Mastering the Business of Medicine Retreats
Register for the Mastering the Business of Medicine Retreats 2025
Events attain 15 to 18 AAPC CEUs
Apple Orchard members receive an additional $100 off either the early bird or regular registration fees.
Upcoming Retreats
Mastering the Business of Medicine - Retreat in the Adirondacks
Lake George, New York • October 10th - 12th, 2025
Learn from industry experts - increase your organization and efficiency in Compliance, Security, Hands-on E/M, Leadership, and Career Development.
🍁 A Retreat for Growth and Grounding
Escape to the peaceful shores of Lake George for a transformative retreat built exclusively for professionals in medical billing, coding, and healthcare administration. At this East Coast edition of Mastering the Business of Medicine, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge, premium CEUs, and real-world tools that help you thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving field.
🌄 Inspiration by the Lake
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, this retreat combines focused professional development with the kind of stillness that fuels reflection, clarity, and growth. Between sessions, take in the crisp fall air, unwind by the water, and connect with a community that shares your goals and values.
🧳 Elevate Your Career, Expand Your Network
Whether you’re looking to advance your certification, discover career opportunities, or gain a deeper understanding of the medical admin world, this retreat delivers. With expert speakers, engaging discussions, and an intimate setting, you’ll walk away with insights, connections, and confidence to take your next step—whatever that may be.
IN-PERSON retreat includes all Food, Education, and Fun!
Check-in: Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 5:00 pm
Check out: Sunday, October 12th, 2025, at 5:00 pm
📍 Conference Location: Fort William Henry Hotel
🕓 Registration: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST
🌐 Learn More About the Venue.
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Lodging is not included. For more information on lodging please check out the Fort William Henry Hotel
Business of Medicine Retreat - Retreat by the Sea
San Diego, CA | June 6th-8th, 2025
Whether you attend in person or join us virtually, this immersive retreat is your opportunity to level up your skills with insight from top industry experts. You'll gain practical strategies in Compliance, Security, Hands-on E/M Coding, Leadership, and Career Development to strengthen your career and improve organizational efficiency.
🌊 A Retreat with Purpose
Step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience designed for medical billing, coding, and administrative professionals. This retreat is your chance to deepen your expertise, earn premium CEUs, and connect with peers and mentors who share your passion for excellence in healthcare operations.
📍 Learning by the Sea
Hosted on the breathtaking campus of Point Loma University, this retreat combines world-class education with the relaxing, inspiring backdrop of the California coast. Between sessions, soak in the ocean views, reflect on your growth, and return home refreshed—with new tools and a clearer path forward in your career.
🚀 Grow, Connect, and Lead
Whether you're advancing within your role, exploring certifications beyond AAPC, or simply seeking community with others who “get it,” this retreat offers more than knowledge—it offers real connection. Expect interactive sessions, meaningful networking, and access to industry leaders ready to support your next step.
What’s Included:
Dynamic and Interactive Education Sessions
Daily Breakfast and Lunch (In-Person Attendees)
Inspiring Group Activities
Opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in the field.
Check-in: Friday, June 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM
📍 Conference Location: Point Loma Nazarene University
🕓 Registration: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST
🌐 Learn More About the Venue.
Choose your experience—in-person or hybrid—and invest in your professional growth!
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Friday, June 6
7:30 PM – 9 PM | I’m Certified, Now what? – Beth Schleeper
We will discuss the different avenues for coders and billers to explore once they are certified
Saturday, June 7
7:00 AM | Breakfast
8:00 AM -9:15 AM | Compliance in the Revenue Cycle – Beth Schleeper
Explore the critical role of compliance in the medical revenue cycle, examining regulatory frameworks, common challenges, and best practices for healthcare organizations
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Elements of an Effective Compliance Program - Christine Hall (VIRTUAL SESSION)
Establishing a strong compliance program isn't just a best practice—it's essential to protecting your organization from legal risk, financial penalties, and reputational harm. In this must-attend session, we’ll break down the seven fundamental elements of an effective healthcare compliance program, as outlined by the OIG, and explore how to implement them in real-world settings.
