Sunday, August 1 - Wednesday, August 4

Sunday, August 1 | Monday, August 2 | Tuesday, August 3 | Wednesday, August 4

CE Information: ARRT Category A Continuing Education (CE) credit will be available at the event, including CE credit for states with licensure for radiologic technologists. An electronic tracking system for CE credits will be used at the event. The bar code on your badge will be scanned as you enter and leave each session. BOTH scans are required to receive CE credit. Your badge's barcode tracks attendance, so CE credit can only be earned if you have your badge with you at sessions. You'll receive a nightly e-mail listing your attended sessions and credits received that day, plus links to session evaluations—please complete these. After the conference you will receive an e-mail listing your complete attendance history and credits earned. Thank you for attending the conference.

View the Schedule at-a-Glance 

Sunday, August 1    To The Top

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Exhibitor Symposium: Building Resiliency into Your Radiology Practice
Sponsored by Siemens
Joe Gaetano, MS, FACHE - Vice President Operations, Northern Light Health
Peter Shen, BS - VP of Business Development, Digital Services, Siemens Healthineers, North America 
Terry Talbot, BS - Sr. Vice President, Digital Health, Siemens Healthineers
Debbie Bohanon, MBA - Executive Director, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Siemens Healthineers 

Exhibitor Symposium: Building Resiliency into Your Radiology Practice Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds and not only bounce back but grow despite life’s downturns. What does a resilient radiology practice look like in 2021 and beyond? From workflow hurdles and patient anxiety to fluctuations in elective and non-essential procedures, you’ve taken on challenges no one imagined. Now, organizations like yours are taking the insights gained from the pandemic to build resiliency into their radiology practices to better prepare for the future. What can you be doing right now to become more resilient? 

You will learn to: 
• Implement practical operational lessons learned from the pandemic 
• Utilize technology to become more resilient going forward 
• Create a flexible organization in the face of adversity
Domains: TBD; CE Credits: 1

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

Healthcare Simulation and Its Uses in a Radiology Setting / Simulation and Radiology
Traci Foster, CRA, MSRA, RT(R) - Assistant Director Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands

Healthcare Simulation and Its Uses in a Radiology Setting:
While simulation has been used in other industries, it is now gaining momentum in healthcare. The goal of simulation in healthcare is to improve patient safety and patient care while creating structures and systems within healthcare that optimize safety, quality, and efficiency. The session will educate what simulation is along with the four main reasons for simulation: Education & Training, Assessment, Research, and Health System Integration. During the session we will also review where simulations can take place and the methods used to perform simulations. Two of the most important components to any simulation is the pre brief and post event debrief. Both of these will be dissected and discussed to ensure the simulation provides as much information as possible.

We will then discuss how simulation can be used in a radiology setting. TCH The Woodlands replaced their two MRI scanners simultaneously and we had a mobile MRI to provide patient care for both in and out patients. Because we are a pediatric facility, we perform quite a few sedated MRI exams. We performed three distinct simulations to determine if we could safely perform sedation in the mobile unit. Each of the three simulations incudes objectives, testing priorities, patient description, participants and responsibilities, scenario set-up, and equipment used. 

This session will educate others in the uses of simulation within radiology and will hopefully encourage others to utilize this fantastic tool to improve patient care and safety within their own departments.

You will learn to:
• Understand the definition of simulation and its goals for healthcare.
• Identify the components of simulation that are necessary to get the most effective outcomes.
• Understand how simulation is used in a radiology setting.
Domains: OM; CE Credits: 1

Growing Forward with Human Resources- Performance through People
Billie McKee, MHA MBA RT(R)(T) CRA FAHRA - Chief Human Resources Officer, Henry Co Medical Center

Who really knows what goes on in the Human Resources department? They just hire people and handle benefits right? Wrong. This was my assumption of how this department ran prior to taking my current position as Chief Human Resources Officer. In November 2017, I accepted the CHRO position at HCMC. I served as the Imaging Director for the previous 13 years. Needless to say, this was quite a different working environment than the clinical areas I had always worked in through the years. One of the biggest differences/challenges was the massive amounts of paper that flow through the HR department on a daily basis. Coming from a paperless/filmless area, this was quite the adjustment for me. It really gave me an appreciation for the HR staff and how things can really get lost in the shuffle of paper. We employ close to 1,000 partners and believe me when I say, that’s a lot of paper!

I began with using my knowledge and experience as a clinical leader to make the HR department more efficient by eliminating some of the paper. We began looking at HRIS systems in the Spring of 2018 and quickly realized we needed Payroll on board with us to make this a completely successful project. Again, technology is ever evolving in clinical areas, but not in all areas of the hospital.

Also, our turnover rate when I came into this position for entire organization was about 26% with approximately 284 open positions, with an average time to fill of about 30 days. Nursing turnover was 33% alone. We also wanted to gauge what our 1 year retention rate was after the previous year of changes in our new hire and on-boarding processes. 

My presentation consists of some lessons learned and hopefully give Clinical leaders some insight on how vital the work in Human Resources is and tips to make them your best friends.

You will learn to:
• Define our Goals for Success
• Discuss solutions that we applied
• Impact and Outcomes of Efforts
Domains: HR; CE Credits: 1

Emphasis on Value Based Care While Creating Efficiencies
Carla M. Knisley, MBA, CRA, RT(R)(MR) - Director of Clinical Support Services, OhioHealth

We know the journey from volume to value is a "journey" we are all on - it is imperative to think and work differently. Learn more about how OhioHealth is transforming by providing value in everything we do for the volume of patients we serve. Today, most people would agree healthcare is confusing, stressful and expensive. Consumers are being asked to assume more financial responsibility which is driving consumerism. Success in "tomorrow's" healthcare world means our organizations MUST deliver the highest quality of care that is perceived AFFORDABLE and do it today. Q&A (Quality and Affordability) will design, deploy, and measure big ideas that support the delivery of high quality and affordable care. We know this is more than a challenge largely due to the reimbursement changes. It makes our margins narrower. However, we are doing the work differently in order to maintain our commitment to our communities -- commitments such as providing much needed healthcare services to all communities, provide updated equipment, provide a more digital experience all while remaining financially stable. The ultimate goal is to lower the cost of healthcare for employers and the community we serve at the same time. One aspect of Q&A is workflow redesign. We evaluate the effectiveness of our workflows and, if possible, redesign the process to create more value. This could mean we change some of the ways we work but it's about working SMARTER and more EFFICIENTLY.

