If you can't view this newsletter, click
or paste this link:
http://www.ahima.org/marketing/JANFEB07_SC.htm
http://www.ahima.org/marketing/JANFEB07_SC.htm
|
If you can't view this newsletter, click
or paste this link:
http://www.ahima.org/marketing/JANFEB07_SC.htm |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
January/February 2007 Contributing school: CONTRIBUTORS To submit or to suggest an article, send your e-mail to studentconnection@ahima.org CONTACT AHIMA: IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Student Chats
Student Chat Student Chat Student/mentor chats are a wonderful opportunity to network with HIM professionals. Make plans now to participate in the following chats for February. Student/Mentor Chat Student/Mentor Chat Save the Dates for the 2007 Winter Team Talks Meetings
Plan now to attend 2007 Winter Team Talks to meet with your peers, learn about ongoing plans within the Association, receive comprehensive meeting materials, and share your thoughts on upcoming strategic decisions—all free of charge! All members are welcome to attend these informative meetings and you receive continuing education credits for the day. The dates and locations for 2007 Winter Team Talks are as follows: March 10—Sacramento, CA (Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel) For more information and to register, visit here. Web Sites You Can UseStudygs.net—This comprehensive Web site has detail information on how to be a successful learner whether you are a regular or virtual learner. These study tips would help any student in either passing the test, reducing the test anxiety during examination times, and managing their time. The complete information is also provided in over 30 languages. Collegeuniversity—This Web site is fully loaded with all the information and answers for any questions those students may have. It provides techniques and skills for prioritizing the work, effectively managing time, improving concentration and memorizing, reducing exam anxiety, and starting a career. It also focuses on how to improve overall productivity and become a successful professional. Students.gov—This Web site can be considered a complete guide for student life. It contains detailed information on paying for your education as well as career resources. The site also provides access to an online library containing tips for improving test performance, writing papers, proofreading a document, and vocabularies. There is also information on how to exchange your textbooks. New Career Assist Web Page Unveiled
Log in today using myAHIMA for quick access or by visiting here. Career Assist is sponsored in part by First Class Solutions, Inc., and H.I.M. Recruiters, Inc. See the December 2006 issue of Student Connection e-news here. |
  |
 |
  |
 |
  |
 |
Copyright © 2007 American Health Information Management Association. All rights reserved.
Bryon Pickard, MBA, RHIA, is the director of operations at Vanderbilt Medical Group in Nashville, TN.
Can you believe we've entered 2007 and are already turning the calendar to February? It's a new year and a time for change. And, if you are like me, it's an excellent time to knuckle down and put all those ideas and actions into place.
It's an honor and great pleasure to be serving as your AHIMA president this year. When I was in school at the University of Central Florida, one of my instructors told me, "If you want to be successful in this profession, you better be active in AHIMA." At the time, I had no idea just how right she was. Looking back, AHIMA has provided me leadership skills that have benefited me throughout my career.
A number of you may just be starting out on your educational journey to become a health information management (HIM) professional. Some may be going back to pick up "hot" new skills to recharge and kick off a second career opportunity. Others of you may be nearing graduation and ready to take on the challenge of obtaining that first job. Wherever you fit in, please know that if you accept that you are responsible for your own energy, motivation, effectiveness, and success, you can especially stand out in this field.
As I glance ahead to future opportunities, the US healthcare system continues to be the fastest growing segment of our economy. Coming to grips with cost and quality issues is expected to be a major challenge for our nation for years to come. With electronic health information systems and new HIM roles being touted as an integral part of the solution, future HIM opportunities are limitless. You are indeed making a wise investment for the future.
I want you to know that AHIMA is here to help you and offers an array of resources at your disposal. Our vision for the future is quality healthcare through quality information. Welcome and we are glad to have you join us in making this vision a reality.
by Evelynn Roussos
Evelynn Roussos is a senior HIA student at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA
MCG Health, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation operating several related clinical facilities and services including the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). MCG Health, Inc., recently rolled out an online personal health record (PHR) called My HealthLink.
