These days, many of us have multiple passwords and log-ins for various networks and Web sites.  It can be difficult to keep track of these various IDs, passwords and procedures, especially if you don’t access a resource every day.  This installment of AHIMA’s Web Site Tech Tips deals with the correct log-in procedure for the members-only areas of our site, and how to be reminded of your log-in information if necessary.

User ID
On some of the log-in screens at AHIMA’s site, you are prompted to enter a user ID.  That is simply your AHIMA member ID number, exactly as it appears on your membership ID card.  It is important to remember that all seven digits of your membership number must be entered, so if your ID begins with one or more zeroes, those must be included in order for you to log in.

Password
When membership log-in areas were first established on our Web site, we set each password as the member’s last name as we currently had it on file, including any spaces or hyphenations.  Many members have now changed their passwords, as we suggest doing for security reasons.  However, if you have been a member for two years or more, and have never changed your password, it is probably your last name.  (Please bear in mind that your password will not change automatically if your last name changes.)

What If I Have Forgotten My ID Password?
Maybe you set up your password yourself via our on line application, or you’ve changed it at some point.  Perhaps you have lost your member ID card, and don’t remember your membership number.  For reasons of your security, AHIMA staff cannot provide your log-in information to you over the phone or by e-mail, so, for those situations, AHIMA has set up an automated reminder mechanism to help you. 

The automated log-in reminder can be accessed directly at http://imis.ahima.org/source/security/x_custom_password.cfm , or, look below each of the log-in boxes.  You will see a link prompting you to click if you need to have your password or log-in information sent to you.  When you click on that link, you will be prompted to enter the e-mail address AHIMA has on file for you.  Within a minute or two after you do so, you should receive an e-mail containing your ID and password.

If your current e-mail address is not on file with us, you will be sent to a screen stating that we could not find the e-mail address in our database, and will be provided with a link to send us the new address so we can update your file.  If you prefer, feel free to call us at (800) 335-5535, and we will update the e-mail address for you. 

*Please note: Many e-mail services, most notably Hotmail and Yahoo, have now introduced “spam” blocking services, which may divert the automated e-mail to a “bulk” or “junk” mail folder.  If it appears you have not received the e-mail within a few minutes after requesting the information, please check those folders.

How Can I Change My Password?
Once you have your ID and password, you can update any information we have on file for you by logging in at http://imis.ahima.org/source/security/site-logon.cfm.

To change your password, log in, then click the link for “Change Password” in the blue column of links to the left.

Special Note on Log-In for the FORE Library: HIM Body of Knowledge (BOK)
Please note that when using the FORE Library: HIM Body of Knowledge (BOK) at http://library.ahima.org/bok, it is possible to search either as a “Guest” or as a member.

Guests will only have access to the public-access materials (about 20 per cent of what is available).  When you first access this page, please be sure to click on the link titled “Log In” located in the red bar of links near the top of the screen. 

This will take you to the member log-in area, where you should enter your member ID number and password in order to have full access to the FORE Library: HIM Body of Knowledge (BOK) information.

We hope this information is helpful to you.  As always, if you have any questions, please e-mail AHIMA at info@ahima.org, or call our Customer Relations team at (800) 335-5535.

AHIMA is the national association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA's 46,000 members are dedicated to the effective management of personal health information needed to deliver quality healthcare to the public. Founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA is committed to advancing the HIM profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning. For information about the Association, go to www.ahima.org.