Conference Schedule - Association for He

Conference Schedule - Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity
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Schedule at a Glance
Our 2026 Program Committee is hard at work building this year’s conference schedule of speakers and topics. This page will be updated as sessions are confirmed. Print the Schedule at a Glance.
Tuesday, August 4 – Veterinary Medicine Topics
Day 1 Welcome and Announcements with President Karen Edwards, CHDP-A, RHDS
Session 1 - One Health in Action: Veterinary Outreach, Community Partnership, and Reconciliation in Northern Manitoba
Presenter: Dr. Melanie Youngs, DVM
CEC: VCM
Description:
The Winnipeg Humane Society One Health Program provides veterinary outreach services to underserved First Nation communities across Manitoba. Grounded in the principles of One Health, the program recognizes the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human health, community safety, and environmental stewardship. Through mobile clinics, community partnerships, and local capacity-building, the program addresses immediate animal health needs while supporting broader community well-being.
This presentation will provide an overview of the program’s development, scope, and service model, highlighting how mobile veterinary clinics, rabies prevention, spay/neuter initiatives, and community education support broader public health and wellness goals. Through stories and experiences from the communities we partner with, attendees will gain insight into the realities of delivering care in northern and remote settings, as well as the importance of trust, cultural humility, and relationship-building. This session will offer both inspiration and practical lessons for professionals interested in collaborative, community-centered approaches to animal and human health.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the structure and goals of the Winnipeg Humane Society One Health program.
2. Explain how One Health principles guide veterinary outreach in underserved communities.
3. Identify barriers to veterinary access in First Nation communities.
4. Recognize the importance of cultural awareness, relationship-building, and community partnership in program success.
5. Apply lessons from this program to their own outreach or clinical work.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Melanie Youngs has been a practicing veterinarian in Manitoba since 2010 and has been involved in spay/neuter and wellness clinics in First Nation and remote communities since 2011. Over this time, she has had the opportunity to witness and contribute to the evolution of this work—from occasional outreach clinics held once or twice a year, to a fully developed One Health program now delivering services one to two times per month.
This growth has provided her with extensive firsthand experience in both the clinical and relational aspects of veterinary outreach in northern communities. She brings a practical, lived understanding of the challenges, successes, and ongoing needs within this work, as well as a deep commitment and passion for improving access to care through a One Health perspective.
Session 2 - Emergency Stabilization for General Practitioners
Presenter: Kate Boatright, VMD
CEC: VCM
Description:
This presentation will provide general practitioners with a practical, step-wise approach to the assessment and stabilization of small animal emergency cases. Considerations for patient transfer to an emergency/specialty hospital as well as communication tips with emergency clinicians will be discussed. A case-based approach will be used to discuss common case presentations including trauma, respiratory distress, and blocked cats. A practical approach to fluid therapy, pain management, and other emergency treatments will be the focus of the reviewed in a case-based format. Key client communication points for common emergency presentations will be reviewed. Limitations of general practice in managing emergencies will be acknowledged.
Learning Objectives:
1. Create a systematic approach to assessing emergency cases presenting to general practice.
2. Discuss strategies to improve collaboration with emergency clinics and ease the transfer process
3. Review basic stabilization that can be performed in general practice.
4. Identify key client communication points for common emergencies.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Boatright has been a practicing small animal veterinarian since 2013, with experience in both general practice and emergency hospital settings. She currently works part-time in clinical practice and dedicates the remaining time to her roles as an author, speaker, and consultant. Her areas of focus include the spectrum of care and mentorship. She has been a conference and seminar speaker since 2019, presenting at veterinary conferences and educational institutions across the United States and Canada. As a strong advocate for the spectrum of care approach, she has published numerous articles in trade magazines and scientific journals, and she is a contributing author to an upcoming textbook on Spectrum of Care.