My HealthLink is a free online service that allows patients to log in and view their personal health information. Not all physicians participate in the My HealthLink program, but all patients can still access the services. It is important to note that only the patient can access their health information unless access is granted to someone else. Data entered into My HealthLink is stored and backed up daily and firewalls are in place to block nonmembers from accessing the system.
Securing a Grant
Prior to requesting a federal grant, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement funded a study on the experiences of multiple sclerosis patients who used a PHR. Other pilot studies were conducted on patients with type-one diabetes. The MCG Center for Patient and Family Centered Care received a grant for $30,000 to determine whether patients with multiple sclerosis could better manage their disease with the new information system. The grant presented an opportunity to use My HealthLink to serve the MS population and get feedback from the patients.
My HealthLink in Action
Patients can track various aspects of their medical history such as immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical procedures, and doctor visits. Patients can also send secure non-emergency e-mail questions, request a prescription refill, follow up on their last visit, or simply ask a question. Other features allow patients to learn more about their medication as well as possible interactions with other drugs, foods, or herbal remedies. My HealthLink also has special features for diabetic patients, such as assistance with glucose level tracking, diet, and medications.
Covering All the Bases
Patients may wonder how secure their health information really is. My Health Link uses a high-security system which is one of the most robust Internet security systems available and is more secure than those used in online banking and for Internet purchases. The amount of security built into My HealthLink meets or exceeds standards set by the federal government and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
The primary reason MCG Health, Inc., implemented the My HealthLink system was to empower patients to take a greater part in managing their healthcare. Current MCG students are learning firsthand about this exciting new PHR system and its role in patient care and will be well-positioned to use this system after graduation.
The 2007 FORE Scholarship schedule is as follows:
FORE Merit Scholarships—April 27 (undergraduate and graduate)
Grant-in-Aid research awards—March 23 and September 21
Dissertation Assistance—March 23 and September 21
Faculty Development Stipends—March 2, July 6, and October 5
Visit here for more information.
by Kimberly Moore, Senior HIA Student
Kimberly Moore is a senior HIA student at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA
In 2004, President Bush stated that by 2010 his goal was to have electronic health records. A new government position, the national health information coordinator, was established and David Brailer, MD, PhD, was the first to fill this position. However, issues such as who will manage and organize the data, how the national security of confidential information will be ensured, and how the network will interface with other health networks still linger. I recently interviewed four working healthcare professionals in the Augusta, GA, area for their opinions on how quickly an electronic health record can be established.
Delores Anderson, paramedic for the Wilkes County Emergency Medical System
The system that we currently use has met our needs for 16 years and is upgraded often to keep up with current trends. Paramedics use our in-house electronic data system to fill out reports. We have continuous training and are kept current with updates on Medicare reform. I would like to see patients in the near future carry a medical ID bracelet that contains patient history. We like our current system, but would like to become paperless.
Tina Bailey, paramedic operations manager for the Wilkes County Emergency Medical System
I believe medical records will be electronic by 2010 for the majority of facilities, except for some providers due to lack of funding. Most of the information entered into our system such as patient care reports is electronically transmitted to the state. From this information, the state gathers statistics such as age, race, and diagnoses. This system also tracks statistics for use by local emergency medical system staff on performance. I feel it's important for HIM professionals to keep healthcare providers educated about current trends, especially in rural areas.
Bruce Bailey, performance improvement coordinator for Wills Memorial Hospital
Wills Memorial Hospital has an in-house electronic data system containing electronic medical records for patients and we are 90 percent active with this system. I think it's important for HIM professionals to come to rural areas and provide education on health information. As for state funding and grants, it will be a necessity for critical access hospitals to get help implementing an EHR through federal or state assistance.
