January's coding top 10 highlight ten strategies to kickstart your 2017 coding education and preparedness.

1. Attend Codequest: Register for the nearest ophthalmology-specific and state-specific coding course:
• Get accurate and authoritative strategies from the leader of ophthalmic education.
• Learn implementation strategies for coding success under the new Medicare payment system.
• Earn CME or CEU credits and get four hours of unparalleled, expert instruction to overcome coding challenges practices face daily.
2. Block out Nov. 11-14 for AAO 2017. Plan now to attend the AAOE Program of AAO 2017 in New Orleans. Find inspiration, learn new solutions and reconnect with peers at the world’s most comprehensive ophthalmic meeting.
3. Get ready for MIPS success: Review the Academy's complete guidance on Medicare changes early in the year, so your practice can maximize the flexibility offered.
• MIPS how-to: The Academy's guide to reporting in new fee-for-service option
• Know the Basics: General overview from EyeNet Magazine
• aao.org/medicare — Your hub for everything related to the changes in Medicare physician payment
4. Build on what you learned last year: Make a list of the top five coding tips you learned in 2016 and develop a plan to implement them in your practice. Tell at least one peer or co-worker who can help hold you accountable.
5. Update essential coding resources: Review your coding library and order any materials for which you don't have 2017 editions from the Academy Store.
6. Create a personal education plan: Block out one hour a week to watch an AAO 2016 course-capture video (free for members and available soon!), review a webinar or improve your coding skills with 60-minute online courses you take at your own pace.
• See all practice management webinars in the Academy Store.
• New eLearning Coding Courses: Complete Guide to Documenting and Coding Cataract Surgery; Eye Visit Code Documentation Guidelines: Testing Services Documentation Requirements. Each course offers 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and a certificate of completion for those wish to claim JCAHPO Category "B" credit.
7. Stay up to date on bundling edits: Set a calendar reminder to review the latest CCI edits each quarter. CCI edits for 2017 will take effect Jan. 1, April 1, June 1 and Oct. 1. Check aao.org/coding for the latest updates and learn how the Jan. 1 changes effect ophthalmology.
8. Learn from your mistakes: Go through all your declined claims for the past month, quarter or year to identify the most common reasons for denials. Use Academy resources to develop a plan for how you will reduce denials in 2017. 
9. Conquer audits before they happen: Prepare for audits. Blepharoplasties, glaucoma and retina testing services are high on audit target list.
10. Bookmark our coding news section: Check back regularly to get the latest tips and answers before the weekly Practice Management Express email comes out.