You will learn to: 
• Understand the importance of creating value for consumers. 
• Learn how to design, deploy and measure big ideas that support the delivery of high quality and affordable care. 
• Leading through "change" with a goal of working smarter and more efficiently. 

Domains: TBD 
CE Credits: 1

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Beverage Break

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

Regulatory Update 2021
Sheila M. Sferrella, MAS, CRA, RT(R), FAHRA - President, Regents Health Resources
Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS - President, Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies

Healthcare regulatory changes continue to impact imaging administrators at a rapid pace affecting both compliance and reimbursement. This session will focus on OPPS and MPFS proposed as well as finalized (if available) legislation and changes for 2021-2022. Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) also known as Clinical Decision Support (CDS), Surprise Billing legislation, COVID impact to imaging volumes as well as other key issues will be reviewed during this session. The operational impact to your organization will also be discussed as well as any relevant AHRA surveys to see how you compare with your colleagues.

You will learn to:
• Discuss key regulatory initiatives affecting imaging providers
• Ensure attendees understand the short and long-term issues associated with regulatory changes.
• Ensure attendees are aware of existing and potential regulatory issues impacting reimbursement for hospitals, IDTFs and imaging centers.
Domains: CI, OM, FM; CE Credits: 1.5

Extraordinary Thinking Creates Extraordinary Leaders
Christopher Salem, Award Winning Author - CEO / Executive Coach, CRS Group Holdings, LLC

Leadership is not a title but action you exhibit daily through being the example. The foundation for extraordinary leaders comes down to extraordinary thinking. How you think creates the action you take in the moment as part of the process that leads to desired results. This foundation starts with building a growth mindset that embraces a process to become the example with certain habits and disciplines. This inspires others to be responsible and accountable for their own tasks so they can come together and form an interdependent work environment. Transparent leaders create other leaders to build momentum and sustain growth over time. Even through difficult periods of time. Come learn the methodology how to think from a growth mindset to become an extraordinary leader.

You will learn:
• Attendees will understand how to be laser focused on priorities that matter and build winning teams for growth within an interdependent work environment.
Attendees will be able to generate more productive results when letting go of what they cannot control.
Attendees will know to be more compelling and impactful to others as an influential authority over other leaders.
Domains: HR ; CE Credits: 1.5

Mastering LinkedIn & Your Professional Identity
John J. Beall, MAA-HA, FAHRA - Retired, US Army

Most people who are part of the business world have made a profile on LinkedIn. Why? Well at some point, they heard that it was important for them for that day they needed to find a new job. Hopefully, your LinkedIn strategy was not like my first attempt was – just create a profile and “get found”. With my recent significant change in careers, (leaving the Army after 26 years) I found the transition hard and could not find a way to stand out to my prospective employers. The true KEY to LinkedIn success is the thing I absolutely dread the most: it is ENGAGEMENT.

In our session, we will learn about leveraging LinkedIn to not just be your “searchable” online resume but to use it as a tool to develop your PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY and show your brand. By going through the “Do’s and Dont’s” of setting up your profile we will get your profile into the first algorithm category. There will be time spent on learning the proper etiquette on reaching out to connections and possibly finding new mentors to establish your network. We will also go over how to use LinkedIn as an asset for your organization brand (whether it is your job, professional society, or performing acts of stewardship within the community).

Learning Objectives:
• You will learn why LinkedIn is the Social Media platform you should be using.
• You will learn the "Do's and Dont's" for setting up your profile.
• You will learn how leveraging your profile can demonstrate your Professional Identity.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Beverage Break

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Breakout Sessions

Conducting Successful Research Imaging
Ralph Gentry, RT (R)(MR)(CT) - Director, Cardiovascular Imaging and Education, Precision Image Analysis (PIA)
Christian Teague, RT(N), CNMT - Associate Imaging Solutions Consultant Director, PAREXEL

Research isn’t just a reputation builder and revenue source for educational institutions.  Research and especially Clinical Trials have very specialized rules and procedures.  There is a niche industry that is focused on making projects in these areas a success.  This industry specializes in keeping research and clinical trials within the boundaries to ensure success with valid results. 

Christian Teague, former technologist, is the Consultant Director of Medical Imaging at Calyx. Mr. Teague is an expert at designing, packaging and selling large-scale imaging related research and trials.  Ralph Gentry has 40+ years of experience as a technologist and image acquisition expert, including site selection for data gathering. This uniquely talented panel can cover this topic from end to end.  Come ready to learn and bring your hard questions.

You will learn:

• How to position a research grant for success
• To understand how to ask for enough money to more than cover your expenses
• To determine if you need a full blown Core Lab for a project
Domains: CI; CE Credits: 1.0

Journey to Baldrige: Continuous Performance Improvement
Michael A. Janis, MBA, RT(R)(CT)(N)CNMT - Executive Director of Outpatient and Ancillary Services, HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital

The need to improve your organization’s performance has never been greater: customers expect more, good employees are hard to find, you have to do more with less, and competition is intensifying. Most find themselves asking:
"Where do you start?"
"How do you know which processes need the most attention?"
"How do you achieve – and sustain – high performance over time?"

The presentation provides the detail and examples of processes improved at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and how we elevated as an organization and specifically in the radiology department. Key items of discussion will include "SBAR" process (Situation - Barrier - Assessment - Recommendation), I Promise Room created for daily safety huddle (Entire hospital sends representative for improved cascading communication), Online Registration and elimination of waiting rooms. The overall goal is to share our journey to processes improvement and a goal of zero harm to the organization. We started with ILPex (Illinois Performance Improvement) 3 years ago and received the bronze award 2x - commitment to excellence and this year were awarded the silver award - progress to excellence.

