Category Archives: Live Webinars

Documentation and Report-Writing

for Better Care, Reimbursement, Referral-building, and Malpractice Defense

With Instructor Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DAOM, DNBAO, FAIPM

Medical Documentation: Essential Best Practices

Live Webinar Workshop & Distance-Learning Course

Professional medical documentation skills are vital for:

  • Improving outcomes and learning directly from your patient cases
  • Building referral relationships and improving coordination of care with other medical professionals
  • Supporting insurance reimbursement
  • Complying with records requests and surviving insurance audits
  • Defense in case of malpractice suits and complaints to regulatory agencies

Class Topics:

  • Bring your charting up to the highest standards of professionalism by reviewing and applying best practices in:
    • Organization and completeness
    • Appropriate use of medical terminology
    • Documenting case management and safety procedures
  • Techniques to save time and effort while improving quality
    • Pros and cons of templates, checklists, and narratives: avoiding the appearance of "rote" treatment
    • Custodianship and transfer of patient records: keeping it safe and legal
    • Further learning: developing charting skills for your areas of specialization

Class notes feature sample initial (History of Present Illness) and progress (SOAP) notes.

Billing managed care insurance? Our Report-Writing Workshop for Managed Care class can help with treatment authorization and reimbursement. Register for both classes for -10% off each.

Report-Writing for Managed Care: HMO, Personal Injury & Work Comp

Live Webinar Workshop & Distance-Learning Course

-- "Thanks a lot for providing the class to us; very professional and useful, helpful!" -- Shaoying Bai, LAc., Sacramento CA

Report-writing skills are vital for treatment authorization and reimbursement for HMO, Personal Injury and Work Comp cases.

Class Topics:

  • Documentation and reporting of subjective and objective measurements of functional capacities and other key baselines, including:
    • Standard, research-validated questionnaires to measure patient self-assessments of functional capacity
    • Pain scales: how to use them accurately and reliably
    • Findings from observation and inspection
    • Joint range-of-motion
    • Strength, sensory function, and tenderness scales
    • Measuring limb girth and skin lesions
    • Special tests and physical examinations
    • Non-quantifiable assessments of functional capacity
  • Setting appropriate treatment goals
  • Presenting outcomes and making recommendations for future care to support reimbursement and treatment authorization/re-authorization requests

Class notes include sample initial functional capacity evaluations and re-evaluation reports for managed care insurance.

Live webinar workshops feature instructor-lead peer review/feedback regarding student chart notes and reports.

Student Ratings and Comments

from evaluation from prior live class offering in 2016, as required by California Acupuncture Board

Respondents: 13 of 17 enrolled

Average rating: 99/100

  • “Anthony as always is superbly professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging improvements in clinical practice. Thank you!”  --Anonymous
  • “All of your classes have been instrumental in my ability to improve patient care–but it could be a 2-day course to cover more. Thank you!”  –Jennifer Root, L.Ac.
  • “I always enjoy Anthony’s classes, very helpful info.”  --Anonymous

For Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics, either the live webinar (8 hours), or the distance-learning class (5 hours) + one live 3-hour Case Consultation meeting focused on medical documentation is required.

Treating the Low Back, Neck and Shoulder with Classical and Modern Acupuncture

Hands-on training and practice with Anthony Von der Muhll, LAc, DAOM

September 21, 2024, York, United Kingdom

September 28-29, 2024, Basel, Switzerland

Advanced Clinical Approaches: Low Back, Core & Pelvic Girdle

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00-17:00

In-person only at the Northern College of Acupuncture, York, UK

Register through the Northern College of Acupuncture

NCCAOM PDAs approved

 

Comments from class evaluations:

"Great class and great series! So much information that’s immediately useful." -- Eunhye Kim

 

Treating the Low Back with Classical and Modern Acupuncture

Saturday, September 28, 2024, 9:00-17:00

In-person only at aava Zentrum für EEH und Eltern-Kind-Begleitung, Leonhardsberg 14, Basel, Switzerland

 

Treating the Neck and Shoulder with Classical and Modern Acupuncture

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 9:00-17:00

In-person only at aava Zentrum für EEH und Eltern-Kind-Begleitung, Leonhardsberg 14, Basel, Switzerland

 

TCM Fachverband members: contact TCM Fachverband for discount code for 10% off.

