Payer-provider abrasion remains one of the biggest barriers to efficient payment, timely care, and operational success. Too often, denials, delayed payments, and prior authorization disputes stem from misaligned expectations, incomplete data, and unclear communication—not true disagreement. This session will offer a candid, solutions-focused discussion on what payers really need from providers, what providers can do upfront to reduce friction, and how both sides can work together to minimize rework, prevent avoidable denials, and create shared wins.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain clear insights into how providers can proactively align documentation, coding, and authorization workflows to meet payer requirements and reduce denials and appeals.
- Learn practical approaches to improve data sharing, reduce ambiguity in clinical and billing documentation, and foster payer-provider partnerships that lead to faster resolutions and fewer administrative burdens.
- Explore strategies to move beyond transactional interactions and build trust-based partnerships between payers and providers—focusing on shared goals like timely care, accurate payment, and operational efficiency.
Sarah Armstrong
Sarah is, above all else, a passionate leader of people. With a career spanning over two decades, her journey began as a financial analyst at a small community hospital in Kentucky, where she developed a profound appreciation for the pivotal role of people in healthcare, both in the clinic and in the back office. This early experience ignited her passion for enhancing Revenue Cycle performance and fostering leadership talents that resonate with the values of collaboration and efficiency.
Her leadership at TREND is deeply influenced by her comprehensive background, championing a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. By valuing each team member's contribution, Sarah drives innovations that not only challenge the conventional adversarial healthcare models but also promote a cooperative and efficient environment that benefits all stakeholders.
She leads with a commitment to transparency, cooperation over competition, and a deep-seated belief in empowering her team. Under her leadership, TREND is pioneering a new era of healthcare solutions that prioritize accuracy, fairness, and collaborative problem-solving, all aimed at improving outcomes for patients and providers alike.
Sarah's leadership is characterized by her ability to bridge traditional divides within the industry, advocating for a paradigm shift from adversarial dynamics to cooperative partnerships. Her strategic vision is supported by her unwavering dedication to TREND's ideals, both internally and externally, driving TREND Health Partners to challenge the status quo and lead American healthcare into a more efficient and equitable future.
Jonique Dietzen
With over 18 years of experience in healthcare billing and finance, I am a certified professional coder dedicated to ensuring accurate claims and proper reimbursement for providers. Having worked extensively on the provider side in finance and revenue cycle, I bring wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly in processing and payment integrity.
Throughout my career, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of billing challenges from both perspectives. This unique insight drives my commitment to improving billing practices and advocating for provider education. I continue to leverage my expertise to enhance billing processes and support providers in navigating the complexities of healthcare finance.
Mandi Heiple
Dr. Ahmad Kilani MD, MBA, MLS, MSIT, CHCQM-PHYADV, FABQAURP, FACP, FACHE
Dr. Kilani is currently serving as Associate Medical Director for Cleveland Clinic Revenue Cycle Management and Medical Director of Throughput for Cleveland Clinic West Submarket. Nationally, he serves as Vice President of Operations for the American College of Physician Advisors. Dr. Kilani is board certified in Internal Medicine. Additionally, he has a Master of Business in Healthcare from Baldwin Wallace University, a Master of Legal Studies from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and a Master of Science in Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and board-certified in Healthcare Quality Management through the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians.”
