Adele Allison Employed by SuccessEHS, a division of Greenway and a national electronic health records software provider, Adele Allison is charged with monitoring healthcare reform. A native of Atlanta, GA, she earned a BS with a focus on Systems Engineering from Samford University and Georgia Tech. Before SuccessEHS, she led provider affairs for BCBSMT, responsible for all provider contracting and fee schedule processes. Allison has been a guest speaker at the National Managed Health Care Congress, the Medicare Forum on the BBA of 1998, Western States BCBS, Primary Care Associations and state-level MGMAs, among others. Allison serves on UAB’s Advisory Board for HIT curriculum development and is currently the co-chair of the ONC Beacon-EHR Vendor Affinity Group.
Session(s): 101 – Health Information Exchange under Meaningful Use 102 – Exceeding the Expectations of ENT Patients 212 – Everything You Wanted to Know about Healthcare Reform but Were Afraid to Ask
Jay Bates Jay Bates is the Director of Sales Operations at ALK, Inc and lives in Chapel Hill, NC. He has been with ALK for over 10 years where he has worked as an Allergy Consultant, Business Development Specialist, Regional Manager, and the Director of Sales. He holds a B.S. from Wake Forest University where he studied Business Administration and Health and Exercise Science. Jay sits on the Corporate Advisory Board of the AOA and is a board member for several local non-profit organizations. His passion throughout his career has been ensuring that patients receive the best treatment options possible and has taken a particular interest in assisting clients with the implementation of allergy services in their practices. When Jay isn’t traveling for work he enjoys traveling for pleasure, golfing, boating, reading, biking, and cooking. Session(s): 113 – Panel Discussion: Managing Relations & Building Referrals
James Benson MS, is the Practice Administrator of Northern Lights Clinic located in northeast Wisconsin and has served on the AOA Leadership Council as the Legislative Liaison since 2007. He has a MS in business and quality systems. Session(s): 206 – Vaulting to Value
Bob Blakely Bob Blakely is the Director of Government Affairs & Marketing at AllMeds Inc., the leading provider of EHR and practice services to Otolaryngology groups in the United States. Mr. Blakely has been with AllMeds since 2006, during which he’s authored courses on EHR best-practices, federal incentive programs and HIPAA compliance. Mr. Blakely has worked in the healthcare IT field for 15 years, including stints at Lanier Healthcare™ and MedQuist™. Session(s): 113 – Panel Discussion: Managing Relations & Building Referrals
Todd Blum Todd is the Chief Executive Officer of Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of South Florida (ENTSF), a 32 physician single specialty otolaryngology practice with 25 office locations and 250 employees. He joined the practice in 1999 and focuses on physician recruitment and retention, mergers and acquisitions, finance, managed care contracting, and marketing of the organization. He grew the business from $7,000,000 in annual revenues to $45,000,000 in six years. Todd served on the Board of the Association of Otolaryngology Administrators for 7 years and served as its President from 2010 – 2011. He is currently on the Board of the Florida Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Network of Florida Otolaryngologists. Todd is an adjunct professor in the Health Administration program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University and a Master of Health Administration and Business Administration from Georgia State University. Session(s): 203 – Learning Lab: Creating your Practice’s Benchmarking Program for Groups of 1-7 Physicians 209 – Learning Lab: Creating Your Practice’s Benchmarking Program for Groups of 1-7 Physicians
Barbara Cobuzzi Barbara J. Cobuzzi is President of CRN Healthcare Solutions in Tinton Falls, NJ. She holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from New York University. She holds certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) as a CPC (physician coder), CPC-H (hospital outpatient coder), CPC-P (payer coder), a CPC-I (coding instructor) and a CPCO (certified professional compliance officer). She also holds a specialty certification in Otolaryngology (CENTC). Barbara was certified as an Approved ICD10 CM Instructor by the AAPC as of June of 2013. Ms. Cobuzzi owned a medical billing company for 13 years where practices received high value added coding and billing services, before she closed the billing company and entered into full time consulting. Barbara is a speaker for The Coding Institute, AAPC, AOA. AAO/HNS, the national MGMA conference, NHCAA as well as other organizations. Barbara Cobuzzi is also the Consulting Editor of Otolaryngology Coding Alert, as well as on many of the Editorial Advisory Boards of other coding publications. Session(s): 201 – Appeals and Optimized Revenue Capture in ENT 304 – Honkey Tonk Modifiers
