Bonnie Altus, Ed.S., MS, RHIA, CHPS, CDIP, CPHI, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CRC, CPMA, CDEO
Biography
I have been teaching at Portland Community College in HIM since 2024 and am currently working as an HIM Program Faculty Mentor. While teaching, I remained current in the profession with contract, temporary, and volunteer work. I have over 30 years of experience in HIM, QI/UR, IS, and Compliance. I have served in state positions in Oregon with OrHIMA and HIMSS-OR, including two terms as President of OrHIMA. I have served on various committees and workgroups for both AHIMA and HIMSS over the years. I am currently a member of the CHPS Exam Development Committee. In 2005-2009 I was a member of the CHPS Exam Construction Committee. In 2005-2007 I was a member of the HIMSS Technical Committee with the CPHIMS.
Position Statement Question
Where do you think your skills, abilities, and strengths fit in with the CCHIIM mission?
I have 33 years of experience in HIIM fields, and 21 years of being credentialed. I believe my skills, abilities, and strengths align closely with the mission of the CCHIIM. This mission focuses on assuring the competency of professionals in HIIM through certification, resonates deeply with my own professional journey and values. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of competency and proficiency in HIIM. The rapid evolution of technology, and the increasing complexity of healthcare systems, demands that professionals in this field possess a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The CCHIIM's mission to certify professionals ensures that individuals working in HIIM meet established standards of competency, which safeguards the quality and integrity of healthcare information. My own experience with certification exams has been positive in assessing and validating my competency. Achieving and maintaining these credentials has not only enhanced my credibility as a professional but has also provided me with the confidence to perform effectively in my roles within the field. One of my strengths lies in my ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This has enabled me to effectively prepare students for both the challenges they may encounter in their professional careers and the certification exams. As an educator, I integrate practical experiences into the curriculum to provide students with opportunities to apply concepts in a way that prepares them for certification exams and for their professional career. My dedication to staying abreast of emerging trends and advancements in HIIM shows my commitment to the profession's ongoing evolution. By staying informed about industry best practices, standards, and regulations, I ensure that my knowledge remains current and applicable to the needs of both students and practitioners.