Radiation Oncology Seminar Information

Topics Covered

Churchill Presenting at ASTRO 2010

(Sunday, October 31, 2010)

Deborah Churchill will be presenting on Sunday, October 31 at the annual SROA meeting conducted in San Diego. Deborah’s fifty minute presentation will be titled, ‘Coding 101’. Complete information is available at SROA.org

Deborah will also be participating in the PANEL DISCUSSION on CODING QUESTIONS, which will also be on Sunday.

Churchill Presenting at SATRO 2010

(Thursday, April 29 and Friday April 30, 2010)

Deborah Churchill had the pleasure of presenting at the annual SATRO meeting conducted in Atlanta Georgia, which was held on Thursday, April 29 and Friday April 30, 2010. During the presentation on simulation, Deborah explained what constitutes a simulation, with focus on staffing requirements and documentation. Additionally, Deborah had the pleasure of moderating a Focus Group with Scott Simmons featuring key issues for freestanding centers. Deborah also participated in the coding panel. Complete information is available at SATRO.org

2007 RADIATION ONCOLOGY CODING & BILLING SUMMIT V: SPONSORED BY CPSI(June 19 -20, 2007)

Churchill Consulting, Inc. and Comprehensive Physics Services, Inc. are pleased to announce that our annual seminar will be conducted on June 19 & 20, 2007 in Dublin (Columbus) Ohio.

The brochure download includes all fee and discount information. Attendees will receive 9.5 category ‘A’ CEUs and/or 8 MDCB credits for this seminar. The registration fee is $950 per attendee. A $100 discount will be provided for all Churchill and CPSI clients. Final client rate is $850.

Complete your education experience by attending the Varian sponsored Clinical Solutions Forum, which will be held on June 21st as the same location. Attendees can view product demonstrations, participate in workshops and hear from real-world experts on an array of topics including IGRT. Register online for the Varian forum at http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=127212

Click here to download the brochure and registration form.

Tentative Course Schedule (Approximately 12 Hours Total)

Tuesday June 19 - (Morning Session): General Coding

• 4 hours: This course presentation will follow a sample patient’s regimen from start to finish. The presentation will begin with a brief discussion on the pre-planning processes and will include information for choosing the appropriate level of consultation, clinical treatment planning (77261-77263), and special treatment procedure (77470).

  The second portion of this presentation will concentrate on the simulation process, CT data acquisition, and isodose planning. Discussion will focus on the pre and post simulation procedures, ensuring that the attendee understands the documentation and utilization guidelines. All levels of isodose planning will be discussed, with case studies being compiled for the various scenarios as discussion progresses.

  Tuesday June 19 - (Afternoon Session): Advanced Technologies

• The afternoon session will spotlight advanced technologies and will include 3D planning, IMRT planning, and Tomotherapy.
• IGRT will be discussed in detail – kV imaging, CBCT, US and fluoroscopy.
• Case study presentations will provide a comparison in reimbursement based on the four types of IGRT.

  Wednesday June 20 - (Morning Session): Stereotactic Radiosurgery

• This portion of the morning session will be dedicated to stereotactic radiosurgery
• Discussion will include the new SRS codes with detailed discussion on the G-Codes still used for hospital billing under OPPS
• SRS and SRT case studies will be presented with associated reimbursement summaries

  Day 2 (Morning Session): Brachytherapy

• The second part of this morning session will be dedicated to multiple brachytherapy procedures.
• Case studies with associated reimbursement summaries will be presented for MammoSite, Prostate Implants, HDR and LDR.

  Your registration includes:

• Comprehensive booklets corresponding with each subject presentation
• Breakfast provided Tuesday and Wednesday
• Tuesday lunch provided
• Tuesday evening Cocktail Party
• Earn Category ‘A’ CEUs for ASRT and CEUs for AAMD

  Topics Covered

• Summary of 2007 Coding Additions & Deletions
• Utilization and documentation guidelines for all new codes
• 2007 Fee Schedule Update
• Includes: APC and RVU Updates
• Includes: Comparison in reimbursement for all standard oncology codes from 2006-2007
• Includes: Summary of CCI Edits and Mutually Exclusive Codes for codes presented
• Learn which codes are considered ‘bundled’
• Understand the appropriate use of modifiers to ensure collections
• New rulings for brachytherapy in Freestanding and ASC facilities
• Common Coding Errors

  Case study presentations for 3D, IMRT and SRS will include:

• Documentation Requirements & Utilization Guidelines
• Coding summary
• Reimbursement summaries

  
  

  2006 RADIATION ONCOLOGY CODING & BILLING SUMMIT IV: SPONSORED BY CPSI

  A Clinically Based Seminar that Discusses 2006 Technologies

  The philosophy behind this unique clinically presented program is: ‘based on the patterns of care guidelines, certain procedures are normally performed, documentation is required and must be available in the medical record, and specific coding levels and quantities result based on the procedures performed.’ This is coding from the inside out. You do the procedure, document the work, and a code results for that procedure.

