Your #OTOMTG24 Private Practitioners Guide

Hearing Aid Industry Leaders Panel: Maximizing Best Hearing Healthcare

Saturday, September 28 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm (ET)

This panel features representatives from the leading hearing aid manufacturers in the world. They will discuss how the OTC hearing aid availability has affected the overall hearing aid marketplace, how otolaryngology practices can maximize a hearing aid service for their patients, the advantages of the newest hearing instrument technology and how we can improve access to hearing healthcare for our population.

Crucial Conversations Part 2: Addressing Unintended Consequences of Otolaryngology Training Programs on Workforce and our field as a whole.

Sunday, September 29 | 8:00 – 9:30 am (ET)

We in Otolaryngology-HNS continue to find ourselves with an attractive and competitive specialty. For many reasons that will be outlined, a significant fraction of our applying medical students and current trainees express concerns that there is significant bias towards academic careers in their training programs. Furthermore, many of these students have expressed that they have to conceal their true wishes and desires for their own careers when applying to or even while training in Otolaryngology – HNS. These forces may have an impact on specialty unity and workforce distribution.

Office Coding, Billing, and Insurance Negotiation for New Practitioners

Sunday, September 29 | 8:00 – 9:00 am (ET)

This panel, comprised of managing partners in solo, small group, and large group practices, bring years of experience and detailed knowledge of the billing, coding, revenue cycle, and insurance contract negotiation process. Panelists will share strategies to achieve correct coding, improve billing & coding protocols, streamline clean claims submission, and negotiate fair contracts with payers.

OPPS Coffee Talks with ASCENT: Tips & Tools for Success

Sunday, September 29 & Monday, September 30 | 10:00 – 11:00 am (ET)
OTO Pavilion in the OTO EXPO

Roundtable discussions on key business challenges, led by thought leaders from the AAO-HNS Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS) and ASCENT.

Sunday Topics: 

• Marketing and Reputation Management: It’s Not Just Word of Mouth Anymore
• Building a New Practice Out of Residency or in a New Location: Lessons Learned*
• Partner/Associate Compensation and Buy In/Buy Out Models*
• How to Establish an In-office Surgical Practice*
• Telemedicine: Impact or Non-impact for ENT
• How to Get Your Administrator Involved/Educated*
• Best Practices in Preparing and Incorporating APPs*
• Assigning Overhead: Compensation Revenue and Expense Calculations / Models
• The Challenges of Difficult Private Practice Economic Environments*

Monday Topics: 

• Recruitment and Retention of Staff
• Building a New Practice Out of Residency or in a New Location: Lessons Learned*
• Partner/Associate Compensation and Buy In/Buy Out Models*
• How to Establish an In-office Surgical Practice*
• How to Start/Expand an Allergy Practice
• Why I am Passionate About Private Practice
• How to Get Your Administrator Involved/Educated*
• Best Practices in Preparing and Incorporating APPs*
• The Challenges of Difficult Private Practice Economic Environments*

*Topic will be discussed both days

Employee Engagement and Retention: Practical Preparation for Workforce Challenges

Monday, September 30 | 9:30 – 10:30 am (ET)

Industry panel experts will share their insights and strategies for keeping employees motivated and engaged. Topics to be covered include the economic impact of staff turnover, the impact on employee morale, how to enhance effective communication strategies, and best practices for maintaining employee engagement and retaining top talent.

Focus on Patient Satisfaction to Build Your Practice (And Have Fun Doing It!)

Monday, September 30 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm (ET)

This course will examine some elements of patient satisfaction and highlight key non-clinical factors that affect patient satisfaction. We will follow the patient encounter from first contact to after-visit follow up, pointing out numerous opportunities to set expectations, build communication, deliver patient-focused care, and create customer loyalty without increasing staff or physician workloads (and sometimes reducing them!).

Navigating Private Practice Life Knowing What I Know Now

Monday, September 30 | 2:30 – 3:30 pm (ET)

Aimed at graduating otolaryngology residents and early career physicians who are considering a career in private practice, this session will provide current and recently graduated trainees with insights into the nuances of practice/career choices and private practice management. This panel will also focus on how private practice otolaryngologists can continue to engage with the otolaryngology community through local and national organizations and become eventual leaders.

Show Me the Money: Simple Strategies to Improve the Bottom Line of Your Practice

Monday, September 30 | 3:30 – 4:20 pm (ET)

This panel will discuss best practices, pearls and pitfalls, and strategies to make sure your practice gets paid all it is due. Topics that will be discussed include the use of scribes, audiology assistants, new and cheaper technology, AI, GPOs, a focus on employee wellbeing and retention, claim scrubbing, efficient prior authorizations, dashboards for measuring clinic efficiencies, streamlining electronic medical records to support claims, as well as several novel approaches to optimizing ENT related service lines.

Office Practice Innovation: Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Outsourcing, and Insourcing

Tuesday, October 1 | 9:30 – 10:30 am (ET)

New technologies, changing regulations, increasing costs, and employee shortages are challenges every practice experiences. Operational efficiencies are at risk and practice finances are stretched. Identifying which innovations/automations to deploy and assessing their impact on the practice require tools not readily understood or utilized in a practice. Outsourcing options are evolving to include numerous functions that practices struggle to do efficiently internally. Insourcing is a variation of outsourcing and a newer concept where employees are brought in from other entities to fill out functions temporarily or permanently through leasing arrangements from labor companies or other practices. The types of AI solutions will also be covered. Deciding what to do, when to deploy, how to deploy, and how to measure success will be discussed.

ENT Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Business Model and Walk-In Urgent Care: Access, Growth, and Profitability

Tuesday, October 1 | 12:30 – 1:30 pm (ET)

This panel addresses the critical importance of optimizing existing business service lines within private practice verticals. The panel advocates for strategic measures, including leveraging the ENT APP Model, to not only address these challenges but also to ensure sustainability and profitability. The expertise of panelists, with a history of real-life success, provides valuable insights into implementing effective solutions.

Business of Medicine/Practice Management Track

Gain valuable insights on financial management, practice growth, and leadership from industry experts through the Business of Medicine/Practice Management Track.

Explore the Full Education Program

View the full education program to start planning your schedule.

Presidents’ Reception

Saturday, September 28 | 7:00 pm (ET)

The Presidents’ Reception is an unforgettable occasion affording attendees ample time to network and connect with colleagues from around the globe. The 2024 Presidents’ Reception will take place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS) General Assembly

Sunday, September 29 | 1:00 PM (ET)

Hear from the current and future leaders of the Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS) and chart the course for the next year.

Additional Events

We also encourage you to attend the General Assemblies of the Sections for Residents and Fellows-in-Training, Young Physicians, and Women in Otolaryngology, participate as a guest in committee meetings of interest, and discover the most comprehensive display of the latest products and services in the OTO EXPO!