President's Message
Sandy Stevens-Berens, RHIT
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| | Sandy Stevens-Berens
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It is hard to comprehend that we have crossed over into a new year (2010 nonetheless), and also to realize that half of my year as President is already in the past. This has truly been a busy and exciting time to be in Health Information and equally amazing to be President of such an active and strategic organization. As we start out the New Year, I find it is important to reflect on what has transpired this past year and to look forward to what awaits us in the year ahead.
The first reflection that comes to mind is the long suffering work surrounding “Copy Fee’s” ending in a flurry of activity demonstrating the highly developed web of personal networks and passion of our members and associates. Unfortunately, some memories are more painful than others!! It was a valiant effort notwithstanding....a big “thank-you” goes out to all involved.
Triumphantly, Chrisann Lemery was elected to the AHIMA Board of Directors following a strong effort by her peers to get the vote out. Congratulations Chrisann!! Wisconsin had the highest number of members voting in the 2010 election with 31.4% of the membership voting...up from 17% in 2009 elections. Well done!!
Jane Duckert, Director of Health Information Services at UW Madison will represent WHIMA on the DHS Task Force for the rewrite of HFS 124 Administrative Code, a tremendous undertaking. Linda Kloss announced her intention to step down as CEO of AHIMA in March of 2010. The announcement brought with it a sense of uncertainty and speculation about the future leadership of AHIMA at such a critical time in our profession.
On December 1st, Governor Doyle announced the formation of WIRED for Health board. WHIMA once again rallied to promote members for both the board and committees. We await word on the selection of candidates. Also in early December, the officers for NCWHIMA announced their decision to dissolve the organization. WHIMA thanks the board and members for their efforts to promote education and development for the HIM professionals in North-Central Wisconsin. NCWHIMA made a generous contribution to the WHIMA Scholarship Fund for which we are deeply grateful. Collaboration efforts are ongoing with Health Information Security and Privacy Collaborative (HISPC) and HIPAA Collaborative of Wisconsin (HIPAA COW).
The WHIMA volunteer teams have been working diligently to meet their objectives for the year. The board has also stepped up their efforts to meet the needs of the organization by increasing our meetings from quarterly to monthly. Global Crossing is being piloted in an attempt to decrease our travel expenses and enhance the conference call experience.
The above summation gives you the essence of how active and involved our association and members are with all of the external impacts on HIM.
Now for a look at what lies ahead for 2010:
Alan Dowling has been selected to replace Linda Kloss as CEO for AHIMA. Watch for new developments as our new leader takes office.
Keep an eye on the Association Calendar on the www.whima.org website to ensure you are in tune with all of the upcoming events.
- Cardiac Catheterization Coding & Peripheral Vascular Webinar, February 18
- Release of Information Workshop, March 25, Glacier Canyon, Wisconsin Dells
- 75th Annual Conference, May 5 – 7, Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
- Leadership Conference, June 3, Lake Lawn Resort, Lake Geneva
- Fall Conference, Sept 16-17, Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
The Professional Practice Manual is undergoing some changes. Stay tuned for the new and improved resource making its way to the market.
The Board is working on repositioning WHIMA in preparation for future needs of the organization and members. One avenue of exploration is in the potential of social networking media such as Linked In and Facebook.
The Policy and Legislative team is keeping a watchful eye on healthcare reform and potential impacts from other legislative initiatives.
It certainly appears we won’t be wanting for something to do any time soon!
In closing, I just want to say it has been a pleasure serving WHIMA in 2009 and I look forward to my remaining months in 2010. As we await the arrival of the RAC’s, prepare for ICD-10, ride the waves of uncertainty and anticipation, remember to maintain a balance between work and life, choose your battles well, and remain open to possibilities.
Happy New Year!!