You will learn to:
• Develop a plan for the department and/or organization.
Establish the process improvement tools and templates to establish consistency.
Evaluate examples of completed projects and projects in process.
Domains: OM, CI; CE Credits: 1

Leading Off the Map – Detours, Shortcuts, Roadblocks and Dead Ends
Sara Nofziger-Drew, CHBME, CPC, CPB, CPPM - Director of Client Relations, HealthPro Medical Billing, Inc. 

In 2020, everyone was forced to navigate everyday life in a new era with a worldwide pandemic. Leaders in healthcare needed to quickly adapt to provide safe care for patients while keeping their teams safe too. Your ‘normal’ day has changed to support new cleaning protocols, tracking down PPE and ensuring it is used appropriately, perhaps even sparingly, revenue losses from being closed or changing the length of time for a visit, team members that need to self-quarantine and don’t forget those team members now have children attending school at home. What can you do to prepare yourself for leading when there isn’t any map? How do you address the obstacles not marked on the map or the distance to the end point keeps changing? Prepare yourself to go off the map or even off the grid when your GPS loses its signal. Train, prepare, execute! 

You will learn to: 
• Understand how to lead when you are navigating without a map through unchartered territory. 
• Discover what skills you need to adapt to unknown surroundings and guide your team to thrive. 
• Evolve your knowledge and leadership to prepare for unexpected challenges. 

Domains: OM, AM, HR, CI, FM 
CE Credits: 1

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
First-Time Attendee/New Member Reception Sponsored by West Physics

Monday, August 2    To The Top

7:45 AM - 8:45 AM
Exhibitor Symposium: The CSF accumulation of GBCAs: The Significance of the Glymphatic System
Sponsored by Guerbet
Aashim Bhatia, MD, MS, DABR - Assistant Professor of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Guerbet 

There has been growing concern regarding gadolinium (Gd) deposition in the brain usually seen in patients who have received multiple doses of contrast. Fortunately to date, no consequences of gadolinium retention in the brain have been established. A better understanding of the glymphatic system should increase our knowledge of the mechanisms GBCA elimination in the brain and thus provide strategies to minimize Gd deposition. 

You will learn to: 
• Describe the role and function of the glymphatic system 
• Describe how to determine the structural stability of GBCAs and how to select an agent that is least likely to be associated with Gd deposition 
• Review recent research in Gd deposition observed in patients who have received GBCAs 

Domains: OM 
CE Credits: 1

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Grand Opening Ceremony & Keynote: FLY!: Find Your Own Wings and Soar Above Life’s Challenges
Lex Gillette
Achieving goals often requires taking risks, facing challenges, and successfully conquering those challenges. Blind since the age of eight, Lex Gillette was determined to not let that factor keep him from achieving his goals. In this presentation, you will travel with Lex through many scenes of his life, feeling every emotion along the way. You will be taken on a journey of discovery that will reveal the lessons and ideas that have propelled him to four Paralympic medals, four world champion titles, and a world record in the long jump for totally blind athletes. He invites you to close your eyes, open your mind, and visualize life at your highest potential. What does that look like? How do you achieve it? Through a clear set of action items, Lex’s presentation will help you navigate down your own metaphorical runway and leap into your dreams.

You will learn to:
• Identify the blindfolds that may exist in your life and how to remove them.
• Establish real connection and collaborate more effectively within your team.
• Identify a vision and develop your own dynamic “brand of sight”.
Domains: HR; CE Credits: 1

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Open & Lunch served 12:00 - 1:30 PM

2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

Radiology Department Capital Planning (for Dummies)
Robert P. Junk, BS - President, RAD-Planning
Tobias Gilk, M.Arch, MRSO, MRSE - Sr. VP - RAD-Planning, Founder - Gilk Radiology Consultants

In 2020, the US Department of Veteran Affairs released it's much-anticipated Imaging Services Design Guide (replacing three prior Design Guides for Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and MRI). This new tool provides facility, department, and suite planning guidance for everything found in imaging. The presenters, who authored the new Design Guide, will walk attendees through the document, including utilization / throughput metrics by modality, facility planning, department layout, modality / suite planning, and all-important future adaptability. From acuity-specific levels of design, to department segregation of screening vs. diagnostic vs. interventional modalities, to 'clustering' of modalities around patient sub-groups, this talk will help managers looking at future capital projects see both the immediate considerations of a piece of equipment and big-picture integration for efficient patient care, staffing, and throughput. 

You will learn:
• Planning resources that will help you identify 'right sized' mix of imaging equipment based on your patient volumes.
• Facility planning and layout tips for efficiency and effective care.
• Specific design criteria for CT, MRI, PET, and other modalities, including acuity-based design ideas
Domains: AM; CE Credits: 1.5

Flexible Leadership Styles in Imaging
Dawn McNeil, PhD, RT(R)(M), RDMS, RVT, CRA, FASRT - Program Coordinator, Radiologic Technology, Rasmussen College
The purpose of this course is to relay the information and data from research on radiology managers and the relationship to the path-goal theory of leadership. This session will describe path-goal theory and the four leadership styles used in managerial positions to create a successful department. The researcher surveyed radiology managers through the management community to discern how they feel they relate to the theory. The attendees will receive the survey results and the data/conclusions drawn from the research to use in their every day practices. The information will be useful to all imaging professionals when considering the specific metrics presented: employee turnover, productivity ratios, and customer satisfaction scores.

You will learn to:
• Identify the four leadership styles of path-goal theory
• Describe how performance metrics are important in medical imaging
• Understand how healthcare has changed since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Domains: HR; CE Credits: 1.5

Coding and Compliance Tips & Traps: Equipping Yourself for Success
Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS - President, Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies

This session will include an overview of key coding and compliance issues of this growingly complex area that challenges radiology professionals on a daily basis. Radiology Managers/Administrators must be able to effectively manage or oversee coding and compliance for their departments/organizations to ensure revenue is not inappropriately gained or forfeited. In addition, key compliance issues that impact radiology will be reviewed to ensure understanding. Specialty specific coding concerns, orders, supervision guidelines, the use of non-physician practitioners and RPAs and more will be covered in this exciting session.