  Presenters

• Deborah I. Churchill, President Churchill Consulting, Inc.
• Medicare Guest Speaker

  Schedule of Courses (17 Hours Total)

  All presentations are interactive, providing you with the opportunity to ask YOUR questions!

  Day 1: Coding 101

  • 4 hours: This course provides an introduction (or refresher) to the standard codes used in radiation oncology, presented in order of clinical presentation. (This course is optional)

    Day 2: Advanced Technologies

  • 9 hours of information focusing on advanced technologies such as 3D, SRS, IMRT, and Tomotherapy.
  • All four types of IGRT will be discussed in detail - OBI, CT cone, US and fluoroscopy.
  • Case study presentations will provide a comparison in reimbursement based on the four types of IGRT.

    Day 3: Brachytherapy

  • 4 hours dedicated to MammoSite, Prostate Implants, HDR and LDR.

    Your registration includes:

  • Comprehensive booklets corresponding with each subject presentation
  • Breakfast and lunch provided
  • Cocktail Party
  • Earn Category ‘A’ CEUs for ASRT and CEUs for AAMD

    Topics Covered

  • Summary of 2006 Coding Additions & Deletions
  • Utilization and documentation guidelines for all new codes
  • 2006 Fee Schedule Update
  • Includes: APC and RVU Updates
  • Includes: Comparison in reimbursement for all standard oncology codes from 2005-2006
  • Includes: Summary of CCI Edits and Mutually Exclusive Codes for codes presented
  • Learn which codes are considered ‘bundled’
  • Understand the appropriate use of modifiers to ensure collections
  • Case study presentations for 3D, IMRT and SRS will include:
  • Documentation Requirements & Utilization Guidelines
  • Coding summary
  • Reimbursement summaries
  • New rulings for brachytherapy in Freestanding and ASC facilities
  • Common Coding Errors

    
    

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    2005 SEMINAR LOCATIONS & DATES

    RADIATION ONCOLOGY CODING & BILLING SUMMIT III: IMRT, BRACHYTHERAPY and NEW TECHNOLOGIES (February 24-25, 2005)

    CCI and CPSI: Churchill Consulting, Inc. and Comprehensive Physics Services, Inc. are pleased to announce that registration is now open for a one and one-half day Radiation Oncology Coding seminar at the Columbus Marriott North in Columbus, Ohio.

    The seminar will be held Thursday, February 24, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Friday, February 25, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You are also invited as our guest to a reception following the educational session the evening of the 24th.

    About the Courses...

    This conference will include the latest information on Radiation Oncology Coding and Billing for IMRT and Brachytherapy, including 3D, the proper use and documentation requirements for the 77000 series radiation therapy CPT® billing codes. This seminar will focus on Coding, Collections, Documentation, CCI Edits, and carrier issues. Information is directed to radiation oncologists, residents, administrators, physics staff, radiation therapists, and billing personnel who are interested in accurate coding, maximizing collections and understanding carrier and collection issues, especially for IMRT and various brachytherapy procedures, such as prostate seed implants and Mammosite procedures.

    Codes discussed in this session will include the special treatment procedure (77470), basic dosimetry (77300), isodose planning (77305-77315), special dosimetry (77331), electrons (77321), simulation (77280-77290), 3D planning (77295), IMRT planning (77301), device codes (77332-77334), and brachytherapy codes.

    Course Abstract: Focus on IMRT

    The objective of the reimbursement section of the IMRT Summit III portion will be to provide the attendee with knowledge about the Correct Coding Edits (CCI edits) that affect IMRT. This section will include bundling issues and edits that are in force for the coding of the typical IMRT procedure. There will also be discussion surrounding the future of reimbursement for IMRT and if there may be any reimbursement changes that can be foreseen with IMRT and its related codes.

    Course Abstract: Focus on Brachytherapy

    The objective of the reimbursement section concerning brachytherapy will be to provide the attendee with knowledge about the Correct Coding Edits (CCI edits) that affect the brachytherapy codes. Brachytherapy case study presentations will include prostate seed implants and MammoSite procedures. This section will include bundling issues and edits that are in force for the coding of the typical brachytherapy procedure.

    CONQUERING ONCOLOGY CODING: IMRT SUMMIT-2 DAY SEMINAR (May 8-9, 2004)

    CCI and CPSI: Churchill Consulting, Inc. and Comprehensive Physics Service, Inc. are pleased to offer a one and one-half day seminar focusing on ‘Coding and Documentation in Radiation Oncology’. All sessions will be presented by Deborah I. Churchill, President of Churchill Consulting, Inc.