Sandy Stevens-Berens, RHIT
WHIMA President
FY 2010 Update for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs)
Michelle Magedanz, RHIT
New rules went into effect on January 1, 2010 at all Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) for all patients discharged on or after January 1, 2010. These rules affect not only freestanding rehabilitation hospitals, but also rehabilitation units in acute care hospitals. Rehabilitation units in nursing homes are not included in the IRF classification. The purpose of the updated rule is to provide clear instructions to determine and document medical necessity of IRF admissions.
Some highlights of the new rule include new preadmission screening requirements, a new post-admission physician evaluation (PAPE) as well as individualized treatment planning that emphasizes the physician’s (physiatrist) role in providing IRF services to patients. The interdisciplinary team must meet weekly and include qualified personnel such as RN rehab nurses (LPNs need to be represented by RNs), therapists from all applicable therapies who are treating the patient, social services and the physiatrist in charge of the patient’s care.
The PAPE is a new documentation requirement in which the physiatrist will compare the pre-admit screening to see if there are any relevant changes with the patient before their admission to the IRF. The PAPE can be a part of the history and physical that is completed upon admission to the IRF. The overall plan of care is another document that the physiatrist must complete within 4 days after a patient is admitted to the IRF. There are specific criteria that the physiatrist must document.
In the past, IRFs submitted patient assessment data to CMS only on Medicare Part A patients, but for discharges on or after October 1, 2009, IRFs also need to submit data on Medicare Advantage patients. The inpatient rehabilitation facility – patient assessment instrument (IRF-PAI) now needs to be a permanent part of the patient’s medical record. The rules for inpatient rehabilitation facilities have been in place for over 25 years, so now is as good of a time as ever to update them. These new updates will help inpatient rehabilitation facilities provide improved care to the patients they serve and follow best practice guidelines.
Reference:
American Hospital Association. (2009 November). FY2010 IRF coverage criteria in Medicare regulations. Retrieved January 5, 2010 from IRF Criteria
Michelle Magedanz, RHIT, is the Health Information Manager
for the Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin, Waukesha, WI
ICD-10 on the Horizon
by Brandi Rogers, RHIA
What steps can you take to prepare for the transition to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS? With ICD-9-CM dating back to 1979, it is easy to understand why an updated version is past due. With the transition to ICD-10 slated for October 1, 2013, it is anticipated that there will be vast improvements in the detail of codes we report, including but not limited to; standardized terminology, less ambiguity, severity of the patients’ illnesses and expandability of codes to identify new
| | Lynn Kuehn
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technologies and procedures. Lynn Kuehn, President of Kuehn Consulting in Waukesha, a health care company specializing in professional fee coding and reimbursement systems for both independent and hospital-based physician practices recently wrote an AHIMA article titled, “Preparing for ICD-10-CM in Physician Practice”, which was published in the August 2009 edition of the Journal of AHIMA.
When asked how Kuehn is currently addressing the ICD-10 transition with her clients, she responded, “Physicians and practices are more acutely aware of the January 1 consultation coding changes at the moment. They are feeling a little overwhelmed by the governmental changes, so I will reintroduce ICD-10 in the near future.” Physicians should continue to work on their documentation improvement to obtain more specific codes for quality and reimbursement purposes, however, ICD-10-CM does include unspecified codes for use when necessary. She stated that she strongly encourages coders to be comfortable with the upcoming change and dispel fears by seeking out education. Kuehn explained how she recently became a certified ICD-10 trainer through the AHIMA ICD-10 Academy by completing two online courses followed by a 3-day onsite training session. To finalize her certification, she was required to take a 100 question exam at the completion of the ICD-10 Academy. She has been asked by AHIMA to be an ICD-10-CM instructor for educational sessions beginning in April of 2010. An AHIMA representative confirmed that coders would not be required to take their certification exam again. However, details of what may be required of credential holders following the transition to ICD-10 have not been worked out in its entirety.
