WELCOME

Remember your first day of school? Whether you were entering grade school, high school, or college, it was an exciting time, filled with amazing possibilities.

Many of us are past the days of riding the school bus, remembering our locker combination, and wondering who to ask to the prom. On the other hand, we're lucky. As adults we can revisit that back-to-school feeling any time we like by returning to the classroom for a higher degree, a professional credential, or simply to enrich ourselves with knowledge. Even better, the excitement that comes from that first day of school and the feeling of not knowing what happens next is soon replaced by the satisfaction and fulfillment you feel after learning something new.

AHIMA is a major supporter of continuing education, offering knowledge through its books, Foundation, audio seminars and webinars, Distance Education program, or publications.You can't go back in time, but you can always go back to school with AHIMA!

As ever, I'll close with a quote. Architect Louis Sullivan once had this to say about teaching and learning. "To teach is to touch the heart and impel it to action."

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.

Calculating & Reporting Healthcare Statistics, 3rd Edition
Loretta A. Horton, MEd, RHIA

Now available!

In many healthcare facilities most data is generated electronically. However, it is still important for health information practitioners to understand the concepts of healthcare statistics and to know how they are generated.

Calculating & Reporting Healthcare Statistics is designed
to introduce the basics of statistical computation for use in two- or four-year health information technician (HIT) or health information administration (HIA) programs. It is also an excellent reference for any healthcare professional interested in acquiring knowledge and sharpening skills in this area.

Throughout the book, the author describes how and why each kind of statistic is calculated and used and provides exercises to practice compiling important information such as inpatient service days, average length of stay and occupancy, and mortality rates. The book also covers data presentation, inferential statistics, and basic research principles.

Product Number: AB120709
ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-58426-215-2
Member Price: $62.95
Price: $77.95
Softcover
© 2010

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August's Question of the Month asked, "Where do you go for advice about your career and/or life?" Here are your answers.

I have two very good friends who are both credentialed HIM professionals. They have been in the field longer than me and have excellent business sense. Our 18-year friendship has seen many personal and professional changes, and their advice in both areas has never steered me wrong.
Lou Cassman Ventura, RHIA
Senior Business Analyst

I just finished going to school for Medical Billing and Coding and am a new member of AHIMA. I am 63 years old. and after having several jobs in the medical field and getting laid off, I decided to go back to school. I have a diploma in medical billing and coding. I am now trying to get a job in the field. My school placement office is also working with me and my resume to get something. I enjoyed the classes I took and am looking forward to using what I know. I am currently working on a CCA certification. With the help of my school manager and my work I seek to get [my CCA] sometime within the next year. I like your thoughts on the difference between career and job. I look forward to reading other articles from AHIMA and possibly getting some of your publications. Thanks for the insight.
Judy Duty

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.

FY10 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code Updates
September 10

FY10 CMS IPPS Update
September 15

JUST ADDED! The HHS Breach Final Rule Is Out—What’s Next?
September 16

FY10 ICD-9-CM Procedure Code Updates
September 17

Managing Privacy through Systems Access Policy: Mitigating Medical Identity Theft
September 22

FY10 Rehabilitation Coding and IRF IPPS Update
September 24

Procedure Coding for Radiation Oncology
October 1

NEW DATE! Curriculum Approval to Accommodate ICD-10-CM/PCS
October 13

Transitional Instructional Design to Accommodate ICD-10-CM/PCS
October 15

Coding for Spinal Procedures
October 22

JUST ADDED! Coding for Renal Disease
October 29

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.

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AHIMA Foundation Scholarship Applications Due October 31

The AHIMA Foundation has posted a new online scholarship application form for the second round of 2009 applications, with a submission deadline of October 31. The online format combines both undergraduate and graduate applications into one form, with specific sections for each type of applicant. Applicants may save and continue work on the application up until the submission deadline.

During the first round of applications (which had an April 24 submission deadline), 39 students received scholarships, with a total of $50,800 awarded.