    Course T: Coding the Radiation Therapy Codes will be presented on Saturday, May 8. This session will include an in depth discussion of the standard radiation therapy codes and results in 9.5 category ‘A’ CEUs. As the majority of therapy codes have a professional and technical component, this presentation is directed toward radiation oncologists, residents, administrators, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and billing personnel who are interested in coding accurately, understanding documentation requirements and maximizing collections. The 4-hour session on Sunday, May 9 will focus on IMRT coding, CCI Edits, and documentation requirements for IMRT. Case studies with coding summaries will be presented.

    Course Materials: Course T attendees will be provided with a comprehensive manual that includes all coding information discussed during the seminar. This manual will provide a valuable reference tool to ensure correct coding in the future for your entire organization. Sunday’s registration fee includes sample forms for various documentation processes required when reporting the IMRT codes. All registrants will receive the Churchill Update Newsletter complimentary for 3 months.

    Meals: Registration fee includes continental breakfast. Saturday’s session includes lunch and an afternoon snack.

    Discounted Rates: You can become a CCI Client by subscribing to the Churchill Newsletter and qualify for the reduced registration fee. The CCI Client discount will apply to all attendees from your organization, which results in substantial savings for your organization.

    CHURCHILL & COX: CODING and COLLECTION 2 DAY SEMINAR (April 23-24, 2004)

    Churchill Consulting, Inc. and Management Services On-Call, Inc. are pleased to announce a two-day seminar at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2004. Multiple sessions are offered that focus on Coding and Collections for Radiation Oncology. Information is directed to radiation oncologists, residents, administrators, physics staff, radiation therapists, and billing personnel who are interested in accurate coding, maximizing collections and understanding carrier and collection issues.

    The Churchill sessions focus on coding and documentation in radiation oncology. Cameron Cox’s Friday session focuses on the issues and challenges that residents face upon entry into the private and public sectors of healthcare. Cameron Cox’s Saturday session focuses on understanding medical practice operations and collections.

    
    

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    2004 SEMINAR LOCATIONS & DATES

    CHURCHILL & COX: IMRT & Brachytherapy Summit II: 1 1/2 DAY SEMINAR (August 19-20, 2004)

    Churchill Consulting, Inc. and Management Services On-Call, Inc. are pleased to announce that registration is now open for a one and one-half day seminar at the beautiful Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This seminar is scheduled for Thursday, August 19 (from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) and Friday, August 20 (from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm),2004. A special golf package is available on Friday, August 20 directly following the seminar.

    This conference will include Churchill's Course T coding seminar session, which focuses on the proper use and documentation requirements for the 77000 series radiation therapy CPT® billing codes.

    Codes discussed in this session will include the special treatment procedure (77470), basic dosimetry (77300), isodose planning (77305-77315), special dosimetry (77331), electrons (77321), simulation (77280-77290), 3D planning (77295), IMRT planning (77301), device codes (77332-77334), and brachytherapy codes.

    To provide added value to our attendees, Cameron Cox will present the CCI edits and carrier issues for each code as it is discussed.

    Course Abstract: Focus on IMRT
    IMRT case studies will be presented. The objective of the reimbursement section of the IMRT Summit II portion will be to provide the attendee with knowledge about the Correct Coding Edits (CCI edits) that affect IMRT. This section will include bundling issues and edits that are in force for the coding of the typical IMRT treatment regimen. In addition, there will be discussion regarding the way various payors view IMRT and how these payors reimburse for the procedure. There will also be discussion surrounding the future of reimbursement for IMRT and if there may be any reimbursement changes that can be foreseen with IMRT and its related codes.

    Course Abstract: Focus on Brachytherapy
    The objective of the reimbursement section concerning brachytherapy will be to provide the attendee with knowledge about the Correct Coding Edits (CCI edits) that affect the brachytherapy codes. This section will include bundling issues and edits that are in force for the coding of the typical brachytherapy procedure. This will also include discussion about common mistakes with regards to place of service, diagnosis code utilization, and global periods. In addition, there will be discussion regarding the way various payors views brachytherapy and also how these payors reimburse for the procedure.

    This seminar will focus on Coding, Collections, Documentation, Edits, and carrier issues. Information is directed to radiation oncologists, residents, administrators, physics staff, radiation therapists, and billing personnel who are interested in accurate coding, maximizing collections and understanding carrier and collection issues, especially for IMRT and various brachytherapy procedures, such as prostate seed implants and MammoSite procedures.

    All registrants will receive the Churchill Update Newsletter complimentary for 3 months.

    Meals: Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack on Thursday and continental breakfast on Friday.

    Discounted Rates: You can become a CCI Client by subscribing to the Churchill Newsletter and qualify for the reduced registration fee. The CCI Client discount will apply to ALL attendees from your organization, which results in substantial savings for your organization.

