AAA Revenue Cycle (AAARC) 6: Commercial Insurance Strategies & Surprise Billing

April 21, 2026

11:00 am –

11:50 am

Tracks: AAA Revenue Cycle Certificate (AAARC)

Provides 1 credit toward the American Ambulance Association Ambulance Revenue Cycle Management Specialist (ARCMS) certificate.

This session explores the complex commercial insurance landscape, covering federal and state-level requirements, contract strategies, and the impact of surprise billing regulations. Faculty will discuss negotiation tactics with insurers, appeals processes, balance billing issues, and future policy shifts. Case examples will highlight how ambulance providers can navigate underpayment, denials, and regulatory pressure.

Speakers:

Angela McLain-Johnson
Pafford Medical Services

Angela McLain-Johnson, MA, CHC, RHIA serves as the CRO/CCO at Pafford Medical Services. Angie’s more than 25 years of experience in healthcare financial services has focused on the strategic development and management of revenue cycle operations to include; comprehensive patient account management, revenue performance improvement and implementation of monitoring controls and strategies. In addition, Angela also has extensive experience in all elements of healthcare compliance and accreditation in both the hospital and EMS...

Shelly Miller
Revenue Cycle Manager
Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC)

Shelly Miller, CPCO, CPC, CAC, EMD, serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager for Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) for Mecklenburg County located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Medic serves a population of 1M+ covering 546 square miles with 600 employees and 73 ambulances. Shelly has over 30 years in healthcare accounts receivable management. Prior to Medic, Shelly has served as Vice President of a Revenue Cycle Management Company, as well as Director...