WELCOME
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Well, the hustle and bustle of the 2009 AHIMA Convention and Exhibit is over and everything is packed up and stored away—leaving behind only the friendships, skills, and memories gathered up by the attendees. I asked a few AHIMA staffers to share their favorite recollections of their week in Grapevine, TX. Here's what they had to say.
Attendees were serious about e-HIM®, quality data, and improving healthcare. There was a "can do" spirit.
Linda Kloss, RHIA, FAHIMA, CEO
The messages delivered at the general sessions helped us keep things in perspective during these fast-paced and sometimes confusing times.
Beth Hjort, Professional Practice Resource Manager
The tribute to Linda Kloss was remarkable. Nicely done.
Claire Dixon-Lee, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, CPH
Vice President for Education and Accreditation, AHIMA
“Showtime!” I got to yell out that word at the start of each general session. Also, thanking the production team after each show ended. They helped make a success of all three sessions.
Craig May, Director of Public Relations
It was amazing to look at the Texas Ballroom Monday morning and see it nearly filled with attendees when I thought we had way too many chairs in the room.
Jim Graham, Vice President Continuing Education and Training
Meeting all the wonderful volunteers who give so much of their time to AHIMA’s various practice councils and workgroups. It’s nice to put a face with a name, and have the opportunity to personally thank our volunteers for all their hard work throughout the year.
Anita Majerowicz, Director of Clinical Coding and Reimbursement
Armadillo spotting.
Anne Zender, Vice President of Communications
On a side note, this was the first fully "tweeted" convention. Take a look at the string of posts made during the course of the convention!
Do you have a memory of the convention you'd like to share? See our question of the month below and let us know by e-mail!
Best,
Dan Kelly
Editor, AHIMA Resources
dan.kelly@ahima.org
Please follow us on Twitter for regular updates on AHIMA and HIM news! You can also network with your AHIMA peers on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Publications
AHIMA Membership
Question of the Month
Here's a Tip
Distance Education
Certification
HI&T Week
Audio Seminars and Webinars
Fast Facts
Upcoming Meetings
Career Assist
AHIMA Live Learning Center
AHIMA Member Benefits
Journal of AHIMA Article
ICD-10 News
Social Networking with AHIMA
Stop by Our Booth
Monthly Hint
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| PUBLICATIONS |
Clinical Documentation Improvement:
Achieving Excellence
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT
Clinical documentation is the foundation of every patient health record. In this book, expert author Ruthann Russo clearly defines the term, explains its importance, and presents an objective and uniform set of principles that can be applied reliably in any healthcare organization's clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program. The author identifies the key users of clinical documentation—from patients to clinicians to coding professionals to reimbursement entities—and throughout the book addresses how a strong CDI program affects them all.
Check out AHIMA Press' selection of excellent and indispensable books!
| QUESTION OF THE MONTH |
September's Question of the Month asked, "What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?" Here are your answers.
You can’t make grown folks do what they don’t want to do.
Craig G. May, Director of Public Relations
Happiness is wanting what you have!
Lori Gjertsen, RHIT, Health Information Manager/Privacy Officer
A mentor once told me “as you think, so shall you become.” I wrote it down and read it every day to remind me of the professional I wanted to become someday. It took five years of hard work and education to achieve that goal.
If you read books written by different entrepreneurs on how to succeed, you will find they are all very different from each other, except for one thing. They all state that you have to have the drive to succeed. The passion for what you want the most in life must be present within you to succeed. My advice to others is to take that passion and become the professional of your dreams by telling yourself every day when you awake “as you think, so shall you become.”
Mary Mills, RHIT, CCS
President and CEO
"Find something you LOVE doing and make a living at it," from my grandfather on his 92nd birthday (he is currently 94)
blueyecntryblond @ aol.com
The best piece of advice that I have ever received is to “judge others based on your personal opinion, not from someone else’s opinion.”
Kimberley D. Ogle, RN, Clinical Documentation Specialist
The best piece of advice was from my Dad many years ago: "Treat others as you would like to be treated." It may sound a bit common but I have lived my life applying these words and hope I have inspired others to do so as well by extending gestures of kindness. In a world that can be cruel at times, being understanding of your neighbor goes a long way.
Janice Kuszynski, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC-E/M
Finish your task on time. Don’t delay otherwise you will get [so] behind you can’t even imagine.
