-enhanced malware and social engineering tactics. The discussion will cover recent advancements in password cracking and evasion techniques, and how attackers use AI to discover vulnerabilities in RCM platforms. To counter these threats, the presentation will explore defensive strategies, including AI-driven security measures and staff training approaches.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Understanding of AI's role in evolving cyber threats
• Awareness of specific vulnerabilities in RCM systems
• Insights into defensive strategies and best practices
• Perspective on the ethical implications of AI in healthcare security

12:00pm-1:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm-2:00pm - The Dark Side of Innovation: The Weaponization of AI in RCM Part 2 Presented by Landon Tooke

We will address ethical considerations in AI development for healthcare and examine future trends such as autonomous attack systems and quantum computing threats. This session aims to equip the audience with a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in evolving cyber threats. Attendees will gain awareness of specific vulnerabilities in RCM systems, learn defensive strategies and best practices, and develop perspective on the ethical implications of AI in healthcare security. The knowledge gained will help participants enhance their cybersecurity preparedness in an increasingly AI-driven threat landscape.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Understanding of AI's role in evolving cyber threats
• Awareness of specific vulnerabilities in RCM systems
• Insights into defensive strategies and best practices
• Perspective on the ethical implications of AI in healthcare security

2:00pm-3:00pm - Transforming RCM: How AI is Revolutionizing Revenue Cycle Management Presented by Vinod Sankaran

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. 

Course participants will be able to:

1. Discover the latest AI applications specifically designed for healthcare, especially for RCM companies and their clients. 
2. Learn how AI can enhance patient care, streamline RCM, and boost operational efficiency.
3. Gain insights into the real-world benefits and challenges of implementing AI in your company and your client’s practice. 
4. 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. 

3:00pm-3:15pm - Break 

3:15pm-4:15pm - Unlocking Revenue Potential: How Automation and AI can Transform RCM Presented by Sara Nofziger-Drew

As Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) companies face financial pressures from lower insurance payments, competitive and client rate reductions, rising wages, and increasing operational costs, the need for effective automation has never been more critical. Leveraging technologies through automation such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Large Language Models (LLM), Machine Learning (ML), generative AI, and advanced analytics can significantly enhance revenue cycle performance and optimize human capital expenditure.

This presentation will explore how automation improves efficiency, enhances accuracy, boosts patient satisfaction, and accelerates revenue generation. Attendees will learn how to assess their organization’s readiness for automation, identify specific processes that can benefit from AI integration, and successfully initiate the transformation of their revenue cycle processes. Additionally, we will discuss the essential criteria for evaluating and selecting the right AI path for your organization. Join us to discover the practical steps necessary for revolutionizing your revenue cycle workflow through automation.

Course Participants will be able to:

• Assess Automation Readiness: Understand how to evaluate your company’s current capabilities and readiness for implementing automation solutions.
• Identify Key Processes: Explore critical revenue cycle processes that are prime candidates for automation deployment and expansion, ensuring targeted and effective integration.
• Launch Automation Successfully: Learn strategies for effectively launching identified automation processes, ensuring a smooth transition, and maximized impact on revenue cycle performance.
• Select the Right Solutions: Discover four essential criteria to consider when choosing AI and automation solutions and partners, enabling informed decision-making for successful implementation.

4:15pm-5:15pm - Panel: Top Pain Points For RCM Companies And How AI And Automation Can Help Presented by Kyle Tucker

Pending Details

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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.