Clinical anatomy, kinesiology, and the jing-jin ("sinew meridians" or myofascial tracts)

  • Bones, muscles, discs and facet joints, and neurology
  • Posture and motion dysfunctions
  • The arthritic progression: strain/sprain, derangement, degeneration

History-taking: key diagnostic questions

  • "Red flag" symptoms of urgent/serious medical conditions potentially warranting referral to physician care: stenosis, tumors, infection, fractures, and neuropathies
  • Identifying the affected jing-jin ("sinew meridians" or myofascial tracts).
  • Differentiating symptoms of muscles, joint, disc, spinal cord, and nerve root injuries
  • Neural hypersensitization and psycho-social factors

Physical exam of the low back, neck and shoulder: how findings can guide acupuncture treatment

  • Classical jing-jin and modern orthopedic observation, inspection and palpation
  • Joint exam: active range-of-motion and passive stress testing of the spinal and shoulder joints
  • Examination for upper and lower motor neuron lesions: deep tendon, and pathologic reflexes and sensory, and motor function
  • Manual strength testing and referred pain pattern charts for 35 key muscles of the low back, core and pelvic girdle, neck and shoulder
  • Special orthopedic tests for the back, neck and shoulder
  • Clinical flow charts to facilitate efficiency and accuracy in examination

Diagnosis and pattern identification

  • Jing-jin syndromes
  • Postural and motion dysfunctions
  • Muscle strains and myofascial pain
  • Radiculopathies and stenosis
  • Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, spondylosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis
  • Spinal spondylolistheses
  • Failed spinal surgery syndromes
  • For the low back: post-partum pain, insufficiency of the iliolumbar and sacrotuberous ligaments, and dysfunctions of the sacroiliac joint
  • For the neck and shoulder: cervical facet, glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint pain

Treatment of the jing-jin and orthopedic conditions

 

For facility information only, contact:
078 926 00 94*
info@aavabasel.ch

Head, Neck & Thorax

With Instructor Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DAOM, DNBAO, FAIPM

Includes lifetime access to high-definition videos, slideshows, and class notes

See below for detailed description of class contents

 

Self-Paced Distance Learning

 

 

Basics of Neck

Head, Neck, Thorax: History, Examination, Assessment, & Treatment

Contact us to request CAB CEUs

 

Comments from Course Evaluations

"This class was amazing and so packed with information. I am going to have to listen to the recording over and over in order to be able write down all that was said. I can't wait to be able to take an in person course."  -- Shelby Smith, L.Ac., Olympia, Washington

"This class has been incredibly enriching and full of valuable information. I truly enjoyed every session and felt fully engaged throughout. The depth of knowledge shared, especially regarding assessment techniques and the integration of orthopedic tools, has greatly expanded my understanding of clinical applications in acupuncture. I feel more confident in my ability to evaluate and treat complex cases, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in my practice. This has definitely been one of the most informative and inspiring courses I’ve taken!" -- Karla Colmenarz, L.Ac., Chevy Chase, Maryland

Clinical anatomy, kinesiology, and the jing-jin ("sinew meridians" or myofascial tracts)

  • Bones, muscles, discs and facet joints, and neurology
  • Posture and motion dysfunctions
  • The arthritic progression: strain/sprain, derangement, degeneration

History-taking for head, neck, thorax: key diagnostic questions

  • "Red flag" symptoms of urgent/serious medical conditions warranting referral to physician care
  • Differentiating symptoms of muscles, joint, disc, and spinal cord, plexus and nerve root injuries
  • Neural hypersensitization and psycho-social factors
  • Functional capacity questionnaires for reporting to managed care insurance

Physical exam of the head, neck, thorax: key procedures

  • Observation, inspection and palpation
  • Joint exam: active range-of-motion, stability, and tracking assessment of the cervical and thoracic spine and TM joint
  • Neurologic exam: upper motor neuron; arm reflex, sensory, and motor function; and brachial plexopathies
  • Special orthopedic tests for the spine and ribcage
  • Documentation of physical exam findings
  • Measuring and reporting functional capacity baselines and treatment outcomes

Diagnosis and pattern identification

  • Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches
  • Temperomandibular joint pain and dysfunction
  • Cervical and thoracic sprains/strains and chronic myofascial pain
  • Cervical and thoracic disc and facet joint injuries: dysfunction, derangement, degeneration
  • Nerve root and spinal cord injuries
  • Intercostal sprains/strains
  • Brachial plexopathies and thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Myofascial trigger points and referred pain patterns for over 17 muscles of the head, face, neck and thorax