Session 3 - From Estimates to Empathy: The Technician’s Role in Spectrum of Care
Presenter: Kate Boatright, VMD
CEC: VPD
Description:
Have you ever wondered what your doctor was thinking when they created a certain treatment plan? That’s okay! Often, our technicians are not present for the entire conversation and may not hear how the client and veterinarian arrive at a decision. Veterinarians who practice a spectrum of care think carefully about the best way to meet the needs of each individual pet, family, and patient. Veterinary technicians are an essential part of client communication and should be included in these care discussions. And that doesn’t mean just reviewing the financial estimate. Join a practicing veterinarian to explore the spectrum of care using a case-based approach. We will discuss what the spectrum of care looks like in practice, unpack the thought process doctors have when deciding which options are appropriate, and explore the essential role of veterinary technicians in improving outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the goals of spectrum of care practice and how it benefits patients, clients, and veterinary teams.
2. Explore how veterinarians make decisions when client resources are limited.
3. Discuss the essential role veterinary technicians play in client communication when practicing a spectrum of care.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Boatright has been a practicing small animal veterinarian since 2013, with experience in both general practice and emergency hospital settings. She currently works part-time in clinical practice and dedicates the remaining time to her roles as an author, speaker, and consultant. Her areas of focus include the spectrum of care and mentorship. She has been a conference and seminar speaker since 2019, presenting at veterinary conferences and educational institutions across the United States and Canada. As a strong advocate for the spectrum of care approach, she has published numerous articles in trade magazines and scientific journals, and she is a contributing author to an upcoming textbook on Spectrum of Care.
Session 3 - Pawsitive Care: Creating Better Outcomes for Every Animal
Presenter: Christopher Mauldin, Tanya Patterson DVM, Abigial Schmidt DVM, Jessica Wilde
CEC: VPD
Description:
Join us for a discussion with VBAS management and veterinarians about herd management, day-to-day care for their animals, and the importance of disease prevention and recordkeeping in modern animal shelters. Learn how animal care for shelter animals differs from care for pets and what gold standard care looks like for VBAS and similar shelters.
Learning Objectives:
1. Day-to-day care for animals inside the shelter
2. Disease prevention in our shelter
3. Current recordkeeping trends in animal welfare
4. Herd management care for animal shelters
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Christopher Mauldin has over 20 years of experience in the animal welfare industry. He has served as an Animal Control Officer, Animal Shelter Manager, Animal Services Director, and now as Animal Welfare Administrator.
Dr. Abigail Schmidt, DVM, VBPD, Shelter Veterinarian, has a background that includes shelter medicine as well as emergency care.
Dr. Tanya Patterson, DVM, VBPD, Shelter Veterinarian, has a background in shelter
Wednesday, August 5 – Human and Veterinary Medicine Topics
Day 2 Welcome with President Karen Edwards, CHDP-A, RHDS
Session 5 - Building Bridges, Not Walls: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Presenter: Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
CEC: PD/VPD
Description:
In the fast-paced world of healthcare documentation, where accuracy is paramount and timelines are tight, communication between documentation professionals and clinical teams can easily break down.
When emotions run high or expectations are misaligned, conflict is often either avoided or amplified, leading to increased burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
This session is designed specifically for the AHDI’s blended audience of human and veterinary healthcare documentation professionals. We will explore the common triggers of conflict in the documentation pipeline and provide practical, evidence-based strategies for resolution. Dr. Holowaychuk will introduce the principles of Compassionate (Non-Violent) Communication, offering specific phrases and “scripts” that foster collaboration rather than confrontation. Whether you are working remotely or in a clinical setting, you will gain the tools to navigate difficult conversations with colleagues and clinicians, ensuring a more thriving, empathetic, and professional workplace.
Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the two main forms of conflict among healthcare documentation teams (including human and veterinary sectors) to better understand their root causes.
2. Develop a toolkit of conflict resolution techniques to address misunderstandings quickly, promoting open dialogue and team cohesion.
3. Utilize Non-Violent Communication (NVC) principles to frame requests and feedback using specific, empathy-driven language.
4. Implement “collaboration-first” phrasing to improve the working dynamic between documentation specialists and the clinicians they support.
