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 About Us
The American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives (AAOE), a partner of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers practice management information, programs, products and services designed to address the roles of ophthalmic administrators, office managers, managing physicians and billers/coders. The business of medicine will continue to increase in complexity and sophistication, requiring greater experience, knowledge, and skills on the part of practice managers. AAOE is developed around seven Key Competencies (Business Operations & Finance, Coding & Reimbursement, Compliance & Risk Management, Marketing & Business Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Professional Growth) to provide our valued members with the most relevant and reliable information needed to manage a successful practice.
Mission Statement
To anticipate and meet the professional needs of ophthalmic practice executives and thereby enhance the effectiveness of ophthalmic practice. Values - AAOE strives to maintain the trust and confidence of its members.
- We seek AAOE members’ opinions and offer advice and programs responsive to their stated needs.
- We treat AAOE members as we do Academy ophthalmologist members.
- We anticipate the future need for ophthalmic services and the future needs of AAOE members and develop programs and services in response.
Board of Directors
Meet the 2008 AAOE Board of Directors
Contact Us
 | Janine Barth — Programs Administrator
Janine manages the online job placement service, Professional Choices, and the Consultants Directory.
e-mail: jbarth@aao.org
Phone: 415.447.0335
Contact for assistance with Professional Choices & Consultant Directory |  | Peggy Coakley — Administrative Manager
Peggy is responsible for operations and member services. She is also the staff administrator for ETalk, AAOE's member-directed listserv.
e-mail: pcoakley@aao.org
Phone: 415.561.8561
Contact for assistance with Etalk, E-expert & E-Retina |  | Jennifer Kwong — Administrative Assistant
Jen provides administrative support for CODEquest Coding College and membership recruitment.
e-mail: jkwong@aao.org
Phone: 415.447.0342
Contact for assistance with CODEquest logistics and registration. |  | Donna Lock MBA, CMP — Executive Director
Donna is the AAOE Executive Director
e-mail: dlock@aao.org
Phone: 415.447.0236 |  | Bernhardt Mair — Web Coordinator
Bernie is in charge of managing the collection of content for the AAOE Web site.
e-mail: bmair@aao.org
Phone: 415.447.0369
Contact for assistance with Web site inquiries and CODEquest Seminars |  | Jennifer Roberts, CMP — Program Manager
Jennifer is the AAOE Program Manager. She is responsible for all aspects of the AAOE Program at the Annual Meeting.
e-mail: jroberts@aao.org
Phone: 415.561.8563
Contact for assistance with the AAOE Annual Meeting Program |  | Kim M. Ross, OCS, CPC — Coding Specialist
Kim has been in the field of Ophthalmology since 1975. Her ophthalmic career includes 21 years of Military Service, both Active Duty and Naval Reserve; 9 years in Private Practice; and the past 13 years in an Academic setting at UCSF. She has had experience in clinical and surgical assistance, ophthalmic photography, practice management and most recently revenue compliance and OR utilization.
E-mail: kross@aao.org
Phone: 415.447.0396
Contact for assistance with coding issues |  | Sue Vicchrilli, COT, OCS —Coding Executive
Sue Vicchrilli’s 25 year ophthalmic background includes all aspects of coding, reimbursement, practice management, clinic and surgical assistance. Sue is the author of EyeNet's Savvy Coder, AAOE's Coding Bulletin, CODEquest Coding College, The Ophthalmic Coding Module Series and The Ophthalmic Coding Coach.
E-mail: svicchrilli@aao.org | | Back to Top |
Key Competencies
AAOE's tools and professional development programs are designed around seven key competency areas of office management, each with information and links to resources that will help you solve a myriad of daily challenges. A short synopsis of each competency is listed below. Please click on the image icons below for additional information. | 
| Business Operations & Finance
This comprehensive competency provides you with the tools to manage an efficient and financial sound practice. Topics include benchmarking, A/R management, budgeting, practice valuation and income division, patient flow, managed care and equipment contracting, management of an optical dispensary, ASC and more. |  | Coding & Reimbursement
Accurate coding and reimbursement is essential for practice income as well as adherence with federal regulations. AAOE provides information and resources you need to address all aspects of coding & reimbursement. |  | Compliance & Risk Management
AAOE's Compliance and Risk Management tools can help assure that your practice is fully compliant with all regulations for HIPAA, employment law, patient privacy and protected health information, as well as insurance coverage. |  | Marketing & Business Development
Strategic planning, marketing and assessing the marketplace are integral parts of maintaining or developing a successful practice. Topics covered in this competency area range from adding new services to opening new offices. |  | Information Technology
Learn about trends, computer systems and software specifically designed for today's ophthalmic practice. Learn more about EMR systems, HIPAA requirements and tips to maximize the functionality of your practice Web site. |  | Human Resources
Choosing, retaining and motivating staff is critical to every practice. Review job descriptions, find links to federal and state employment laws and peruse resources to provide you with the tools to manage a high performance team. |  | Professional Growth
Improve your leadership and communication skills, take advantage of networking opportunities and learn better time management skills. |
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