You will learn to:
• Review key coding and compliance areas of concern to equip radiology managers/administrators will the knowledge they need to successful oversee and manage these functions within in their organization.
• Understand how radiology coding/billing is different from other specialties/departments and discuss key areas of concern to avoid compliance concerns.
• Review operational concerns that cause the great compliance challenges including but not limited supervision and the use of physician extenders.
Domains: FM, OM; CE Credits: 1.5

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Beverage Break

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Breakout Sessions

Leading from Relationship Versus Leading From Authority
Josh Block, BA in Business Management/Marketing - President, Block Imaging

Isn’t a title and spot on the org chart enough? So many leaders can’t figure out why their teams aren’t following or growing beyond doing what they are told. In this session, we’ll discuss the difference between leading from relationship and leading from authority. It’s a big risk and pays off every time!!

You will learn to:
• Understand the difference
• Determine where on the spectrum you are.
• Identify the leadership path you want to create moving forward.
• 3 steps to leading from relationship.
• One change to make today
Domains: HR; CE Credits: 1

Cheers! Reflections and Perspectives on Passionate and Effective Leadership
Jason Newmark, BA, MHA, CRA, FAHRA - Vice President, Diagnostic Services, Baystate Health

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you got. Taking a break from all your worries, it sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came…”

Don’t you agree that these famous lyrics from the ‘Cheers’ theme song ring so true for each of us in healthcare leadership roles? Sometimes being a leader takes everything we’ve got! Often times, we just need to get away from the day to day. And, at least once a year, we all need to attend an AHRA annual meeting where many people know our names and "all are glad we came!”

Join me for an interactive discussion on what it means to be a leader in today’s healthcare environment. Allow me to share the story of my own leadership journey, as well as personal perspectives on the key ingredients necessary for to be a truly effective leader. Through the sharing of real life leadership perspectives, I hope to promote open dialog and sincere personal reflections from attendees. Are we leading with intent or simply reacting? Are we truly present each day or just going through the motions? Are we in the “right” roles to be our most authentic and “best” selves? Attendees will help each other reignite (or add high energy fuel to) their passion for leadership. And, all will be well prepared for continued deeper discussions …quite possibly over a pint at Cheers!

You will learn to:
• Deeply reflect upon your own personal leadership status (traits, strengths, opportunities for improvement, and longer term goals)
• Appreciate the different paths available to take on broader leadership responsibilities
• Better appreciate the differences between “managing” and “leading”
Domains: HR; CE Credits: 1

Using a Cork to Plug Your Reimbursement Leaks? Six Critical areas for you to fix before you need a bucket to bail out water
Sara Nofziger-Drew, CHBME, CPC, CPB, CPPM - Director of Client Relations, HealthPro Medical Billing, Inc.

You may have suspicions that your revenue doesn’t match your scan and patient volume. Though, do you really know with fact-based metrics? With the reimbursement squeeze from insurance companies, high deductibles for patients, executives asking where the money is and new equipment needs, now is the time to ensure you plug every hole, crack, chip and yes, dents too! With the changes over the past year or more, you have continued to see expenses rise while your department provides the same exams, adds extra cleaning protocols, uses more PPE supplies, needs additional time between scans and training for ever changing rules. You need to know your revenue and seal chips before they become a gaping hole. Identify each area of the revenue cycle process that is prone to have cracks. Use specific metrics to monitor each key area to avoid future leaks. Learn areas of opportunities to avoid charge slippage and for revenue recovery. Learn, Implement, Monitor, Act!

You will learn to:
• Learn the prime revenue cycle areas where reimbursement is lost.
• Understand the steps needed to shore up the holes and cracks.
• Gain the knowledge you need to monitor your revenue cycle to prevent leaks.
Domains: FM; CE Credits: 1

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Exhibitor Symposium: A challenge, or an opportunity? Choice of MR Contrast Media

Tuesday, August 3    To The Top

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Exhibitor Symposium: State of the Imaging Market 2021

8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Breakout Sessions

Leadership: Who Signed Me Up and How Did I Get Here?
Josh Block, BA in Business Management/Marketing - President, Block Imaging

Many of us didn’t fully understand what we were signing up for when we took on the mantle of leadership. In this session, we’ll talk through the responsibilities and rewards of leadership, while also taking time to tackle some tough questions that people are facing and “re-up” as leaders. Let's go!

You will learn:
• What is leadership?
• Who is leadership about?
• What do I do now?
• 3 ways to grow
• Leadership "Re-ups"
Domains: TBD; CE Credits: 1

Recent Legal Developments all Radiology Providers Need to Know
Adrienne Dresevic, JD - Founding Shareholder/Attorney, The Health Law Partners, P.C.
Clinton Mikel, JD - Partner/Attorney, The Health Law Partners, P.C.

The presentation will provide an overview of hot legal topics relevant to radiology. The presentation will discuss: (1) proposed updates to the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and Physician Self-Referral (Stark) Law; (2) updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS); (3) CMS’ Final Rule for Program Integrity Enhancements to the Provider Enrollment Process; (4) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) program requirements; (5) prominent cybersecurity issues and practices to combat threats; and (6) Re-Opening and/or maintaining a practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Presenters will discuss the proposed rules issued by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) for Stark Law and the AKS, respectively. Presenters will discuss the CY 2021 PFS Final Rule and how changes to Medicare payment policies under the PFS may affect radiologists once effective. Presenters will discuss the Final Rule for Program Integrity Enhancements to the Provider Enrollment Process and how these new authorities to combat fraud and waste in federal health insurance programs may impact radiology providers and suppliers. Presenters will discuss the implementation of the AUC program. Presenters will provide an overview of the AUC program and the program implementation timeline. Presenters will discuss key cybersecurity threats in healthcare and provide an overview of practices providers should implement to combat them. Presenters will discuss best practices that a radiology practice should adopt when re-opening or maintaining a practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You will learn to:
• Understand major proposed changes to Stark Law and the AKS and how those changes would impact radiology providers and suppliers.
• Understand new program initiatives that were recently made effective or will be going into effect soon (e.g., AUC program and Program Integrity Enhancements to the Provider Enrollment Process).
• Learn best practices for re-opening and/or maintaining a practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Domains: FM; CE Credits: 1