Tanveer (Steve) Baig, In/Op Coder
In late 2000 or early 2001, we had a consultant come in to advise our organization on what was needed to bring us (as a billing entity) up to date. This consultant gave me the best advice I have ever received.
Even though I had an extensive medical background as receptionist, medical assistance, and coder/biller, and had also finished the first year of college for BSN, I had no credentials. The consultant called me into her office one afternoon and stated that although she knew that I knew what I was doing, no on else in the organization viewed me in that manner. She suggested that I get credentialed as a certified coder/biller, and that then I would “be taken seriously” by my peers and supervisor.
I did as she suggested, earning first my RMC, then CMIS, CCS-P, CMC, and CPC. Believe me, they sat up and paid attention as year after year I earned another certification, several without any studying or crash courses. It was almost like I was addicted to getting as many certifications as I could. I became the senior coding/billing representative in 2004, and have never regretted following that advice, although I did drop the first two certifications after a couple years, and kept the nationally recognized certifications.
I am finishing out my year as president of our local chapter of AAPC, and have been approached to teach coding and billing at the college and technical school level.
Robby Ammon, CCS-P, CMC, CPC, Senior Coding and Billing Representative
Never be afraid to say "I don't know, but I will get back with you with the answer."
Carol A Jennings, MPA, RHIA, FAHIMA, Corporate Manager Professional Reimbursement Education
| CERTIFICATION |
Did you know that students in a CAHIIM-accredited HIA or HIT program who are enrolled in their final term of study are now eligible to apply for and take their respective certification exams early? Eligible students include:
- Students currently enrolled in their last term of study.
- Students who have completed their coursework but have not graduated yet.
- Graduates who are currently waiting for their official transcripts.
To apply, candidates must use two forms. The first form is the standard exam application form used for the RHIA and RHIT. The second form is the early testing verification form. Early testing verification forms must be signed by the current school program director. Please send both forms together. The exam application and early testing verification form can be found under the "Exam Information" tab of the RHIA and RHIT exam links found here.
In other news, immediate scoring will be available on CCS and CCS-P certification exams on October 15. You'll receive your score report upon completion of your exam!
Please check out the certification section's new look! It's been streamlined and reorganized to make it more informative and easily navigated.
Here's the convenient way to get the information you need to excel professionally. AHIMA makes it easy and affordable with the ability for several people to listen for the same low price, and no associated travel costs.
Transitional Instructional Design to Accommodate ICD-10-CM/PCS
October 15
Coding for Spinal Procedures
October 22
Physician Practice E/M Guidelines
November 10
The Legal Health Record: Copy and Paste Guidelines
November 17
Coding Clinic Update
November 19
2010 Procedure and Service Code Updates
December 3 and 8 (select one)
CY10 CMS OPPS Update
December 10
Advanced Coding Scenarios: An Expert Review
December 15
Two AHIMA CEUs are awarded for each audio seminar or webinar you attend. Just $179 per member (or $229 per nonmember) per seminar pays for as many colleagues as you wish to invite to your site! Your registration includes:
- Access to the seminar for as many colleagues as you can fit in a room with a speakerphone—$179/$229 is the per-site charge, NOT the per-person cost!
- Presentation handouts are available in advance on our Web site.
- When you participate in the live broadcast, you follow the presentation online at no extra charge!
If you cannot attend a live seminar, you can purchase the seminar on audio CD or pre-recorded Webcast format. Selected audio seminars and webinars are also available in MP3 format. Volume discounts are available for ordering any four or more seminars, in any format, at the same time. Seminars begin at 1 p.m. ET. For registration and information, go here, or call (800) 335-5535.
Return to Table of Contents
Data Replication in the EHR
November 4
Virtual Meeting—Repeat Broadcast
12 Noon–2 p.m. CT
Live Q&A with speakers
How Does Replication Affect Data Integrity in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)?
To capture patient data, healthcare professionals are increasing their use of the EHR, but as the number of institutions and facilities employing EHRs grows, few guidelines have been developed to govern the use of the copy and paste function. In many cases, the copy and paste function is used by healthcare professions without any oversight at all, running greater risks for patient safety and provider liability if the EHR’s data integrity is comprised.
With no travel involved, the Data Replication in the Electronic Health Record virtual meeting fits easily into your schedule, and is a cost-effective way to gain the skills needed to avoid costly mistakes down the road. You’ll earn two continuing education units (CEUs) for attending too. For more information Call (800) 335-5535 or visit here.