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | Medicare Fee Schedule - Ruby Woodward (VIRTUAL SESSION)
The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) is the foundation of how providers are reimbursed for services—but navigating its complexities can be a challenge
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Speaker TBA
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Auditing Office E/M Under 2023 Guidelines - Linda Hallstrom
We’ll look at clinical documentation and how it holds up under the new 2021 E/M guidelines. We’ll discuss some of the areas that have proven to be tricky or maybe that we need to think about a little differently. Come prepared to interact and have a good time!
Sunday, June 8
7:00 AM | Breakfast
8:00 AM- 9:15 AM | Conflict Resolution - Rich Richey
Ever had to have a "tough" conversation? We will go over some ways to have those critical conversations
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM | E /M and Surgical Modifiers - Linda Hallstrom
E /M and Surgical Modifiers are added to CPT codes to provide additional information about the procedure performed or service provided. They tell the story of the patient encounter. Some modifiers are informational while others impact reimbursement. We'll learn the financial impact, documentation requirements, and proper sequencing for E/M and surgical modifiers.
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | Legal Aspects of Healthcare - Robert Kiesecker
The healthcare revenue cycle is a complex process involving various stages from patient registration to reimbursement. Understanding the legal implications at each stage is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | The Business of Medicine: The Top 10 Legal and Regulatory Risks Faced by Coders and Billers | Robert Liles
During this session, Robert Liles will discuss the current regulatory, civil, and criminal risk areas facing coders and billers nationwide. He will also discuss recent prosecutions of billing companies and their staff. He will close by covering steps that you can take to reduce your level of risk.
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Pick A Brain - Beth Schleeper
Panel to answer any and all questions remaining
5:00 PM | Check Out
Mastering the Business of Medicine - Retreat in the Desert
Phoenix, Arizona • April 25th - 26th, 2025
IN-PERSON retreat includes all Food, Education, and Fun!
Check-in: Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 7:00 AM
Check out: Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 4:00 PM
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Lodging is not included.
AAPC Registrations Here Below:
AAPC Membership will give you access to premium discounts on our attendance rates:
$600 OFF our regular attendance pricing:
For more information on becoming a AAPC member please visit: AAPC Membership Sign-Up
AAPC Registration Form:
Check Out Our Speaker List:
Speakers:
Beth Schleeper - COC, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC, CEMA
Beth is a globally recognized authority in medical billing and coding, bringing over 28 years of expertise to the industry. She is the CEO of Advanced Coding Services, a nationally renowned firm based in Phoenix, AZ.
With a lifelong career dedicated to medical billing, coding, and consulting, Beth has made a significant impact in the field. Before founding Advanced Coding Services, she co-owned TNT Consulting with her late father. Under their leadership, TNT Consulting became one of the largest and most celebrated firms of its kind, serving medical practices across the United States. Remarkably, TNT Consulting continues to operate successfully today.
Robert Kiesecker III brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse background in healthcare operations and leadership. Starting his career in 2009 as a Medical Coding Consultant and Trainer at Healthcare Coding Consultants, Robert quickly established himself as a knowledgeable and dependable professional. He expanded his skill set with roles such as Provider Education Specialist at AHCCCS-CMDP, Lead Outpatient Coder at Mountain Vista Medical Center, and Corporate Coding Manager and Trainer at Cardiovascular Consultants. Most recently, Robert served as the Interim Director of Revenue Cycle at Gila River Health Care, where he demonstrated his ability to manage complex healthcare operations.
Robert holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Organizational Leadership from Adams State University (2022–2024) and a degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix (2010–2012). He is highly credentialed, with certifications that include HFMA’s Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) and several distinctions from AAPC: Certified Cardiology Coder, Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Coder - Instructor, Certified Professional Practice Manager, and Fellow.
With extensive experience in medical coding, revenue cycle management, and healthcare leadership, Robert is well-positioned to provide strategic insights and operational excellence in the healthcare industry.
Rhonda Zollars has been a dedicated professional in the medical field since 1988, beginning her career as a medical assistant in internal medicine. This foundational experience led her to her current role as a fraud investigator for the State of Arizona Medicaid Program. Throughout her career, Rhonda has been actively involved with the Scottsdale, Arizona chapter of AAPC, serving in various capacities including president and educational officer.