Implementation of a Global Patient Schedule Initiative
Jane Fry, MA, BSRT,(R, N) CNMT - Radiology Director, Lee Health

The implementation of the Global Patient Scheduling initiative involved a hub and spoke principle that all pieces affected one another in the successful through put of patients. Representatives from each department were included in mapping out patient flow in the current state and developing an ideal future state. Key parameters of patient movement were defined with metrics were developed for each parameter. Some metrics included the throughput time of patients in the emergency department, turnaround time for ancillary testing, transportation response and trip times, time from bed ready to occupied and discharge orders to departure. An order coordinator was delegated the task of scheduling all ancillary testing orders for all patients in the hospital to improve flow and patient throughput. From a radiology aspect the goals were to ensure proper prep from MRI screening forms, npo status, proper lab work or IV size. The premise was coordinated services would prevent wasted trips by transportation and ensured optimal quality of imaging exams. This would involve change management with the team to ensure compliance. The metrics assigned to radiology were from the time a study was ordered to completed and exam completion to dictation. At the one year mark the turn around time for order to completed was 47 minutes and completed to dictated 93 minutes. 

You will learn to:
• Describe the benefits of a global patient scheduling initiative.
• Distinguish the barriers contributing to the efficient movement of in-patients.
• Understand the importance of staff engagement in changing processes and celebrating successes.
Domains: OM; CE Credits: 1

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM: Beverage Break

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
General Session & Keynote: Something Greater is Always Possible
Devin Henderson
What would you do and who you be if you believed anything was possible for you? For many people a once-held vision of unlimited possibility gets small and limited as a result of life’s daily stressors, persistent insecurities, self doubt, isolation and even failure. But what if you could reclaim and even expand your full potential at anytime? And what if your truest potential was bigger, richer and more satisfying than you had previously envisioned? Join seasoned speaker and performer, Devin Henderson for an entertaining, funny, and inspiring experience to break free of your perceived limits and realize your greatness like never before.

You will learn to:
• Rethink the Impossible.
• Dream Bigger.
• Attain a seemingly impossible goal, without getting in your own way or giving up.
Domains: HR; Credits: 1

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Open & Lunch served 12:00 - 1:30 PM

2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

Challenges Women Face in Radiology Leadership Roles
Nicole B. Dhanraj, PH.D, SHRM-SCP, GPHR, PMP, CRA, R.T (R)(MR)(CT) - SYSTEMS DIRECTOR, Northern Arizona Healthcare

Ask any woman in radiology leadership positions and most will tell you about their challenges in rising into their leadership role. These experiences are often worse for minority women. Why in the 21st century, when there is an emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives in organizations, we still see a lack of minority women across leadership roles in radiology? In this session, there will be a discussion on the challenges and barriers women face in their career growth in radiology, and reasons why a diversity gap exists in healthcare. Women not only have to break the glass (bamboo)ceiling but must navigate the glass cliffs often associated with growing their career. The session will round off with a call to action of how to reduce these barriers and create a more inclusive environment for the senior women leaders of today, and the ones to come tomorrow.

You will learn to:
• Identify reasons for the diversity gap in healthcare leadership positions
• Describe the challenges and barriers women face in growing their career in radiology
• Apply strategies to create a more inclusive environment and foster women's career progression in radiology
Domains: HR, CI; Credits: 1.5

2021: The Year of MRI Safety (and How Naming an MRSO Can Help Your Site)
Tobias Gilk, M.Arch, MRSO, MRSE - Sr. VP - RAD-Planning, Founder - Gilk Radiology Consultants

In 2001 the radiology world was rocked when young Michael Colombini died when a portable oxygen tank was brought into the MRI room (and was pulled from the anesthesiologists hands, striking Michael in the face and head). That accident prompted to formation of the ACR's MRI Safety Committee, and the publication of the original 'White Paper on MR Safety.' In the 20-years since that accident, we've seen massive shifts in MRI technology, clinical application, reimbursement and revenue, new licensure and accreditation requirements, and safety training resources.

This session will seek to identify what the MRI safety challenges were in 2001, look at how they've changed in the 20 years since, and identify both problems and solutions to our current situation. The evaluation will look at ways that the seismic shifts in MRI technology and usage have reshaped the risk profile. We'll also discuss perhaps the most direct step every manager can take, and that is designating specific individuals with responsibility for the development and adherence to MRI safety best practices.

You will learn:
•  Cause and chronology of the first widespread MRI safety measures.
• How shifts in MRI have changed the risks we face today.
• Practical steps that can be taken to reduce risks at your site.
• The essential importance of having individuals with specific MRI safety duties.
Domains: OM; Credits: 1.5

Just In Time Imaging: The New Normal
Mary-Theresa Shore, MSM CIIP RT(R)(MR) - Senior Director Clinical Operations, Massachusetts General Hospital
Jennifer Davenport, MSM, RT(R) - Process Improvement Manager, Massachusetts General Hospital

In Massachusetts, the first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported on February 1, 2020, and the number of cases continue to rapidly increase. Massachusetts General Hospital received a large percentage of COVID-19 patients. All routine care was deferred. In Radiology, overall exam volume dropped by 68%. However, beginning in May, patients started to return for non-COVID-19 related imaging and by July, overall radiology exam volume rebounded back to baseline. In healthcare, we are always balancing how to maintain efficiency, operate at the highest level of throughput, and maintain safety among our patients and staff. To prepare for a re-opening in radiology, amid COVID-19, re-engineered workflows were developed to ensure the safety of patients and staff while ensuring appropriate access for patients.

