2026 Q1 Stacks- Work Smarter Not Harder

Cheyenne Brinson moderates a panel discussion of savvy otolaryngologists who have implemented new technologies and processes into their respective practices. From new technologies for patient care that become new service lines, to technology that improves quality of life for physicians, innovative tools are flooding the marketplace. Which ones are right for you? Not always just about the price, panelists will share what prompted them to implement or look for change, their selection criteria for moving forward, lessons learned, and pearls for others facing similar challenges. Our panelists are sharing their implementation process to help you consider how you may want to consider new technology for your practice.

Speakers: Cheyenne Brinson; Mas Takashima, MD, FAAOA; Christie Demason, MD, FAAOA; Kenny Rodriguez, MD; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA; Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA

Our experts will share their pearls and experiences incorporating these modalities into their offices, their own learning curves, challenges with insurance approvals, and ways to keep patients happy and comfortable throughout the process.

Speakers: Arvin Rao, MD, FAAOA; Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA; Mas Takashima, MD, FAAOA; Satish Govindaraj, MD; Scott Fortune, MD, FAAOA

Understanding of the diversity of race, culture, and other factors among our patient population and their health care disparities are critical to creating improved and more equitable care to our patients. Join our panel as they share their insights.

Speakers: Haidy Marzouk, MD, MBA, FAAOA; Meha Fox, MD, FAAOA; Matthew Patterson, MD, FAAOA; Michelle Liu, MD, MPH, FAAOA; Devaleena Das, PhD

Like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner have famously been asking, “What’s in your wallet?”, ENT practice management consultant Cheyenne Brinson asks, “What’s in your A/R?” Your A/R can tell the story of denials, unworked claims, payor issues, and more. During this session, we\nexplore best practice revenue cycle processes, examine top ENT denials and problem areas from the field, learn which questions to ask, and how to successfully appeal. Whether you are in private practice or employed by a health system, physician understanding of the billing and collecting of the services performed improves the financial health of the practice or department. Are your coding and documenting habits helping or hindering the process? Terms and conditions apply, and you will receive a downloadable printout to bring back to your billing team.

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

Your employees are your largest expense and should be your greatest asset – you can’t afford for them not to be. Drawing on over two decades of practice experience, Cheyenne Brinson will share timely, practical, and specific techniques for hiring the right people in today’s job market. Understanding scope of practice, state regulations, and supervision rules before you hire your next allergy or audiology technician (or even nurse practitioner or physician assistant) will save you time and money. And speaking of money, compensation requirements of potential candidates have skyrocketed due to the economy and competitive job market. Learn about the latest compensation strategies for hiring and retaining quality staff.

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

This session will touch on pearls to support your E/M, while also sharing Theresa's insights on the change of time definition and Medical decision making - do you know the difference between the levels?

Speaker: Teresa Thompson

Documentation, Modifier 25, USP 797 requirements.

Speaker: Teresa Thompson

Join Teresa Thompson and Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA as they discuss common coding conundrums and best practices to avoid miscoding and reduce the likelihood of an audit. Ms Thompson and Dr. Puchalski review testing codes and when to bill EM, vial prep and the nuances of the CME billable unit and CPT dose, as well as the impact USP General Chapter <797> is having on payer compliance, and incident to and direct supervision. They also share some common payer denials and how to prevent those payment denials, as well as how to view audits as learning and teaching opportunities for better outcomes.

Speakers: Teresa Thompson, CPC; Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA

Join Theresa in this session where she will discuss what the limits and requirements are for allergy testing, allergy immunotherapy coding - there is more than one definition for CPT 95165, and Modifier 25.

Speaker: Teresa Thompson, CPC

What you need to know to code and bill allergy services from testing to treatment and insights into the challenges of improper coding.

Speaker: Teresa Thompson, CPC

Tips & Tricks from the Field - Join Cheyenne to gain insights into starting with different approaches to reducing practice costs. Tips will include examples on how the AAOA's Affinityprogram can save your practice both time and money. 

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

How to build the organization you want to work at. Practical tips on building your team and the importance of organizational leadership. What techniques and skills have you learned over the years to effectively lead an organization? How do you find staff?

Moderator: Cheyenne Brinson. Panelists: Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA; Kevin Wilson, MD, FAAOA; Glen Porter, MD, FAAOA; Alpen Patel, MD, FAAOA

Allergy services are a valuable service line and revenue stream for ENT practices. This comprehensive session will break down everything you need to know—from supervision requirements and proper documentation to accurate billing and collecting. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, ensure compliance, and maximize reimbursement for allergy testing, vial preparation, and immunotherapy. Whether you're new to allergy billing or looking for expert-level guidance, this session will provide the practical tools and strategies needed to streamline your processes and optimize financial performance.

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

Never do a peer-to-peer again! Maybe not never, but learn to significantly reduce the number of prior authorization denials, requests for peer-to-peers, and how to successfully avoid and appeal common denials in otolaryngology practices. Gain valuable insights and strategies for appealing denials with detailed responses and documentation requirements. Enhance your practice's efficiency and revenue with expert advice and practical tips from industry leaders.

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

Running a successful allergy practice is no small feat—it takes clinical excellence, strategic leadership, and efficient practice management to deliver top-tier patient care while maintaining a thriving business. This high-energy session will equip physicians with the essential skills to optimize workflows, enhance patient access, and maximize financial performance. Get ready to explore real-world strategies for improving scheduling efficiency, strengthening revenue cycle management, retaining top staff, and navigating compliance challenges with confidence. We’ll also uncover how leveraging technology, data-driven decision-making, and patient engagement can fuel long-term success. Whether you're new to practice or a seasoned physician looking for fresh strategies, this session will provide practical, game-changing insights to help your ENT practice not just survive—but thrive!

Speaker: Cheyenne Brinson

Otolaryngologists have enjoyed significant autonomy and decision-making authority in their practices. Traditional models of private practice, however, have evolved considerably over the past several decades, with more physicians employed by large multispecialty groups, hospitals, or academic institutions. Economic pressures have triggered consolidation of practices, with external funding from private investment groups often driving otolaryngologists to consider a range of options for practice. In this panel, Dr. Jack Krouse will moderate a discussion among three otolaryngologists – Dr. Bob Puchalski, Dr. Alpen Patel, and Dr. Erik Swanson -- and the VP of Medical Affairs for a large private equity funded physician group, Dr. Beth Greenwood. In this far-reaching conversation, we anticipate a lively dialogue on private funding and its impact on otolaryngology practice. Please attend to learn how best to approach these discussions if you are considering your potential employment options and opportunities.

Moderator: John Krouse, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAOA
Panelist: Beth Greenwood, MD; Robert Puchalski, MD, FAAOA; Alpen Patel, MD, FAAOA; Erik Swanson, MD, FAAOA