Published: April 1, 2019

Just what the doctor ordered

The Administrator Support Community for ENT (ASCENT) is the only association dedicated to supporting the leaders in the unique specialty of otolaryngology practice management. Formerly known as the Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA), ASCENT has a long history of providing resources, networking, and education to administrators, managers, supervisors, and coders in otolaryngology practices that helps the practice, physicians, and ultimately the patient.


The Administrator Support Community for ENT (ASCENT) is the only association dedicated to supporting the leaders in the unique specialty of otolaryngology practice management. Formerly known as the Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA), ASCENT has a long history of providing resources, networking, and education to administrators, managers, supervisors, and coders in otolaryngology practices that helps the practice, physicians, and ultimately the patient.

Ascent

Resources—when you need them

ASCENT has more than 3,000 policies and procedures, booklets, plans, and customizable forms available to members on its website, www.askASCENT.org. These include forms, job descriptions, policies, and procedures for any area of the ENT practice. Members also have access to the ASCENT Discussion Forums on our engagemENT platform to ask questions, share ideas, and respond to fellow professionals with your expertise and advice. engagemENT also houses discussion boards for coding questions that are monitored by a certified professional coder and discussion boards to talk to members by practice size or type. ASCENT offers other resources and manuals available at special discounted member pricing.

Tools for your office and staff

We know that finding time to educate staff is a difficult but important part of your business. ASCENT has several tools and resources at discounted pricing to make your job more efficient and effective at special member pricing:

  • ASCENT University training modules on topics such as bloodborne pathogens, fraud and abuse compliance, and basic finance
  • ENT-specific salary and benchmarking surveys to ensure your practice is on target
  • ASCENT Resource Manual, a one-stop resource for all things practice management
  • and many more

Expand your network

Do you need to find your same EMR system? Is your manager new to the industry and looking for advice from a seasoned professional? ASCENT offers networking opportunities galore! Peer to peer networking and engagemENT opportunities allow ASCENT members to enhance their understanding of practice trends and find solutions to their challenges while meeting others in the profession.

Timely information at your fingertips

ASCENT is always reaching out to inform members of what’s happening in ENT and healthcare. Members receive the weekly ASCENT digital e-newsletter, packed with association and ENT news, as well as legislative alerts when announcements are made that affect otolaryngology. The monthly ENT Voice provides in-depth legislative and payer information in an easy-to-understand format. Fast Practice is a monthly newsletter that provides synopses of the leading business of medicine reviews that can be read or downloaded as a podcast to keep you updated. engagemENT LIVE is a weekly text survey where each question is sent directly to your smartphone to respond, and the results are then sent later in the week in a colorful graphic. The ASCENT Blog includes entries written on a variety of topics and posted to the website and social media a few times per week.

Continuing education opportunities

ASCENT educates thousands of ENT business professionals annually through continuing education opportunities, available at special member pricing:

  • More than 30 live webinars yearly and a library of more than 100 webinar recordings
  • ASCENT Annual Educational Conference, a live three-day conference filled with more than 18 hours of education offerings and networking opportunities

Industry-specific certification

The Certification in Otolaryngology Practice Management (COPM) is the only certification specific to ENT. The COPM exam is a knowledge-based test that examines six core areas related directly to otolaryngology practice management. Take the step to advance your career through our Pathway to Certification to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and lifelong learning. ASCENT members receive steep discounts on certification study tools and testing.

We have a lot to offer your practice. Stop by www.askASCENT.org and check out membership for your practice leaders today.


More from April 2019 – Vol. 38, No. 3