Speakers & Topics

Speakers (in alpha order) and their topics:

Life After the ICU

Letitia Bible, MD, FACS

Topic: Life After the ICU

Bio: Letitia Bible, MD, FACS is an assistant professor at the University of Florida, in the Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery. After completing her general surgery residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, she matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for her surgical critical care residency and acute care surgery fellowship. Her research interest involves exploring the impact stress has on recovery from traumatic injury and critically illness. After the stress of an ICU stay, people have prolonged and slow recovery that can take years, and this is often overlooked. The difficult and prolonged recovery has recently become part of the national conversation in healthcare.
 

Letitia Bible, MD, FACS

Puzzling Fun with Op Notes

Melissa Caperton, MA, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, CPPM, CFPC, CPB, AAPC

Topic:  Puzzling Fun with Op Notes. This session discusses how to put the puzzle pieces of an Op note together to arrive at proper coding.

Bio: Melissa has nearly 30 years of experience in health care with a variety of roles and responsibilities. 
Melissa’s passion for researching complex coding queries and difficult reimbursement issues across diverse specialties plays a big role in making her a valuable resource. Melissa developed expertise in the areas of reimbursement analysis, coding and documentation education for providers and staff, value-based funding/metrics, quality, and process improvement. Additionally, Melissa served on the AAPCCA Board of Directors from 2009-2012, and recognized as the
AAPC Member of the Year in 2014. She served as co-director for the annual “Coding on the River”
convention in Jacksonville for several years, presented at National AAPC Conferences, and earned the
designation of ‘Distinguished Toastmaster’ from Toastmasters International. Melissa has a BS in Health Information Management, a Master’s in Organizational Management, and is pursuing her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration.  In addition, she has earned credentials as a Registered Health Information Administrator, Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Medical Auditor, AAPC Approved Instructor, Certified Family Practice Coder, Certified Professional Biller and Certified Physician Practice Manager. Melissa enjoys being Mom to her four young adult children (2 are ‘bonus’ daughters), Emmie to two adorable grandsons and a beautiful new granddaughter. In addition to spoiling the grands, she is guilty of spoiling of one grand-dog and a new puppy.  She and her husband are active in their church and enjoy serving together in a nursing home ministry.

Caperton

Let’s Network in Healthcare

Leticia Cohens, CPC AAPC Approved Instructor

Topic: Let’s Network in Healthcare

Bio: Leticia Cohens has been in the healthcare field for over 15 years, having worked in multiple specialties from Family Medicine, Radiology, Dermatology, Risk Adjustment and Emergency Department. She is an ED Coder, AAPCAA Board of Directors Representative and Owner/Instructor of Cohens Coding & Consulting, founded in 2019 to help other individuals become Certified Professional Coders and to provide educational connections. Leticia’s company was featured in VoyageMia Magazine 2022 for her passion to help others. She began her professional volunteer services as a Girl Scout Leader, AAPC Education Officer, Member Development Officer, Vice President and now serves as current President of the Jacksonville, FL Chapter. Her true passion is helping others in the healthcare field make connections, sharing her knowledge and expertise. Her favorite thing to do is enjoy coffee in the mornings, try different restaurants (she’s a foodie) and live a fun filled life with family and friends.

Leticia Cohens, CPC AAPC Approved Instructor

Neuroradiology Procedures of the Head and Neck

Orrin Dayton, MD

Topic: Neuroradiology Procedures of the Head and Neck: We will review procedures performed on the head and neck with images, review procedure notes and discuss underlying disease processes and treatment considerations.

Bio: Orrin Dayton earned his medical degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. He completed residency training in diagnostic radiology and subspecialty fellowship training in neuroradiology at University of Florida. Upon completion of neuroradiology fellowship, he joined the Department of Radiology at UF as Clinical Assistant Professor of Neuroradiology. In addition to his clinical duties as a neuroradiologist, Dr. Dayton serves as Associate Program Director for the radiology residency and neuroradiology fellowship training programs. Additionally, Dr. Dayton serves as the Physician Director of Quality for the Department of Radiology. 

Orrin Dayton, MD

E/M Conundrums for 2023

Shannon O. DeConda, CPC, CEMC, CEMA, CPMA, CRTT

Topic: E/M Conundrums for 2023: It’s been 2 years in the office and half a year in the office and other places this year, and more than one hot minute has been sent discussing those topics that make you go hmmmm. So, let’s hmmmm together. This session will take some of the most commonly asked E/M questions and not just answer them, but provide site, source and rationale- leaving you an E/M expert!
 
