Coding Appeals Track 
May 21-22, 2024

Solid processes are necessary to overturn what appears on the surface to be an uncomplicated coding denial. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of successfully appealing coding denials.

This workshop track teaches you to be a successful coding validation appeal writer. You’ll leave this track with the skills to address coding denials with confidence and knowledge of best coding appeal practices.

This track offers 6.0 CEs for: ACDIS, AHIMA

Speakers:

Karla Hiravi, BSN, RN
Vice President, Clinical Resources, PayerWatch + AppealMasters
Karla is a registered nurse and holds a BSN from the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown. She has over thirty years of varied experiences in healthcare, including Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI), management of a CDI department, development of a hospital-based denial and appeal program, development of an oncology research program, nurse and physician education, appeal writing, presentations at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level, and direct management of appeals at every level, up to post ALJ appeals.

She was a frequent guest speaker at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown for many years, and served as a preceptor for nurse practitioner and Pharm D. students while they studied medical research through the University of Pittsburgh. Karla has been with PayerWatch – AppealMasters since 2016 and continues to participate in and educate clinicians and coders about the medical appeal process.

Deb Smith, CCS
Certified Coding Specialist and Clinical Appeal Consultant, PayerWatch + AppealMasters
For the past thirteen years, her job has been supporting clients in Denials and Appeals Management. She has successfully and consistently obtained recoupment of appropriate revenue at risk due to coding denials and DRG changes by payers. It is her passion to assist facilities in obtaining the reimbursement deserved and even more importantly avoiding further denials. Collectively, we can make an incredible impact of facility finance and payer awareness.

Michelle Sartelle, RRT, CPC, CCS, RHIA
Independent Medical Reviewer, PayerWatch + AppealMasters
Michelle is a person of many interests and careers, but education is her first love. After earning a BS in education from Clarion University, Michelle worked in special education for nearly ten years. An interest in Health Care led her to a 14-year career at Bon Secours Health System as both a licensed sleep technologist and a respiratory therapist. From 2010 to 2017, she worked at Reynolds Community College, teaching courses in respiratory therapy, sleep technology, medical terminology, and coding. In 2014 she became the Program Head of its Health Information Management program, developing new HIM courses and certificate programs. She has been regularly invited to speak on sleep and respiratory topics at a variety of events and conferences. She earned a post-graduate degree in Health Information Technology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2017 and holds certifications in Respiratory Therapy (RRT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and coding (CCS and CPC).  Currently, Michelle lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she has worked as an independent medical reviewer for PayerWatch since 2017.

Registration:

Registration rates are PER TRACK. You will have the option to register for one or more tracks on the registration form.

AHDAM Member Rates:

Non-Member Rates:

Cancellation Policy: No refunds for cancellations will be provided after April 1, 2024. All cancellations must be in writing, emailed to [email protected] with subject line "AHDAM 2024 Workshop Cancellation: name of registrant."

Questions? Visit the AHDAM 2024 Virtual Workshop Series FAQ.