Treatment of head, neck, and thorax pain and injuries

  • When and how to use distant and local needling for rapid and lasting pain relief
  • Electroacupuncture for neural blockade and rehabilitation
  • Releasing muscle tension through myofascial trigger point needling
  • Prolo-acupuncture for spinal and TM joint stabilization and mobilization
  • Using 7-star, 3-edged and lancet needles to reduce inflammation and ischemic pain
  • Manual therapy: gua sha, tui na, and muscle energy techniques to reduce trigger points and restore muscle flexibility and joint range of motion
  • Active suction cupping: combining cups with passive and active movement for rapid and lasting results
  • Postural and ergonomic correction and exercise therapies

Get the most out of your learning experience!

Student Ratings and Comments

from evaluations as required by California Acupuncture Board, prior live class offerings in 2017.

Respondents: 20 of 20 enrolled

Average rating: 98/100

Avoiding Lawsuits: Safety & Ethics for Acupuncture Clinics

Fulfill your California Laws & Ethics and NCCAOM Safety and Ethics requirements at your own pace

with Instructor Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DAOM, DNBAO, FAIPM

Acupuncture Expert Witness in Malpractice Litigation and Regulatory Investigations -- Former Subject Matter Expert, California Acupuncture Board

"Every acupuncturist should take this series." -- Gina Marks, LAc, Pleasant Hill, CA

Self-Paced Distance Learning

1-year on-demand access to class notes and prerecorded live webinar videos -- see below for detailed description of class contents

 

Avoiding Lawsuits I: Essential Principles & Practices

2 Distance-learning NCCAOM Safety PDAs & CAB Category 1 CEUs approved

"Excellent course! I learned so much, will be useful in my job...A lot of detail, but necessary!" -- Ann Marie Trione, L.Ac., California
"Very helpful. Anthony tends to cover areas that are often overlooked or under-emphasized in terms of safety and scope of practice. His classes are always informative, clear and useful." -- Amberlee Gustafson, LAc., California
"Excellent and very helpful. I'm grateful for you putting these courses together." -- Dashal Moore, L.Ac., Albany, California

Avoiding Lawsuits II: Clarifying Gray Areas in Scope of Practice & Consent

2 Distance-Learning NCCAOM Safety PDAs and CAB Category 1 CEUs approved

"I would recommend this class to all acupuncturists, especially those that are recently licensed." -- Gina Marks, LAc., Pleasant Hill, California

 

 

Avoiding Lawsuits III: Standards of Care, Safety & Documentation

2 Distance-Learning NCCAOM Safety PDAs and CAB Category 1 CEUs approved

"This class was fantastic, the teacher was very clear and knowledgable and added lots of personal anecdotes which made the information easier to digest and remember. I really appreciate all the work that went in to putting this together." -- Danielle Tsuboi, LAc., Oakland, California

 

Avoiding Lawsuits IV:  Ethics & Laws in Marketing & Billing

with Anthony Von der Muhll

2 Distance-Learning NCCAOM Ethics PDAs and CAB Category 1 CEUs approved

"Absolutely the material will be helpful. I had questions about best practices regarding fee schedules and packages that this class answered clearly. I appreciate the detailed information and real world examples provided. " -- Pleasant Hill, L.Ac., Costa Mesa, California

"This class was a great review and well laid out to with pertinent information that we as acupuncturist encounter on a daily basis.
Thank you for your efforts in keeping our profession growing into the future." -- Vincent Koeller, L.Ac., Costa Mesa, California

"Rich in information, clearly presented, and highly valuable." -- Dashal Moore, L.Ac., Albany, California

 

 

 

California Scope of Practice Laws: Clarifying the Gray Areas

2 Distance-Learning CAB Category 1 Laws & Ethics CEUs & NCCAOM PDAs (BIO) approved

"The instructor was a great speaker, very knowledgeable and experienced" -- Kate Riccardi, LAc., Albany, CA

"Wonderful and informative" -- Susannah Lee, LAc, San Jose, CA

"Very helpful, more than expected" -- Marianna Dubova, LAc., Portland OR

"Helpful and informative class, clear and thorough teacher. Thanks!" -- Amberlee Gustafson, LAc, Santa Cruz CA

"The class provided more clarity than I received in school. I am grateful this was concise, direct, and so easily accessible." -- Mary Manning, LAc., Oakland CA

 

 

Is your practice safe?

