e-Coastlines
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March - April 2009 |
President's Message
FHIMA News
Articles
AHIMA Update
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Dwan Thomas Flowers, MBA, RHIA, CCS S.H.I.N.E. A Little Closer to Securing Health Information Networks and Exchanges?
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FHIMA is doing an incredible job with continuing to SHINE in 2009 as is evidenced by regional activity, members’ professional acknowledgements and a host of other, new FHIMA offerings. We recently held the second Regional Leaders’ conference call, and I was glad to hear of all the regional activities that support the advancement of the science of eHIM. Most regions have a website or are in the planning stages for having one. There are several regional all-day and half-day seminars that offer continuing education events at a reasonable price. I want to personally thank the regional leaders for their commitment to the membership and for readily sharing their experiences with others to improve regional relations. They are a great group.
FHIMA members frequently support the profession. Celina Gamble, a Past-President of the Suncoast region, was recently acknowledged, professionally. You can read the article and find out more about Celina’s work by accessing http://www.kensium.com/him_spotlight.html. We appreciate her sharing her HIM story, confirming just how critical HIM professionals are to healthcare.
Validating the relevance of our theme, AHIMA has a Practice Council for Health Information Exchange (HIE). We have been thrust into the world of regional health information exchange, as there must be some way to decrease the costs of duplicative diagnostics in healthcare. We play a relevant role in the success of the concept and must have our voices heard to protect the integrity and security of patients’ health information. The CSAs were asked to appoint a HIE Coordinator, and ours in none other than Kelly McClendon, RHIA. He will assist the Practice Council in monitoring the “pulse of health information exchange activities happening throughout the United States.” Many thanks to Kelly for his representation of FHIMA in the Support of Health Information Networks and Exchanges.
Another FHIMA member was interviewed and featured in Advance for Health Information Professionals. A short version of the article about recruitment is available by clicking here: Eye on Recruitment
The paper version was available in the January 26, 2009 edition.
March has been designated National Ethics Awareness month. Now might be a great time to review the Code of Ethics in your organizations. As HIM professionals, we are keenly aware of the importance of ethical practices. To revisit AHIMA’s Code of Ethics, see http://www.ahima.org/about/ethics.asp. Look for more information on ethics from AHIMA as it perfects the self-assessment tool introduced at the 2008 House of Delegates.
Don’t forget that April 12-18th is Health Information Privacy and Security week. We would love to hear what your organization planned to celebrate. Please feel free to submit an article to e-Coastlines sharing your activities. For more information or for ideas on how you can participate, visit http://www.ahima.org/hipsweek/.
FHIMA continues to meet its members’ needs by offering a variety of resources in a variety of formats.
The audioseminar titled, Joint Commission IM & RC Standards for 2009, was a success. We appreciate Patricia Brown, MS, RHIA, for agreeing to speak on such a relevant topic. The audio playback is available on the FHIMA website. Be on the lookout for another CCS and CCS-P Workshop in April; more information is soon to come. Additionally, a MyPHR audioseminar is available to FHIMA members free of charge. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for March 16-18, when FHIMA is hosting the AHIMA Regional Coding Meeting, Achieving Coding Excellence, in Orlando. Finally, I know we are all anticipating another outstanding FHIMA Annual Conference to be held at the Omni Orlando Champions Gate resort.
There is so much to share about FHIMA during this time; however, before closing, I ask that you thank your 2008-2009 Board members, committee chairs and members. These awesome events take planning, time and resources. We have an excellent group of volunteers this term, and none of this would be possible without them.
Until next time, remember to take your time to SHINE by contributing your talents to advancing the science of eHIM!
FHIMA News
FHIMA Announces CCS and CCS-P Exam Prep workshop in Orlando!
FHIMA is hosting its 4th CCS and CCS-P Exam Prep workshop on Saturday, April 25th at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Demand for healthcare workers in all health care fields, including Health Information Management is increasing despite the economic situation. Becoming a CCS or CCS-P is a great personal asset in these economic times! This workshop will help you prepare for that step in becoming a CCS or CCS-P – taking the AHIMA certification exam.
These workshops have been in high demand so sign up early! We will take registration until the class capacity of 100 is reached.
The cost is only $145 and includes breakfast, lunch and 6 AHIMA CE’s for those needing CE hours!
There is Still Time Left for Service Awards Nominations and Scholarship Applications!
Deadline for both is March 27, 2009
FHIMA Service Awards: Nominate a HIM Professional who deserves recognition for a FHIMA Service Award! Nominations will be accepted for the following awards:
Distinguished Member
Distinguished Service (FHIMA Member or Non-member)
Literary Award
Outstanding Student
Outstanding New Professional
Outstanding Professional
Educator Award
Mentor AwardClick here for Service Awards Criteria
Click here for Service Awards Nomination Form
FHIMA Scholarships: We encourage all students in a HIM program to read the eligibility information and apply! FHIMA will award scholarships this year to students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate studies related to the Health Information Management field. In addition, FHIMA will again be awarding the Charlotte Stockton Memorial Scholarship offered to qualified applicants enrolled in AHIMA approved Coding Certificate programs.