Ian Cook Through his keynote presentations, interactive workshops, leadership coaching, and custom- designed facilitation service, Ian helps his clients achieve greater results from their managers and teams. He specializes in what he calls "micro leadership," helping managers lead successfully at the "micro" level–in that vital interpersonal space between the manager and his/her individual employee. He shows managers how to generate strong results through effective conversations with staff around (1) job performance, (2) job satisfaction and motivation, and (3) ongoing development. He launched the consulting firm, Fulcrum Associates, Inc., back in 1988, following seventeen years of corporate experience in manufacturing and transportation. His list of over 250 clients includes large corporations in the private sector, major trade and professional associations, small business, government, and not-for-profit organizations. Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and, from Cornell, a Masters degree in Industrial & Labor Relations, majoring in Human Resources Management, and has been a lecturer in the Faculty of Business of Ryerson University. In addition, from the Gestalt Institute of Toronto he earned a (3-year) Diploma in Gestalt Theory and Methodology deepening his effectiveness as a facilitator and executive coach. He is author of Would They Call You Their Best Boss Ever?: Practical Tips and Insights for the Successful Manager. Ian is actively involved with the community leadership organization Leadership Fairfax Inc. A graduate of LFI’s Signature Leadership program class of ’04, he has served both on the Board and as Chair of the Program Committee, and has been a keynoter in their Speakers Series. Annually he facilitates a one-day Open Space event for the Emerging Leaders program. A dual US and Canadian citizen, Ian lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Linda, who is a partner in their business. Session(s): 105 – Over to you, Employee: Getting your Staff to Take Accountability for Their Performance, Satisfaction, and Development
Stacy Cook Stacy L. Cook is a partner in the Healthcare Department in the firm’s Indianapolis, Indiana office. Ms. Cook concentrates her practice on regulatory and transactional issues, including fraud and abuse laws, billing and reimbursement, HIPAA compliance, and related litigation matters, involving a wide variety of healthcare providers, including physicians, pharmacists, wholesale drug distributors, pharmacies, psychologists, physical therapists, hospital medical staffs and long-term care facilities. She has extensive experience in representing healthcare providers before state and federal healthcare regulatory agencies and she assists clients in responding to privacy and security breaches, government investigations and audits, as well as repayment inquiries and internal and external audits. Ms. Cook received her LL.M. in health law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2006. She received her J.D. magna cum laude from Washburn University School of Law in 1993. During law school, Ms. Cook served as the editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal. She received her undergraduate education at both Washburn University and Kansas State University, where she received a B.A. in political science. While attending Washburn University, Ms. Cook was a member of the women’s varsity tennis team. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association. Session(s): 110 – HIPAA, HITECH and Mobile Devices: Essential Safeguards
Jeff Dudley Jeff is responsible for the day to day operations and focuses his attention on financial matters and strategic planning of the organization. Mr. Dudley reports directly to the President and Board of the group. Mr. Dudley joined SacENT in December 2000, his first venture into healthcare. However, he brings over thirty (yikes) years of experience in financial and operations management. Mr. Dudley is active in the Association of Otolaryngology Administrators and has served on its Leadership Council since 2004. Mr. Dudley has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico and a Master’s of Science in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento. For fun, he and his wife of 28 years, Debra, enjoy wine tasting, their quarter horses, their 3 dogs (Boomer, Henri and Nicki) and vacations to Kauai. Session(s): 107 – Remaining Independent in the Era of Healthcare Reform
Tim Durkin Tim Durkin has worked for nearly 20 years teaching clinical and non-clinical staff how to better manage and lead their employees, patients and patients’ families. Mr. Durkin has also been both a patient and a patient advocate. His personal experience, combined with a passion for helping people on both sides of the stethoscope, has made him one of the most sought-after speakers in the healthcare industry. Session(s): 219 - Forget the Value and Start Having Impact 302 – Thriving on Change
Jolene Eicher Jolene Eicher is Practice Administrator for Advanced ENT and Allergy in Louisville, KY. Jolene is Past President and Member of the AOA since 1985 and currently a member of the AOA Leadership Council serving as Executive Advocate. Jolene’s practice implemented EMR in 2005. She is a member of Greenway Medical Technology’s Platinum Users Council which consists of best practice end users dedicated to the advancement of EMR. Session(s): 215 – Dollars and Sense: Top Business Strategies for Otolaryngology
Brendan Ford Prior to establishing Fuel Medical in 2010, Brendan was the President of Audigy Group, LLC. Under his leadership, Audigy Group recorded its first revenue and received awards for the NW fastest growing private company in 2007 and was listed in INC 500 as #223 in 2009.
