Beware! A Pirate Is Lurking Around NORM

Web Exclusives
Andrea Zlatkus, CPM, CHRC
Editor-in-Chief, Rheumatology Practice Management
President, NORM

A strange-looking pirate has been seen lurking around the National Organization of Rheumatology Managers (NORM), and rumor has it that he is searching for treasures that we have hidden for you, the rheumatology practice manager. To claim your share of these treasures, join us at the 13th annual NORM Conference, which will be held October 4-6, 2018, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in Florida. We are excited for you to uncover the pearls of wisdom, gems of knowledge, and gold coins with tips that will help you chart a new course for your practice.

The treasure hunt will kick off with “Building an Effective Office of Inspector General (OIG) Compliance Manual.” If you cannot find the time to create your OIG manual and adherence plan, or you need to update your manual, now is your chance.

More pearls of wisdom will appear in presentations titled “Physicians’ Compensation and Stark Compliance,” and “Building a Positive Workplace Culture with the 5 Languages of Appreciation.” After that, you will need to adjust your sails and listen to a “Healthcare Regulatory Update,” as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is actively working on initiatives to save the financially burdened healthcare system and reduce costs. You shouldn’t miss this important session.

The popular Circle of Knowledge is back and bigger than ever. You can join several discussions and ask any questions that are on your mind. Topics include:

  • Incident-To and Mid-Levels
  • Difficult Discussions with Your Physician
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Staff and Practice Culture
  • Identifying and Managing the Manager
  • Clinical Billing and Documentation Workflow.

Our Breakout Sessions are always informative and well-received. This year’s topics include:

  • Auditing and Monitoring an OIG Compliance Manual
  • The 7 Myths & 7 Skills of Strategic Human Resources
  • Discovering Your Strengths as a Communicator and Making Them Work for You and Your Practice
  • Key Ingredients for Auditing Evaluation & Management Services
  • Moving From Where We Are to Where We Want to Be
  • How to Avoid Becoming a Toxic Workplace
  • Engagement for Outcomes: Alignment and Action.

Our annual conference is jam-packed with sessions, but there is plenty of time to socialize and network with your fellow practice managers. New NORM members can join us for the New Member/New Attendee Orientation, then meander into our Welcome Reception on Thursday evening.

But, wait—there’s more. Join us for Murder on the High Seas—Who Did It? Solve the murder mystery as you spy golden clues during our poster sessions. Answers will be revealed during dinner on Friday evening. After a day of digging for rheumatology treasures, take a deep breath as we move to our Friday reception and dinner. Do not be surprised if pirates try to claim the dance floor as we gather to do the NORM Shuffle. Check out our Facebook page soon for step-by-step dance lessons.

You asked, and we listened. Many of you requested an optional dinner on Saturday evening, so we have added a new dinner event at Columbia, an exciting Spanish restaurant in downtown Tampa. This event will include a buffet dinner and a 20-minute flamenco dance show. To register yourself and a guest, click on October 6 in the events calendar before September 20, 2018.

Managers often tell me that they want to attend our annual conference but cannot afford time away from the office. If you really think about it, you are away from the office for 2 days, but the knowledge you gain at the conference is well worth your time and effort. Our work schedules are full of good intentions; we plan to work on our OIG compliance manual or read up on Stark laws, but somehow our day takes a different turn. Attending the annual NORM Conference gives you an opportunity to escape daily interruptions so you can gather and process new information that can bring your practice to the next level. When you return to work, you will be able to share your new treasures with your staff. Remember, we are stronger together. Rejuvenate yourself, and come join us. I hope to see you all in Tampa!

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