Coding Opportunities

Have you ever wondered how procedures are valued? Have you ever thought, “That’s not the right value—we should fix that”? Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I be more involved in my professional society in a meaningful way?” Well, now is your chance.

The AAGL is looking to expand the number of experts involved in coding and billing by building a more robust Coding Committee. So far, no one has volunteered to serve on this committee—yet many have voiced concerns about the work RVUs assigned to gynecological procedures. If you’re passionate about shaping the values of both new and existing procedures, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact.

We are seeking motivated individuals to represent AAGL at the American Medical Association’s RVS Update (RUC) and CPT Committees, ACOG’s Coding and Health Economics Committee and to help educate others on improving coding and billing practices within their own institutions.

The commitment is meaningful and substantial:

• The AMA RUC meets three times per year, Wednesday through Saturday.
• Spring and fall meetings are typically held in Chicago; winter meetings are usually in warmer locations like California or Florida.
• The CPT Committee meets about one week later, often in the same city.
• We also need committee members to serve as liaisons to the ACOG Coding and Health Economics Committee.

AAGL has committed to covering the travel and registration costs necessary to attend these meetings so it will just cost you your time.

The wheels of medical coding turn slowly—but without dedicated individuals willing to invest their time and expertise—they won’t turn at all. This kind of national committee work is highly valuable for promotion and tenure, and so I especially encourage assistant and associate professors to consider applying.

I’ve been deeply involved in this process since 2007, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the positive changes we’ve helped bring about. I’ve also built lifelong friendships with colleagues across our disciplines and other specialties—truly some of the most inspiring and dedicated professionals I know.

If you’re interested in serving on this committee or have questions about the specifics, please feel free to reach out to me at hathaway@iu.edu.

We hope you’ll join us.