Brendan’s first venture into medical services was with Sonus USA, Inc. As Vice President of the Sonus Network, he grew the company’s franchise division from inception to over 1,500 locations in 2005 representing $500 Million in clinic revenue. Prior to Sonus, Brendan was the Major Accounts Manager for the Hewlett-Packard Mobile Computing Division. Brendan is first and foremost a proud husband and father of two. His pastimes include coaching baseball and spending as much time on the water or in the mountains as possible.
Session(s): PB4 – Competing with Big Box, Online and Wholesale Club Hearing Aid Retailers
Rachel Gajda Rachel joined Xoran in 2008 as a Marketing Associate. She was soon after promoted to Marketing Specialist, a position that she kept until August 2011 when she took on the role of Marketing Manager. Rachel is responsible for the effective management of the strategic and tactical marketing, advertising and promotional activities of the organization. Rachel is also one of Xoran’s IAC Accreditation Consultants and the liaison between the marketing and sales departments where she continuously sculpts the direction of Xoran’s marketing initiatives to correlate with the demands of the market. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications, Public Relations from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Rachel is also a member of the Business Marketing Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Professional Leadership Committee. Session(s): 113 – Panel Discussion: Managing Relations & Building Referrals
Bob Glazer Mr. Glazer is responsible for the overall operation for ENT and Allergy Assoc., LLP and focuses his attention on physician recruitment, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning of the organization. Mr. Glazer is an ad-hoc member of all Board Committees and reports directly to the President of the group. ENTA consists of 150+ MDs with 40 locations in the NY/NJ metro region. Mr. Glazer joined ENT and Allergy Associates (ENTA) in December, 1997 and has over Thirty Five (35) years of healthcare administrative experience in finance and operations, information technology, managed care contracting, mergers and acquisitions, physician recruitment and healthcare marketing. OASIS – Otolaryngology/Allergy Specialty Insurance Services , a self funded self insured Medical Malpractice Captive was formed by the partners at ENTA in 2008, Mr. Glazer serves as the Vice President/ Secretary of this Vermont domiciled insurance company. He has served on the Leadership Council as President - Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA) and has participated on ad-hoc committees of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). He is a Board Member of the Westchester County Association – a fortune 500 business think tank. Mr. Glazer is an Adjunct Professor at Pace University Graduate Program for Public Administration - Health Policy; he was recently appointed to the NYS Ninth Judicial District BAR Grievance Committee for a four year term. Prior to joining ENTA, Mr. Glazer worked as a hospital administrator at New York University Medical Center (1976-1985) where he was a Departmental Controller, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (1985- 1993) where he served as the Treasurer, New York United Medical Center (1993-1996) where he was the Senior Director of Finance and Business Development. Mr. Glazer transitioned to physician practice management in 1996 where he was the Vice President of Administration for ProHealth Associates, a multi- specialty sports medicine practice in Long Island. Mr. Glazer has a BS in Business Administration from the State University of New York and a Masters in Public Administration – Health Care-New York University. Session(s): 215 – Dollars and Sense: Top Business Strategies for Otolaryngology
Susan Good Susan Good is Senior Director of the Starkey Medical Partner Network. She joined Starkey Hearing Technologies in 2003 and works as an expert in business development for physician-based, audiology and retail dispensing programs. She has extensive clinical, teaching and practice management experience. Prior to Starkey, she spent 10 years in clinical practice. Susan received her Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University and her doctoral degree from the University of Florida.