Katherine S. Allen, PhD, instructor at Athens Technical College in Athens, GA
The technology will be available to accomplish electronic medical records by 2010, but I believe that it will be a challenge to fully automate healthcare records within a three-year timeframe. Having a federal HIM structure in place is a good first step to give us the necessary direction and visibility, but the wheels of government turn slowly. One of the difficulties will be the cost and impact on health providers, particularly in the rural areas. The benefits to allow for better coordination of healthcare are evident, but there is a need for federal standards, hard timelines, line-item funding from Congress, and program monitoring to ensure that it is accomplished at all levels.
by Thomasina Germany
Thomasina Germany is a senior HIA student at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA.
Shawana Burch, RHIA, is a medical records specialist for the VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA, and a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). As a student, Burch volunteered in the HIM department of the VA Medical Center. After graduation, she completed the VA internship and is now a member of the management team at the VA Medical Center. Her career path is a testament to the promising future for HIM professionals. Burch has a strong desire to support the delivery of quality patient care while looking after the needs of her staff. The opportunity to learn and share information with other healthcare professionals motivates Burch. I recently interviewed her about her student experience at MCG and what she enjoys about the HIM profession.
Question: What is the most rewarding aspect of being an HIM professional?
Most rewarding is the knowledge that I can take part in improving the delivery of patient care while enjoying the flexibility of the HIM profession. I have been exposed to myriad opportunities and experiences while working in the VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA. During my career, I have worked in both traditional and nontraditional settings. This variety includes a cancer registry, the VA's privacy program, and as a project team member with national VA committees. Each of these roles indirectly impacts patient care in some way. I not only have the opportunity to serve patients, but also to participate in the healthcare afforded to our nation's veterans. This means a great deal to me and adds additional value to my job.
Question: What is the most important thing you learned at MCG?
The importance of networking and establishing professional relationships not only with fellow HIM peers, but also with others outside the HIM profession. HIM impacts many different areas in healthcare and must be approached from the aspect of how it relates to these other areas. You never know when your path may cross with someone else who can be a lifelong resource for you.
Question: Why did you choose HIM as a career?
I was introduced to the HIM profession while volunteering at a local hospital's HIM department while in high school. I enjoyed the work and people and wanted to work in healthcare without having to provide direct patient care. The HIM profession has afforded me the opportunity to do just that. My work as an HIM professional affects patient care in various ways by protecting patient privacy and by interpreting and enforcing policies. I am also able to participate in various information technology initiatives that will enhance patient care.
Question: As an HIM student, who or what inspired you?
My instructors at MCG inspired me. They all rallied behind me and my classmates and encouraged us to excel. They opened our eyes to the possibilities awaiting us as future HIM professionals. Events and projects that we participated in (such as courses in budget and finance) still serve as reference points years later that I use to mark my own development.
by Heather Shelton
Heather Shelton is a senior HIM student at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA
I asked three distance learning HIM students at the Medical College of Georgia about the benefits of being in a distance HIM program. Here are their responses:
Sarika Arora
Through distance learning, you can work on your degree anytime and anywhere—all you need is an Internet connection. You are able to take classes, work on assignments, participate in study groups, chat with fellow students, and consult with instructors all on your schedule and from the location you find most convenient. Being an online student has allowed me to work full time and gain the experience that I need.
Paul Cameron
The two main benefits that I find as a distance HIM student are the ability to make my own schedule and obtain work experience while going to school. I feel that I have a distinct advantage over traditional students because I can complete assignments anytime so I'm better able to leverage my time. Distance students could possibly even work a full-time job which would be very difficult for a full time student going to class every day.
Schimanya Sullivan
One of the biggest benefits for me is not attending the traditional classroom setting. I work full-time and love the flexibility of being able to listen to lectures and do work and assignments on my own time.
Student chats are a great way to communicate with other students in your community and around the country about issues affecting HIM students. Please join us for the following chats for February.
AHIMA is retiring the old Job Bank to bring you an exciting new and enhanced resource, Career Assist. This new site is designed to help connect AHIMA members with new employment opportunities. Job seekers have access to the following new benefits: