Home Forums Discussions General Discussion NEXT ACUC

Given our big push for development in 2009 (CCHIT, PM, Improved e-RX, etc.), we've been delayed organizing an official ACUC. But it certainly is being discussed, and we will have more information (or questions about what works for most of our clients) soon.

So while I loved Branson, MO - I think it only fair to have the meeting in a location that is easily (and affordably) accessible (and this probably means different areas of the country each year).

While it still could happen later this summer, I think fall may make more sense. Thoughts on fall as an option?

For my schedule, fall would make more sense.

The only problem with fall is if school has already started for those of us with children - I still vote for also putting them online with web viewing for those of us who cannot make it.

Webcast would be a nice alternative (and in keeping with elctronic frontier spirit of most of us) but I really look forward to meeting everyone someday!

Has anyone considered having it on a cruise ship? I missed last year's because I was enjoying my trip to Italy and Greece, and believe me, those trips are really fun, and they do have big meeting rooms. Seriously, cruise ships could be less expensive than plane trips and hotel rooms. It's usually all-inclusive. Kind of beats Montana...

BTW, here is one of my fotos from the trip:

http://msofficeemrproject.com/Page4.htm

Now, if you decide to have it in MO again, then make sure that you do have a webcast so that I can see it from my next cruise ship WIFI connection! Medicine is tough, but cruising sure beats taking Prozac...

Al

I think someone brought it up once, and a bunch of people were on board for it. I think it's a great idea, and I am glad you brought it up again.

Maybe we should go to Canada. Lots of pretty provinces there, and we could all set up a clinic and do socialized medicine there. That way we'll be prepared for it here.

That's a beautiful photograph. Where is it exactly. And, you have a beautiful family too.

Oh, and sorry about the pun in the first sentence. Not intended.

I think one of the reasons the last ACUC did well was that someone knew how to get it accredited and such for CME. I think unfortunately that is not something we all know how to do. Would be nice if we could have one -- just hard to do if kids are back in school.

Thanks, Bert! It was Santorini, where in years past the volcano blew and left open a big 2000 foot hole. What's interesting about the photo is that my daughter on the left shortly thereafter got food poisoning and almost had to be carried to the ship!

Canada would be great. Either coast is beautiful. Vancouver/Alaska is especially neat. Here we are in 2006 in our Infinity Alaska romp:







































I don't care much about CME's, since I get about 100 CME's for having GWU medical students in my office year-round. I sure as heck would like to meet many of you!

Al

Here is my thought. As late in the season as it is already, and as busy as Jon is trying to build up his program, I would favor delaying the next ACUC until next summer. Perhaps at that time he will be able to fully present his PM program and all of the CCHITy hoops through which he has had to jump Set a date for early summer when families can attend, plan well enough ahead so that people can arrange their schedules and so that the programs can be fully laid out and do it up right. I think a cruise would be neat and I like the idea of Alaska.

Leslie

Leslie

Second.

I sort of agree with Leslie.

It would be a push to get an ACUC this year.

I would look forward to meeting with everyone and learning new tidbits or more at one this year, but according to Jon's stated schedule, PM will not be finished, although the CCHIT should be.

It does make a lot of sense to have a better all inclusive program on a cruise, but the cost may limit the attendence.

Cruises to Alaska are fairly cheap right now.

We could meet this year to discuss what we will be talking about next year, or just rant about HITECH, complain about big bad Obama socialist healthcare, or skeet shoot CCHIT frisbees. We could weep about the end of bottom basement AC pricing but cheer and go technical about the new SQL backend.

URL for one last-minute-cruises website: http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?t=y&u=n&sp=y

Of course any excuse for a cheap fun cruise meeting will do...

Al

So, what's the status of the UG meeting. I would love to meet you all and brainstorm. We are fast tracking the AC implementation in a 5 provider clinic and I'm pretty much solo in terms of figuring it all out. This forum is wonderful, but I bet getting together face to face would be better.

Tim

Tim,

Although I am not certain, I believe any AC meeting has been put off until next year. With so many things happening such as CCHIT and the PM module I believe the year got away from us before we could make any firm plans. But, I would hope someone might pick up the ball soon and start planning for next year.

Leslie

All right, I thought it was time to push this thread back into activity.

Now, we have a lot to discuss with V5.

I know Jon had discussed possibly hosting it, but we should encourage getting the ball rolling if it is going to be during the summer.

Wendell,

I think you would make a wonderful chairman here. You have my vote to initiate this.

Leslie

I vote for Wendell also....

Only a couple of problems me putting together the ACUC (Time, time and time)
Chicago is both a wonderful and terrible place to hold a conference. Great location but very expensive for both hotels, rental cars and such.

I am more than willing to work on a committee to put it together, to work on agenda's and such.

Since it was already in the Midwest, closer to either cost would probably be fair, but I don't mind the midwest. I had a fantastic time in Branson and it was afordable but it would put a lot of work on the folks down there again.

I brought it up because I realize it is time to start planning for the summer, thus we should be looking at the options.

Also Jon was planning on hosting the next one, so this is one way of reminding him.

I'd like to schedule it at a time and place that allows me to have most of the AC team present to provide training/tutorials for beginners, but also in a manner that allows our users to design details for upcoming releases (billing!!), and planning of the big picture development process.