A revision has been made to the form for recommendations. We are using an e-mail notification system for notifying those who will write recommendations. The form is a series of questions rather than a letter. Applicants are encouraged to notify those persons who will respond to recommendation requests ahead of time so they are prepared to provide a recommendation.

We are also requesting that all transcripts arrive no later than November 15. Applicants are encouraged to check with the campus office that issues transcripts and verify the timing for mailing transcripts. Applications without the appropriate transcripts will not be considered.

The application form, instructions, document templates, and other information about the Merit Scholarship Program can be found at the AHIMA Foundation Web site.

If you have questions about the application process please contact Carol Nielsen (312) 233-1175, or carol.nielsen@ahimafoundation.org.

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Managing the Transition to EHRs
September 15 Seattle, WA
Renaissance Seattle Hotel

Are you prepared for the switch from paper to electronic health records (EHRs)? Now is the time. Beef up your EHR skills, develop core competencies in managing records in an electronic environment, and learn how to effectively and efficiently maintain, retain, and destroy EHRs at the Managing the Transition to EHRs seminar.

Explore:

• How to focus on managing EHRs as your system evolves.
  
• The implementation stages of EHRs and key HIM tools and standards.
• The challenges you face in each stage, how to meet these challenges, and developing systems and procedures that work for your facility.
  

For more information visit the Managing the Transition to EHRs site, or call (800) 335-5535.

There's still time to register for the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit!

Pre-Convention Events October 3–4
Convention and Exhibit October 5–7
Post-Convention Events October 8
Grapevine, TX (Home of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport)

The AHIMA Convention and Exhibit is bigger and better than ever. Register now! Set in the comfortable confines of the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit offers the usual great networking and educational opportunities you’ve come to expect, along with brand-new events, exciting exhibits, and influential speakers:

• Newly appointed HHS National Coordinator for Health Information Technology David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, will brief everyone on the Obama administration’s implementation of a nationwide HIT infrastructure. Want the inside track? Don’t miss this highly placed speaker talking about an increasingly important topic.
• Experience Doug Keeley’s presentation, The Mark of a Leader—a look at leadership through the power of stories, presented through an exhilarating multimedia presentation.
• Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow’s talk on his book, the international bestseller The Last Lecture—thousands have claimed it changed their lives.

Select the option to include audio recording content with your full convention registration form to enjoy discounted pre-event pricing. Visit the AHIMA convention Web site to pick out the sessions you’d like to attend, jot down the incredible speakers you’d like to hear, arrange your hotel room, or simply to find out about Grapevine nightlife. For more information, call AHIMA customer relations at (800) 335-5535.

Annual Clinical Coding Meeting
October 3-4
Grapevine, TX
(In conjunction with the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit)

The program will cover the latest best practices for coding, documentation improvement, and revenue cycle management; overcoming key challenges related to coding, quality, and reimbursement; and implementing cutting-edge technology with advancements in computer-assisted coding (CAC). The three coding tracks include topics related to inpatient, outpatient, and physician-based coding as well as CAC. This meeting is a progressive channel for innovative approaches to improving the coding process, and providing traditional time-sensitive regulatory updates crucial for quality reporting of administrative coded data. Visit here for more information.

Privacy and Security Institute
October 3
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
Grapevine, TX
(In conjunction with the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit)

Privacy and security managers constantly need to advance their skill and knowledge and stay apprised of changes in technology and the law. At the institute you’ll be immersed in an educational, proactive environment, with the following program sessions:

• Red Flags Rules—Optimizing Consumer Protections and Regulatory Compliance
  Breach Notifications and Reporting—Coping with Compliance Regulations
• ARRA—What Privacy and Security Officers Should Be Doing Now

Learn how privacy and security leaders can proactively manage important aspects of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) today and anticipate future change as regulations and standards are drafted and finalized, and how to pace the changes and bring the workforce along as the implementation evolves. For more information, or to register, please visit the Privacy and Security Institute site, or call Customer Relations at (800) 335-5535.

