Demonstrating the Value of the Otolaryngic Allergist, presented by Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE, CEO/Founder of ABISA, LLC. Introduction: Cecelia Damask, DO, FAAOA.
Focus: The healthcare and regulatory environment that physicians operate in is evolving rapidly. Reimbursement for physician services is changing, and compensation for employed physicians is increasingly based on outcomes prioritized by the healthcare organization. Ways the Otolaryngic allergist can begin meeting these challenges are explored.

Expanding Scope of Practice: How to Expand Services Lines to Drive Patient Satisfaction, presented by Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE; Matthew Patterson, MD and Gavin Setzen, MD. Moderator: Chuck Syms, MD, MBA.
Focus: Otolaryngology practices offer some unique areas for expanding scope of practice/service lines. This panel will explore opportunities and challenges around typical service lines such as allergy, balance PT rehab, hearing aids (vs diagnostic audiology), Clinical research, in-office CT scans, sleep, asthma, biologics, balance therapy, and telehealth.

Federal Updates: What’s New in Biologics and at NIH–NIAID, presented at the 2018 AAOA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. NIH Representative: Alkis Togias, MD. Moderator: John H. Krouse, MD, PhD, MBA.
Focus: Discussion highlighting current NIH-NIAID efforts/research focus; What is new with biologics and their role in clinical management of inflammatory disease; Review of new asthma guidelines and what clinicians need to know.

How to Improve Patient Compliance (Immunotherapy & Beyond), presented by a panel of experts Thomas Murphy, MD; Michael Platt, MD and Gavin Setzen, MD. Moderator: Sarah Wise, MD, FAAOA.
Focus: Immunotherapy is only as effective as the patient is compliant. The engaging AAOA panel reviews what the literature says about immunotherapy and compliance and to learn new ways to improve patient compliance and patient outcomes.

SoME and Me – Where Does Social Media Fit in Modern Clinical Practice? presentedby panelists: John Craddock, MD; Sandra Lin, MD; Shena Matsos and Tristin Bates. Moderator: Jennifer Villwock, MD, FAAOA.
Focus: Presenters will show you how your website, Facebook page, patient portal, text messaging and other tools can help you more fully connect with your current and future patients. Dives into what Otolaryngic allergists need to know to succeed on social media.

BJ Ferguson Memorial Keynote Lecture: Asthma, Airway Disease and the Intersection of Biology and Biologics, presented by Sally E. Wenzel, MD, Director, University of Pittsburgh Asthma Institute at UPMC/UPSOM.
Focus: Asthma and the intersection of pathobiology and targeted biologic therapies.

Efficient Work Flow or Log Jam?…Is Your Practice Operationally Sound? presented at the 2018 AAOA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia by Cheyenne Brinson, CPA, MBA.
Focus: This session explores common operational issues, beginning with the schedule, revamping the intake process, patient portal usage, perfecting patient flow, time saving tips for the clinical team, and how to leverage the electronic systems.

Evaluating Service Lines & Practice Flow for Practice Sustainability, presented by Cheyenne Brinson, CPA, MBA. Introduction: Elizabeth Mahoney Davis, MD.
Focus: This session explores the steps to evaluate your allergy service line from finances to operations including ways to boost the bottom line, ensure an efficient workflow, and determine practice sustainability.

Coding 101: Beyond Correct Coding—Getting Paid for What You Do and Avoiding Billing Blunders, presented by Kristin Vaughn, CPC, CGCS, CMSCS, CPMA, ICDCT-CM. Introduction: David Palmer, MD.
Focus: this session is designed for those who need to better understand coding and its nuances associated with allergy billing and compliance. Insightful overview of current hot topics in coding that includes extra time for questions.

Coding Hot Topics: Coding Strategies for 2018 & Beyond, presented by Kristin Vaughn, CPC, CGCS, CMSCS, CPMA, ICDCT-CM. Introduction: Maria Veling, MD.
Focus: this session will review proven strategies for combating these time wasters with insightful overview of current hot topics for coding and open Q&A discussion with participants.