KZA National Conference
Join us Virtually December 9-11, 2026
Important Dates
Elevate 2026
Advancing Coding Excellence
Join Us at KZA’s
National Conference | Virtual
Elevate 2026: Advancing Coding Excellence
Gain practical knowledge across Orthopaedics, Otolaryngology, General Surgery, and Revenue Cycle Management at the KZA 2026 National Conference.
Why You Should Attend
Top-Level Expertise – Hear directly from our expert consultants, stay current with evolving coding updates, and dive into real-world scenarios to unpack essential E/M and surgical coding insights.
All New Courses – Learn to accurately code diagnoses using ICD-10-CM, optimizing accuracy and reimbursement.
Earn Valuable CEUs/CMEs – Advance your professional credentials.
Engage and Connect – Participate in real-time Q&As and meaningful discussions to network with other healthcare professionals in your specialty.
Date: December 9-11, 2026
Location: Virtual Conference
Advance your coding excellence by joining us for the KZA National Conference! Register now and strengthen your coding confidence.
KZA is thrilled to commemorate over 40 years of empowering healthcare professionals with expert consulting, audit, and coding education solutions. Since KZA’s founding in 1985, we’ve partnered with practices nationwide, delivering cutting-edge insights and unparalleled support in orthopaedics, otolaryngology, dermatology, and more.
This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We thank our incredible team, loyal clients, and trusted partners who’ve made this journey possible. Together, we’ve shaped a legacy of success—and the future is brighter than ever.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement as we continue to lead the way in healthcare consulting excellence!
KZA Celebrates 40+ Years in 2025!
Elevate 2026: Advancing Coding Excellence
Wednesday, December 9th
12:00pm – 4:00pm CT
Advancing Excellence in RCM: Strengthening Financial Integrity
Thursday, December 10th
8:00am – 12:00pm CT
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across Otolaryngology
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across General Surgery
1:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across Otolaryngology
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across General Surgery
Friday, December 11th
8:00am – 4:00pm CT
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across Otolaryngology
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across Orthopaedics
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across General Surgery
Please be aware that some sessions will occur simultaneously. We encourage you to carefully review the schedule and select your courses accordingly, as you may not attend overlapping sessions.
Pricing
Half day: $250
Full day: $500
General Surgery
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across General Surgery
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December 10th | 8:00am – 12:00pm CT
Karen Whelan, CPC, CPMA, CPCO, CGSC, COSC, CCVTC
This 2026 E/M coding course covers a spectrum of coding essentials.
What’s included in the Calculation of Time?
Prolonged Services; when we go beyond the EM threshold
The Complexity of the Problem; does it drive the visit level?
Do we know what counts toward Data?
What is the Risk of Patient Management? And what is it not?
Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP) E/M Billing Guidelines, covering the complex intricacies of Incident-To billing and Shared/Split services
The Global Package and EM Modifiers 24, 25, 57
This comprehensive session aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential knowledge for effective medical management.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Learn what can be counted toward the Total Time of the visit
Describe how to use the elements of MDM to select a level of E/M code
Identify the difference between Incident-To and Shared/Split visits for Non-Physician Practitioners.
Demonstrate correct use of E/M modifiers.
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across General Surgery
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December 11th | 8:00am – 4:00pm CT
Karen Whelan, CPC, CPMA, CPCO, CGSC, COSC, CCVTC
Surviving unlisted codes!
It’s the Connections you Make: Simplifying the complexities of Colectomy, Bariatric and Pancreatic Coding
Mastering Hernia Repair
Abdominal Tumor codes were new in 2025! Are you coding these correctly?
What’s New in 2026?
With an increase in the implementation of AI (artificial Intelligence), more and more restrictive payor policies, an increase in arbitrary denials, a decrease in payor reimbursement, pre-authorization nightmares, and more make it more important than ever to document and code as accurately as possible. Incorporate key coding language into your documentation. Staying up to date on the latest codes and reimbursement challenges is crucial.
KZA’s 2026 surgical coding course breaks down these critical issues and condenses them into a comprehensive day of training.
In this course, we will cover an overview of coding basics for an understanding of coding rules and documentation detail requirements.
Most importantly, the course provides in-depth instruction on coding for various procedures, including colorectal, damage control surgery, bariatric, hernia repair, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, intraabdominal tumors/HIPEC, endocrine surgery, breast surgery, and more!
