Payers policies and guidelines are always changing, and staying in-the-know can be a challenge. Make sure you and your practice remain efficient and claims are submitted correctly. Attend these courses at AAO 2018, Oct. 27 to 30 in Chicago. For help finding a coding course, use the program search.
Half-day coding sessions
Two comprehensive coding courses are back by popular demand and require a separate ticket for attendance. They are taught by Academy coding experts and often sell out early, so be sure you purchase a ticket in advance.
- Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding - Course # 18CODE1 Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This course is for perfect for YOs – it is designed for people who are new to ophthalmology or just in need of a refresher. This informative and interactive course will help you gain confidence in coding every day and ensure you have a strong knowledge in how to submit a clean claim the first time. Learn to avoid the common pitfalls, such as incorrect modifiers and missing documentation.
- Coding Camp - Course # 18CODE2 Saturday, Oct. 27, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This intermediate/advanced course takes a deeper dive into subspecialty billing, including federal and commercial regulations. Audience participation is expected throughout as we test your coding competency. You will get up-to-date information on upcoming changes in 2019, including MIPS reporting.
Courses included in the Academy Plus pass
People with Academy Plus passes have unlimited access to more than 350 Academy and AAOE sessions at AAO 2018, including Code This Superbill courses.
Code This Superbill courses focus on subspecialties, as well as areas of vulnerabilities – such as modifiers. These courses are designed for intermediate/ advanced attendees. They explore common reasons for claim denials and tips on how to avoid them. Mistakes can often trigger denials. Gain confidence to correctly link CPT services to ICD-10 codes. We provide coding examples for exams, tests and surgical procedures, including appropriate use of modifiers. Audience participation is encouraged.
Sunday Oct. 28
- (273) Code This Superbill: Retina and Uveitis 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Monday Oct. 29
- (404) Code This Superbill: Eye Injuries 9 to 10 a.m.
- (400) Code This Superbill: Modifiers 9 to 10 a.m.
- (446) Code This Superbill: Glaucoma 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- (505) Code This Superbill: Anterior Segment and Cornea 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
More coding courses
- E/M vs. Eye Codes: Who Is the Winner? Course # 223 Sunday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3 p.m.
Academy coding experts will teach you how to properly choose and use an E&M or eye code based on the documentation and payer. Audits frequently occur depending on your choice of examination code, so make sure you learn these nuances.
- Code-a-Palooza Course # 271 Sunday Oct. 28, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
This fun course fills up fast, so arrive early because seating is limited. It covers all aspects of ophthalmic coding including all subspecialties in an interactive, game-like setting.
- Steps to Successful Surgical Coding Course # 604 Tuesday, Oct. 30, 9 to 10 a.m.
Learn how to determine the appropriate code for billing ophthalmic surgery. Understanding this process will ensure you submit timely claims and get accurate reimbursement.
- Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) Prep Course Course # 638 Tuesday, Oct. 30, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
The one-hour interactive course will help you prepare for the Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) and the new Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Retina (OCSR) exams. This designation is the easiest and most accurate way to demonstrate your coding competency. The OCS exam covers all aspects of ophthalmic coding, including each subspecialty. The OCSR exam focuses on what retina physicians and surgeons do every day. It is geared for physicians, technicians, administrators, billers and others interested in gaining expertise in ophthalmic and subspecialty coding, even if you are not studying for an OCS or OCSR credential.
For help finding a specific course, use the program search for AA0 2018.
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About the authors: Jenny Edgar, CPC, CPCO, OCS, is the Academy’s coding specialist. She also is a contributing author to the Ophthalmic Coding Coach and Ophthalmic Coding series. Sue Vicchrilli, COT, OCS, is the Academy’s director of coding and reimbursement and the author of EyeNet’s “Savvy Coder” column and AAOE’s Practice Management Express, Ophthalmic Coding Coach and Ophthalmic Coding series.