BioShannon’ s career has been spent solely in healthcare beginning as the check in receptionist and progressing through areas to include medical assisting, respiratory therapy, practice management, billing and denials support, practice liaison, in-office practice coding/auditing/educating, and 15 years ago Shannon DeConda’ s career path led her to establish NAMAS, the National Alliance of Medical Auditing Professional. NAMAS was the first organization to formally education and certify medical auditors. Today Ms. DeConda is the president of NAMAS which is a division of DoctorsManagement in which she is a partner and has been with them now for 19 years.
Currently Resides in Florida and our Corporate office is in Knoxville, TN
 

Shannon O. DeConda, CPC, CEMC, CEMA, CPMA, CRTT

Oncology Billing

Maria Rita (Rita) Genovese, MHA, CPC, PCS

Topic: Oncology Billing. Oncology billing can be challenging. This session will highlight common denials, authorization processes, place of service issues, and new chemotherapy medication procedures

Bio: Rita currently serves as President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the AAPC, after serving as chapter president and vice president in previous years. She is a former member of the AAPC’s National Advisory Board and is a former member of the Chapter Association Board of Directors of the AAPC 2015-2018. Rita served on the Executive Board of the AAPCCA in 2016. Rita was selected as the 2019 AAPC Officer of the Year. She has contributed articles to Healthcare Business Monthly as well as the popular AAPC Blog. Rita is a frequent speaker at AAPC National and Regional Conferences. She recently was elected to the 2022-2025 NAB. Rita was chosen as member of the month in the June 2023 issue of Healthcare Business Monthly. Rita is the Director of Revenue Cycle and Business Operations for MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. She has over 30 years of experience in billing and practice management, most recently in the areas of family medicine and medical oncology. She is active in educating the physicians and staff in medical coding and compliance regulations.

Rita Genovese

Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Michael S. Jaffee, MD, FAAN, FANA

Topic: Overview of Traumatic Brain Injuries
 
Bio: Michael Jaffee is the Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida and the Bob Paul Family Professor of Neurology where he is the founding Director of the Brain Injury, Rehabilitation, and Neuroresilience (BRAIN) Center.  He developed the Trauma, Concussion, & Sports Neuromedicine Program (TRACS) and has developed an innovative multidisciplinary clinic and a state-of-the-art concussion research and educational program.  Dr. Jaffee is also the director of the Neurology Sleep Clinic.
 
Prior to coming to UF, Dr. Jaffee was an associate professor of neurology, psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, where he served as the inaugural medical director of the Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute and director of the neurology sleep service.  Dr. Jaffee spent 21 years in the US Air Force, where he served in many capacities, including National Director of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center where he managed a network of 18 sites and his team’s efforts resulted in the publication of over 100 peer-reviewed articles, paving the way for deployed medical research.  Dr. Jaffee is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Neurology, Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine and Brain Injury Medicine. He has additional certifications from United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, as well as in Neural Repair and Rehabilitation. Dr. Jaffee has dedicated a significant part of his career to developing innovative educational and research collaborations between the Department of Defense, federal agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholders, including the National Football League and the Alzheimer’s Association. He serves as a national consultant for multiple federal agencies and national professional organizations.

Michael S. Jaffee, MD, FAAN, FANA

Pediatric Dentistry/Coding

Dr. Johnny and Jennifer Johnson

Topic: Pediatric Dentistry/Coding

Bio: Johnny Johnson, Jr., DMD, MS, is a pediatric dentist from Levy County (formerly Pinellas County), Florida who is also the co-founder and President of the American Fluoridation Society. Dr. Johnson has delivered presentations, training and testimony about fluoride in numerous states, including Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and his home state of Florida, as well as in the U.K. and Canada.  Dr. Johnson’s leadership role in fluoridation advocacy began after his county commission voted to end fluoridation to >700,000 residents — a decision that was successfully reversed after he worked with others to form a coalition in the Clearwater-St. Petersburg, FL area.  Dr. Johnson was a key source of information for the reporters and editors who helped the Tampa Bay Times win a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the fluoridation issue.  He received his dental training from the University of Florida, and he earned his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and Masters of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jennifer Johnson, BS, RDH, CPB, CPC is a graduate of Madison College with an Associate’s Degree in dental hygiene.  She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in oral health promotion and education.  In addition to more than 15 years providing direct clinical care in private general dental practice, she spent time as the Oral Health Workforce Educator for Western Wisconsin while working for the Children’s Health Alliance. In that role, she educated communities, health care providers, policy makers, and water operators about the value of community water fluoridation for better dental health.  Her interest in treatment planning, patient financial matters, and the overall business of the dental office led her to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Insurance Billing and Medical Coding.  She obtained her CPB and CPC certificates with the AAPC, and completed the coding certificate program through AAOMS.  She is continuing her interest in oral health through medical and dental coding and billing for dental specialists, specifically Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Johnny Johnson, Jr., DMD, MS

Health Conditions of the American Trucker

Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC, AAPC Approved Instructor

Topic: Health Conditions of the American Trucker: The trucking industry moves America, but who moves the trucking industry? This is the health story of the backbone of America; truck drivers! Please join us as semi truck driver instructor Jake Ragan, and his wife Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC discuss the health conditions that drivers face during their careers. We will touch base on smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hernias and depression, among other issues.
 
