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e-Newsletter March 2016

President’s Message


Happy spring from Tifton Georgia! As I write this newsletter article it is 70 degrees and sunny outside my office window. Unfortunately, with that comes an inch of pollen on every external surface. I hope that everyone has been able to enjoy some of these warmer days while avoiding the allergy attacks. As we continue forward into this spring season, the activities of the GHIMA Board are picking up.

Our leadership/mentoring group continues to meet virtually on a monthly basis. This is an amazing group of individuals with a variety of experience and perspectives. We are exploring leadership in some unique ways and challenging the traditional definition of leadership. I hope to see us continue with this particular initiative year after year and possibly expand it to ensure that we are mentoring up future leaders.  

As we continue our focus on Information Governance, we would like to hear from you, our members, regarding any success stories you may have within your organization regarding plans in the IG space. Please feel free to reach out to any of our active board members if you have a story to share. We would love to get you involved in helping us to educate our state and regions regarding the importance of IG.

Finally, I’m pleased to give an update on our plan to transition our current six Georgia regions to three combined regions. After hearing feedback from the Presidents of each of the existing regions, the GHIMA Board voted to move forward with the consolidation plans and timeline. I believe that this change will strengthen our regions as we increase the pool of resources and team active regions with those who are struggling.  

As always, we welcome your feedback, encourage your participation, and appreciate your volunteerism. 
 
Kathy Alberson, RHIA
2015 - 2016 President
​

GHIMA Regional Merger Plan


The GHIMA Board would like to provide an update on our regional merger plan since we last held town hall discussions in 2015. Due to majority member and regional board support to proceed with this regional merger plan, our proposed timeline is to have the new regions effective as of July 1, 2017. The detailed timeline and region map is available here.

What are likely next steps?
  • Each of the two combining regions determine:
    • Merger of finances
    • Marketing and merger of member databases
    • One president or co-presidents
    • New format for education and meetings
      • GHIMA encourages always holding an in-person meeting with ability to host WebEx and broadcast live to members unable to travel
Potential Benefits of Regional Consolidations
  • Financial savings and adherence to IRS requirements will be met
  • Improved GHIMA/Region communication and leadership development for both
  • Clear bylaws and policies for improved operations and succession planning
How does this potentially benefit me as a member?
  • Improved communication from regional and state leaders directly to you.
  • Improved opportunities for attending meetings and educational offerings due to virtual meetings and recordings.
  • Larger pool of leaders and future leaders to serve at regional and state level and to groom for national service.
GHIMA Board​

Nominating Committee Report and Ballot


The proposed elected officer ballot and timelines were presented to the Board and approved.

GHIMA Ballot    2016 – 2017

PRESIDENT-ELECT
Janyce House, RHIA – Southeast Georgia

DELEGATE (1st Year)
Jennifer McCollum, RHIA, CCS – Greater Atlanta

DIRECTOR (2)
De Sears, RHIT – South Georgia
Karen Searcy, RHIA, CPC – Greater Atlanta

NOMINATING COMMITTEE (2)
Misty Neal, RHIA – South Georgia
Becky Lobdell, MBA, RHIA – Greater Atlanta

All submitted nominations have been confirmed by the GHIMA Nominating Committee as accepting the nomination for the elected position on the 2016-2017 GHIMA Board and confirmed to hold all qualifications as established in GHIMA Bylaws and policies. All qualified candidates have received emails with deadlines for submission of their candidate bios.

Remember, ONLY active members of GHIMA via AHIMA membership are eligible to vote, not students and not those only maintaining their certification.

Election Start Date:  04/04/2016
Election End Date:  04/18/2016

Allyson Welsh, MHA/INF, RHIA, CCS
Past-President, Nominating Committee Chair

GHIMA 2016 Annual Meeting and Exhibit


“Charting the Course... A World of Opportunities”

 
August 3-5, 2016
Duluth, GA - Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta

Join us for the 2016 GHIMA Annual Meeting and Exhibit to be held at the Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta. This year’s theme is “Charting the Course....A World of Opportunities.”

Our keynote speaker will be Patty Sheridan, AHIMA Past President.

The remainder of our program will focus on trends for the HIM workforce along with privacy/security and of course coding and Information Governance. Please see our online tentative agenda for more information on this outstanding program that includes 14 potential CEU opportunities. For students, join us at this event in all regular educational sessions and watch for a Student Academy to be scheduled for this summer.

