Master Classes

Registration and hotel reservations open for nonmembers on June 29.

Program Overview

The American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives^® (AAOE^®) offers deep immersion into today’s most urgent practice management issues. Master classes are three hours, interactive, and led by experts who encourage collaboration with colleagues. 

Ticket Information

• AAO 2022 annual meeting registration is required to attend master classes.
• Master classes require purchase of a separate ticket ($).
• Each master class ticket includes an electronic workbook and either breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Friday Master Classes

New! Developing the Leader Within: Choosing Your Energy | MC01 | ($)
Level: Beginner — Intermediate

Do you ever feel bogged down with the weight and responsibility of leadership? Are you the constant “fixer” for everyone’s problems, leaving you drained and demotivated? Is there constant downward pressure and stress that you can’t seem to shake?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, this course is for you!   

This highly interactive session will engage participants in the exploration of different energy levels  (productive vs. draining). Understand how each can impact your leadership capabilities and learn techniques that elevate effectiveness, and ultimately, your happiness, Participants in this master class will:

• Identify different types of energy that impact leadership
• Understand the “ripple effect” of energy and its impact on self and others
• Identify opportunities to motivate and inspire yourself and others
• Integrate strategies that positively impact your leadership effectiveness

Senior Instructor: Laura Baldwin, CPC, ELI-MP, RN

Sept. 30 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | McCormick Place, Room S105d 
$250 (by July 27, the early registration deadline) | $270 (July 28 to Aug. 31) | $300 (starting Sept. 1)

New! Ahead of the Curve: Proactive Management Strategies for Modern Retina Practices | MC02 | ($)
Level: Beginner — Intermediate

Anticipating change is a strategic imperative for managing a successful retina practice. Recognizing emerging treatments, embracing new technologies and responding to staff shortages require forethought and careful planning.

This master class will uncover strategies for practice improvement with a focus on problem-solving tactics and a team-based approach. Through lively panel discussions and audience participation, experiences will be shared that illustrate the current challenges in retina practice and highlight proven paths to success. The master class will: 

• Discover new FDA-approved retina treatments and the impact on policy and clinic flow
• Embrace transformational digital tools that streamline processes
• Recognize the impact of the “great resignation”
• Identify recruiting strategies and improved training programs to combat staff shortages
• Respond to burnout with positive culture changes
• Explore coding resources to ensure compliance and appropriate documentation for new drug treatments and audit-targeted services 

Senior Instructor: Joy Woodke, COE, OCS, OCSR, Academy Director, Coding & Reimbursement
Co-instructors:  Ankoor Shah, MD, Academy Health Policy Committee Member and RUC Advisor; Jessica Schroeder, MPH, CPC, OCS 

Sept. 30 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | McCormick Place, Room S106b 
$250 (by July 27, the early registration deadline) | $270 (July 28 to Aug. 31) | $300 (starting Sept. 1)

Billing and Revenue Cycle Management: Maximize Your Practice Reimbursement | MC03 | ($)
Level: Beginner — Intermediate

Ensure your practice is reimbursed for all its services and that every dollar is collected. Discover efficient and effective ways to manage your revenue cycle and billing operations. You’ll get an in-depth understanding of the complete billing and collection process, including:

• Effective monitoring of reimbursements with reporting and benchmarks
• Complete review of the revenue cycle with tips to make it work for you
• Staff deployment and development to maximize performance
• Tips for maximizing a positive patient experience
• Review of reports that are vital to monitoring collection performance
• Identify benchmarks that accurately measure staff and billing costs

Senior Instructor: Curt Hill
Co-instructors: Donna Connolly, MBA; Jana Holt, CPC, CPOC, CPMA

Sept. 30 | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | McCormick Place, Room S105d
$250 (by July 27, the early registration deadline) | $270 (July 28 to Aug. 31) | $300 (starting Sept. 1)

New! HR Bootcamp: A Review of Hot Button Employment Issues Faced by Medical Practices | MC04 | ($)
Level: Beginner — Intermediate

Led by employment law experts, this master class will explore best practices for addressing employment issues in a way that minimizes staff turnover or impacts on patient care. Audience members will have the opportunity, through lecture and Q&A, to actively participate in developing strategies to handle the critical human resource issues faced by practices every day. The course will address:

• Issues surrounding compensation for remote work and work-related travel
• Responses to employee requests for medical leave and ADA accommodations
• Difficult decisions about disciplinary actions and/or terminating employees in an already understaffed environment
• Policies on dress codes and appearance and the interaction with anti-discrimination laws and regulations

Senior Instructor: Ashley R. Geary, Esq.
Co-instructor: Robert A. Wade, Esq.

Sept. 30 | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | McCormick Place, Room S106a
$250 (by July 27, the early registration deadline) | $270 (July 28 to Aug. 31) | $300 (starting Sept. 1)

New! Risk Management, Communication and the Importance of Proactive Policies | MC05 | ($)
Level: Beginner — Intermediate

Good risk management begins with clear communication among your entire eye care team. Physicians, staff and patients who cannot easily share information can lead to practice inefficiencies, unnecessary costs, errors, strained team dynamics, poor reviews and reduced patient safety. Bring your questions to this panel composed of communication and risk management experts who will discuss best practices for communication with patients, risky ethical grey areas, establishing proactive policies and procedures, and using reactive engagement to manage risk. The master class will:

• Provide takeaways for practical ways to improve practice communication
• Discuss communication policies and procedures that reduce practice inefficiencies and increase patient understanding and compliance
• Share case studies and essential strategies for reducing risks associated with follow-up systems and the informed consent process

Senior Instructor: Heather Modjesky, COE 
Co-instructor: Denise R. Chamblee, MD; Bansari Mehta, MHA; Jane Mock, CPHRM; Maureen Waddle, MBA 

Sept. 30 | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | McCormick Place, Room S106b
$250 (by July 27, the early registration deadline) | $270 (July 28 to Aug. 31) | $300 (starting Sept. 1)

Return to AAOE 2022 Program main page.