In recognition of her contributions, she was honored as AAPC Region 7 Coder of the Year in 2008. Rhonda continues to share her passion for coding education with both her local chapter and her employer.
Medical Biller
Old Pueblo Medical Billing
Linda Hallstrom, CPC, CPMA, CDEO, CPB, CEMC, CCC, is a distinguished expert in medical coding and auditing with over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, education, and compliance. As a coding and audit educator for a 600-member medical group at HonorHealth in Phoenix, Arizona, she specializes in orthopedic and breast oncology surgery, neurology, behavioral health, orthopedics, and pain management.
Her extensive credentials include Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC), and Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC).
Linda's passion for teaching and her dedication to the business of healthcare make her an inspiring keynote speaker, ready to share her wealth of knowledge and experience with your audience
Mastering the Business of Medicine - Retreat in the Adirondacks
Lake George, New York • October 11th - 13th, 2024
Learn from industry experts - increase your organization and efficiency in Compliance, Security, Hands-on E/M, Leadership, and Career Development.
IN-PERSON retreat includes all Food, Education, and Fun!
Check-in: Friday, October 11th, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Check out: Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at 5:00 pm
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Lodging is not included. For more information on lodging please check out the Fort William Henry Hotel
Friday, October 11th - Pre-Retreat (Optional, $97 Fee | Includes 4 CEUs & Dinner with the Speakers)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Ethics in Healthcare - Beth Schleeper
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Anger Management - Rich Richey
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM Leadership - Robert Kiesecker
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Conflict Resolution - Rich Richey
Friday, October 11th - Retreat
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Check In
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM You’re Certified, Now What? - Beth Schleeper
Saturday, October 12th - Retreat
8:OO AM - 9:15 AM Research and Applying Your Resources - Beth Schleeper
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Being Efficient in the RCM in the Time of Changes - Robert Kiesecker
11:00 AM -12:15 PM Professionalism and Leadership - Susan O
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Legal Aspect of Healthcare - Robert Kiesecker
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Problems in the Rev Cycle that get us in trouble - Beth Schleeper
Sunday, October 13th - Retreat
8:OO AM - 9:15 AM Be All You Can Be - Rich Richey
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM AI in Medical Coding - Chris Chapmen
11:00 AM -12:15 PM Common Mistakes by Most Coders/Biller - Don Self, CMCS, CPC, CASA
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Working Your Denials - Karlene Dittrich
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Pick a Brain - Panel
Mastering the Business of Medicine - Retreat in the Desert
Phoenix, Arizona • September 12th - 14th, 2024
Learn from industry experts - increase your organization and efficiency in Compliance, Career Development, Revenue Cycle Management and so much more.
IN-PERSON retreat includes all Food, Education, and Fun!
Check-in: Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Check out: Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 3:00 PM
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Lodging is not included.
Agenda:
Thursday, September 12th
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Check in
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM You’re Certified, Now What? - Beth Schleeper
Friday, September 13th
8:00 AM- 9:15 AM Ethics in Healthcare - Beth Schleeper
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM "Health” in Healthcare - Ellen Connick
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Documentation - Amy Wheeler
12:15 PM-1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Being Efficient in the RCM in These Times of Change - Robert Kiesecker
2:45-4:00 PM Healthcare in the Prison System - Torey Wheeler
Saturday, September 14th
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM Conflict Resolution - Rich Richey
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Covered Behavioral Health Service Guide - Rhonda Zollars Ellison
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM G2211 - Pam Vanderbilt
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in 2024 - Rhonda Zollars Ellison
2024 Mastering the Business of Medicine Virtual Conference
2024 Mastering the Business of Medicine Virtual Conference
August 17th - 18th, 2024
Get ready to be inspired by our incredible lineup of speakers at the upcoming virtual conference! We'll be covering everything from Dermatology to the Legal Aspect of Healthcare. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with industry experts.