Data Analyst Institute
October 8
Grapevine, TX
(In conjunction with the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit)

The May 13 Data Analyst Institute in Chicago has sold out, but another Data Analyst Institute will take place in conjunction with the 81st Annual AHIMA Convention and Exhibit. As healthcare continues to be data-driven, the analysis of this data is vital to an organization's success. Join your peers in Texas to attend the Data Analyst Institute where the following topics will be discussed:

• Explore types of data individuals or organizations may choose to analyze, and review the importance of analysis
• Review potential internal and external data sources and various analysis methods.
• Benchmarking and its importance will also be discussed
• Participate in hands-on practice of data analysis skills
• Demonstrate knowledge of data analysis and presentation skills reviewed in the institute

This institute has limited seating available. Register now!

Partner Events

AHLA White Paper on Red Flags Rule Now Available

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 Rule on November 1. 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.” Order the white paper here.

2009 Healthcare Staffing Summit

Join hundreds of healthcare staffing industry executives at the 2009 Healthcare Staffing Summit, presented by Staffing Industry Analysts. AHIMA is an association sponsor of the summit, taking place September 15–16 in Washington, DC.

Former US senator Tom Daschle, the architect of the bipartisan healthcare reform plan will be the keynote speaker at this year’s summit and deliver an update on its status. Other sessions cover how the $20 billion stimulus package provisions for healthcare information technology will impact staffing, and sessions on allied health, nurse and physician recruiting. AHIMA constituents save $100 on registration by using promo code “AHIMA100.” Register here, or call (800) 950-9496.
 
The Future of Healthcare is Now! 
Join AAHAM for the Annual National Institute, October 14–16, Scottsdale, AZ

Five educational tracks: Management/Revenue Cycle, Access/Quality Management, Compliance, Leadership/Professional Development, and Specialty.  Keynote speakers include futurist Bob Treadway and professional speaker Connie Merritt. Stay busy and informed with multiple networking sessions and a large exhibit hall! Special offer for AHIMA members: attend the ANI and receive the AAHAM member rate! For more information on AAHAM go here.

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Shadowing Physicians for Documentation Improvement

Strike when the ink is wet. 

That is the motto of the clinical documentation improvement specialists (CDSs) at Shands Hospital, based in Jacksonville, FL. They routinely “shadow” physicians as part of their clinical documentation improvement program (CDIP), seeking clarification in real-time and making recommendations for how physicians can fine-tune documentation to enable more accurate coding.

CDIPs are popular in healthcare facilities looking to capture better documentation. Physicians know the documentation they need for treatment and continuity of care, but CDSs are anticipating additional detail that will later produce more complete and accurate coding. A more thorough description can enhance reimbursement and more correctly reflect the facility’s quality of care indicators.

Officials at Shands and other facilities using this technique say they get more out of their CDIPs when documentation specialists are present with physicians in real-time, not querying later via e-mail or paper forms left in the chart. But some challenges, like time management and physician buy-in, also come with the successes.

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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Use AHIMA’s ICD-10 Web site as a resource to help guide you through the transition to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.

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AHIMA will exhibit at the following conference next month. If you plan on attending this event, be sure to stop by our booth and pick up a free gift.

October 11–13, 2009, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) 2009 Annual Conference, Booth #1216, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

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Getting Organized with a Notebook PDA

Feel like everything is getting away from you? Don't know when the next project is due? Can't remember that great idea you had during lunch? Try putting your business and personal lives in order with a notebook and pen. With a little preparation you can turn the classic Moleskine notebook into a portable "external hard drive" for your brain! Follow the suggestions found at these links and discover how to create your personal paper PDA

• How to Make a Moleskine PDA
  
• The Monster Collection of Moleskine Tips, Tricks and Hacks
• Moleskinny
• NotebookStories

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Are you a current member of AHIMA? If your answer is no then keep reading, because you're missing out on important benefits to help you advance your career. In each issue of Resources, we will highlight one of the many member benefits you can access if you sign up.

