Here's the conference team with one of our favorite presenters....conference has been great so far!

Amy, Michael, Sandra & Melanie

Michael Miscoe, Esq, CPC, CASCC, CCPC, CUC is our resident compliance expert.  He speaks at all our conferences and is a slam-dunk every time!

Look for him at HEALTHCON 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada!

All about WALT

In about one week, we will be stepping into the land of all things Disney. We’re so excited to be holding our Anaheim regional conference in such a magical place!  Many of our childhood memories revolve around trips to Disneyland or cartoons and movies produced by Disney.  Here are a few facts about the man whose creativity has touched all of us.

#1:  Originally, Walt’s last name was “d’Isigny”. It belonged to his ancestors from France, but was later changed to make it more convenient to plan a trip to Disneyland.

#2:  On September 11, 1968, the U. S. Postal Service honored Walt by putting his picture on a six-cent commemorative postage stamp.

#3:  Walt never graduated from high school. He left school at age16 and joined the American Red Cross. However, he won honorary degrees from many renowned universities, including Yale and UCLA.

#4:  Disney often spelled his name backwards. Even when he searched for a plot to build his theme park, he used the name M.T. Lott so sellers wouldn’t take advantage of him.

#5:  Walt Disney Resort in Florida is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands.

#6:  Walt was awarded a special Academy Award in 1932 for creating Mickey Mouse. Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto, and a host of other characters followed afterward.

#7:  In a career spanning 43 years, Walt Disney was nominated 64 times for the Oscars, of which he won 32 times – the most ever!

#8:  He once worked as an informant for the FBI.

#9:  Despite the fact that Walt was the voice of Mickey Mouse for two decades, he was actually afraid of mice.

#10:  Of all the music from all of the Disney shows, Walt’s favorite song was Feed the Birds, from Mary Poppins.

Obviously, Walt practiced what he preached when he said,

                         “ All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" - Chicago Fun under $100

  

For the sports buff in all of us, Chicago is a sports mecca, there’s the ESPN Zone or the United Center where Michael Jordan rose to fame, and don’t forget the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox – both of whom have home games over Labor Day weekend. Ticket prices range from around $16-$18 per ticket to almost as much as you want to spend!

Don't forget to attend Local Chapter Leadership Training

Newly added to the Regional Conference agenda is our very popular Leadership Training for chapter officers.  It will be held as the first event of the conference for both the Chicago and Anaheim Regional Conferences on Thursday from 8 am until 11:00 am.  The training will be conducted by representatives for various regions across the country and is a great learning tool for any officer.  We hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity and join the Board of Directors who will answer any question you have about serving your chapter as an officer or how chapter business should be conducted.  And as an extra incentive 3 CEUs will be awarded for your attendance at this 3 hour class.  Y’all come now! (Session is for officers only!)

Event Details:

8 am to 11 am

Thursday, August 28 (Chicago)

Thursday, September 18 (Anaheim)

3.0 CEUs available

Local Chapter Officers Only

Chicago Fun under $100

Chicago Boat Tours -The Chicago River itself provides numerous opportunities to experience the city in unique ways.  With everything from the Architecture River Cruise ($31.75) to the Chicago Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet ($99.14), you’ll be able to experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on this historic river. There are also multiple sightseeing cruises on Lake Michigan, ranging in price from $18.53 and up.

Having fun with Mickey...

Here are some great photo submissions for the Anaheim Regional Conference contest!!!  See how much fun you could have at DISNEYLAND while getting some top-notch education.......

Don't forget to send us your photos of your fun times at Disneyland/Disney World.  You might just be a lucky winner of a DISNEY prize package. 

Send your photos to amy.evans@aapc.com.

Best Views from CHICAGO - Fun for under $100

Can you imagine being suspended 1,000 feet above the magnificent mile?  Tilt! is considered a Chicago must-do for the breathtaking views of Chicago's famous skyline and the magnificent mile.  The thrilling views are at the John Hancock Center on the 94th floor.   There are many things to do at 360 Chicago, visit the cafe with floor to ceiling views while grabbing a snack, jump on Tilt!, or watch fireworks from the Navy Pier (see website for details).

Cost:
General Admission to 360 Chicago is $18 Adults/$12 Youth (3-11 years)/Free for children
Tilt! has an introductory rate of $5 (plus the cost of the general admission)

Directions:
It is less than a mile from the Hyatt Regency Chicago, about a 20 minute walk on N Michigan Avenue to the John Hancock Center.

Now, that is something GREAT to do for under $100 in Chicago!

Regional Conference Contest

Coming to AAPC's regional conference in the fall???  Want to win a prize?  Check out the contests below for the Chicago and Anaheim regional conferences.

