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e-Newsletter September 2015
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President’s Message
 I would like to start with a big thank you to everyone who attended the 2015 Annual meeting at Jekyll Island and a special thanks to those who volunteered their time to help make the meeting a success. In addition, I would like to thank Allison for her dedication and service over the past year, well done. As our association moves forward into 2016 we will hit the ground running. I have seen great enthusiasm from our new board members and I am looking forward to all the exciting things we plan to achieve this year. There will be much more to come as we continue to move forward with our strategic plans. As always, the Board is interested in hearing from our members about how we can continue to support, educate and grow our profession. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions, concerns or ideas about how we can continue to promote HIM without walls.
Kathy Alberson, RHIA
2015 - 2016 GHIMA President
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2015 GHIMA Awards
The GHIMA Awards Committee awarded GHIMA’s highest honors during the 2015 GHIMA Annual Meeting and Exhibit business luncheon held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Thursday, September 3, 2015.
GHIMA Champion Award
Presented to: Recall Corporation - Michael Malires accepted on behalf of Recall.
 This award is given to individuals, groups, or corporations who have worked tirelessly to support the HIM profession by advancing GHIMA’s leadership position. Nominees need not be GHIMA members. These individuals support GHIMA by providing at least one of the following:
- Providing significant financial support to GHIMA key initiatives through special programs, scholarships, or grants
- Providing significant volunteer support to GHIMA
- Serving the needs of GHIMA members through advocacy of patient rights and confidentiality, educating the public on health information, and/or supporting and promoting professional practice standards
- Advancing legislative initiatives that promotes the interests of HIM
Clinical Site
Presented to: Crisp Regional Medical Center – Michelle Hartin, RHIT accepted on behalf of CRMC.
 This award recognizes and honors the commitment and expertise of those sites who demonstrate excellence in clinical supervision. Nominations should come from students and instructors of SACS programs. The nominated clinical site should:
- Provide a clinical site and supervision designed to help multiple students achieve competencies established by AHIMA
- Support the training process for new professionals through advising, teaching and serving on panel presentations and/or advisory committees
- Serve as a mentor to guide students to new opportunities and encourage enthusiasm for the profession
Distinguished Member
Presented to: Bonnie Cassidy, MPA, RHIA, FAHIMA, FHIMSS
 Awarded to GHIMA member(s) who have made outstanding contributions to the profession and/or professional associations. Nominee(s) may be cited for a) specific contributions that occurred either during the preceding association year or b) contributions that have been ongoing for several years. With these generous contributions, the individual(s) have:
- Brought recognition to the HIM profession or professional associations
- Exemplified exceptional service to GHIMA
- Contributed to the HIM profession’s body of knowledge
Distinguished Service
Presented to: Annette Baker, BS, RHIA, CPCâ€A
 Awarded to GHIMA member(s) who have made a significant contribution through service to GHIMA by demonstrating one or more of the following:
- Completed a major project for GHIMA with outstanding results
- Displayed innovation and creativity through service projects
- Through exceptional leadership, served GHIMA in a particular role and achieved desired results
Mentor
Presented to: Evon Green, CCSâ€P
 Awarded to GHIMA members(s) who have shared expertise and provided advice to students and colleagues over time. The award recognizes individuals who dedicate their time to others in the profession and take a personal interest in encouraging students or colleagues and friends to achieve success. Posthumous awards may be given. This individual(s) shows:
- A record of motivating talented people to enter the HIM profession
- Ongoing, long-term career guidance to one or more HIM professionals
- An interest in encouraging new professionals to become involved in GHIMA activities at the state and local level
Outstanding New Professional Award
Presented to: Latoya Dennard, RHIT
 The GHIMA Outstanding New Professional Award recognizes an active member who was credentialed within the last five years and demonstrates significant potential for future innovation, creativity, and leadership ability. This nominee should:
- Show a desire to think out of the box – take risks and be proactive in leading others through these changes
- Demonstrate dedication to the HIM profession through active participation in local and/or state HIM activities
Recent Graduate Award
Presented to: Christi Snider, RHIA - Dr. Lori Prince accepted on behalf of Ms. Snider
 The GHIMA Recent Graduate Award recognizes graduates from CAHIIM accredited health information management associate or baccalaureate programs in the state of Georgia by providing reimbursement for the RHIA or RHIT certification exam fees. The new graduate must sit for the exam within 6 months of graduation. Criteria for this award include:
- Student must be a member of AHIMA/GHIMA
- Student must be in their last semester and eligible for graduation or have graduated within the last 6 months
- Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and in good academic standing
- Student must have shown commitment to the HIM profession by involvement in school activities and/or HIM association activities ​
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Delegate Report
The 2015-2016 GHIMA board met on September 1st and the GHIMA delegates for this year are as follows:
- Ed Farr, 2nd Year Delegate
- Charlotte McCuen, 1st Year Delegate
- Kathy Alberson, President
- Annette Baker, President-Elect
- Allyson Welsh, Past President
We are appreciative of the opportunity to serve the GHIMA membership as representative to AHIMA.