~ Conference payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
Price: $295.00
CEUS: 12.50 CEUS for both AAPC and AMBA
Speakers:
Beth Schleeper
Christine Hall
Kimberly Jolivette Williams
Laidy Martinez
Pam Vanderbilt
Robert Kiesecker
Ruby Woodward
Agenda:
Saturday Topic Speaker
8:00-9:15 ABN/NCD/LCD - Research and Applying Beth Schleeper
9:30-10:45 Anesthesia Modifiers Convey a Narrative Kimberly Jolivette Williams
9:30 - 10:45 Spine Auditing: Don’t Let It Be a Pain in the Neck Pam Vanderbilt
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:30 Gastro Laidy Martinez
2:45-4:00 Feet and Ankle Ruby Woodward
Saturday Topic Speaker
8:00-9:15 Feet and Ankle Ruby Woodward
9:30-10:45 Cardio Robert Kiesecker
11:00-12:15 Lesions, Nodules, and Rashes…OH MY! Christine Hall
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:30 Compliance: Doing the Right Thing Christine Hall
2:45-4:00 Legal Aspect of Healthcare Robert Kiesecker
Business of Medicine Retreat - Retreat in the South
Adrian, Georgia • April 19th - 21st, 2024
Learn from industry experts - increase your organization and efficiency in Compliance, Security, Hands-on E/M, Leadership, and Career Development.
IN-PERSON retreat includes all Food, Lodging, Education, and Fun!
Check-in: Friday, April 19, 2024, at 4:00 pm
Check out: Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 4:00 pm
~ Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
What is included in our coding and billing retreats?
Attend one of our four all-inclusive* live events around the Country and earn from 15 to 18 AAPC approved CEU’s. ALL sponsored by the celebrated top medical billing and coding school, Advanced Coding Services.
When completing the Mastering the Business of Medicine Retreat Form, you are completing a registration form for an all-inclusive weekend.
All-Inclusive means overnight stay, meals, and education, including attaining AAPC 15 to 18 CEUs for the year.
The rooms are dorms, and you will be sharing a room.** If you want to share a room with someone specifically and they agree, let us know in the comment section so we can set the dorm up for your reservation.
Be sure to check the weather for the location you reserve so that you can bring the best comfortable clothing for those 3 days with us.
You are also welcome to bring snacks of your own and bottled water if you care to do so.
Any questions, please feel free to reach us at (602)-469-1193
Retreat payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, but are transferable.
*San Diego, Phoenix, and New York are not all-inclusive.
**For an additional fee, you have the option to stay in a private room.
What Our Attendees Have to Say:
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![A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses, a light-colored blouse with polka dots, and a dark vest, standing against a white background.]()
I attended Coding by the Sea in San Diego on June 2022. One of the best experiences I had in my life as a coder. The speakers are incredible and very knowledgable. Beth goes above and beyond to bring the best quality of education to the coding community. I highly recommend this amazing retreat.
Laidy Diana Martinez, CPC, CPB, CGSC, CGIC, CASCC
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![A woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a sleeveless floral top, standing against a plain background.]()
I had the pleasure to attend the Mastering the Business of Medicine Retreat in Adrian, GA and what a fantastic experience it was! The retreat offered such a skilled & diverse panel of speakers that covered all aspects of working in the Medical Field. I was able to truly experience the power of networking & meeting individuals that are well known in the medical industry. The experience & the knowledge that I walked away with after the retreat was truly valuable. Even if you are not in the billing or coding world, but in business in general you will absolutely find this retreat to be helpful & applicable to any line of business you may be in. I highly recommend investing into this wonderful retreat, when you are done your mind & your heart will be so full that it will keep you waiting with such excitement for the following year. In my opinion everyone should experience the power of this retreat once in their career to be able to take away the knowledge and apply it to day to day business life. And the icing on the cake was that I was able to receive 18 CEUs to report for my credentials.
Maria Bennett B.A.S, CPC, CRC
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![A smiling woman with shoulder-length red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, wearing a black cardigan over a light pink top and a silver necklace with a small charm, standing against a dark gray background.]()
As an attendee at Mastering the Business of Medicine Retreats, I was genuinely impressed by the experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported in an environment that encouraged personal and professional growth. The blend of seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities was expertly curated, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for navigating the challenges of healthcare management. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn from industry leaders who shared their expertise and experiences. I will be attending more retreats in the future.
Alexis Combs, CPC