Just in Time Imaging is a new workflow design that optimizes operational efficiency while maintaining safe distancing practices that are in alignment with organizational directives. These mandates and guidelines are a direct result of COVID-19. Although the concept of performing a patient’s exam exactly when they arrive and eliminating wait times is an attractive one, it has been one that has eluded us for years. We will walk you through the stages of design and implementation that have yielded a safe and sustainable workflow that is proving to increase operational efficiency as well as ensure our patients and staff remain safe.

You will learn to:
• Evaluate and critique your current outpatient workflow to identify improvement opportunities
• Design and Implement a workflow that meets the needs of your “new” normal as it relates to patient safety and volume goals.
• Analyze data and make changes to coordinate a process that eliminates the need for wait times and increases safety measures..
Domains: OM; Credits: 1.5
 
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Beverage Break

4:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

What I Learned About Leadership Started When I was a Kid
Jerry Crouch, EdD RRT-NPS, CPFT - Soldier (until 04012021), US Army (until 04012021)

Like many, I grew up reading books some and watching more than my share of television. Reflecting back now as an adult, I realize that this was where the foundation for my construct of leadership was formed. Dr. Seuss should be considered the preeminent leadership expert. Oh, the Places You'll Go! does not only provide hope for the future but offers a few lessons in leadership. Dr. Seuss did not limit his teaching to this one medium. For those kids less inclined to read and even the ones reading, The Lorax was another way that he was able to develop future leaders. Even though Fred Rogers was not a Navy Seal with 25 confirmed kills and tattoo sleeves, he most likely imparted leadership on some individuals with those accolades through his neighborhood. Concurrently, LeVar Burton was encouraging one of the important traits of leaders (reading). Much like Dr. Seuss, LeVar Burton provided hope for the future and valuable lessons of leadership. Another show made up of an ensemble cast, posed the question Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? Jim Henson and his team had the longest running children's television show. In each hour episode, there were pearls of leadership that were provided for generations of future leaders.

You will learn to:
• Recognize lessons of leadership across various mediums
• Facilitate a better understanding of how leadership was developed
• Motivate attendees to synthesize and analyze scenarios to enhance understanding of leadership
Domains: OM; Credits: 1.5

READ (HIDDEN) EMOTIONS - The Science Behind a New Skill
Dan Seidman, Certified Behavior Analyst - Managing Director, Read Emotions

This is a new emotional intelligence skill.
It is important to know what someone is thinking and feeling when your goal is to build constructive relationships through leading, coaching, selling or hiring. People often attempt to suppress their emotions. But there is “leakage,” known as micro expressions, which occur in 1/5th of a second. In this unique and highly interactive communication program, you will experience a special video tool and hands-on coaching to help you increase Emotional Intelligence and influence, as you learn to spot these emotions.

These potent skills are based on 40+ years of research by Dr. Paul Ekman. In the past, training has been kept to law enforcement and security firms. Organizations who use these detection skills across the globe include the CIA, FBI, Interpol, Department of Homeland Security, Scotland Yard, Emirates Airlines and more. Hollywood embraced this when Lord of the Rings won the Academy Award for Visual Effects using the science. This elite training has been re-designed so business professionals can adopt these potent techniques and leave this training experience and better manage the feelings of others. Whether you lead, sell, coach or hire, you can see an increase in your EQ, influence and communication skills.

You will learn to:
• Read suppressed emotions in the faces of others by experiencing a special video tool.
• Discover the science and function of emotions, by improving how you personally react to triggers which can undermine relationships with others.
• Receive coaching to improve your new skills by watching slow motion videos, news clips and learn which muscles in the face indicate which emotion is being suppressed.
Domains: CI, HR; Credits: 1.5

Washington Update
Nathan Baugh, BA - AHRA Regulatory Affairs Committee Staff, Capitol Associates Inc.

Healthcare policy is constantly evolving and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace of change dramatically. The Washington Update will cover how healthcare policy and politics impacts medical imaging management. Topics to be discussed will include: Appropriate Use Criteria Mandate, the new surprise medical billing laws, price transparency, changes to the physician fee schedule conversion factor and more!

You will learn to:
• Describe how political healthcare rhetoric can eventually impact medical imaging management
• Demonstrate knowledge regarding the legislative origins of the Appropriate Use Criteria policy, and the implementation challenges ahead.
• Define how healthcare policy trends such as site-neutrality might affect the future of the healthcare industry
Domains: OM, FM, CI;  Credits: 1.5

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Exhibitor Symposium: Re-engaging Patients to Accelerate Business Recovery
Sponsored by Philips
Bart Engler 

COVID-19 has greatly exacerbated the challenges hospitals and health systems face in ensuring patients are able to remain consistently engaged in their care. The postponement of non-emergent procedures during the pandemic’s peak created significant backlogs in diagnostic imaging, oncology care and other services. This has created enormous financial and operations stress for executives and staff as organizations work to provide needed care to their patients. At the same time, large numbers of patients still express fear or anxiety about returning to health care facilities. To accelerate recovery, provider organizations need to take a proactive approach to improve patient communications, optimize operational efficiency and leverage technology to streamline care delivery. Join us to learn more about how embracing patient-centered care approaches can help overcome these challenges, reduce no-shows and cancellations, minimize wait times and minimize stress on patients and staff. 

You will learn to: 
• Better understand the challenges organization face in ensuring patients remain consistently engaged in their care. 
• Identify the implications on patients and staff (financial, operational, mental), specifically in Imaging. 
• Improve and personalize patient communications, optimize operational efficiency and leverage technology to streamline care delivery. 
• Re-engage patients, accelerating business recovery and offering better patient experiences to new and returning patients. 