You don’t want to miss this exciting event! Registration Now Open!

Click here to learn more about registration rates, hotel info and more!

Janyce House, MS, RHIA
Education/Program Committee Chair

Advocacy Community


It’s that time of year advocates!

Hill Day is just around the corner and this years’ experience promises to be an interesting one. In addition to storming the Hill, AHIMA promises “Attendees will gain insights into leadership opportunities and skills needed to drive information governance across our organizations, as well as discussions related to industry trends that support the value proposition for IG.”(AHIMA) There promises to have an impressive lineup of speakers this year at the Leadership Symposium including Melissa Martin, Maria Kaneshiro, Deborah Green, Niall Brennan, Chief Data Officer & Director of the Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics of CMS, and last, but not least our CEO, Lynne Thomas Gordon. We would like to extend thanks to our Advocate Members going to Washington this year to ensure our voices are heard for our profession. We wish them the best of luck!

Besides our advocacy role in DC, our Advocates are monitoring Georgia HB 910 and HB 321, although at this point neither is expected to make it to a hearing. HB 910 provisions relate to the costs of copying and mailing patient records for psychiatric, psychological, and other mental health records. It is currently in the Senate and the bill has been delegated to Senate Health and Human Services, so we are monitoring to see if it is attached to an agenda in the next several days. HB 321 never passed the House so it is primarily dead for this session. For the remainder of the Georgia Legislative session all bills for potential amendments, especially those to HB 910 will be monitored. Please keep your eyes and ears open, and we will supply you with an update next newsletter.

Thanks for your continued support for this great profession!

Christi E. Snider, RHIA
GHIMA Advocacy Chair
​

ICD-10: Capturing Today's Youth: Professionals in the Making


What is it that drives today’s younger generation to choose their career fields? Is it money, passion, they have no clue, mentor influence, or a mixture? As an instructor, I ask myself, how do we engage the minds of high school students and introduce them to the HIM profession and the endless possibilities within it?

In a world that is technology-driven, the younger generation has adapted to the changing trends of technology quite well and mixing that talent with the health information profession seems like the perfect match, right? Well, that is not always the case when dealing with a generation that will most likely change their career path more than once before they truly find a career that suits them. How do we creatively and strategically grasp their minds on the concept that being a professional at a young age can bring forth a life-long wealth of knowledge that only gets better with experience? For example, I had the opportunity to meet someone who started her healthcare career at the age of sixteen and now has 14 years of experience under her belt. I would say this makes a pretty good resume for a young adult, but it takes dedication and vision.

Great programs such as the Move On, When Ready, or MOWR allow for students to earn college credits towards a degree while still being enrolled in high school at little to no cost. This is a great platform for all educational institutions, students, and parents. I want to see more students interested in the HIM profession, and I know that it is important that we all are advocates for the future of the HIM profession. Opportunities are not always available, but being ready when the opportunity knocks makes a world of difference.  

Latoya R. Dennard, RHIT
ICD-10 Coordinator
latoya.dennard@darton.edu
​

Social Media


The 27th annual celebration of Health Information Professionals week is coming up April 3–9, 2016. This year HIP Week will promote ‘Accurate Information, Quality Care.’ Can you think of ways to promote this theme in your organization?  

We have come a long way since 1928 when we were known as The Record Librarians of North America. Our profession has evolved into areas of healthcare our predecessors could not have imagined. Technology and government regulations will generate continued change and growth that create even greater opportunities across the health information field. Get involved in the celebration wherever you are in your career; retired, actively employed or student. Help make HIP Week a success.

Click here for the link to a template press release prepared by AHIMA that you may personalize for publication in local media or your work place.

Marian Grier
Engage/Social Media Chair

Coding Roundtable Committee Report


New Definition to Sepsis aka Sepsis (3)

What? Sepsis is changing? The Third International Consensus has developed new sepsis and septic shock definitions. As for now, we still document the same and code the same. I just wanted to mention this for future reference. The JAMA website has the article and all the criteria that the new definitions are based on. I encourage everyone to read this article so you can be prepared. There are lots of questions that still have to be answered before we see it in the charts, but at least be ready. I find this funny because I felt that I had finally come to an understanding of sepsis and coding it, I also felt we had educated our physicians to the point of accurately documenting so we could code it – now they are changing it. Anyway, here is the link to the JAMA’s article: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2492881

Recent Virtual Coding Roundtable

Our first Saturday Coding Roundtable was a great success, with 67 participants. We had two very interesting presentations, Quality of Coded Data and Productivity Standards, along with a Coding Q and A session/discussion. We had some questions that were pre-submitted, and some that were asked via chat room. GHIMA members made up 65.7% of all participants, with members of eleven other component state associations (CSAs) also participating. Overall, we had great feedback from our registrants.