  • Is your documentation adequate for defense in litigation or complaints to regulatory boards? Does it include needle angle at high-risk locations?
  • Do you know what standards the CNT manual (7th ed.) sets for minimizing pneumothorax risks? Sterilizing cups, gua sha tools? Preventing and managing heat lamp and moxa burns? Medical record-keeping?
  • Do you routinely provide and effectively document a verbal, face-to-face informed consent regarding risks, prior to treatment?
  • Do you know what social media marketing techniques are legal vs. illegal, as well as what terms to avoid using on your website?
  • Do you know how to avoid triggering insurance audits for suspected over-billing?
  • Can you recognize when you're in a "high-risk" relationship with a patient, and manage the situation without charges of discrimination in health care or "patient abandonment" that risk license suspension?
  • What would you do/not do if you were concerned someone was going to file a malpractice suit against you?

If you're unsure, these Classes are for you!

I invite you to benefit from my experience as an Expert Witness in malpractice litigation, complaints to regulatory boards, and insurance audits to help you manage risks while supporting sustainable practice growth.

--Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DNBAO, DAOM

 

Avoiding Lawsuits I: Essential Principles & Practices

  • Common myths, misperceptions, and wishful thinking regarding suits & complaints -- and how to avoid them
  • What constitutes malpractice?
  • Knowing and managing personal, professional, and cross-cultural risk factors
  • Overview of 10 essential risk management principles & practices
  • Avoiding and managing higher-risk patient-practitioner relationships
  • Setting & maintaining alignment of appropriate patient-practitioner goals

Avoiding Lawsuits II: Clarifying Gray Areas in Scope of Practice & Consent

  • Providing and documenting effective verbal, face-to-face informed consent
    • Live webinar includes practice and instructor feedback
  • Appropriate health education as a risk management strategy
  • Clarifying common "gray areas" in state licensing laws and scope of practice
  • Introduction to general Standards of Care for acupuncture professionals.

Avoiding Lawsuits III: Safety & Documentation

  • Knowing Standards of Care, and who defines them and how they are established
  • Standards and best practices for avoiding and managing:
    • Pneumothoraces: screening for risk-elevating factors; high-risk locations, safe vs. unsafe needle angles and depths
    • Nerve trauma and arterial puncture: high-risk locations, safe vs. unsafe needle angles and depths, and monitoring during needle penetration
    • Heat lamp and moxa burns: screening for risk-elevating factors; recognizing and managing accidental burns
    • Suction cups, including "wet" and "fire" cupping: knowing contraindications and screening for risk-elevating factors; avoiding and managing injuries
    • Gua sha: knowing contraindications, risk-elevating factors, and contraindicated areas; avoiding injuries
    • Slip-and-fall injuries: screening for risk-elevating factors and preventing accidental falls
    • And more...
  • Recognizing warning signs that patients may file suits or complaints
  • Managing patient complaints to minimize risks of escalation to suits and complaints
  • Critical documentation of safety protocols and management of adverse events

Avoiding Lawsuits IV: Ethics & Laws in Marketing and Billing

  • Avoiding allegations of professional misconduct
    • "False Advertising:" more serious than it sounds
    • Self-dealing and profiteering from unnecessary treatment: a slippery slope for acupuncturists
    • Fee-splitting and kickbacks: common, but usually illegal
    • Risk-elevating prepaid treatment "packages" and concierge practices, vs. safer alternatives
  • Risks of social media marketing; managing negative reviews
  • Best practices in fee-setting, collecting co-pays, and providing discounts
  • Avoiding insurer audits: best practices in coding and billing
  • Accessing further help when needed

California Scope of Practice Laws: Clarifying the Gray Areas

  • Responsibilities and rights as a "primary health care profession"
    • Is it legal to make a "biomedical" or "Western diagnosis?"
    • Case management and referrals
  • Definitions of acupuncture vs. non-acupuncture needles; therapeutic aspiration of blood
  • Health education vs. counseling: avoiding out-of-scope prescriptive psychotherapy
  • "Asian massage” vs. other manual therapies
  • “Naturally-occurring substances” vs. synthetic supplements
  • Light therapies: lasers, LEDs, infrared
  • Therapeutic exercise prescription vs. physical therapy
  • Terms to avoid in advertising, communication, documentation, vs. better alternatives