5. Connect effective communication habits to improved mental well-being and long-term professional resilience.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is on a mission to make that vision a reality. A passionate advocate for mental health and well-being in caregiving professions, Marie empowers veterinary teams and other caregiving professionals to prevent burnout, build resilience, and cultivate fulfilling careers.
With over 20 years of experience as a veterinarian and critical care specialist, Marie founded Reviving Veterinary Medicine to provide evidence-based resources through transformative programs like From Burnout to Balance and From Toxic to Terrific.
As a certified coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and well-being facilitator, Marie blends science, empathy, and practical insights to engage and inspire audiences. She also hosts the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, exploring topics such as mental health and workplace culture. Her contributions have earned her the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association’s Communication Award and the Alberta Blue Cross Face of Wellness Award, as well as recognition as one of Canada’s Top Keynote Speakers of 2025 by Eureka Education and Top 100 Health & Wellness by Top 100 Magazine. Marie’s book, *A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian*, offers a candid exploration of the challenges and rewards of a career in veterinary medicine, shedding light on the emotional complexities and deep sense of purpose that drive those in the profession.
Session 6 - Human and Veterinary Medicine
Presenters: TBD
CEC:
Description:
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Session 7 - LinkedIn: More Than Meets the Feed
Presenter:
Sheila Guston, CHDS, CHDP-A, CHDP-S, AHDI-F
CEC: PD/VPD
Description:
Most professionals think of LinkedIn as just an online resume or a place to look for jobs—but it’s so much more. In this session, we’ll explore the often-overlooked features and strategies that turn LinkedIn into a dynamic tool for personal branding, professional networking, and career growth. Whether you’re actively job searching, building credibility in your field, or simply want to make the most of your digital presence, this session will show you how to maximize LinkedIn in ways that actually move the needle.
You’ll walk away with practical tips, new insights, and a fresh perspective on how to use LinkedIn with purpose—and power.
Learning Objectives:
Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile
Search LinkedIn with confidence
Post and engage effectively
Network the smart way
Job hunt strategically
Use LinkedIn etiquette
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Sheila has 25 years of experience in healthcare documentation and is dedicated to maintaining document integrity. Since 2017, she has held the role of Interim CEO at AHDI, where she champions excellence in healthcare documentation and supports all professionals committed to ensuring the accuracy of medical records. Sheila was instrumental in developing the first clinician-created documentation integrity auditing program at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, MI, a role she held after her time as HIM Transcription Supervisor. With patient advocacy always top of mind, Sheila encourages everyone to actively engage with their medical records to improve health awareness, prevent medical errors, and achieve optimal healthcare outcomes.
Session 8 - Intersectionality and Disconnect: The Similarities and Differences Between Human and Veterinary Medicine
Presenter: Akiko Garcia, MSW, ACSW, CVHDP
CEC: Ml/VML
Description:
Drawing from personal and professional encounters in both human and veterinary medicine, this session will begin by sharing insights on mutual as well as unique experiences observed when treating different species of patients. Topics such as medical practice, legalities, and culture will be compared. Finally, the session will conclude with a rare opportunity for professionals of all backgrounds to engage with one another to clarify any perspectives, ask and answer any burning questions, workshop mutual obstacles shared across medicine, and/or facilitate interprofessional networking. All attendees are welcome to join; in fact, the more diverse the audience, the better.
Learning Objectives:
1. Better understand the objective similarities and differences between human and veterinary medicine.
2. Better understand the subjective similarities and differences between human and veterinary medicine.
3. Create a cross-disciplinary, safe space for dialogue among medical practitioners and staff.
4. Help create solutions to obstacles shared by each profession for mutual clients.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Professionally, Akiko has been involved in both veterinary and human medicine for the past 10 years, working at notable places such as the National Institutes of Health, UC San Diego Health, VCA, UCLA Health, NVA, University of Michigan Health, and Ethos. Working alongside scientists, patients, technicians, nurses, and doctors in various roles as a student intern, doctor’s assistant, administrative assistant, and social worker, she has observed a wide range of cultural norms.