What about June 25-27 in providence, ri or boston, ma?

I would love to do it on a cruise ship - but the cost is pretty crazy and might prevent many users from attending (not to mention that I can't afford to bring most of the support staff we would want without charging significiant money to attend).

I can work with that date and location. I am willing to assist you in any suggestions for agenda such if you need.

Providence, RI works nicely for this Cleveland, OH resident.

Cost wise I would predict Boston to be more than Providence and potentially I think it might be further for many AC users who live in the Midwest and Southern US states.

Well if you asking for votes...as a new user, this is good news. We would plan to attend. A (long) weekend in June sounds good, as does a New England location. Boston is preferred over Providence, but either is ok.

Never short to voice my opinions, here are the three things one must know about ACUCs:

1. First, there are very few Jims in the world.

2. If ACUCs are going to be successful and helpful, they should be annually. If you want them biannually, that's fine, but there will always be some excuse to put it off: V5, CCHIT or something.

3. While it's great to get to see the country and move them around like some of the big boys, e.g. AAP, AAFP, etc., it is much more practical for AC and Jon to run these every year. Do them every year in Rhode Island. Sure, it's not the Grand Canyon, but the logistics are just easier.

wow. the cruise idea is awesome.

Okay Bert but you only indirectly answered the question, will that date and place work for you?

Indeed there are very few Jims, for those of you who do not know Jim Blain, he really spearheaded the last conference, and did a lot of the organizing including getting CME.

Moving the conference around the country is probably easier for people on limited budgets because then they can come at different times or different areas of the country. People from the West Coast may have a much greater expense getting to Rhode Island.

Besides there and new things to explore, and include in a vacation.

Sure did not have ACUC last year, but all sorts of things were going on, both from an Amazing Charts standpoint, as well as shifting from organization by users to organization by the company. Now a lot of new things, ie version 5 are out. And more input on version six might be nice, if it is not out by then.

Not that I really care but, let's also not forget the intention of the original ACUC (Amazing Charts Users' Conference)...it was launched simply as a means for those of us who frequent the boards to put faces to names. It was our attempt to "get together for coffee". Really, only in its last stages, did it turn into a seminar "sponsored" by Jon and AC. The end result was indeed wonderful but simply being able to get together is the reason I went. Jim managed to obtain CME credit through his local medical society but that was just icing on the cake. I lean with Wendell. If we have to be away from our practices, let's at least go somewhere of interest.

Leslie

Wendell, I never knew there was a question to be answered. If you mean in June, sure it works.

It all depends on what you are trying to do. If all anyone wants to do is get together, than the Fountainbleu in Miami will be great. Or any neat place in the southwest, etc. If it's going to take some big organizational thing, then it is difficult to do it in Miami, or Arizona or San Fran unless someone there wants to put it on.

Basically, I can do without the CME. I have about 500 credits and counting via UpToDate. The fact that I was supposed to do three lectures two years ago was one of the things that made me sick, literally. I really don't need the added stress.

I am voting for Rhode Island ( but would be happy to show up in Boston), either place should be pretty pleasant surroundings in June and not too pricey. I would love the chance to be able to see how other people use AC and get tutorials from " the source". I think trying to also make it a "vacation" would be nearly impossible to come up with a majority vote, the list of possible choices for what and where is just too long. Keep it simple.

I agree completely. If we got a good deal, then the Ritz-Carlton would be great right on Newbury Street.

The RedSox may have tickets if we bought them now in block. Actually, Rhode Island has some beautiful homes (about $5,000 for weddings, etc.)

I think it is up to Jon.

One thing we may want to do is put the onus on the resorts to set everything up. Say we wanted Miami, have them set up the conference halls and the hotel rooms and the good prices, etc.

I think what Leslie is saying is Key. It doesn't have to be some incredible experience. Just meeting me would be enough, no?

So, if we did want to do Seattle or San Fran or Arizona, just pick a nice hotel and a time and who can come comes.

I would definitely come to the Northeast! I would not be able to attend an exotic location since being away from my practice is tough! I think this is a great idea, never been to RI or Boston!

Oh Bert, you are so clairvoyant? You have seen through my disguise.

I would love to go - not sure if I can go that weekend due to previous schedules and birthdays......hope to make it. Only east coast visit I have ever had was Philadelphia - would love to see more.

Are those definitely the dates or are there options?

It sounds like it is still pretty up in the air. Maybe Jon could throw out three or four sets of dates, and we could see what was the best.

But, in the end, I suppose, it will just have to be set a date and who can come, comes.

Jon did throw out a date (OK not several, but...) and a location. In the interest of Keeping It Simple (And Cheeeeeep) I think RI or MA would work.

I for one would vote for RI since I have not been there, and I suspect prices would not only be less for lodging, but transport costs for the AC crew would be less on Jon's side.

If you throw out a bunch of dates, you will get unhappy people regardless of the date. KIS (AC) (see above)

I completely agree. But, if you are going to do Boston or R.I., why not do Cape Cod? I imagine much pricier, but if you are doing it once a year?

I just think we need to encourage him to set date - location (conference center, etc) so we can all see if we can come. .

http://www.capecodresortandconference.com/index.html

June 24 through June 27