VIRTUAL: Codequest 2026

Codequest™ provides expert coding instruction for practices of every size and specialty.

Ophthalmologists and their staff all play a crucial role in patient care and your practice's financial health. Join the most knowledgeable coding experts in ophthalmology for four hours of professional coding education essential to your success. We’ll map out the latest critical updates, review key competencies, crosswalk to all subspecialties, and steer you towards successful solutions for appropriately maximizing reimbursements.

Developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Codequest is the best way to protect your practice from claim denials and audit recoupments.

Who should attend?

The entire ophthalmic practice team, including the physicians, technicians, scribes, billers and coders, compliance officers, front desk team, and administrators.

Topics for the Four-Hour Session

• 2026 Coding Updates, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes, including an E/M and Eye visit code comparison and crucial payer policy changes.
• Connect with the "Why": See how your understanding of coding improves efficiencies, contributes to stronger compliance, and pays off in real-world outcomes.
• Own Your Audit Strategy: Stay ahead of payer scrutiny related to modifier 25 and down coding, sharpen your documentation, and turn audit insights into accountable action.
• To Bill or Not to Bill: Make confident billing decisions with practical examples from current hot topics ensuring compliance and patient trust.
• Coding Competency Challenge: Test your skills and gain expert insights into frequently encountered coding questions to enhance your expertise and drive better outcomes.

Schedule

• 07:00 – 08:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast
• Participants are invited to arrive during this time to complete registration and enjoy breakfast before the course begins.
• 08:00 – 9:30 AM: Course Begins
• 09:30 – 9:45 AM: Break
• 09:45 – 12:15 PM: Course Continues
• 12:15 PM: Course Concludes
• The course ends at 12:15 PM, concluding the morning's instruction.

Have a specific coding conundrum?

Bring your questions to Codequest when you attend in-person

Email questions to codequest@aao.org before the course and get answers to your personal coding challenges.

CME Designation Statement for Virtual (Live)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this internet live activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAPC will honor 1.0-for-1.0 CEUs for any event offering AMA PRA Category 1 credit™.

This program has been submitted to IJCAHPO for consideration of CE credit. 

CEU credits not available for distance learning or recorded courses

Instructor: 

Heather H. Dunn, COA, OCS, OCSR — American Academy of Ophthalmology

Ms. Dunn is the Academy's manager of coding and reimbursement. She has extensive experience in ophthalmic practice management. She has held positions as an ophthalmic assistant, optical technician, insurance biller, and practice administrator. She is a contributing author of the Academy coding product line. Under the direction of the AAPOS Socioeconomic Committee, she has helped initiate a practice manager program for pediatric ophthalmology.

Attendance eligibility requirements

Attendance is limited to members of the Academy, AAOE, and/or state ophthalmological societies and individuals directly employed by these members.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

PAO supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you require a specific accommodation or service to facilitate your participation in a Codequest coding course, please send a message to (executive director name and email address)