LIVE ZOOM SOCIAL EVENT - One Health Trivia Challenge
Presenter: Sheila Guston, CHDS, CHDP-A, CHDP-S, AHDI-F
CEC: CM/VCM
Description:
A fast-paced, interactive trivia game designed for both healthcare documentation professionals and veterinary teams. This “One Health” challenge blends clinical knowledge, documentation best practices, and fun cross-species facts to test your expertise and spark a little friendly competition.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Sheila has 25 years of experience in healthcare documentation and is dedicated to maintaining document integrity. Since 2017, she has held the role of Interim CEO at AHDI, where she champions excellence in healthcare documentation and supports all professionals committed to ensuring the accuracy of medical records. Sheila was instrumental in developing the first clinician-created documentation integrity auditing program at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, MI, a role she held after her time as HIM Transcription Supervisor. With patient advocacy always top of mind, Sheila encourages everyone to actively engage with their medical records to improve health awareness, prevent medical errors, and achieve optimal healthcare outcomes.
Thursday, August 6 – Human and Veterinary Medicine Topics
Day 3 Welcome and Announcements
Session 9 -Wilderness Medicine Essentials: Staying Safe in the Wild
Presenter: TBD
CEC: CM/VCM
Description:
This session introduces key topics in wilderness medicine, such as altitude sickness, snake bites, and hypothermia through the lens of documentation and information management across both human and veterinary care. Participants will explore how these conditions present in different species, how environmental and situational factors impact care, and the unique challenges of capturing accurate, timely documentation in remote or resource-limited settings. Emphasis will be placed on documenting incomplete histories, recognizing observable signs, and supporting communication, continuity of care, and risk management when traditional clinical resources may not be readily available.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the symptoms associated with altitude sickness.
2. Identify strategies to help prevent altitude sickness.
3. Describe appropriate first aid steps to take in the event of a snake bite.
4. Recognize the warning signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
5. Gain awareness of basic response measures for common wilderness medical emergencies.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Tom DeLoughery is a native Hoosier who graduated from Indiana State University in 1981 and from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1985. He did his internship at the University of California, Irvine, before traveling to Oregon, where he finished his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship.
Session 10 - Artificial Intelligence in Business & Healthcare
Presenter: Justin Chapman, B.MGMT
CEC: TT/VTT
Description:
This session is designed to give attendees an understanding of how to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively in their daily life and careers. It aims to showcase the importance of AI adoption while making the concept of AI implementation less intimidating. This session will also discuss the use of AI in healthcare, including the positives and the drawbacks.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how to create effective prompts.
2. Utilize AI to improve processes and complete administrative tasks.
3. Understand the limitations of AI.
4. Analyze the use of AI in healthcare.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Justin Chapman is a business and marketing professional with extensive experience in the education sector, where he has focused on building strong student experiences through strategic innovation and technology adoption. He holds a degree in Management with a specialization in Marketing from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and brings a practical, results-driven approach to organizational growth and change.
Session 11 - Human and Veterinary Medicine
Presenter: TBD
CEC:
Description:
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Session 12 -Controlled Substances 101: How & Why Practitioners & Staff Members Must Comply!
Presenter: Jan Woods
CEC: ML/VML
Description:
This session, led by a former practice owner, is designed to strengthen regulatory awareness and reduce organizational risk related to controlled substances. Participants—including physicians, practice managers, licensed nurses, technicians, inventory managers, and assistants—will gain practical guidance on meeting DEA requirements while improving and simplifying recordkeeping and inventory controls across a variety of care settings, including clinics, hospitals, emergency departments, mobile practices, zoos, and teaching facilities.
Learning Objectives:
1.  Explain key DEA controlled substance regulations and recognize why compliance represents one of the highest risk areas for practitioners.
2.  Apply DEA requirements across the full medication lifecycle, including ordering, receiving, storing, documenting, administering, dispensing, prescribing, inventorying, transferring, and destruction.