We look forward to attending the House of Delegates meeting in New Orleans on September 27th. An “All Delegates†call will take place the 14th of September to prepare for the meeting. We will endeavor to keep you updated on any issues that arise.
Submitted by:
Ed Farr, 2nd Year Delegate
Charlotte McCuen, 1st Year Delegate
Kathy Alberson, President
Annette Baker, President-Elect
Allyson Welsh, Past President
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GHIMA 2015 Annual Meeting and Exhibits Report
The FutureVision, unlimited steps themed 2015 GHIMA Annual Meeting and Exhibit at the Jekyll Island Convention Center was a great experience despite the reduced number of attendees compared to previous years. As expected, the speakers were well received and provided lots of up-to-date continuing education (CE) for attendees. Many of the education sessions were videotaped, and are expected to be available to all members soon, for a CE fee, via the On-Demand Education section of the GHIMA website. So, watch your email for further information about these if you were unable to attend the meeting and need to obtain more continuing education hours.
Click here to see pictures from the event.
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Advocacy Community
Advocacy Goal
GHIMA’s goal for advocacy within the upcoming year is obviously a continued push for ICD-10 implementation, but also an effort in reaching out and building relationships with other Health Information Management technology professionals. We hope to engage these professionals and their associations by cultivating new relationships within the healthcare technology profession. By doing so, we hope to be an important part of our state’s present and future healthcare initiatives.
In congruence with this goal, I spoke to the Augusta Chapter of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) last month, concerning using social media for advocacy. When I was asked to speak at their meeting, I decided to present on this subject due to the timeliness of the issue in regards to the ICD-10 October 1st deadline. ICD-10 continues to remain a crucial issue for both of our associations. I touched on the use of advocacy on Facebook, but concentrated on Twitter use due to the success AHIMA has experienced thus far with the ICD-10 Matters Campaign.
Christi E. Snider, RHIA
Advocacy Chair, 2015-2016
ICD-10-CM/PCS News
October 1st is nearly here and ICD-10 implementation is still on track. Clyde L. Reese III, Esq., Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health joined others in encouraging continued preparation. Click here to see his commentary: “Are You Ready for ICD-10?â€
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Social Media
Your posts on social media tell a lot about your values, attitude, and lifestyle. Employers routinely check social media, especially Facebook, to see what applicants have on their wall. When lewd jokes, crude language, or suggestive photos are there for the world to view, you likely won’t even be invited to an interview.
Also be aware of posting messages that sound desperate if you or your spouse is unemployed and seeking work. If you want friends and family to pray your husband will be offered the job he is interviewing for on Tuesday, send them an email. Don’t put the request on Facebook. Be aware how posts of a political, religious or controversial nature may be received, especially by someone who does not share your view.
Your current employer is looking too. Many are implementing a social media policy to help mitigate negative publicity that can be caused by online postings by employees. Facebook or any other social media medium is not the place to rant about your company, boss, and co-workers. There can be serious disciplinary consequences for releasing non-public or proprietary information and never ever post anything about a patient, even if you don’t mention them by name.
Protect your Facebook page. Set your security and privacy settings so you will know when someone tags you in a post. Be selective in who you ‘Friend’ and don’t hesitate to ‘Unfriend’ someone who sends trash to your timeline. When you post “We are gone to the beach for a week,†you have just said, “We are not home. Come steal our stuff.†That is an open invitation for thieves to break in your house. One family I know had their golf cart stolen out of the driveway before they had left home.