With rich clinical scenarios and a comprehensive workbook, which will become your go-to resource for coding challenges, you’ll leave with the skills necessary for accurate and efficient coding and documentation in 2026 and beyond.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Recognize the impact of modifiers on global periods and reimbursement
Identify areas for improvement in surgical documentation
Select correct codes for common general surgery procedures
Describe the new 2026 CPT codes for general surgery
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across General Surgery
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December 10th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Karen Whelan, CPC, CPMA, CPCO, CGSC, COSC, CCVTC
Increase your proficiency in coding General Surgery ICD-10-CM diagnoses with our course, "Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across General Surgery". This course is designed for professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of diagnosis coding specificity, ensuring compliance and accuracy with the latest guidelines and best practices.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Integrate the ICD-10-CM guidelines for General Surgery
Distinguish between Acute vs Chronic diagnoses
Identify common coding errors
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Orthopaedics
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics
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December 10th | 8:00am – 12:00pm CT
Christine Banks, RHIA, CPC, CPCO
Increase your proficiency in coding Orthopaedic Evaluation and Management (E/M) services and office procedures with our course, "Advancing Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics Evaluation and Management Coding." This course is designed for professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of E/M coding, ensuring compliance and accuracy with the latest guidelines and best practices.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Integrate the E/M guidelines for Office/Outpatient, Inpatient, Observation, Consultations, and Emergency Department services into your current practice.
Recognize incident-to, direct billing, and split/shared reporting rules for PAs and NPs.
Evaluate when it is appropriate to report an E/M modifier and office procedure.
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across Orthopaedics
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December 11th | 8:00am – 4:00pm CT
Christine Banks, RHIA, CPC, CPCO
Dive into the intricacies of Orthopaedic surgical coding with industry experts, gain insights on the latest updates, and enhance your skills to ensure accurate and efficient coding practices. Our comprehensive course, “Advancing Surgical Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics”, is designed for professionals who aim to master the complexities of Orthopaedic surgical coding.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Navigate and apply CPT, AAOS Global Service Data (GSD) and Medicare NCCI guidelines.
Analyze simple and complex surgical coding procedures.
Distinguish between the complexities of hand and foot and ankle procedures.
Identify common complications associated with joint arthroplasty and their impact on coding.
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics
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December 10th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Christine Banks, RHIA, CPC, CPCO
Increase your proficiency in coding Orthopaedic ICD-10-CM diagnoses with our course, "Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across Orthopaedics". This course is designed for professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of diagnosis coding specificity, ensuring compliance and accuracy with the latest guidelines and best practices.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Integrate the ICD-10-CM guidelines for Orthopaedics into your current practice.
Distinguish between Acute vs Chronic Musculoskeletal diagnoses.
Apply the appropriate 7th character for fracture coding.
Identify common coding errors
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Otolaryngology
Advancing Evaluation and Management Coding Excellence Across Otolaryngology
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December 10th | 8:00am – 12:00pm CT
Deb Grider, CDIP, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-P, COC, CEMC, CPMA
This course provides otolaryngology professionals with a comprehensive understanding of Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding and documentation requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately select E/M service levels based on current guidelines, including history, examination, and medical decision-making components. The course emphasizes compliance with E/M documentation, proper use of time-based coding, and strategies to avoid common coding errors. Through practical examples and case scenarios specific to otolaryngology, attendees will gain the skills needed to receive accurate reimbursement, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve documentation efficiency in clinical practice.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Review E/M Modifiers including Modifier 24, 25 and 57
Identify key requirements for “incident to”, direct, and shared/split billing non-physician practitioners (NPPs)
Build upon previous knowledge of the E/M guidelines for Medical Decision Making and Time
Review Medical-Decision Making (MDM) elements - Problems Addressed, Data, and Risk (aka Medical Decision-Making elements) and Time that apply in all settings
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing Surgical Coding Skills Excellence Across Otolaryngology
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December 11th | 8:00am – 4:00pm CT
Deb Grider, CDIP, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-P, COC, CEMC, CPMA
Staying current with accurate, high‑quality coding has never been more essential—and the 2026 Otolaryngology Surgical Procedure Coding Course is your opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. This intensive, fast‑paced program distills the most critical updates and best practices in Otolaryngology coding into one power‑packed day designed to elevate your accuracy, confidence, and productivity.
This year’s agenda delivers everything you need to code and document with precision for 2026 and beyond. You’ll learn why documentation is just as important as the codes you choose and how strategic improvements to your notes can help capture every dollar of legitimate reimbursement. We’ll walk you through the proper use of surgical payment modifiers, giving you the tools to optimize payment, minimize denials, and strengthen appeals.
You’ll also receive deep, clinically grounded instruction across key specialty areas—including Otology, Rhinology, Laryngology, Facial plastics, Complex repairs, ATTs, flaps, grafts, and Head and Neck procedures—ensuring you can confidently navigate even the most challenging coding scenarios.
Rich with real-world clinical examples, the course includes a comprehensive, practical workbook that will quickly become your go-to reference long after the session ends.