3. Strengthen security measures to prevent diversion and theft in alignment with DEA standards.
4.  Prepare for and respond effectively to DEA audits, minimizing organizational risk and disruption.
5.  Identify strategies to avoid citations and costly penalties through proactive compliance practices.
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ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Jan Woods’ healthcare career has spanned over thirty years in both human and veterinary medicine. Ms. Woods’ most recent positions in human healthcare were in senior management with national healthcare companies. She was the Vice President of Operations and Development for Care Net Health Systems, based in Nashville, TN, and the Vice President of Operations and Development for Communicare and NBC HealthCare, based in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
In 2001, Ms. Woods moved into veterinary medicine as the Hospital Administrator for Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center of Kansas City (VSEC). From May 2004 through March 2016, she was the Co-Owner, Hospital Administrator, and Vice President of the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson (VSCT), a 24/7, 31 DVM, 100-employee specialty and emergency hospital. From 2018 to 2020, she was the Director of Education & Regulatory Affairs Manager for Cubex, LLC. In 2020, Jan became a Zoetis Key Opinion Leader and a member of the Epicur Pharma Advisory Council. She also joined Veterinary Business Advisors as their Regulatory and Operational Consultant, and in 2023, she joined VetSnap, Inc., as their Regulatory Consultant. Jan also frequently authors articles for professional journals. She owns two companies: And Jan For Help, LLC, and Veterinary & Medical Management and Marketing Specialists, Inc. Jan speaks and consults with practitioners nationwide on a full-time basis. Her areas of expertise include compliance with DEA regulations, as well as other state and federal regulations, clinic and hospital practice management & operations, human resources, finance, and marketing.
Jan served as a two-time President of the Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance (VSPA). In 2012, Jan received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Southern Arizona Woman Business Owner of the Year Award. In 2010 and 2011, Ms. Woods was a finalist for the Athena International Award. She was also selected in 2011 as one of the “Committee of 100 Women” by the Girls Scouts of Southern Arizona Sahuaro, nominated for The Tucson Women of Influence Award in 2010 and 2011, and received the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding & Invaluable Service to the Community in 2010. In 2020, Jan became a Key Opinion Leader for Zoetis Animal Health, an Epicur Pharma Advisory Council Member, and a Regulatory and Practice Operations Consultant at Veterinary Business Advisors. In 2021, she co-authored the Controlled Substance section of the AVMA-PLIT Veterinary Safety Manual, and in 2023, she became a Regulatory Consultant for VetSnap, Inc.
LIVE Session: President-elect Address & Social Chat
Presenter: Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F
Description:
Join us as Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F gives her president-elect address and stay for our live social chat. Turn on your webcams and be part of the conversation! Our live social chat is your space to connect, share, and engage with fellow attendees in real time. From insights and ideas to questions and takeaways, this is where our community comes together—because we’re stronger together.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F, c
urrently serves as AHDI’s President-elect for the 2025–2026 term. She has served 2 terms on the Board of Directors. From 2013 to 2024, she was a Health Information Management (HIM) manager at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson, Arizona, where she led a team of healthcare documentation specialists. In January 2024, she transitioned to a new role as Manager of the Proof-of-Concept Department for Medical Necessity – Pre-Services within TMC’s Revenue Cycle. Her former team of HDSs also transitioned and now serve as medical necessity analysts. In addition to her leadership roles on AHDI’s Executive Committee over the years, Patt continues to chair the Best Practices Task Force, which is currently focused on updating AHDI’s
Best Practices for roles around AI-assisted Documentation.
She remains committed to supporting AHDI through ongoing volunteer work on future initiatives.
Friday, August 7 – Human Medicine Topics
Day 4 Welcome and Announcements
Session 13 - New Technology in Physical Therapy
Presenter: Dr. Lisa, J. Allen, PT
CEC: CM
Description:
This session explores emerging technologies and evolving treatment modalities designed to accelerate healing and reduce recovery time. Participants will learn how innovative advancements—and modern adaptations of established techniques—are improving outcomes across a range of diagnoses. The session will also provide an overview of laser therapy, including the different classes and their clinical applications, along with a foundational look at the cellular and physiological mechanisms that drive these therapies.