Session(s): 109 – Patients Are Consumers and Consumers Call the Shots
Ron Howrigon Ron Howrigon is President and Founder of Fulcrum Strategies, a physician-consulting firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 2004, Fulcrum Strategies has helped medical practices of all sizes and specialties across the U.S. to negotiate their payer agreements, strategically plan for the future, and achieve business success. Prior to founding Fulcrum Strategies, Ron spent 18 years in the managed care industry, working as a senior negotiator and network manager for several of the largest health insurers in the nation. He is the past President of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Health Plans, as well as a past member of the Lovelace Health Systems Board of Directors, and the Utah Visiting Nurses Association Board of Directors. Today, Ron uses his experience on both sides of the negotiation table to help physicians succeed in the business of healthcare. Ron earned a Masters in Economics degree from North Carolina State University, where he focused in the area of Health Economics with a minor in Statistics. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Session(s): 108 – Physician’s Profiling 114 – Dancing with the Devil 204 – Population Health Management 215 – Dollars and Sense: Top Business Strategies for Otolaryngology
Sherry Hunt Mrs. Hunt has been President and COO since 1997. She has managed the operations of AllMeds during its' complete life-cycle, from a prototype concept to nationwide implementation of complete systems in clinical practices. She has more than 25 years of experience in computer science, project management, product design, and the development of data base applications and software applications. Ms. Hunt regularly presents seminars and workshops on EHR technology and EHR related government programs. Session(s): 214 – Meaningful Use 2014
Thomas Jeffery Tom currently serves as President of SullivanLuallinGroup and has been part of the organization for nearly a decade. Prior to assuming the role of President, Tom served as Director of the Survey Division. In this role Tom also worked closely with the information technology division to design SullivanLuallinGroup’s powerful data collection and reporting tools. During the past decade Tom has become a trusted advisor to many of SullivanLuallinGroup’s largest clients through his successful implementation of patient measurement programs leading to operational transformation. Tom holds a degree in Economics from Seattle University, and is nearing completion of his master’s degree in Public Health. Session(s): 102 – Exceeding the Expectations of ENT Patients
Calvin Jordan Calvin received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from LaSalle University in 2008 and his MBA in 2013. He began working in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery as the Financial Analyst for the 13 physician medical practice. After one year of learning the healthcare environment from an operational and business standpoint, he became a member of the team working to advance the area of facial plastics on the Jefferson campus. One year later when the opportunity arose for a Cosmetic Care Coordinator it seemed fitting that he assume the role and work to move the practice forward. Calvin, a native of New Jersey, resides in Marlton and when not in the office, enjoys time with family and friends, tennis, and weekends in Cape May, NJ.
Session(s): 213 – Marketing & Introducing Aesthetics
Billy Kirsch Grammy & Emmy nominated, CMA & ACM award winning songwriter Billy Kirsch has harnessed the power of creativity to lead a successful life as an entertainer, songwriter and entrepreneur. His body of work includes award winning songs and career songs for the artists who have recorded them. “Holes In The floor Of Heaven” recorded by Steve Wariner, won a Country Music Association song of the year award, was nominated for a Grammy award and was a number one hit. Top 10 songs, “Is It Over Yet” and “Come Some Rainy Day”, both recorded by Wynonna Judd, have become standards in the repertoire. “Stay Gone” launched singer Jimmy Wayne’s career as a Top 5 single. The list of artists who have recorded Billy’s songs include Tim McGraw, Kenny Rogers, Englebert Humperdink, Alabama, Donny Osmond, Lee Greenwood, Collin Raye, Steve Wariner and Wynonna to name just a few. Before pursuing his songwriting career, Billy enjoyed success as a jazz pianist and composer, appearing at the JVC Jazz Festival and popular NYC clubs such as Michael’s Pub and Eddie Condons where he was a member of the Eddie Condon’s All Stars. Billy recorded a jazz instrumental CD, “Southern Fried”. Billy’s unique abilities as facilitator, leader and performer are the foundation of his highly successful corporate event programs, Team Building Through Song and Harnessing Your Creative Power. The presentations help people rediscover their creativity to become more innovative and engaged in their work. Passionate about spreading the creative gospel, Billy Kirsch travels worldwide introducing the concepts of play, disruption, innovation and creativity to organizations that want to excel. Through Kidbilly Music and with his team of award winning songwriters, Billy brings story, song, entrepreneurial spirit and intense energy to every program he facilitates. Session(s): Opening – Harness Your Creative Power
Alex Krouse Alex Krouse is a member of the firm’s Health Care and Business Practice Groups focusing on health care organizations, including health systems, hospitals, health care providers, and other business entities. He concentrates his practice on corporate, transactional, and regulatory issues affecting a wide range of business and health care clients. Prior to joining Krieg DeVault, Alex gained experience in hospital operations both in a large health system and a community hospital. Together, these experiences provided Alex with valuable insight into the business and compliance issues faced within health care organizations. Session(s): SS1 – The Perfect Storm: Stark, Anti-Kickback, False Claims and Billing Compliance