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ICD-10-CM/PCS Is Coming… Are You Ready?
ICD-10 Implementation for Hospitals
November 12, Virtual Meeting, 12 Noon–2 p.m. CT
December 17, Repeat Broadcast, 12 Noon–2 p.m. CT
The transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS is the biggest thing to happen in healthcare in years, and it affects every level of the business—are you and your facility prepared? During AHIMA’s 90-minute ICD-10 Implementation for Hospitals virtual meeting, healthcare industry experts Gail Garrett, Caroline Piselli, and Laurie Johnson will:
- Discuss the organization, assessment, and successful implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS
- Review the current status of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS in the US
- Outline the best strategies for making the change
- Special bonus! The speakers will conduct a real-time question and answer session afterwards.
With AHIMA virtual meetings, the sessions are delivered directly to you! Gain the convenience of classroom learning without leaving your home or office.
For more information, contact AHIMA at (800) 335-5535, or visit the ICD-10 Implementation for Hospitals virtual meeting site here.
Advanced Workflow
December 1–2
Chicago, IL
Early Bird Discount—Register Before November 2
Implementing a new EHR system requires management and facilitation of the project from start to finish. Whether you’re starting a project or are halfway through, this seminar helps keep your program on track.
Advanced Workflow seminar will:
- Identify key facilitation principles, like keeping your group on track, handling negative interactions, and monitoring status updates.
- Review the principles of workflow: process frame, current state, future state, and more.
- Work through real life advanced implementation case scenarios that failed to go according to plan.
- Strategize ways to incorporate the concepts of change management into the redesign process
- Explore the tools and techniques utilized frequently in workflow redesign
For more information or to register visit here or call (800) 335-5535.
Security Audits Virtual Meeting
December 3
12 Noon–2 p.m. CT
Early Bird Discount—Register Before November 4
Is there a chance your facility might be audited? Don’t panic—prepare! Take part in AHIMA’s Security Audits Virtual meeting to understand what triggers a security compliance review, how to prepare your facility for a review, and ensure your organization’s practices and records are up to date and compliant. During the meeting, a panel of experts will:
- Discuss strategies to ensure compliance with the Security Rule
- Identify the proactive steps organizations need to take to avoid a review
- Explain what to do when faced with a security compliance review
- Deliver industry best practices and explore the most common struggles and lessons learned
For more information or to register visit here or call (800) 335-5535.
Real-Life Lessons
HIM professionals who go from practice to teaching (or teach part-time while practicing) bring a wealth of real-life experience to their classes. They also bring some subtler lessons they have learned about succeeding in the workplace.
Jill Burrington-Brown, who teaches in an online HIM program at Missouri Western State University, shares with her students the communication skills she has learned in a career that has covered a range of settings and roles.
Burrington-Brown, MS, RHIA, FAHIMA, has been an HIM director; managed quality improvement, medical staff, and risk management departments; taught; worked in a law firm; and for eight years, she was a professional practice manager at AHIMA. Communication skills may not be a chapter in standard HIM and health IT textbooks, but she assures her students that communicating well will fundamental to doing their jobs well.
Read the rest of this Journal of AHIMA article! Be sure to visit the Journal of AHIMA blog for other useful articles.
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| NAVIGATE THE TRANSITION TO ICD-10 |
Have you heard about ICD-TEN, the e-newsletter that helps you prepare for ICD-10 implementation? Subscribe to ICD-TEN, and you'll receive a free monthly alert filled with emerging news and practical advice regarding ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.
Use AHIMA’s ICD-10 Web site as your all-purpose resource for guidance through the transition to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.
| STOP BY OUR BOOTH! |
AHIMA will exhibit at the following conference next month. If you plan on attending this event, make sure to stop by our booth and pick up a free gift.
American Medical Association’s (AMA's) CPT® and RBRVS 2009 Annual Symposium Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL
November 11–13
| MONTHLY HINT |
Getting the Most Out of an AHIMA Meeting
If you've signed up for an AHIMA audio seminar, Webinar,virtual meeting, or one of our live events, be prepared to make the most of your time with the following tips.