I am asking for volunteers to help on this committee and if anyone is interested, please call or email Ralph Morrison. I will be planning another Roundtable some time at the end of April.

Stephanie Mercer, RHIT, CCS
Coding Roundtable Committee
Co-Chairman
​

Policy and Procedure Committee Report


The committee reviewed and revised the GHIMA policies and procedures. The completed work was presented to the Board for review and changes were approved during the March 4, 2016 Board meeting WebEx. This has been an extensive two-year process and I would like to thank all who helped.

Allyson Welsh, MHA/INF, RHIA, CCS
Past-President, Nominating Committee Chair

Legal Webinars and Legal Portal Demonstration


GHIMA hosted session one of our Legal and Privacy/Security webinar series in February. This session is now archived and available for purchase and playback and is approved for 1 CEU. The second installment of the series will be held on March 24th at 1:00 p.m. EDT. For more information or to register please follow the link below:

Legal and Privacy/Security Webinar Series – Protection and Use of EMR in the Digital Age of Analytics, Clouds and Bad Guys

Information Governance Resources

 
AHIMA offers some great resources for those of you who are involved in information governance planning and activities. AHIMA has a web page dedicated to information governance. It can be accessed using the following link: http://www.igiq.org/

Additionally, you may to use your myAHIMA access to utilize the Body of Knowledge (BoK) to obtain two specific Practice Briefs:
  • Information Governance Offers a Strategic Approach for Healthcare
  • Drafting a Blueprint for Information Governance

Student Focus


Warning…Light Bulbs Going Off…Warning

Are you preparing for your certification examination? Here are a couple of brain teasers addressing Data Analysis.

Reference: White, Susan. (2013). A practical approach to analyzing healthcare data. (1st edition, pp. 1, 3, 221). Chicago: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

  1. Data analysis is the process of transforming, summarizing or modeling data into:
    1. Exploratory analysis
    2. Variables
    3. Meaningful information
    4. Distributive statistics
  2. Qualitative analysis are categorized as:
    1. Interval and ratio scales
    2. Inferential and descriptive analysis
    3. Primary and secondary analysis
    4. Nominal and ordinal scales
  3. The credential that an experienced data analyst could earn through AHIMA testing:
    1. CDA
    2. CHDA
    3. CHPS
    4. DAC
  4. True or False: Candidates for the data analyst credential must have a baccalaureate degree and one year of healthcare data experience.
Click here for answers.

Chart a Map for Your Path

During the last semester of my HIMT course at Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC), I had the good fortune to have my practicum under the guidance of Karen Searcy, RHIA, CPC, Manager of Medical Records and Transcription at Georgia Cancer Specialists, and Greater Atlanta HIMA’s Past President. Karen brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience in the HIMT field and made my practicum an ideal way to put what I learned in the classroom into hands-on practice. Karen’s willingness to go above and beyond her duties as a preceptor and step into the role of mentor made a significant impact on where I am today and where I am going.

Karen advised me to determine a career path for myself and to develop and follow a plan for that path. Early on I knew that I not only wanted to go into coding, but that I wanted to excel in this field. Concentrating on coding positions, I quickly discovered that it can be difficult to break into the coding arena. Most facilities want coders with experience, but are not able to provide that experience for a novice. It takes considerable resources to be able to provide the on-the-job training that can get a coder going in the right direction. Still, I persevered, even when faced with the temptation to accept other available positions. Coming out of school, it can be exciting to think about finally getting into the work world. Accepting a position in a field you have not specifically chosen for your career path can either detract you from your original plan, or take you on an exciting adventure you didn’t expect.

Karen also advised me to get involved in professional organizations as they provide many learning opportunities, as well as networking opportunities. I’ve maintained my membership in AHIMA, GHIMA, GAHIMA, and the National Leadership Society, becoming a GHIMA Student Advisory Council (SAC) representative for my school.