Domains: CI, OM 
CE Credits: 1

Wednesday, August 4    To The Top

7:15 PM - 8:15 AM
Exhibitor Symposium: MRI Imaging – Overcoming Challenges From a Technologist’s Perspective
Sponsored by Bayer
Sara Robinson, MBA, BS, RTR - Bayer Radiology, Bayer Healthcare 
As an experienced Technologist, Sara Robinson, BSRT, MBA, from Bayer in Radiology, will provide an overview on the science behind certain challenges with MR imaging, as well as considerations to overcome these challenges.
Note: CE credit will no be provided for this symposium.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

Coming Back from the Brink
Pat Kroken, FACMPE, CRA, FRBMA - Director, Education and Corporate Communications, MSN Healthcare

At some point, the world drops out from under you. It might be a personal crisis, like a painful divorce or the unexpected death of a close family member that leaves you feeling you are barely able to function. It could be a devastating development in your practice or suddenly finding yourself unemployed. Developing critical leadership qualities won’t stop the unthinkable from happening, but you can better prepare yourself for that day when it all goes wrong and doesn’t seem like it will ever be right again. This session discusses characteristics of leaders that help them both succeed in life and weather the inevitable storms.

You will learn to:
• Look differently at what constitutes "failure" and risk-taking
• Understand how to build a foundation for resiliency and success
• Identify specific things you can do to function under extreme stress
Domains: HR, CI; Credits: 1

The Many Languages of Data 2: An Exercise to Drive Change
Stefanie A. Manack, CRA, MS, BS, AAS, R.T. (R)(M)(VI) - Operations Manager, Imaging, Accumen
Judy Zakutny, AAS - Operations Manager, Imaging, Accumen

Speaking the same language and working collaboratively on any project is critical to its success, along with ensuring that all team members have the same understanding of the scope, purpose and goal of the project. Whether evaluating staffing levels, patient access, asset utilization or supply costs, all process improvement initiatives start with data gathering. A thorough, objective review and analysis of the current state is the cornerstone of any process improvement. Using a common data language and building on last year’s presentation, “The many languages of data: Finding a common dialect to drive change” this interactive, hands-on session will use sample data reports to evaluate an imaging department’s metrics and craft the most effective message using the best medium.

You will learn to:
• efficiently and effectively define a common data language for your project.
• analyze and interpret common sample reports and define the data that will meet your goals and drive change in your department.
• best present your findings to stakeholders.
Domains: CI; Credits: 1

Managing Risk In MRI
John Posh, BS, R.T. (R)(MR) - Lead MRI Technologist, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center

Risk is inherent in MRI. We cannot ignore the risk nor can we share it with other departments. MRI owns the risk. What we can do is change the likelihood that risk will manifest as injury. We do that by systematic assessment with a critical eye towards closing gaps by adherence to regulatory standards and adoption of industry best practices. With proper risk assessment, accidents in many categories such as burns and hearing loss are fully preventible and others, like screening failures and projectiles can be reduced to a minimal level.

You will learn:
•  The nature of risk with respects to accidents and injuries
• To develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of identifying risk as is sometimes hides in plain sight
• The potential outcomes of incomplete risk management
Domains: OM;  Credits: 1

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions

Country music is good for your health
Maureen Kenney, Bachelors of Science - President, Shared Medical Services
Gina McCormack

Stress is believed to be one of the major factors negatively affecting our health. High stress levels have shown to be strongly associated with many physical and emotional problems, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, burnout, and addictions. For decades, music has been used as an intervention for stress reduction. Interestingly, fMRI scans have shown that listening to your favorite song or music genre increases connections that positively affect feelings of self-awareness, empathy and internal thought. Radiology allows you to "see" the power of music.

You will learn:
• Why listening to music can improve moods and enhance work performance, especially if it is a preferred piece or genre of music.
• Explore if listening to music during a radiology exam good or bad?
• To understand the key correlations between music and health.
Domains: HR, OM;  Credits: 1

Why You Need Certified Imaging Informatics Professionals in Your Imaging Department
Christopher Meenan, BS, CIIP - General Manager, Performance Solutions and PerformanceBridge, Philips Healthcare

There is a significant knowledge gap within the healthcare community on understanding what imaging informatics professionals, CIIPs, do and the value they bring to the healthcare organization. CIIPs are more than just PACS and RIS managers. With the emergence of enterprise imaging strategies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, the need is now even greater to recognize the skills that CIIPs can bring to not only the medical imaging department, but to the entire healthcare system. This presentation will provide information about the knowledge and skills required to successfully function as an imaging informatic professional in today’s healthcare system. Within the imaging department, the CIIPs works closely with other medical imaging professionals to ensure data integrity, workflow optimization, integration between medical imaging modalities and all the other healthcare systems these modalities communicate with and troubleshooting when these systems are not performing as expected. CIIPs provide technical support to everyone in the medical imaging chain, from the schedulers to the radiologists and referring providers. CIIPs can bridge the communication gap between IT, clinical and vendor personnel, serving as the translator between clinical needs and information technology capabilities within the healthcare system. CIIPs are experts in data security and privacy and compliance. CIIPs understand project management, have the knowledge and skills to participate and lead project improvement initiatives and are an invaluable resource during equipment and system procurement. Engaging CIIPs and recognizing the knowledge and skills of these healthcare professionals can improve efficiency and quality of services provided by medical imaging departments.

You will learn to:
• Understand the knowledge and skills required to successfully function as a certified imaging informatic professional in todays healthcare system.
• Recognize the role CIIPs play in the emergence of enterprise imaging strategies, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Utilize CIIPs in managing projects, assisting with procurement and serving as translators between information technology, clinical and vendor personnel.
Domains: CI, AM, OM;  Credits: 1

Impact of Clinical Decision Support & Appropriate Use Criteria on CT Dose
Vinobalan Durairaj

CT Dose Optimization tends to focus both on ensuring optimal acquisition and reconstruction parameters utilized for the given clinical indication and on documenting follow up action for high radiation dose outliers. In this lecture the presenter we will focus on the aspects of CT Dose management which occur before the scan takes place with an emphasis on ordering the right exam for the clinical indication and avoiding unnecessary scans and lower CT Dose to patients, how to properly treat vulnerable patient demographics, and the support networks designed to facilitate this process.

