All Expert Theaters are non-CME, industry-presented education. During each session, A meal will be served. Sessions are limited to 40 participants. Seating is first-come, first-served.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Implementation of a Novel Assay in the Emergency Department for Rapid Viral vs Bacterial Discrimination in Suspected Acute Infection and Sepsis: Impact, Process and Case Studies

Presented by Diasorin

Time & Location: 12:15 – 1:00 pm l Celebration B

• David M. Engman, MD, PhD, Chairman Emeritus. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
• Mark E. Cichon, DO, Chairperson Emeritus, Department of Emergency Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois

Difficulty discriminating between bacterial and viral etiology in possible acute infection or sepsis can lead to diagnostic uncertainty, delays in patient management and unnecessary use of antibiotics. In this Expert Theater, we will review recent advances in the development and validation of a rapid host immune response assay for bacterial-viral discrimination.

The Diasorin LIAISON MeMed BV test measures the serum levels of TRAIL, IP-10 and CRP and integrates the levels to produce a score reflecting the likelihood of bacterial infection. In this way, the test determines the nature of the pathogen by the type of host immunity it induces, rather than identify the pathogen directly. Because each of the biomarkers displays a unique dynamic range during infection, the test is effective from as early a few hours to as late as seven full days from symptom onset. Using this test, important treatment decisions can be made quickly and effectively, especially whether to prescribe antibiotics. The importance of bacterial-viral discrimination will be discussed, as will the logistical and educational aspects of incorporating the test into the ED workflow. Finally, case studies will be presented that illustrate the value of this novel test in different clinical situations.  

The Latest Evidence Supporting Nasal High Flow as a Frontline Therapy for Respiratory Failure

Presented by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Time & Location: 12:15 – 1:00 pm l Osceola Ballroom E

• Clemmis Futrell, BSRT, RRT Clinical Affairs Specialist

The presentation will cover clinical evidence supporting the use of Nasal High Flow as a front-line non-invasive respiratory support for adults in respiratory distress. We will review the clinical practice guidelines, recent research related to hypercapnic respiratory failure along with asymmetric nasal high flow.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Be the Difference: Similar Outcomes & Superior Patient Comfort. High Velocity Therapy Challenges the Accepted Standard Treatment for Patients with an Acute Exacerbation of Moderate-Severe COPD

Presented by Vapotherm, Inc.

Time & Location: 12:15 – 1:00 pm l Osceola Ballroom E

• Jessica Whittle, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer & VP Clinical Research, Vapotherm, Inc.

The presentation will highlight the findings of a recent randomized, multicenter study, HYPERACT: HYPERcapnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial, that successfully challenges the accepted standard treatment for patients with an acute exacerbation of moderate-severe COPD. The lecture will explain how treatment of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to COPD with high velocity therapy was shown to be a reasonable alternative to NIPPV in relieving dyspnea with similar physiological benefit including decreases in PCO2. The Vapotherm Physician presenter will review the mechanisms of action, scientific evidence and clinical applications of high velocity therapy, a mask-free noninvasive ventilation solution for patients in respiratory distress in the Emergency Department..

Maximizing IDR Success: Streamlining and Optimizing for Financial Stability

Presented by HaloMD

Time & Location: 12:15 – 1:00 pm l Celebration B

• Alla LaRoque, President & Founder, HaloMD
• Megan Rausch, Chief Operating Officer, HaloMD

Join Alla LaRoque and Megan Rausch, recognized experts in Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR), as they share their knowledge and proven strategies to help emergency care professionals navigate the No Surprises Act (NSA). With a specialized focus on optimizing IDR performance for clinician groups, Alla and Megan are uniquely positioned to guide attendees through the complexities of out-of-network reimbursement.

Emergency care professionals face increasing financial pressures in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The IDR process, enabled by the NSA and state law balance billing prohibitions, presents significant opportunities to stabilize revenue—but only if leveraged effectively.

This session will cover key strategies, including:

• Streamlining administrative workflows to reduce operational burdens.
• Implementing processes to improve productivity and effectiveness.
• Minimizing costs associated with the IDR process.
• Enhancing revenue recovery for better financial outcomes.
• Educating clinician groups and vendors on avoiding pitfalls and focusing efforts for success.

Through actionable insights and real-world case studies, attendees will gain the tools needed to build a more efficient, cost-effective IDR process, ensuring financial predictability and sustainability in emergency care operations.

Who Should Attend: Emergency professionals and financial leaders seeking to optimize financial outcomes and streamline operations amidst regulatory changes.