In preparation for ICD-10, Kuehn suggests that facilities, “Identify an ICD-10 point person and organize a core group of people at your facility to begin discussing the impact that ICD-10 may have on processes, education, IT upgrades and budget dollars. The ICD-10 point person should be prepared to answer questions by reading and understanding the ICD-10 guidelines. It will be necessary to obtain a solid understanding of the new codes by practicing with the ICD-10 book that is available now.” The AHIMA website provides many good resources on this topic, such as articles and toolkits for those individuals that would like to prepare in advance for a transition that has been compared by some to Y2K. As Health Information Management professionals, we have the opportunity to research and educate key leadership on how the transition to ICD-10 may impact their areas.
Brianna (Brandi) Rogers, RHIA is the RAC Coding Coordinator for Aurora
Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Sheboygan, WI
AHIMA Board Liaison Announcement
Meet our new AHIMA Board Liaisons
Yes…we have three. For 2010, the AHIMA Board of Directors decided to propose greater flexibility in the AHIMA Board liaison/CSA relationship.
So…rather than just one AHIMA Board Liaison assigned to each CSA, we have three. This will give us the ability to build a relationship with more than one Director.
Meet…
| | Mark Dietz
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Mark S. Dietz, RHIA
Mark is in his final year on the AHIMA Board of Directors. He is a Healthcare Management Consultant and resides in Minnesota.
Mary G. Reeves, RHIA
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| | Mary Reeves
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Mary is also in her final year on the AHIMA Board of Directors. She is the Director of Medical Information Services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and resides in Tennessee.
| | Chrisann Lemery
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Chrisann Lemery, MS, RHIA, FAHIMA
Chrisann is in her first year on the AHIMA Board of Directors. She is the HIPAA Security Officer and Assistant Privacy Officer at WEA Insurance and calls Wisconsin home.
The 3 Directors are available to us to help in advancing AHIMA, the mission and vision, the HIM profession and membership.
It's Time to Celebrate
WHIMA's Diamond Jubilee
by Sally Hensel and Vicky Wolf
We all remember many key milestones in medicine. Such as…the passing of the Social Security Act in 1935, the passing of the Hill-Burton Act in 1946, the first Jarvik heart surgery on December 2, 1982 and the passing of HIPAA in 1996, but do you remember key milestones in WHIMA history?
Take the WHIMA challenge today and test your skills. Answers will be unveiled during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of WHIMA. Prizes will be awarded for correct answers at the WHIMA booth in the exhibit hall. Come join in the celebration! To participate, just go to HIM Challenge
Submit your completed form to Vicky Wolf or fax the form to the Executive Office at 608-787-0169.
Amuzing Moments in Voice Recognition
by Lois Kelley, RHIA
V/R: The patient is coming in to drink.
S/B: The patient is coming in for 2 things.
V/R: …stinging insects
S/B: …sex
V/R: The patient knew that Rocco Bobble was the President of the United States.
S/B: Barack Obama
V/R: The patient is a right-hand-dominant housewife repairman.
S/B: The patient is a right-hand-dominant telephone repairman.
V/R: Allergies: Aspirin in Iraq.
S/B: Allergies: Aspirin and ragweed.
V/R: She has worked in the gallbladder moment for a year.
S/B: She has worked in the government for a year.
V/R: …was awaiting fouled up results.
S/B: … was awaiting follow up results.
V/R: Over the years the patient has had 3 or 4 doorbell stress tests.
S/B: … normal stress tests.
V/R: She leaves her breasts for college.
S/B: She leaves her address for college.
V/R: He was able to see her in her bra in private practice.
S/B: ...see her in, ahh, private practice.
Lois Kelley, RHIA is the Vice President of Coding Services for Amphion Medical Solutions, Madison, WI
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Make sure that you know what the rules are on access and disclosure, who can consent, and the methods for obtaining consent. The presenters will provide straightforward advice on your issues and questions. Don't miss the Release of Information Seminar at the Glacier Canyon in Wisconsin Dells!
Mark your calendars to celebrate 75 Years of "Timeless Brilliance and Jubilation...Challenges and Choices in HIM at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI. Featured speakers are Neil Ihde on the 4 Secrets to Becoming a S.T.A.R. and David Glickman providing attendees with "A Dose of Healthcare Humor".