You will learn:
• How ordering The Right Exam impacts CT Dose This section focuses on ordering appropriateness of CT scans. The presenter will address strategies to both avoid unnecessary studies and tools to aid when deciding the most appropriate imaging studies
• Appropriateness Criteria Tutorial – You will learn Examples will be given of how the appropriateness criteria can be searched. Both the website and the app will be covered
• Clinical Decision Support Systems – You will learn how CDSS’s are becoming increasingly common, the presenter will discuss what they are and how they can benefit imaging departments.
Domains: OM;  Credits: 1

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Exhibit Hall Open

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Exhibitor Symposium: Innovations in CT and Iodinated Contrast Media
Sponsored by Bracco
William Faulkner, BS,RT(R)(MR)(CT), FSMRT, MRSO (MRSC™)

Innovation in Diagnostic Imaging in particular the advancements in CT Scanning and Contrast delivery technology propelled the evolution in the CT suite providing efficient tools to automate the department workflow and enhancing patient care. This presentation will address innovations in the evolution of CT technology, contrast media and contrast media injectors in CT. It will also focus on recent technologies and tools to help measure and manage patient dose and the effective use of iodinated contrast media in CT. 

You will learn to: 
• Overvew of the evolution of innovation in Imaging: CT Scanning and the role of CT Power Injectors 
• Describe the evolution of CT from 1st Generation to current 3rd Generation with slip-ring 
• State the main benefit of slip-ring technology in CT 
• IV Contrast Protocol Managment - Setting protocols for patient safety and image optimization 
• Summarize the benefits of non-ionic iodinated contrast media vs. ionic 
• State steps which can be taken to minimize the risk of extravasation 
• The CT Suite today: Contrast Administration and Software Management 
• Summarize benefits of contrast media management tools 

Domains: OM, AM 
CE Credits: 1

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

Patient Experience: How Do You Want Your Patient to Remember You?
Sara Butterworth, MHA, RT(R)(CT)(MR) - Radiology Operations Manager, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Consumer driver healthcare is pushing the patient experience to the next level. A high reliability facility (safety) and top reimbursement stems from a solid patient experience. This interactive discussion will focus on three (3) patient experience drivers: Communication, Environment, and Responsiveness. Communication between healthcare provider and patient, care transitions, and empathy are crucial to the patient experience. We will go beyond cleanliness in discussions around environment. And thirdly, not just timely but compassionate interaction with patients and his/her visitors. With each key driver, team buy-in is crucial. Do your employees believe they are giving excellent care? How do you get the biggest bang for your buck? Take the patient experience to the next level. 

You will learn to:
• Increase patient experience scores through improved communication, responsiveness, and environment.
• Evaluate your current patient experience, determine your key drivers, and how to get the biggest bang.
• Begin to use the patient experience as a pathway to high reliability.
Domains: CI, OM;  Credits: 1

(K2) Outpatient MRI Schedule Optimization Using Patient Movement Tracking
Kecia L. Turner, BSRT, (R), (MRI) – Enterprise Imaging Manager, MRSO, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Co-Presenter:  Deepak Rao, MS – Founder/CEO, DAMSR

UAB Kirlin Clinic outpatient MRI moved from 30 minute schedule slots to 15 minute schedule slots. Schedule slot optimization is important for increasing scanner utilization, reducing patient wait times and staff satisfaction. We collected a completely new data set on patient movement using smart tags and sensors. The data collection was simple, non-intrusive to patient and staff workflow and avoided PHI. To determine the ideal MRI appointment duration for a busy outpatient MRI center and identify inefficiencies in the center’s process, 2,376 patients were tracked through their clinic journey using Smart Tags and Sensors. The data collected in this study is significantly different from existing systems because it is in real-time and precisely captures the time each patient spends at each station (nurse’s station, waiting area, etc.) during their time in the MRI department. Analysis of this data yielded conclusive evidence that 15-minute scheduling increments were most advantageous for this MRI facility. Additionally, the identification of process bottlenecks in patient flow provides an opportunity for the reduction in overall wait times and increase in the number of scans performed per day.

You will learn to:
• Schedule slot optimization is important for increasing scanner utilization, reducing patient wait times, and increasing staff satisfaction.
• Data collection needs to be simple, non-intrusive to the patient and staff workflow, and avoid disclosing patient health information.
• Detailed tracking of patient movement from check-in to discharge is an effective method for optimizing schedule slots.
Domains: OM;  Credits: 1

Change is and has been a constant
Enrico Perez, BS, CRA, FAHRA - Admin Director, NYU WINTHROP

The goal of the session is to help members understand that change is and will be ongoing, and is really a part of progress and our success with advances in Health Care. History has shown that. We'll discuss:
1. Changes in Technology 
2. Changes in Billing and Regulation
3. Changes in HR- more regulation and adoptions
4. Coping with change and making it work for you and your staff

You will learn to:
• Understand that change is continuous and over time
• Review the changes that have occurred over time and will continue to change over time; Look ahead
• Cope with change for yourself; and help your staff understand changes that affect them and how they work
Domains: HR;  Credits: 1
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM: Beverage Break

3:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Closing Business Session & Keynote 
The Promise: Become a Legendary Leader and Discover Your Signature Moves
Jason Hewlett

In 2021 our world is different, but foundational values remain the same: To deliver on our Promises, to be accountable to expectations and exceed them, and to always give 100% in every interaction. In Jason’s entertaining and educational presentation, utilizing the legends of stage for establishing what a Promise looks like from a performance level, participants will be enlightened, energized, and entertained in a keynote unlike any other. Music, comedy, stories, and powerful insights will leave your attendees talking about The Promise in their own lives, business, and how everyone can up their game in 2021.

You will learn:
• Confidence in Skills and Talents
• Team Unity
• ICM Process - Identify, Clarify, Magnify
• Discovery of Signature Moves and Personal Branding
• Energy for delivering at a higher level of Leadership in 2021
Domains: HR;  Credits: 1

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM    To The Top