Learn about HIPAA requirements for the CDM at 2026 RIS
Join your most forward-thinking revenue integrity and revenue cycle peers for two days of empowering education and networking at the 2026 Revenue Integrity Symposium (RIS), to be held September 24-25 in Savannah, Georgia. 2026 RIS will cover essential education, updates, and thought leadership on topics that span the revenue cycle. Read the full agenda for more details on the sessions and speakers.
On day two of this year’s event, Valerie Rinkle, MPA, CHRI, president of Valorize Consulting LLC in Medford, Oregon, will present a session on using HIPAA requirements and the charge description master (CDM) to combat denials. Below, Rinkle provides a sneak peek of her session “What's HIPAA Got to Do With the CDM?” and explains why this topic is so timely.
Q: In what ways does your session challenge attendees to think outside the box?
Rinkle: So many of us in healthcare think solely about HIPAA as being related to privacy and security of protected health information, but there is another side of HIPAA that applies to the chargemaster and other revenue integrity functions. This in and of itself is a new way of thinking and, when understood, better informs how to approach the chargemaster.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in revenue integrity and/or revenue cycle right now? How does your session help tackle this?
Rinkle: I think the sheer volume and growing type of payer denials is one of the biggest challenges in revenue integrity. This session will highlight ways to strengthen the chargemaster to help reduce charge denials.
Q: What’s one of the key pieces of information you would like people to take away from your session?
Rinkle: The codes in the chargemaster and their definitions and appropriate use apply equally to Medicare and commercial payers.
Q: What are you most excited about for this year’s conference?
Rinkle: To see familiar and new faces and encourage professionals in revenue integrity.
Q: What's a great piece of advice you've received regarding revenue integrity and/or revenue cycle? Or, what advice do you like to give people about revenue integrity and/or revenue cycle?
Rinkle: I think it is to stay focused on the project with the biggest ROI and stay with it to completion and celebrate the success with all the team. We often move from issue to issue, fire to fire, and don’t complete root cause analysis and demonstrable solutions, and that can be demoralizing. It is important to take back control and show that the work everyone is engaged in is meaningful and is helping your organization to stay strong for the patients it treats.
Editor’s note: Click here to learn more about 2026 RIS and register for the event. NAHRI and ACDIS members are eligible for a $100 discount on their registration. To receive your exclusive member savings or learn about group discounts, contact HCPro customer service at 800-650-6787 ext. 4111 or HCEvents@hcpro.com.