Facebook is a useful tool to share our lives and keep in touch with family and friends. Use it responsibly. It is a reflection of your character.
Marian Grier
Engage/Social Media Chair​
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Student Advisory Council
Farewell Message to the Students from Outgoing SAC President
As the outgoing President of the GHIMA Student Advisory Council for the 2014-2015 school year, I want to WELCOME all new HIT/HIA Students and invite you to be a part of this wonderful student-centered organization for your new future profession.
There are many benefits you can receive by becoming active in this organization, but I will share only a few. You will learn professionalism by traveling to different parts of the state and meeting other students. During your travels, you will begin to understand that professional dress and etiquette are key for your future success. You will learn how to network with other students and leaders, and the great thing is this will come naturally as you attend meetings where you will meet students from other areas across the state as well as educators from the host schools. You will learn more about this AMAZING profession you have decided to pursue and begin to understand there are so many different options for your future HIT/HIA career.
Each SAC meeting has a different focus which is relevant to you as an HIT/HIA student, whether it be interview tips, resume writing skills, or certification do’s and don’ts.
Lastly, you will make some lasting friendships with other HIT/HIA students, educators, and leaders. I have been so lucky throughout my travels as President this past school year to have met so many wonderful people, and I was so lucky to have been a part of the inaugural SAC for the great state of Georgia while simultaneously serving the national SAC organization.
I strongly encourage all students to become part of the GHIMA Student Advisory Council not only for the many reasons I stated above, but also because this is your outlet as students to make your voices heard by GHIMA. As a member of our Component State Association (CSA), your opinion matters, and the SAC is there to help give you tools that will help you achieve your professional goals.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Administration on May 8, I took and passed the RHIA certification examination on June 2, and I began my new career as an EPIC Revenue Cycle Applications Analyst on July 10. I am one of the newest members of the Information Systems Department at the University HealthCare System in Augusta Georgia. I know that my path taken with SAC has helped me become successful after graduation, and I know it can help each of you as well.
I wish you all the best, and much luck in your future studies!!!
Christi Snider, RHIA
President, GHIMA Student Advisory Council 2014-2015
Student Advisory Council Reconstituting
 Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
We are looking for students to serve on the GHIMA Student Advisory Board (SAC). Meetings will take place online and face-to-face. GHIMA is trying to establish more opportunities for HIM students, and this would be an exceptional one to network with the GHIMA Board and make connections for your HIM career. If you are enthusiastic and innovative, please contact your program director or instructor at your prospective school and find out how your school selects their SAC representative. The deadline for selection is September 25th. So, do not delay if you are interested! 2015/2016 is going to be an exciting year in HIM and we want you to be part of it!
Submitted by Annette Baker, RHIA
SAC Chair​
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GHIMA Education Update
On Demand Education
GHIMA recently completed our 3-part ICD-10 series: ICD-10 Top 20 Questions Answered. Please follow this link for more information on our on-demand education and this archived series.
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GHIMA Legal Portal
GHIMA has completely updated our GHIMA Legal Manual and we are changing from a searchable pdf to an online annual web portal subscription. We know you will like the ease of searching the entire document for specific words or topics and the many upgraded links to take you to the most recent information from AHIMA, government regulatory websites and other sources.
Sign Up Now!
This is an initial annual subscription that officially begins October 1st of each year. If you subscribe now, you essentially receive a full quarter for free. Annual renewals are at a reduced rate and this new format allows for continual updates to the information as it changes. No more waiting 3 years for the newest version and references. To learn more about pricing for individuals and groups, please follow this link.
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Newly Credentialed Members
During July and August 2015, there were thirty-eight GHIMA members who attained credentialed status! Congratulations to them all!
• RHIA – 10
• RHIT – 13
• CCA – 4
• CCS – 7
• CCS-P – 1
• CDIP – 2
• CHPS – 1
Click here for all of their names and new credentials.
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Other Potentially Useful Links
CMS:
- CMS eHealth Website: http://cms.gov/ehealth/ homepage contains links to information about eHealth Programs, Resources, Vendors, and Events such as webinars, summits, and CMS presence at conferences.
- CMS Website:
- Press Releases and Fact Sheets:
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
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