Read up!—Obviously, you chose to attend the session because the event's description offered some benefit to you or your career, but it's worth digging deeper. Research the subject online and through the Journal of AHIMA and FORE Library: HIM Body of Knowledge. Consider sending an inquiry to AHIMA (info@ahima.org) about supporting materials. We might suggest an excellent supplemental book, article, or link.
Make sure you have everything—Bring all confirmation forms, print-outs, outlines, and the like that you receive by mail or e-mail to the event. Some AHIMA events, like convention sessions, have accompanying documents available online.
Show up on time—What seems like the most obvious suggestion is also the most important one. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to set up. It's not just good manners, it's efficient.
Create an official "meetings" notebook—Having a dedicated meetings notebook encourages you to take notes for later reference. Jot down questions and observations as the meeting proceeds. If there's a question and answer period you'll be prepared. If there isn't, consider approaching the speaker with questions afterwards. Which leads to our next tip.
Ask questions!—If there's a question and answer period or an opportunity to send in questions by IM, take advantage of it. Oftentimes, event speakers provide a phone number or e-mail address where they can reached. If you don't see this on the materials, don't be afraid to ask if the speaker can be contacted afterward. Always remember the old saying: there are no stupid questions.
Turn off your cell phone—Also, turn off your PDA or any other device that beeps, bleeps, rings, plays music, or provides diversions from the meeting itself. You don't need any distractions for the next hour or so, and your fellow participants will appreciate the quiet. Not to worry, there'll be time to check your e-mail and surf the Web later.
HealthPort is one of the largest providers of health information technology and services. Release-of-information, RACPro, Revenue Cycle Management and Healthcare Consulting Services are some of our flexible solutions designed to streamline administrative and business processes for the healthcare community.
| AHIMA MEMBERSHIP |
Are you a current member of AHIMA? If your answer is no, keep reading! You're missing out on important benefits that advance your career. In each issue of Resources, we will highlight one of the many benefits you could access if you become a member today. Go here to join today.
2. Journal of AHIMA
The Journal of AHIMA is the official publication of AHIMA and a great member benefit. It is published 10 times a year and mails to more than 53,000 AHIMA members and subscribers.
The Journal serves as a professional development tool for health information managers, keeping readers current on issues affecting the practice, and contributing to the field by publishing best practices and new knowledge. It is also an inexpensive way to earn CE credits through completing the continuing education quizzes that appear in its pages.
You can also visit the Journal Web site. The site is a companion to the print version, featuring additional material, updates, and highlights of the content that appears in the print edition.
Join AHIMA today and begin enjoying the benefits of membership!
| HERE'S A TIP |
Health Information Bill of Rights
Currently, health information is subject to a variety of federal and state statutes and regulations. At the national level, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy regulations provide healthcare consumers with rights regarding their protected health information. However, only covered entities (healthcare providers, health plans, and health clearinghouses) must comply with these regulations. There are many entities that access or use health information that are not affected by these regulations.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) contains provisions known as HITECH that include significant changes to healthcare privacy and security protections. At the state level, there are regulations in most states that address hospital-held health information and provide healthcare consumers with a right to obtain a copy of their medical records, for a fee. However, these regulations are not uniform or consistent.
Additionally, healthcare consumers cross state lines for healthcare, and their ability to access their health information is based on state regulations where the healthcare provider is located. Since there is a wide variance among the states and no uniform national standard, healthcare consumers must have a number of rights regarding their health information.
AHIMA established seven measures for the purpose of protecting healthcare consumers. These liberties safeguard every individual’s right to lawful access of their personal health information; prevent unauthorized access to that information; promote accuracy; and seek proper remedy when any such privilege is violated. Access the Health Information Bill of Rights (PDF).
| DISTANCE EDUCATION |
Influence Patient Care as a Certified Tumor Registrar
Cancer registrars are skilled healthcare professionals who apply clinical and technical knowledge to maintain disease-related data collection systems in all types of facilities, and manage and analyze clinical cancer information in multiple healthcare facilities. As specialists, cancer registrars require a specialized course of study to keep on top of emerging topics and trends.
AHIMA collaborated with the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) to build you an online program providing the necessary training to excel in this respected, high-demand profession.