Go here to join AHIMA today.

3. Discounts to Attend the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit and Various Meetings

Join AHIMA and become part of an organization more than 53,000 members strong. Your membership dollars provide you with many things including discounted registration fees to attend the upcoming 81st Annual AHIMA Convention and Exhibit as well as many other meetings and seminars offered throughout the year. With the convention less than a month away it is time to start thinking seriously about attending and how you will benefit from it.

Whether you are entry-level, middle, or senior management you should attend because AHIMA’s Convention and Exhibit offers education and networking opportunities to all professionals. Besides, the 2009 AHIMA Convention and Exhibit presents incomparable opportunities to connect with your colleagues and learn from key leaders who influence change in health information management. It will also give you the opportunity it explore the exhibit hall and network with fellow HIM professionals. Don’t miss out!

Visit our site to register to join us at the 2009 AHIMA Convention and Exhibit in Grapevine, TX, October 3 through 8, and your 2009 membership fee will be deducted from your full convention registration fee.

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AHIMA Resources for Faculty and Students

The AHIMA Faculty and Dean Resource page is a place where educators, administrators and other interested parties can find news, information, advice and Web links related to HIM education. Some of the resources provided on this site include: educator newsletters, surveys, and reports; a listing of accredited associate and baccalaureate HIM programs; student recruitment materials; and CourseShare information. Access the AHIMA Faculty and Dean Resource page here.

Available student resources include tools that map academic pathways, education planning guides, financial aid information, certification examination preparation, career information, and much more. Please visit the AHIMA Health Information Careers.com Web site. AHIMA also provides career counseling and an online job bank here.

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AHIMA Offers Online Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security Training

Stay informed about the latest guidelines in managing privacy and confidentiality with online training from AHIMA. Available training includes:

• Advanced HIPAA
• Building an Effective Security Audit Program to Improve and Enforce Privacy Protections
• Building the Foundation for the Privacy Initiative
• Key Principles and Best Practices of Hybrid Record Management
• Medical Identity Theft: Prevention in the EHR Environment,
• Privacy and Security Program.

All courses qualify for AHIMA CEUs. Visit our site for detailed information and to register for for AHIMA Distance Education programs.

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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 page

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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 an AHIMA audio seminar, 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 through 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 our site for more information on Fast Facts, including a complete list of topics.

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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:

Manager, HIM Data Quality
Lee Memorial Health System
Ft. Myers, FL

Compliance Officer
North Clinic
Robbinsdale, MN

Nosologist
3M Health Information Systems
St. Lake City, UT

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Marsh Group Insurance Plans

If you are sued for malpractice, Marsh Professional Liability Insurance can pay legal fees, court costs, court judgments, and out-of-court settlements. The coverage is up to $2 million per incident and up to $4 million in any one-policy year. This is one of several group plans that AHIMA members can choose from through Marsh Affinity Group Services, a service of Seabury & Smith. Other plans include Group Term Life Insurance, Disability Income, Customized Major Medical, Short-Term and Long-Term Care Medical Plans.

For more information, contact Marsh Affinity Group Services directly at (800) 503-9230.

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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:

General AHIMA Facebook page

AHIMA Careers Facebook page

AHIMA LinkedIn group

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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If you found this e-mail in your bulk folder, please add resources@ahima.org to your address book to ensure you receive all future communications in your in box.

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Copyright © 2009 American Health Information Management Association. All rights reserved.AHIMA is the premier association for health information management (HIM) and allied healthcare professionals. These professionals manage, protect, and utilize complex personal health information for the delivery of quality healthcare to the public. Founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA fosters the career growth of its 53,000 members through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning. For information about the Association, go to www.ahima.org.
 
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