Returning to the Big Easy

By Lynn Imel, MHA, CRA, RT(R)(M) 

Several years ago, I attended my first AHRA Spring Conference in New Orleans. I was taught by experienced radiology professionals who spoke the same radiology language as me. The conference was concise, engaging, and on point for current issues in radiology. It was the first conference where I really felt that the content was specific for my profession. From that moment on, I was convinced that AHRA conferences were the best value for a radiology professional in education, resources, peer networking, as well as vendor networking… AHRA is the Big Easy for radiology administration training!

This year, I am proud to announce that we are going back to the wonderfully hospitable city of New Orleans for the 2018 Spring Conference. Accommodations are at the Westin New Orleans Canal Place. The location has quick access to the French Quarter, Harrah’s Casino, trolley cars, and historical landmarks, as well as fine dining and night life!

The conference will start on March 22 for the Basic Track, followed by the start of the Advanced Track on March 23. Both will run through March 24. Some highlights from this year’s schedule include a session on Generation Z, led by the charming and witty Gina Greenwood! Gina has many years of leadership experience, blending staff from all ages into cohesive teams. John Beall will be sharing his expertise in A3 process improvement. His military perspective of preparedness, order, and process understanding will help guide process improvement by proven A3 standards.

As always, patient satisfaction, regulation, and compliance issues are on the list of important subjects for radiology administrators. Jason Scott will guide you through proven methods of turning up the dial on patient satisfaction. Melody Mulaik will take the voodoo out of this year’s coding compliance issues, and we welcome Nathan Baugh to help us navigate regulatory affairs.

Growing as a leader in radiology is important part of your professional development. This year we welcome back Sandy Geroux for an upbeat and humorous look at our actions as leaders as she gives a list of what not to do! Lee Tkachuk will help us learn to present a professional image by speaking professionally.

To help us with the financial concerns of radiology, we look to Robert Junk, Keith Chew, and our keynote speaker, Woojin Kim, MD. These professionals and experts will help us with the key concepts of productivity by design, data mining, analytics, artificial intelligence, and value-based care. Clinically, Dr. Nancy Cappello will help us to understand the patient perspective and importance of education about dense breast tissue.

The Basic Track is packed full! These sessions are presented by seasoned imaging administrators and offer a detailed overview of everything a new leader needs to know. Please take the time to review the brochure for more details. Looking to become a Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA)? Take advantage of our CRA Exam Workshop that’s being offered on March 22 to learn about the exam and evaluate your strong and weak points to develop a study plan.

Remember that this conference is designed by radiology professionals, for radiology professionals for the biggest and easiest way to equip and update in radiology. Take advantage of all the conference has to offer, including social events and CRA discussions. This is a unique opportunity to build your network. AHRA members are kind, supporting, and they have incredible expertise that they are happy to share. We look forward to seeing you!

Lynn Imel, MHA, CRA, RT(R)(M) is the chair of the 2018 Spring Conference Design Team. She is the administrative director of radiology at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO and can be reached at Lynn.imel@vvh.org.