New this year on Thursday, you can select to attend a "Special Interest Breakfast Group". The topics include ROI Fee Structures; Personal Health Records; Coding in Critical Access Hospitals; AHIMA Fellowship Program; and, Volunteering for WHIMA.
Meet with vendors, colleagues and friends during the opening reception of the exhibit hall. Come for 'business', 'bubbles', and 'baubles'. This year the exhibit hall will offer opportunties for attendees to see new products and experience demostrations of products. A special feature of the Wednesday evening reception will be a champagne bar. You can purchase a special glass of champagne and have an opportunity to win a sparkling "bauble". Proceeds from the champagne bar will be used to award "Roll Back the Clock" scholarships for WHIMA conferences and seminars offered during 2010. Winners will be announced at the Annual Business meeting.
You can also help raise funds for the scholarship program. The Logo Wear team will offer WHIMA products. You will have a chance to take home WHIMA merchandise and contribute to the scholarship program. Back by popular demand will be the Not-So-Silent Auction which raises funds for the annual scholarship program.
Explore new products and services at the Innovation Theater on Thursday morning. Each vendor will present a 15 minute segment on a new product or service offered by their company.
Plan to attend the "Denim and Diamonds" party on Thursday evening. A special thanks to iod Corporation for sponsoring the entertainment during the party.
| Apply for a WHIMA Scholarship
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Each year, WHIMA offers scholarships to student and active members of WHIMA. Interestingly, even in these tough economic times, we receive few applications. The scholarship amounts awarded are based on the number of qualified applications for each scholarship, and application deadlines are fast approaching! The application deadline for the Undergraduate Scholarships and the Karen Kohler Past President Memorial Scholarship is Tuesday, February 15, 2010; the application deadline for the Established Professional Scholarship is Thursday, April 15, 2010.
To learn more about the scholarships, and access the application forms and instructions, click on Scholarships. The application forms are at the bottom of the WHIMA Scholarship webpage you will access through the link above, and the instructions are on each application form.
Take this opportunity to update your Legal Resource Manual now
while supplies last. The Legal Resource Manual Team, led by Debbie Case, RHIT, have completed the 2009 Update to the Legal Resource Manual. Order your copy of the 2009 Update to keep your Legal Resource Manual current. For an order form, just go to Legal Resource Manual Order Form
Assembly Bill 659 proposes changes to the HIV test consent process. The Policy & Legislative team is reviewing the proposed bill and will be providing comments to the Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform. The link to the bill is Assembly Bill 959
Expand your professional skill set and knowledge by attending the upcoming webinars (Mediasite sessions). On February 18th, John Strohman, Coding Quality Coordinator for University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, will discuss the guidelines for both diagnostic and interventional procedures done concurrently and as stand-alone procedures. Join Sheila Goethel, Coding Consultant at Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, on March 25th for OB/Gyn coding and a review of OB/NB coding applications and GYN coding issues. Click here for details about registration on-line or to obtain a registration form Webinars
WHIMA teamed up with Dan Barr, RHIA, who is volunteering as a consultant at the Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend, WI. WHIMA donated the CD-ROM version of the 2009 Legal Resource Manual to the clinic staff. The Albrecht Free Clinic has provided free medical services for uninsured and underinsured people of Washington County since 1996.
Last year, AHIMA implemented a process to receive input from members on key issues impacting professional practice and the profession. As a WHIMA members, you have received an e-mail invitation to make your voice heard as AHIMA and WHIMA leaders make decisions on strategies and objectives that affect you and your colleagues in the health information management arena.
Take 10 minutes to complete the Environmental Scan survey. With just a couple of simple clicks of the mouse, you can rank the objectives and let your leaders on the national and state level know what are the most important issues to you.
Here's some quick links to WHIMA resources online:
| Celebrate WHIMA's 75th Jubilee. Plan to come to Elkhart Lake, May 5-7, 2010.
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