Learning objectives:
1. What new modalities can speed healing and decrease recovery time
2. New spin-off techniques of old technologies
3. Which diagnoses have benefited most from each of the new technologies
4. Different class levels/types of lasers, from the commonly available to Class IV
5. Basic cellular and physiological changes that occur from the use of these new technologies
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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Lisa Allen is the owner of BioMechanic Physical Therapy (20 years) and a practicing clinician (30 years). She keeps her practice on the cutting edge by staying current with the best new technologies to evaluate, treat, and achieve better treatment results. Better means improved outcomes, treatments that work on problems that previously had no success, and faster healing times. Part of Dr. Allen’s background that helps her evaluate new technology is her first career as a biochemical researcher in a genetics lab that was working on mapping the human genome and more.
Session 14 - HIPAA Update 2026: What’s Proposed, What’s Final, and What Still Matters
Presenter:
Georgia Green, MEd, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CHDS, AHDI-F
CEC:
CM
Description:
This session provides a comprehensive update on the current and evolving state of HIPAA regulation for those involved in any aspect of health care documentation or health information management more broadly. The presentation will examine the key provisions of the December 10, 2020, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the HIPAA Privacy Rule, explain why the Final Rule has been delayed for several years, and place that delay in context by discussing changes in HHS and Office for Civil Rights priorities under the current administration. In addition, the session will review significant HIPAA-related developments that have gone live in the interim, including emerging expectations under the Security Rule and ongoing efforts to align 42 CFR Part 2 with HIPAA. By clearly distinguishing between enacted requirements, pending proposals, and anticipated changes, this session will help attendees better understand regulatory uncertainty, prepare their organizations for future compliance obligations, and confidently communicate HIPAA developments to leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the major proposed changes included in the December 10, 2020, HIPAA Privacy Rule NPRM and their intended impact on access, disclosures, and care coordination.
2. Explain the primary reasons for the delay in publishing the HIPAA Privacy Rule Final Rule, including shifts in HHS and Office for Civil Rights priorities since 2020.
3. Identify HIPAA-related regulatory changes that have gone live since 2020, including evolving expectations under the Security Rule and ongoing efforts to align 42 CFR Part 2 with HIPAA requirements.
4. Apply practical strategies for managing regulatory uncertainty and preparing organizations and staff for anticipated changes to HIPAA policy and enforcement.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Georgia Green is the Director of Health Information Management for the Northwest Market of a major national health system. She has nearly 40 years in the healthcare field, having begun her career as a healthcare documentation specialist. She holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Education in Learning and Technology. She is the current chair of AHDI’s Credentialing Commission and the president of the Washington Association for Health Information Management.
Session 15 - Healing Reimagined: The Power of Regenerative Medicine
Presenter: Lisa Barr, MD, Board Certified PM&R
CEC: CM
Description:
This presentation provides an overview of regenerative medicine and how it differs from traditional treatment approaches, particularly in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Attendees will explore the range of regenerative therapy options available, including emerging and established techniques, and gain insight into their clinical applications. The session will also address key considerations for accurate documentation and billing, helping professionals navigate the evolving regulatory and reimbursement landscape associated with these innovative therapies.
Learning Objectives:
1. What is regenerative medicine, and how is it different from traditional approaches?
2. Understand the different options within regenerative musculoskeletal therapies.
3. Understand how to document and bill for regenerative medicine.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Lisa Barr, MD, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of spine and sports medicine. She was the first physician to introduce the clinical use of regenerative therapies in Virginia. She continues to utilize a variety of regenerative therapies today.