Will Latham For more than 25 years, WILL LATHAM has worked with medical groups to help them make decisions, resolve conflict and move forward. During this time he has: Facilitated over 900 meetings or retreats for medical groups. Helped hundreds of medical groups develop strategic plans to guide their growth and development. Assisted over 130 medical groups improve their governance systems and change their compensation plans. Advised and facilitated the mergers of over 120 medical practices representing over 1,300 physicians
Will has an MBA from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a frequent speaker at local, state and national, and specialty-specific healthcare conferences. Because of these credentials, Mr. Latham brings a unique and in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry and an appreciation for the practical realities faced by medical groups in today's rapidly changing environment. Session(s): 104 – Maintaining Autonomy through Group Mergers 112 – UnCivil Wars: Resolving Intergenerational Conflict between Physicians
James Lineberger James is a Principal Consultant, The Solutions Group, Inc. He has over 29 years’ experience in health care administration including 4 years as a practice management consultant and interim medical practice administrator, 4 years as a health system director of ambulatory information technology, 5 years as a cardiology group practice administrator, 6 years as an orthopedic group practice administrator and 10 years as an active duty U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer. James’ academic preparation includes a Ph.D. in Adult and Organizational Learning from the University of Idaho, a Master of Health Administration degree from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Management) from the University of Central Florida. James is a Fellow and past national board member of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE), a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and a member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). He is board-certified in medical practice management, healthcare administration and health information management systems. A member of the Idaho Medical Group Management Association (IMGMA) since 1995, he served as IMGMA’s President in 1998-1999, and was named its “Member of the Year” in 2004. Session(s): 210 – Show Me the Money: Physician Compensation and the Patient Experience
Keith Lynn BS Management , University of South Carolina, Certified Medical Office Manager, CMOM, and Member Large Forum Group CEO Augusta ENT PC October 2001 to Present Management of 13 physician ENT group, Surgery Center, over 120 personnel. ENT Solutions LLC Partner Partner in the development of Medical software for Otolaryngologist currently has one of three patient approved 8/2014 and 2 pending for developments within ENT. Instrumental in development of relationship with Fuel Medical LLC to market Allergy Edge to all ENT practices within the US.
Session(s): Luncheon Education / Networking Session
Mike McCaslin Mike is a principal in Somerset’s Health Care Team. Mike joined Whipple & Company in 1981 (which merged with The Somerset Group in 1998) following his graduation from Indiana University, and he became a member of the ownership group in 1989. Areas of expertise include development of single-specialty and multi-specialty physician organizations, health system and physician collaborations structures, ambulatory surgery centers, negotiation of hospital relationships including service line management and joint venturing of facilities, group-to-group joint venture and merger analysis, strategic planning, income distribution methodology design and change management, buy/sell/deferred compensation structures and succession planning and operational excellence through data management He provides services for health care clients in numerous states across the country. Also, Mike speaks on health care, accounting and practice management issues to physicians, hospitals and other medical organizations on a national and state wide basis.
Session(s): 215, 216, and 303
Keana Millington Keana Millington is a Senior Brand Associate with Starkey Hearing Technologies and has worked with Starkey Medical Partner Network since 2012. Millington is responsible for working with physician practice brands to further define their patient experience. She works directly with physician ownership and management to help clinics communicate their strengths and develop new niches within their markets through branding, marketing communications and new program development. Millington has many years of consumer marketing experience in the non-profit, printing and fashion industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a focus on strategic communications. Session(s): 113 - Panel Discussion: Managing Relations & Building Referrals
Shawn Parker Prior to establishing Fuel Medical, Shawn was Vice President of SBU Operations for Audigy Group, LLC where he facilitated the implementation of the SBU structure to over 400 locations representing $150 Million in revenue.
Shawn got his start as the Sales Manager for Sonus USA, Inc. where he managed the Inside Sales Force and assisted in growing the Sonus Network from just 76 members to over 1,500 locations across the country.
He went on to become the Senior Director of Operations at Amplifon, Inc. During this time Shawn was responsible for the day-to-day operations of three corporate divisions and managed a combined budget of $60 Million in revenue from 200 locations and 350+ employees.
Later as Director of Operations for Sonic Innovations, Inc. Shawn developed the US Hearing Life Division from conception to reality and oversaw 40 retail locations with over 100 employees and $20 Million in revenue.