Join us for a transformative day that sharpens your skills, strengthens your documentation, and equips you with the strategies you need for coding success in 2026.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Use surgery coding that meets CPT rules and government regulations for commonly performed procedures.
Integrate ENT subspecialty coding principles in otology/neurotology, rhinology, laryngology, facial plastics, and head and neck procedures
Correctly code common Otolaryngology surgical procedures
Recognize the impact of modifiers on global periods and reimbursement
Accurately apply modifiers when they are required and understand their impact on reimbursement
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Advancing ICD-10-CM Coding Excellence Across Otolaryngology
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December 10th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Deb Grider, CDIP, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-P, COC, CEMC, CPMA
This training program is designed to provide healthcare professionals, coders, and billing specialists with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for accurately coding Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) diagnoses using ICD-10-CM. Participants will learn the structure and conventions of ICD-10-CM, explore ENT-specific chapters and code ranges, and apply official coding guidelines to real-world scenarios.
The course emphasizes:
Understanding ICD-10-CM organization and ENT-related code sets.
Applying laterality, specificity, and combination codes for ENT conditions.
Navigating documentation requirements for accurate coding.
Practicing coding through case studies involving common ENT diagnoses such as otitis media, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss, and nasal disorders.
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Assign precise ICD-10-CM codes for ENT conditions.
Improve accuracy and efficiency in ENT-related billing and reimbursement processes.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Understand ICD-10-CM Structure for ENT
Explain the format and organization of ICD-10-CM codes.
Identify chapters and code ranges relevant to ENT (e.g., H60–H95 for ear disorders, J00–J99 for respiratory system).
Apply Coding Guidelines
Interpret official ICD-10-CM guidelines for ENT conditions.
Differentiate between primary and secondary diagnoses in ENT cases.
Accurately Code Common ENT Diagnoses
Use Laterality and Specificity
Apply laterality (right, left, bilateral) and episode of care (initial, subsequent, sequela) in ENT coding.
Recognize when additional characters are required for specificity.
Documentation Requirements
Understand key documentation elements needed for accurate ENT coding (e.g., site, severity, chronicity, cause).
Apply Coding to Real-World Scenarios
Practice coding using case studies involving ENT diagnoses and procedures
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
Revenue Cycle Management
Ensuring Compliance in Revenue Cycle Operations
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December 9th | 12:00pm – 4:00pm CT
Matthew Shortt, PA-C, MBA
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is the financial backbone of every medical practice, yet many organizations struggle with avoidable denials, inconsistent charge capture, inefficient front‑end processes, and lack of alignment between clinical and administrative teams. These gaps result in lost revenue, higher patient balances, frustrated staff, and increased physician burden.
This four‑hour, expert‑led course provides a deep, practical, and strategic understanding of the entire RCM continuum, from patient scheduling to final collections. The curriculum will include a module on Work Relative Value Units (wRVUs) helping participants understand how provider productivity is measured, how wRVUs tie to revenue and compensation, and how documentation quality directly impacts wRVU generation. This section empowers both physicians and administrators to interpret wRVU data, benchmark performance, identify documentation and coding gaps, and ensure compensation models are fair and sustainable. This course is designed for physicians and practice administrators, with clear emphasis on how clinical decision‑making, documentation, and workflow design directly affect financial performance.
Participants will learn how to diagnose weak points in their revenue cycle, understand the 13 essential RCM steps, apply best practices for clean claim creation, improve denial prevention and recovery, enhance documentation accuracy, analyze KPIs, and establish a governance model for long‑term RCM stability. Real-world examples, interactive case scenarios, and role‑based exercises empower attendees to immediately implement improvements in their own practices.
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As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to…
Understand the End-to-End Revenue Cycle
Strengthen Front-End Processes
Improve Documentation, Coding, and Charge Capture
Optimize Claims Submission and Clean Claim Rates
Strengthen Denial Prevention, Management & Appeals
Improve Back-End Patient Billing & Collections
Understand the Fundamentals of wRVUs
Interpret wRVU Compensation Models
Use wRVU Data to Improve Revenue and Provider Efficiency
Establish RCM and wRVU KPI Dashboards
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All courses will be accredited; more information will be provided soon.
KZA National Speakers
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![Professional woman with glasses smiling, wearing a gray blazer and white top, against a plain background.]()
Christine Banks
RHIA, CPC, CPCO
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![Portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair in a black blazer and turtleneck, wearing a silver necklace, against a white background.]()
Deborah Grider
CDIP, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-P, COC, CEMC, CPMA
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![Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length red hair, wearing a sleeveless dark top, smiling, against a plain light background.]()
Karen Whelan
CPC, CPMA, CPCO, CGSC, COSC, CCVTC
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![A professional headshot of a man in a gray suit and navy tie, smiling against a plain white background.]()
Matthew Shortt
PA-C, MBA
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