Session 16 - AI in Coding: Creating Hybrid Documentation Roles
Presenter: Jennifer Della’Zanna, MFA, CHDS, CPC, CGSC, CEHRS, AAPC Fellow
CEC: TT
Description:
Artificial intelligence tools have been part of coding and documentation for decades. The new agentic tools are finally poised to do what we’ve always thought might happen in these related fields: close the gap. AI tools can extract clinical meaning, suggest accurate codes, identify documentation gaps, apply regulatory requirements, and recognize audit flags. Human oversight is important for nuance and ethics that are still beyond machine knowledge. AI can aggregate critical information so human understanding can be applied to all aspects of a patient’s care. We will take a look at what might be possible for knowledge workers with expertise in both documentation and coding.
Learning Objectives:
1. Governmental and insurance policy changes that affect coding can be implemented immediately.
2. New tools like Corti’s Symphony for Medical Coding and OpenEvidence will take coding/documentation and medical decision-making to the next level of interoperability.
3. AI can immediately identify documentation gaps, potential fraud or abuse flags, patterns that may trigger an audit, and population health trends.
4. Clinical decision support, payer policy, risk scoring models, and documentation and coding best practices can all be part of an integrated environment to promote patient safety and efficient treatment plans, appropriate medicolegal documentation, and correct coding for each service.
5. Although AI-integrated tools have been used in coding for at least a couple of decades, the new agentic models will certainly decrease human involvement with routine coding tasks; however, human expertise is still required for nuance and ethical decisions.
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jennifer Della’Zanna, MFA, CHDS, CPC, CGSC, CEHRS, AAPC Fellow, has worked in the health care industry for 20 years as a medical transcriptionist, receptionist, medical assistant, practice administrator, biller, and coding specialist. She has written and edited courses and study guides on medical coding and the use of technology in health care, and she is an associate editor at the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. She teaches courses in medical coding, transcription, and electronic health records and regularly writes for online and print publications.
LIVE Session: CONFERENCE WRAP UP!
Presenters: Karen Edwards, CHDP-A, RHDS, and Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F
Description:
Join us for the closing session of HDIVC26 as we reflect on key takeaways from an inspiring event. We’ll celebrate the transition of leadership with the ceremonial pinning of the current AHDI President, Karen Edwards, CHDP, RHDS, as she transitions to AHDI Immediate Past President. We will end on a high note with our exciting final prize drawings. Don’t miss this uplifting send-off!
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ABOUT THE PRESIDENT
Karen Edwards works at MyMichigan Health in Michigan as a Senior Medical Transcriptionist. She is a Certified Healthcare Documentation Professional – Auditor and a Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist. She has over twenty-five years’ experience in healthcare documentation. She is the current President of AHDI’s Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term.
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
Patt King, CHDS, CHDP, AHDI-F, currently serves as AHDI’s President-elect for the 2025–2026 term. She has served 2 terms on the Board of Directors. From 2013 to 2024, she was a Health Information Management (HIM) manager at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) in Tucson, Arizona, where she led a team of healthcare documentation specialists. In January 2024, she transitioned to a new role as Manager of the Proof-of-Concept Department for Medical Necessity – Pre-Services within TMC’s Revenue Cycle. Her former team of HDSs also transitioned and now serve as medical necessity analysts. In addition to her leadership roles on AHDI’s Executive Committee over the years, Patt continues to chair the Best Practices Task Force, which is currently focused on updating AHDI’s
Best Practices for roles around AI-assisted Documentation.
She remains committed to supporting AHDI through ongoing volunteer work on future initiatives.
*Schedule subject to change without notice.
Continuing Education Credits
The program provides continuing education credits (CECs) for those who hold the following credentials: RHDS, CMT, CHDS, CHDP, CHDP-A, CHDP-S, and CVHDP.
Not credentialed?
Learn more about the many types of credentials AHDI offers.
Human Healthcare Documentation Categories
Clinical Medicine (CM)
Medicolegal (ML)
Professional Development (PD)
Technology and Tools (TT)
Complementary Medicine (CoM)
Veterinary Healthcare Documentation Categories
Veterinary Clinical Medicine (VCM)
Veterinary Medicolegal (VML)
Veterinary Professional Development (VPD)
Veterinary Technology & Tools (VTT)
Veterinary Complementary Medicine (VCoM)