Bio: Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC, AAPC Approved Instructor, was the president of the Daytona Beach chapter when she observed her husband Jake, a former truck driver, mention various aches and pains.  Always the compliant documenter, she began to take note of his concerns, and realized that they all originated with his job…transportation.  After a while, Sarah realized that this could be an interesting presentation.  Together, they created this original demonstration of the health conditions of the American truck driver.  It was first presented to the Daytona Beach chapter virtually in 2020, where an AAPC representative saw it and recommended that Sarah and Jake apply to HealthConRegionals .  It was chosen, and so Sarah and Jake traveled to Charleston, SC to present this in person.  They have continued to bring this education all over the United States in a virtual format, but they are excited to bring this to you in-person!
On a personal level, Sarah and Jake have been married for twenty-nine years.  They had three children, they are dog lovers, Florida springs and beach lovers, they enjoy fishing, bicycling, and trying new foods.  We are excited to come to Gainesville in 2023!
 

Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC, AAPC Approved Instructor with Husband Jake

Future Workforce Skills: It is YOUR time to Shine!

Julie A. Shay, MBA-HIN, RHIA, FAHIMA

Topic: Future Workforce Skills: It is YOUR time to Shine! Technology is here, artificial intelligence is here, data analytics is here; Are you ready?  Are you shining?  Come and participate in an engaging session that will advocate; “It is YOUR time to Shine!”

Bio: Julie Shay is the Health Information Technology Program Director and Professor at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL.  She is an Approved AHIMA ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer. Shay has 22 years of industry experience in healthcare business operations in leadership and management roles specific to physician practices, outpatient rehabilitation, and acute care hospital settings that includes experience in managed care contracting, payer relations, and healthcare operations expertise. She has 18 years of academic experience where she teaches and provides management and curriculum oversight to three health information technology programs. Over the span of her career, she has volunteered at the national and state level; provided presentations at the national, state, and regional/local level and has humbly received several awards. 
She is passionate about the Health Information profession and believes wholeheartedly that each of us can shine bright in our sphere of influence and beyond. We all are to be good stewards of the data.

Data Management Analytics Certificate Link: https://www.sfcollege.edu/programs/6555/

Julie Shay

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Karah Sickler

Topic:    Necrotizing Fasciitis. Understand the difference between the term Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection and Necrotizing Fasciitis. Describe the history, pathophysiology, and risk factors associated with necrotizing soft tissue infections. Be able to differentiate the types of necrotizing soft tissue infections and list appropriate treatment and management strategies. Recognize the importance of early identification and the impact of delayed treatment on patient outcomes. Discuss some of the common coding for patients with NSTI/ Necrotizing Fasciitis.
 
Bio: My name is Karah Sickler and I am a Surgery Critical Care Nurse Practitioner and the Manager of APP Services at UF Health Shands hospital. I have been employed by UF Health Shands Gainesville since 2007. I started as a registered nurse in the Neuro ICU and in 2012 I became a Nurse Practitioner. Since that time, I have worked primarily with the Surgery Critical Care team covering the Trauma ICU, Vascular ICU, Pulmonary/Thoracic ICU, Cardiac ICU, and Surgical/ Liver Transplant ICU. In 2020, I re-enrolled in school for and obtained a Master’s of Healthcare Administration, and transferred to the Manager of APP Services role. As the Manager of APP Services, I am responsible for the oversight of 160+ employees spanning 14 different departments in both the adult and pediatric populations at UF Health. I continue to practice in the ICU as a Nurse Practitioner a few shifts a month.

Karah Sickler

2024 Evaluation and Management

Robert Lewis, BA, CPC, CEMC

Topic: 2024 Evaluation and Management. Reviewing new developments impacting E/M for 2024.

Bio: Robert has 31 years of experience in the healthcare industry in roles ranging from medical assistant in a primary care physician’s office to Provider Education Specialist at First Coast Service Options. After graduating from the University of Virginia, he began his career in the private sector at Florida Blue. He then joined First Coast’s Provider Outreach and Education team in 2004 and has used his bilingual skills offering education in multiple locations throughout First Coast’s jurisdiction (FL and Puerto Rico), with a primary focus on evaluation and management coding and documentation.

Robert Lewis

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