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    2003 SEMINAR LOCATIONS & DATES

    SALT LAKE CITY SEMINARS: ASTRO 2003

    Deborah Churchill participated in two SROA presentations. They are as follows:

    The Bottom Line in Prostate Coding
    Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2003
    Time 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

    2003 Radiation Oncology Coding Panel
    Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2003
    Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

    2002 SEMINAR LOCATIONS & DATES

    2002 NEW ORLEANS SEMINAR - Coding 3D and IMRT

    Date: October 5, 2002
    Location: Wyndham Hotel, New Orleans: REX Meeting Room
    Time: Session 1 - Registration at 12:00. Presentations from 1:00-5:00
    Session 2 - Registration at 3:00. Presentation from 3:10 - 8:00

    Cost:
    CCI Newsletter Subscriber - $195
    Pre-Registered (paid in advance) Non CCI Client - $225
    On-Site Registration - $250
    Please contact CCI

    Speakers:

    1. Deborah I. Churchill, President Churchill Consulting, Inc.
    2. Cameron Cox, President Management Services On-Call, Inc.
    3. Nicklas Oldenburg, M.D.
    4. Cheryl Glish, Department Administrator: Medical College of Wisconsin
    5. Kristina Huffman, Chief Medical Physicist, Center for Radiation Therapy: Scottsdale, Arizona
    6. Chris Hasler, Product Specialist/Marketing Manager Treatment Planning: MDS Nordion

    Objectives:

    As a result of attending this seminar participants will be able to perform the following:

    1. Apply the proper CPT coding for IMRT and 3D procedures.
    2. Understand required documentation for coding IMRT and 3D.
    3. Appreciate inherent risks if billing occurs without proper documentation and understand carrier issues.
    4. Recognize the changes in billing standards that must be applied to billing practices in 2002.
    5. Acknowledge that efficacy should be considered when applying the IMRT technology.
    6. Plan for appropriate physics time and support.
    7. Know the equipment requirements for both hardware and software.
    8. Appreciate the FTE requirements when performing IMRT.

    Course Schedule:

    
    

    12:00-1:00 (session 1) Registration

    1:00-1:50 (session 2: 5:30-6:20) Coding IMRT & 3D, Deborah I. Churchill

    This presentation will discuss the proper use and documentation requirements for coding IMRT and 3D. Discussion will include proper coding, documentation guidelines, medical necessity and restrictions, resulting in a complete understanding of how to document and code these procedures properly.

    1:50-2:10 (session 2: 6:20 - 6:40) CCI Edits for IMRT & 3D, Cameron Cox

    This presentation will focus on Correct Coding Initiative Edits (CCI Edits) and Program Memorandum (PM) Guidelines that have been issued for IMRT and 3D procedures by Medicare. Discussion will include bundled codes and rulings that may affect allowable coding for IMRT and 3D procedures.

    2:10-2:35 (session 2: 6:40 - 7:05) Case Studies IMRT & 3D, Deborah I. Churchill

    This presentation will summarize standard technical coding for a prostate case treated with standard external beam, 3D and IMRT planning. The total RVU will be calculated as well as the reimbursement for each scenario, thus providing a comparison of reimbursement for the three different procedures.

    2:35-2:55 (session 2: 7:05 - 7:25)Carrier Issues for IMRT, Cameron Cox

    This presentation will focus on the various carrier issues that Management Services On-Call, Inc. has experienced in regards to the IMRT codes. Discussion will include rejection issues and the steps taken to achieve the highest level of reimbursement.

    2:55-3:10 Break

    3:10-3:30 (sessions 1 & 2) Efficacy of IMRT Utilization, Dr. Nicklas Oldenburg

    This presentation will focus on efficacy of utilizing IMRT for various diagnoses. Although we have the technology it is important that it is only applied when appropriate. The quest speaker will discuss which diagnoses would most benefit from IMRT planning.

    3:30-3:50 (sessions 1 & 2) Physics Requirements for IMRT, Kristina Huffman, Chief Medical Physicist, Center for Radiation Therapy, Scottsdale Arizona

    This presentation will focus on the requirements of the physics staff when doing IMRT. Discussion will include QA requirements, planning and scheduling and support.

    3:50-4:10 (sessions 1 & 2) Equipment Requirements, Chris Hasler of MDS Nordion

    This presentation will focus on the hardware and software required when doing IMRT. Discussion will include equipment specifications, upgrades and treatment planning requirements.

    4:10-4:30 (sessions 1 & 2) User/FTE Requirements for IMRT, Cheryl Glish, Department Administrator: Medical College of Wisconsin

    This presentation will focus on the FTE requirements when doing IMRT. Discussion will include staffing issues and scheduling in a large organization.

    4:30-5:00 (session 2: 7:25 - 8:00) Q&A, All

    A question and answer period will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers.
    

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