Jennifer Laughlin - President's Message (continues)

AHIMA Future Strategy:

AHIMA did some revamping of their future strategy 2009. Besides a new branded look, there was a shuffling around of a few strategic initiatives as well as a renaming of a few Key Priorities. This was necessary as practice change will be with us for the rest of our careers. The tools of today won’t necessarily be the tools of tomorrow. Fundamental changes in HIM practice will continue to evolve for some time to come.

• Changes were made to comply with AHIMA’s dual mission which is service to us, the members as well as advancing practice.
• There is also an unknown future value of entry-level academic-based credentials that required some change as well as a desired need to align education and training with industry changes and needs.
• AHIMA added implementation of ICD-10 since there is a need to implement this while continuing to advance other areas of HIM practice, as well as the transition of coding to new roles.
• There will be more involvement in federal IT initiatives as there is an uncertain future where this will go.
• AHIMA also wants to focus on leadership and succession planning as well as how best to organize to serve the diversity of our membership.

I believe these changes will help set the tone for all the CSAs for the next 2 years. AHIMA is doing a great job providing resources for the CSA leadership to “piggyback” on their strategic planning so that what we are working on it aligned with their initiatives. I am happy to report that WHIMA conducts its strategic planning in concert with the initiatives of AHIMA. A few states have even asked “how did you do that”? =)

HOD Issue Forum- update  

• HOD structure and operations: a governance review
• AHIMA is trying to keep in line with its tradition and evolution
• AHIMA believes that the HOD is an untapped resource
• They want to provide greater HOD value
• Modernize the structure
• 6 HOD teams have been created. (WHIMA has representation on all teams. For the first year, members of the work teams will be open to delegates only.) The teams are:
• HOD Operations Team HIM
• Higher Education and Workforce HOD Team
• Environmental Scan HOD Team
• Credentialing/Professional Development HOD Team
• Volunteer and Leadership Development HOD Team
• Best Practices/Standards HOD Team
• Bylaws Review
• AHIMA will modernize the bylaws to reflect current and/or new practices
• Legal counsel to draft
• Delegate Apportionment
• AHIMA is working to determine what the right size of the HOD is and how to best represent and communicate with a large number of members.
• They also want to be sensitive to the costs to the CSA. 
• They will reconvene these discussions after HOD team structure is implemented.
• Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in HIM
• To grow the number of HIM professionals needed in the future new strategies are needed.
• Work has been done on two employer surveys
• Council on Certification is examining the standards for existing certifications and credentialing
• Developing a communication strategy to build support from academic programs and the healthcare industry-to embrace the various levels of HIM professionals in the workplace.
• Increase collaboration with industry to educate the workforce of today and the future.
• Raise the visibility of higher education and faculty status in HIM through such initiatives such as ACE.
• Certification Program Development- proposal
• This was discussed as a new certification (an expansion of RHIA exam and eligibility criteria, to be discussed at the HOD this fall.) AHIMA is trying to be sensitive to the growing workforce and embrace inclusive membership. Currently,
• Initial eligibility criteria has been established
• Initial program description has been established.
• Initial exam is going to beta
• The thought is that this would address the gap by supplementing the HIM workforce with individuals that
• Work in the HIM domain
• Have demonstrated experience in the field
• Consider the RHIA credential of great professional value

Policy update  

• AHIC 2.0. To capitalize on this opportunity and shape policy, we have to be there, collaborate well with others, be clear on the message and speak up!
• Transitioning into a public-private partnership that can transform the industry through health IT/IM
• Planning and design has started
• Four workgroups have been created (governance, membership, sustainability and transition)
• New organization will be formed by the end of this year.
• Data Standards
• Our message is the importance of consistency of data and coding; and how standards ensure true interoperability. Also, it’s time for ICD-10!
• EHR Use
• HIM must be part of the leadership team in EHR selection, training, implementation and management; the technology must meet a wide range of needs and we can help.
• Legal EHR
• EHRs must meet the legal standards for business records and admissibility; we can translate those standards.
• Personal health records
• Help the public and industry understand the role that quality information plays in quality healthcare for the consumer; ensure PHRs have adequate protection.
• Confidentiality, Privacy and Security
• These are critical elements in the transition to EHRs and health information exchange, and required to build consumer trust. Balancing of interests is required. They are the cornerstone of our professional expertise.
• HIM workforce
• To get full value of EHRs and HIE, skilled HIM professionals are needed to manage the information. We need more or we risk slowing the rate of successful adoption.

2008 Key Initiatives  

• Improved communication
• New profile was launched in March on www.ahima.org
• There is a new section which offers expanded links and resources. Visit www.ahima.org/emerging_issues or click on “HIM Resources” tab and “Emerging Issues” page
• E-newsletters
• Education
• Under consideration are Coding, Long Term Care and Volunteer
• Integrated branding
• Updated trade show graphics with a more recognizable brand (check it out!)
• Awareness campaign which will launch 2^nd quarter
• Focus on membership growth
• Standard Register which is a tool for all CSAs. It allows for web production and a consistent brand on all resources.
• Hired a membership development manager in March to help support existing and new programs.
• New programs for 2008 intended to grow membership through improved retention and new recruitment activities.
• Working on 2008 salary survey…please participate!
• Workforce development
• CourseShare for educators
• Virtual lab has expanded to 112 schools!
• “User” competencies have been developed to improve health literacy
• Professional development
• Many new books on the Legal EHR, Revenue Cycle Management, Advanced Skills and Leadership, HIM in Alternate settings.
• AHIMA National Convention in Seattle October 11-16, 2008

myPHR Update

• Presentation needed to be updated
• New slides in “module” speech which can be tailored to the presenter and audience.
• Also added PHR documentary and brochure
• Presenters needed more flexibility
• More presentation elements means more presentation options
• Module speech can be presented in 10, 15 or 20 minutes
• Documentary comes in 6 ½ and 2 minute versions
• Presentation needed to be more “presenter-friendly”
• All campaign and presentation materials are included on a single DVD
• All directions and training included
• AHIMA presenter support online and by telephone during regular business hours.
• myPHR.com is a Site to See!!!!! Check it out!
• Linda Kloss does 10 radio interviews reaching 150,000 listeners in 23 cities
• Nearly 100 newspapers and online medical plus 243 radio stations pick up the story
• Within 24 hours of campaign’s launch web site traffic more than triples reaching one month high of 93,000 hits!

There is a ton of activity at the national level! This is where we look to set the stage for WHIMA. We need you and your creative and intelligent minds to help us get all this work done! WHIMA has many teams working on these very things. Please stop by the volunteer desk at the Annual Conference and sign up. The more people we have involved the less work it is for everyone. I know everyone is busy…but I highly encourage everyone to get involved. Make a difference….only YOU can!

Although this is my last newsletter as your President, you will find me on many of our WHIMA teams! I won’t be far and I leave you in the EXCELLENT hands of Barb Savagian. I want to thank Sandy Bissen for her unbelievable guidance, mentoring and support.  I have been honored to serve in this role for the past year. What an incredible learning experience.  See you all soon!  

Respectfully submitted,  

Jennifer Laughlin, MBA, RHIA