Participants Share Personal Experiences of SVS Courses

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SVS consistently receives positive evaluations for its educational programs. The curriculum covers a variety of practical topics and offers CME credits. Attendees offered their personal reasons why attendance has been beneficial.

Coding & Reimbursement for Vascular Surgeons: The course covers important topics including the 2008 coding and reimbursement rule updates, interventional procedures, the global surgical package definition, operative note dictations, component coding, bypass surgery, and evaluation and management coding. The next Coding & Reimbursement for Vascular Surgeons program will be held Sept. 12-13 in Chicago at the Knickerbocker Hotel. The program has the prior approval of the American Academy of Professional Coders for 4 continuing education hours for E&M Coding and 7 continuing education hours for Open Vascular Surgery & Intervention. To register for the course call 800-258-7188, e-mail education@vascularsociety.org, or visit the VascularWeb.org Education and Training Resources page.

Jeanne Sanders, President/CEO, Horizon Health Group, Rockville, Md. has attended the Coding & Reimbursement for Vascular Surgeons course more than once. When asked why, she said, "It is absolutely worth attending. I provide executive oversight to an outside certified vascular coder. It is very important that I understand and stay current with the coding process so that I can evaluate their work. I also use what I learn to instruct our surgeons on the details they need to include in their notes to ensure the best possible reimbursement. And, I share the workbook with our billing and reimbursement manager who finds it very helpful."

Techniques in Endovascular Management of Lower Extremity Ischemia: This course was designed to provide advice on the strategy and technical aspects of complex lower extremity endovascular interventions. Participants received a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

"What I found most beneficial about the Techniques in Endovascular Management of Lower Extremity Ischemia course was the accessibility to experts with practical clinical application," said Derek B. Johnson, MD, Surgical Associates, Prairie Du Sac, Wis. "It was a unique opportunity to delve into the clinical application of their research. They gave us some 'tricks of the trade' and talked about proven techniques and new devices. I want to emphasize how refreshing it was to have this opportunity to discuss specific clinical applications with these experts."

Clinical Research Course: The program offered more understanding of clinical trials and knowledge of the clinical research process in the context of vascular disease management. It offered a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

"The Clinical Research course was beneficial in three areas. The first benefit was meeting industry representatives who spoke very eloquently and elaborated on what they look for in research projects. This interaction gave us added perspective and a better understanding of what industry needs for research projects," said Marcus D. D'Ayala, MD, New York Methodist Hospital. "Secondly, the course provided valuable information that will help us stay current on education and the latest research for our residency program. And, finally, it reminded us that it is important to publish our outcomes and stay open-minded to the results to provide the best patient care."

Practice Management in Vascular Surgery Course: Participants learned the business of medicine and how to expand their practice in today's competitive market. It offered a maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

"The course provided me a cohesive framework for going forward in my leadership role in my practice," Robert C. Knox, MD, Surgical Associates, Chartered, Clinton, Md. "I am now more involved and confident in evaluating decisions for the health of my practice and in our future direction."

Research Initiatives in Vascular Disease Course: The course addressed optimal PAD and carotid occlusive disease management. Participants received a maximum of 9.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

"People need to know that the session is not just for big research centers. One of the advantages of the course is that it provides those in larger community-based centers with the same information as the big research centers. Large centers like Harvard shared valuable insights into how they investigate," said Gregory Domer, MD, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Upland, Pa. "An interesting part of the session was FDA's presentation about their perspective on research. They explained their process and how they are obligated to make decisions based upon numerous criteria including Congressional input.

"The Research Initiatives session is especially important for vascular surgeons just starting a new research center or chiefs at new sites who are initiating new research programs. That's what I am doing," Dr. Domer concluded.

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