Session(s): 205 – The Art of Leadership
Kim Pollock For over ten years, Kim Pollock has helped large group practices, as well as academic and solo practices, improve collections and efficiency. Ms. Pollock understands the complexity of coding and reimbursement issues specific to physicians – both from a clinical perspective and from a payor side. She is an expert in analyzing chart documentation and in reengineering practices to enhance the reimbursement process. She has presented seminars and workshops for physicians and their staff on behalf of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Ms. Pollock has also conducted programs for the American Academy of Professional Coders, the North American Spine Society, the American Neurotology Society and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Based on her previous years of administrative experience, Ms. Pollock has a unique understanding of the challenges facing academic medicine both clinically and organizationally. She has served as the Administrator of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology as well as Associate Vice President of Cancer Programs at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Ms. Pollock was the representative for the AAO-HNS on the clinical practice expert panel-technical group (CPEP-TEG) convened by CMS (formerly HCFA) to redetermine the practice expense portion of RBRVS. She served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, Inc. (SOHN) and is currently serving on the Board for the Ear, Nose and Throat Nursing Foundation. Ms. Pollock is the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Citation Award from the SOHN as well as an Honor Award from the AAOHNS. Ms. Pollock holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree as well as a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. She is also a certified coder through the AAPC. Session(s): 103 – Measuring the Success / Productivity of Your Practice 111 – 10 Practice Management Tips to Make or Save You Money SS2 – How’s it Going? 215 – Dollars and Sense: Top Business Strategies for Otolaryngology
Dana Rohulich Dana Rohulich is the PRE-PEN Business Unit Director for ALK and resides in Atlanta GA. She has worked with ALK for 10 years in the role of Sales Consultant, Marketing Director and now Business Unit Director, working to increase awareness of drug resistance and Penicillin allergy testing. Dana has more than 17 years of business experience; she sits on the Corporate Advisory Board of the AOA and is on ALK’s U.S. Management team. Throughout her career, Dana has worked with a diverse group of healthcare markets and professionals including physicians, nurses and office managers within private practices, hospitals and healthcare systems. Dana holds a B.S. from Boston University in Business Communications with a concentration in Physiology. Dana was named one of Worcester’s “40 under 40” and is active in several leadership organizations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs, running, hiking and golfing.
Session(s): 208 – Late Breaking Topic
Bill Rust Bill Rust has 35 years’ experience in health care practice, finance and management. Since 1998, Mr. Rust has been CEO of AllMeds, Otolaryngology’s leading provider of EHR solutions. During his tenure at AllMeds, the company has expanded its offerings into many other medical specialties and developed a nationwide presence. Today, AllMeds has educational relationships with the AOA, AAOA and AAO-HNSF and Mr. Rust has led many well-received courses across the country, including offerings that highlight EHR selection, ROI, federal incentives and coding issues. Before joining AllMeds, Mr. Rust was President and CEO of Preferred Health Partnership, Inc., later known as Cariten Health Care, developing it into a multi-product line organization with revenues exceeding $325 million. Session(s): 214 – Meaningful Use 2014
Connon Samuel J. Connon Samuel brings a wide professional experience to Audigy, ranging from building a successful multi-location audiology practice to 17 years of business development and management consulting experience. The highlights of his professional career include: . Helping develop and deliver Audigy’s revolutionary Baseline Practice Assessment . Founding and serving as president of a multi-location audiology-based hearing aid practice that grew to $2 million in revenue in 24 months . Overseeing global business development for a multibillion-dollar international security services company . 12 years of business development, sales, and venture capital experience in the high-tech telecom industry . Serving as structural engineering consultant to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
Connon has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver. Session(s): PB1 – How to Create $1 Million Providers in Your Audiology Department
Deanna Serrano Deanna Serrano, MBA, M.S.-Practice Development Manager- has been in the hearing healthcare industry for 17 years and works with private practice offices and clinics, throughout the country, helping practices achieve growth. She has her M.S. in Audiology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and her M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Business. Deanna has worked in ENT clinics and private practice and fit both adult and pediatric patients. She has worked in manufacturing for the past 14 years, in sales, management and practice development. Session(s): PB2 – Leveraging Benchmarking to Improve Audiology & Hearing Aid Business Performance