As it happened, the GAHIMA December 4, 2015 Quarterly Meeting was sponsored by CTC and held at the Marietta campus. During a break, I was approached by a woman who gave me a business card, stated that their organization was always looking for new graduates. She provided me with the contact information to apply to their company. Subsequently, I sent a cover letter and my resume. Over the course of the following month we emailed, met for an interview, after which I sent a follow-up letter and stayed in contact via email weekly. I’m happy to say that I accepted a position as an ICD10 Medical Coder Trainee at Comforce, a division of ACS Group. They provide a Coding Academy that builds and expands on what I’ve learned in school, preparing me to become an inpatient coder for one of the clients.

I’m sharing my story to encourage students to understand that their practicum experience is a valuable tool to prepare them for a rewarding career in HIMT. Be open and willing to absorb all of the information you can and put a plan in place to take yourself in the direction you want to go. You’ve made a good choice with Health Information Management Technology and a great career is in front of you.

Pamela Van Ness, ICD-10 Medical Coder​

Newly Credentialed Members

 
Fifteen GHIMA members earned new credentials during January and February, 2016. There are 8 new RHITs, 3 new CCAs, 1 new CCS, and 3 new CDIPs.

Click here to see the entire list here.

Best wishes and congratulations to you all for your professional accomplishments!

Region Updates


AAHIMA

Augusta Area Health Information Professionals Week Celebration
When: April 14, 2016 at 11:30am
Where: The Pinnacle Club

The Wells Fargo Building
699 Broad Street -  Augusta, GA 30901
Traditional Buffet
Dining Participant - $20
Non-Dining Participant - $10

*Drawings will be held for Door Prizes*

Speaker Biography: As Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University, Joanne Sexton has been instrumental in the establishment of a new undergraduate IT degree at Augusta University starting fall 2013.  Additionally, Joanne Sexton is the lead architect and developer of Augusta University’s information security certificate programs.  In July 2015, Joanne Sexton was named the first Director of the Augusta University Cyber Institute.  Before joining the Augusta University faculty sixteen years ago, Joanne served as the first Commanding Officer of what is known today as Navy Information Operations Command Georgia and completed twenty-three years of Navy IT related experience providing hardware maintenance, software development and support, telecommunications services, computer center operations, quality assurance, space operations management, project management, and information security practice.  She holds a Master of Computer Science Degree, a Master in National and Strategic Studies Degree and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Joanne additionally holds the following Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIAC):  GSEC, GCIH, GCIA, and GPEN.

Rachel Addy, MBA, CPCS, RHIA
AAHIMA Co-President


GAHIMA

Greater Atlanta has been working to provide diverse speakers and innovative topics. During the past three meetings, attendees have had the option to attend in person or via WebEx. These two options will be available for all future meetings, including the Annual Meeting on May 13th at WellStar Development Center in Atlanta. GAHIMA hopes to see you at our next meeting.

Becky Lobdell, MBA, RHIA
President, GAHIMA


SGHIMA

President Latoya R. Dennard, RHIT, appointed Vernice Reed, RHIT, CCA, as the region’s alternate GHIMA Board representative designee. Additionally, Vernice volunteered for the position of President-Elect of SGHIMA for the rest of the fiscal year.

Latoya and Gretchen Wimberly, RHIA, President of the MGHIMA have worked together toward accomplishing the merging of SGHIMA with MGHIMA.

Other Potentially Useful Links


CMS:
  • CMS eHealth Website: Contains links to information about eHealth Programs, Resources, Vendors, and Events such as webinars, summits, and CMS presence at conferences.
Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH): AHIMA:
  • AHIMA Guide Helps Consumers Navigate the Healthcare System. Knowing that even the best informed patient or caregiver can find the complex healthcare system challenging, AHIMA has developed a reference guide on how to adequately prepare for a doctor or hospital visit and assess and understand the health records created during care.
    The guide has been posted on myPHR.com, AHIMA's patient-facing website offering resources for accessing and effectively using health information. While the guide is developed for consumers, AHIMA officials say they also hope HIM professionals will recommend the guide and make it available to the patients and caregivers they encounter during their work and everyday life. Access or learn more at the Journal of AHIMA website.
  • AHIMA Advocacy Assistant page link:  http://capwiz.com/ahima/home/
  • Information Governance page link: http://www.igiq.org/​
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