Chicago Regional Conference - Contest 

Chicago has so much to do, it brings in 40 million visitors each year, so instead of us coming up with things to do in Chicago, we thought our membership would know......so....

What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago for under $100?  

We will be in Chicago over Labor Day weekend, you may extend your trip and do some of your favorite things while also getting incredible education.  

Submit your favorite thing to do under $100 with a brief description of the activity along with a photo (if possible).  AAPC will choose our favorite submission and that conference attendee will get a prize.....not just any prize....they will get to do the activity they submitted (if possible)!  If you don't have a favorite or you've never been to Chicago, tell us what you'd like to do!

Send your submissions/photos to Amy Evans at amy.evans@aapc.com by July 11, 2014.  Make sure your name and member number is in the email.

Anaheim Regional Conference - Contest

Everyone goes to Disneyland for one thing.....to see Mickey Mouse.  Well, AAPC wants to see photos of your experiences at Disneyland/Disney World.  Send us your Disney photos of you, you and Mickey, you and your family, or just your kids; can be old or recent.  AAPC will choose our favorite submission and they will receive a prize....a DISNEY prize package.  

Send your photos to Amy Evans at amy.evans@aapc.com by August 15, 2014.  Make sure your name and member number is in the email.

For example - Melanie Mestas is AAPC's Director of Conferences and her favorite place is Disneyland, here is a picture of her at Disneyland back in 1974.

The fine print....

Submitting your photo to AAPC gives us permission to publish/use your photo.

DISCOUNT TICKETS

Don’t forget to purchase your discounted Disneyland tickets.  Follow this link to purchase specially-priced tickets to the happiest place on earth! 

Tickets are valid for admission from Saturday, September 13 – Wednesday, September 24, 2014.  The last day to purchase tickets online is Tuesday, September 16, 2014 by 9 PM PST.  

"Dragged Through the Garden" Dog....PLEASE!

Now if you want to experience everything Chicago, well you will have to try a CHICAGO DOG!  Now a Chicago-style hot dog or Chicago dog is an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun. It has many toppings which they, Chicagoan's, call "dragged through the garden".  It starts with yellow mustard on the dog, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, and a dash of celery salt.  Now you understand why they say "dragged through the garden", they aren't kidding.

You will notice there is no ketchup in the ingredients.  Well, there is a strong widely-shared opinion among aficionados that ketchup is UNACCEPTABLE.  Apparently some Chicago hot dog vendors do not even offer ketchup as a condiment.  Who knew!

Now where can you find a fabulous Chicago hot dog..check out these places:
Chubby Wieners 4652 N. Western Ave, Lincoln Square, Chicago
Superdawg Drive-In  6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
Portillo's 100 W. Ontario, Chicago
Hot Doug's 3324 North California, Chicago

We are headed back to Chicago.....and Anaheim!

We are excited to announce, AAPC is holding two regional conferences this fall in Chicago, August 28-30 and Anaheim, September 18-20. AAPC really enjoys going to both cities for conferences, Chicago was good to us in the fall of 2012 as well as Anaheim, back in the winter of 2008.  Watch out Chicago we are coming to you first......

DETAILS

Cost - $495 members

15+ CEUs available

Exceptional education with tracks on auditing, practice management, and ICD-10!!!

REGISTER FOR CHICAGO

Chicago - August 28-30

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Room rate: $215/night

Full agenda

REGISTER FOR ANAHEIM

Anaheim - September 18-20

Disneyland Hotel

Room rate:  $225/night

Full agenda

Regional conferences are a great way to get amazing education close to home and at a lower cost than a national conference.  Come join us at either of these great locations!

Join us in Nashville for HEALTHCON

Dear Member,

Please join us in Nashville, Tennessee, next April for HEALTHCON 2014!  AAPC has expanded its focus to better serve the healthcare community, with offerings in Coding, Compliance, Billing, Auditing, and Practice Management, to name a few.  We believe this will be the most comprehensive collection of business and healthcare-related topics ever assembled in one place, and we welcome one and all to participate with us.  The benefit to practices, employers, and individuals will be exponential – don’t miss out!  Online registration begins early December 2013. 

Best regards,

Jason VandenAkker

CEO, AAPC

A Little Bit Chilly

For us at AAPC at the national office in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is getting cold.  Our first snow storm hit yesterday.  Winter is here, not officially, but the cold has set in.  Now what does that have to do with you....well I know for some of you, you might be coming from a warmer climate and are not sure what to expect in Baltimore.  Well, the average high in Baltimore mid to late November is 51 degrees and the low is 34.  So I guess I am telling you to pack your warm clothes for conference.

Now, if you forget warmer clothes, AAPC product store will have sweat shirts, blazers, and puffy vests for purchase. Show your AAPC pride and stay warm this winter.

Pick-up this vest in both colors at the product store for $45.