The 10-course Cancer Registry Management program is an NCRA-accredited component for Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) exam route 2 eligibility.* Expand your knowledge base, acquire new skills, and prepare for changes in this vitally important field. For more information, visit here.
| HI&T WEEK |
Health Information and Technology (HI&T) Week
Mark your calendars for Health Information and Technology Week, November 1–7, 2009, sponsored by AHIMA and the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). This annual event is a showcase for the thousands of HIM professionals who perform their duties masterfully throughout the year. Help spread our message of awareness and pride by participating in HI&T Week. To get your free planning kit, visit the HI&T Week site. Official HI&T Week merchandise is only available through Bells Select, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of official merchandise goes to support the event. To order official merchandise, visit the site. Order early for best selection.
| FAST FACTS |
Physician Practice Fast Facts: Information You Need Now!
Do you work in physician practice? Do you need continuing education that is quick, affordable, and meaningful? You can have all this and maintain your credentials with important CEUs on crucial topics for everyday management of the physician practice environment. Harness the learning benefits of audio seminars, faster! These 30-minute pre-recorded physician practice topics will boost your knowledge and experience in half the time of an audio seminar. Topics include:
- Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)
- Medical Necessity
- Developing and Managing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
- Challenges of Compliance and Ethical Coding in Physician Practice
- Quality Documentation within Physician Practice
- The Importance of the Legal Health Record in Physician Practice
- And many more!
Fast Facts seminars are available via pre-recorded Webcast or CD. An assessment is included with each seminar. Earn one CEU for each seminar and assessment completed. Prices start as low as $49 per seminar! Visit here for more information, including a complete list of topics.
| AHIMA CAREER ASSIST |
One of the benefits of AHIMA membership is use of Career Assist. Presenting special offers for job seekers and discounts for posting employers, AHIMA’s Career Assist is your one-stop HIM health information portal to your new career. A Career Assist customer service staff member is ready to assist you with any questions at (888) 575-9675, or by e-mail at custserv@jobtarget.com. You will get an immediate response to your questions.
To find your perfect job today, go here.
Below are some recent job opportunities:
Coding Supervisor
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta—Atlanta, GA
Coder
Carson Tahoe Hospital—Carson City, NV
Medical Records Coder
Putnam County Hospital—Greencastle, IN
| LIVE LEARNING CENTER |
AHIMA Live Learning Center
Now the world of AHIMA Meetings, Conferences, and Events is just a click away!
AHIMA’s Live Learning Center is your pathway to education content from AHIMA Meetings, Conferences, and Events.
As a valuable resource for busy HIM professionals, the Live Learning Center helps you stay current on industry issues and events by making recorded content from select AHIMA meetings, conferences, and events available for purchase. Leverage this tool to access relevant information about your profession and improve performance relative to emerging issues.
If you couldn't attend this year's convention and annual coding meeting, or you attended and did not get a chance to attend all the sessions that interested you, then visit the AHIMA Live Learning Center to order select audio recordings of the events.
| MEMBER BENEFITS |
AHIMA Member Benefit
FedEx Shipping
AHIMA offers shipping discounts through FedEx® as our newest member benefit. If you are looking for reliable and cost-effective shipping, you can count on FedEx to deliver. AHIMA members can now save up to 26 percent on select FedEx shipping services. There are no costs and no minimum shipping requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit.
For more information or to enroll in this program, please visit the site, or call (800) MEMBERS ((800) 636-2377), 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
| AHIMA PARTNER RESOURCES |
Prepare for the Red Flags Rules Implementation Deadline of November 1, 2009, with AHLA’s White Paper
At the heart of the HIM profession is the common desire to protect a patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality. HIM professionals provide the day-to-day infrastructure for any organizational endeavor to ensure personally identifiable information is kept secure. The Federal Trade Commission will implement their new Red Flags Rules on November 1, 2009. To provide members with the latest information, AHIMA has partnered with the American Health Lawyer Association (AHLA) on the white paper, “Red Flag Compliance for Healthcare Providers: Protecting Ourselves and Our Patients from Identity Theft.” Get prepared to meet the November 1 implementation date by using this valuable resource. Order the white paper here.
| AHIMA SOCIAL NETWORKING |
Connect with Peers on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter
We want to see you on our official AHIMA Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages! You can check them out at the following links:
AHIMA Resources Newsletter Twitter
Of course, don't forget about the Communities of Practice (CoP). Your user name is your AHIMA member ID, including the initial zero(s). Answers, support, and career advice are available through this well-established professional network for AHIMA members. Enjoy a wide continuum of benefits, including current coding news and practices, online forums, practical research materials, and relevant education resources.
To join as a member, go here.
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