Kevin St. Clergy Kevin D. St.Clergy, M.S., started his career with a Master of Audiology degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. For 8 ½ years he was the Director of Business Development for a large network of independent practices. His job duties included operational management, leadership and management training, executive coaching, as well as, patient management protocol development. Concurrently, he began to coordinate and teach at national and state Audiology conventions. In June of 2006 he started EducatedPatients.com, which helps Audiology and ENT practices go from good to GREAT. He is also a successful author, publishing The Death of Audiology, Crush the Competition, and Audiology & the Art of War. His newest book, Thrive: The 7 Power Habits of Highly Successful Audiology and ENT Practices will be released in 2014. Session(s): PB3 – Beating Low-Cost Retailers: Changing Your Counseling Process and the Patient Attraction Strategies Greg Stafford Greg is a Strategic Accounts Manager for ReSound US, where he has held key positions within the organization for the past 11 years. As a Strategic Account Manager under the Audiology Innovation business channel for last 5 years; Greg’s primary focus has been to partner with medium to large size Ear, Nose and Throat accounts across the country to help them develop and grow their overall audiology department. Greg accomplishes this by refining what the practice does well already and combines it with a customized plan developed specifically for the practice. Greg takes great pride working hands on alongside each practice to create synergy and focus. The result is happier more efficient practices that are more profitable and provide better services to their new and existing patients. Session(s): PB10 – Overcoming 4 Common Roadblocks Associated with ENT Audiology
Jim Stroud Jim Stroud has been with Warren Averett since 1988 and is a Member of the Firm's Healthcare Consulting Group. With over 40 years of accounting and consulting experience, Jim represents a diverse client base spanning across multiple industries. Jim specializes in working with medical practices in matters such as compensation and incentive plans, ownership and management succession, staff training and motivation. Jim serves as facilitator for management and staff retreats and is a frequent speaker to various groups around the country. Session(s): 115 – Healthcare Reform – Explore the Law, Navigate Change, Transform Your Practice to Success
Teresa Thompson Teresa Thompson, CPC, is a consultant specializing in coding, compliance, and revenue cycle management for the ENT practice. Teresa has over two decades of consulting experience in ENT as well as working with the AOA for the last several years.
Session(s): 207 – Coding for Mid-Levels for Maximum Reimbursement 211 – Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Coding 217 – ICD-10: The Nuts and Bolts of the New System
Dan Thurmon Dan Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances – on stage and in the workplace. As president of Motivation Works, Inc., he has worked with hundreds of clients and delivered thousands of keynote presentations on six continents. Dan helps organizations and individuals implement actions plans and move confidently through work and life transitions.
Additionally, Dan is a coach and expert in the area of Work Life Integration, helping people create healthy structure to support career development, healthy living, meaningful relationships, and the pursuit of well- rounded success. He helps corporations create environments to attract, develop and retain great people. And he helps individuals take action to engage work in a productive and sustainable way.
Dan graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing and Management. He has also extensively studied Personal Development and developed a unique methodology he teaches to audiences and clients. To this day, Dan continues to use his physical abilities to amplify his message and demonstrate universal principles for success.
Dan’s philosophy can be summarized by the title of his book, Off Balance On Purpose. He believes that we will never achieve “perfect balance” and should, instead, learn to embrace uncertainty and initiate positive changes that lead to growth. Also, we should go beyond the pursuit of “success” and enhance our life experiences and professional endeavors with purposeful, positive contributions.
Session(s): Closing – Off Balance – on Purpose: Improve What Matters Most
Sean Weiss Sean Weiss serves as a vice president and chief compliance officer for DoctorsManagement.
Sean specializes in medical audit and appeal representation. He and the DM team of coding and compliance experts work with large and small healthcare practices that have been targeted by federal (Medicare), state (Medicaid), and commercial insurance payors. Sean delivers measurable financial results while helping clients reduce their financial risk of noncompliance with government agencies as well as providing quality care to their patients. Clients benefit from his knowledge of the inner workings of federal and state agencies such as the Office of Inspector General, Department of Justice and The United States Attorney’s Office. Having protected thousands of physicians, medical practice groups, hospitals, and medical management societies from undue penalties, he is recognized as an expert in the field of medical compliance. Prior to joining DoctorsManagement, Sean held executive and senior level positions with some of the industry's largest and most respected organizations. He helped these organizations secure financial stability and growth through the application of streamlined compliance systems. These organizations include DecisionHealth, The CMC Group, Tenet Health Systems of the Southeast, The Medical Management Institute, and Columbia/HCA – The Healthcare Company. Sean also served on the Ethics and Compliance Steering Committee at Columbia/HCA, which developed policies and procedures to help decipher complex regulatory issues. Session(s): 218 – Fraud and Abuse: The Audit Process, No Laughing Matter 301 – Cover Your Assets with a Compliance Plan