The most important item to discuss......eating

The Inner Harbor has many vibrant and beautiful waterfront shops, eateries and attractions.  Here is a list of eateries:

The Capital Grille
500 E. Pratt Street
443-703-4064
www.thecapitalgrille.com

Fogo de Chao

600 E Pratt Street, Ste 102
410-528-9292
www.fogodechao.com

Watertable
500 E Pratt Street (inside Renaissance)
410-685-VIEW
www.watertablerestaurant.com


Even though you are at a conference, doesn't mean you have to eat bad. Don't miss out on the delicious finds just around the corner from your hotel!

A must see....

Did you know - Baltimore's Inner Harbor is one of America's oldest seaports? Since the 1600's, the Baltimore Harbor has been welcoming people, ships and goods from all over the world. Did you know that our hotel looks over this great harbor???  It does aaaannnnd apparently it's a really fun and entertaining area of town.  So....let's check out all the fun that is at our finger tips, shall we?

USS Constellation - is the last Civil War vessel afloat.  WOW!  Built in 1854 and is the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy.  It has been restored and returned to the Inner Harbor.  
Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street, 410-539-1797

The Clipper City - is a tall ship that offers at least two public cruises Tuesday - Sunday.  Be sure to call 410-837-6700 for schedule and rates.

Maryland Science Center - has hands-on exhibits and spectacular displays in the wonderful world of science and technology.  Visit Maryland Science Center to plan your visit.  

National Aquarium - Baltimore's leading tourist attraction.  View a life-size model of a Humpback Whale, see the concepts of surviving through adaptation come to life, visit a coral reef, and learn what jellies are telling us about the health of our oceans. Visit www.aqua.org for more information.

Looks like there is lots of fun to be had in Baltimore! 

Watch out DALLAS here we come!!!

The conference team is leaving on a jet plane to Dallas and we are coming with 600 of our favorite coder friends to the regional conference!  I don't know about you, but we are getting very very excited.

Hey, see all of you in a couple of days!  Get ready for some "BIG" time education, fun and networking!!!  As you know everything is BIGGER in Texas!

State of Art

Wondering what you can do while in Dallas, here is an idea.  Visit the Dallas Museum of Art.  They are currently exhibiting "The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece".  This exhibit has more than 120 items, showcasing exquisite artwork of Greek and Roman sculpture.  Visit dallasmuseumofart.org for more information regarding the exhibit.  The exhibit runs until October 6, so don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

Dallas Museum of Art

1717 N Harwood

Dallas, TX  75201

214-922-1200

www.dma.org

Foodie....Best of the Best

When you go out of town for either business or pleasure, you always want to eat somewhere different, not just the same ol' same ol'.  Here are some great recommendations from previous Grapevine Travelers courtesy of TripAdvisor:

Ranked #1 

Mi Dia (3 miles away from Gaylord Texan)

1295 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas

Mesican Cuisine

Ranked #2

Into The Glass Wine Bar and Cafe (3 miles from Gaylord Texan)

322 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas

www.intotheglass.com

Ranked #3

Main Street Cafe and Bread Baking Co

316 S Main Street, Grapevine, Texas

hstrial-fgoury.homestead.com

Ranked #4

Pappadeaux

600 W. State Highway 114, Grapevine, Texas

www.pappadeaux.com

All four restaurants are less than four miles away from the Gaylord Texan.  I AM now starving looking over these menus.  

See you in Dallas!

Did I hear someone say "outlet mall"?

Now if you are a shopper, then you will want to get over to the Grapevine Mills.  It has so many stores...I can't even begin to list them, but here are a few:

Ann Taylor Factory Store

J. Crew Factory

Kenneth Cole Outlet Store

Loft Outlet

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Nike Factory Store
SAKS Fifth Avenue Off 5th

Wilson Leather Outlet

Grapevine Mills is the largest outlet and value retail shopping center in North Texas.  It provides more than 180 outlet stores to purchase gifts  for your kids and a little somethin' for yourself.  From the Gaylord Texan, Grapevine Mills is 2.8 miles or 10 minutes away...so close.

Grapevine Mills
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy
Grapevine, Texas 76051

Open:
Mon - Sat 10 am to 9:30 pm
Sunday 11 am to 7 pm

What happens at conference....stays at conference!

If you are dying to let your inner child out.....then you MIGHT be interested in spending some time at SIX FLAGS!  Now, you may be asking, how does that relate to the Dallas Regional Conference.  Well...it turns out Six Flags is 20 miles from the Gaylord Texan.  Great news, right?

Tickets at the Park:

General Admission $62.99

Child under 48" $47.99

2 & Under Free

So if you are into the thrills of fast roll coasters, gut-wrenching drops, and nauseating flips then you will want to check-out Six Flags while you are at AAPC's regional conference.