FHIMA needs all active voting-eligible members to vote in the upcoming FHIMA elections. We have 2,454 members eligible to vote yet only 400 take the time to cast their ballot. Let’s shatter that record this yearIt only takes about 2 minutes to cast your vote!
FHIMA Election Polls will open online Monday, March 16th!
Only active voting members of FHIMA are eligible to vote in this election. You are eligible to vote if you have paid your AHIMA dues and have "Voting Member" listing on your AHIMA membership card. You will need your AHIMA ID number to vote.
You will vote for 1 candidate for President-Elect, no more than 3 candidates for Director and 1 candidate for Chief Delegate. All candidate bios will be viewable. The online ballot will open at 8:00 am on Monday, March 16th and will close Friday, April 10th at 11:59 pm.
No paper ballots will be mailed. If you have any problems accessing the on-line ballot, please send an email to info@fhima.org
Plan to attend FHIMA Convention! July 13th-16th, 2009
Registration packets will soon be available! Watch your email for notification and keep checking the FHIMA website!
The FHIMA Program Committee has been working hard to secure excellent speakers on relevant topics! Topics will include: e-HIM, general HIM practice, career development, compliance, coding, clinical coding and much more!
Registration Information: Registration packets will soon be available! Cost of attending will be $350 for AHIMA members for early full registration (includes all three days) and single day registrations for either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for $150 for AHIMA members early registration. See registration form when available for more details!
Hotel Information: FHIMA will welcome members at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, a 15-acre recreational area which includes two world-class golf courses and a delightful 850-foot lazy river! Room Rates for FHIMA Convention attendees are Single/Double for $155 plus tax and a Junior Suite for $450 plus tax. Room reservations must be made by 6/19/09. Call 1-800-843-6664 to make reservations or visit the hotel website.
Visit the Hotel Website
Articles
FHIMA State Advocacy News: An Update on 2 Legislative Initiatives in the 2009 Legislative Session
By Linda Renn, RHIT, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, FHIMA Advocacy Liaison
An important legislative initiative for FHIMA members is the Florida’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) Legislative Initiative: (HB 1097) by Grimsley & (SB 162) by Senator Ring. During last year’s Florida State Legislative Session, FHIMA supported the Electronic Health Record (EHR) legislation. In the 2008 session, these where respectively numbered, House Bill (HB 637) by Grimsley, and Senate Bill (SB 1998) by Ring. For the 2009 session, Marty Mielke, Chief Legislative Assistant, Representative Denise Grimsley reports, that House Bill 1097 was filed this week, on February 24, 2009.
In the House bill HR 1097 Electronic Health Records, this legislation seeks to expand access to a patient's medical records to facilitate electronic exchange of data between certain health care facility personnel, practitioners, & providers & attending physicians; creates "Florida Electronic Health Records Exchange Act"; authorizes release of certain health records under emergency medical conditions without patient consent; provides for immunity from civil liability; provides duties of AHCA with regard to availability of specified information on agency's Internet website; requires agency to develop & implement universal patient authorization form in paper & electronic formats for release of certain health records; provides for certain compensation & attorney's fees & costs; requires AHCA to operate electronic medical records system adoption loan program, subject to specific appropriation; provides for eligibility, terms, & conditions for loans; provides for payments to be deposited in agency's Administrative Trust Fund; establishes procedures for managing cases of default; expands access to laboratory reports to facilitate exchange of data between certain health care practitioners & providers.
As of today, February 27, 2009, HR 1097 has pulled no committees of reference. For additional information, please visit the Florida House of Representatives Web site to view a copy of the bill: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=41328
Related Senate bills are: (SB 0162) by Ring, Electronic Health Records [SPSC] and (SB 876) by Gaetz, Health Care Information [SPSC] and are discussed below. On the Senate side, Jared Kelly, Legislative Assistant to Senator Jeremy Ring reports, “Electronic Health Records: Senate Bill 0162 was filed on December 3, 2008, and on December 17, 2008 it was referred to four committees - Health Regulation; Banking and Insurance; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; and Health and Human Services Appropriations.” You may recall that we pulled these same four committees during the 2008 legislative session. Last year, on May 2, 2008, (SB1998) died in the Committee on Health and Human Services Appropriations, as the “subject to government appropriations” language contained in the bill did not find favor with the committee. In addition to this, we literally ran out of time in session. It is very difficult to get through four committees in a 60 day Session. For additional information, please visit the Florida Senate Web site to view a copy of the bill:
Another important legislative initiative is the Health Care Information Legislative Initiative (Senate Bill 876) sponsored by Senator Gaetz. The Florida Health Information Privacy and Security Collaboration (HISPC) has worked on this proposed legislation. On behalf of FHIMA, I’ve been participating in the Legal Working Group on Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Project working on Harmonizing State Privacy Laws. This is a project of Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA). Florida is one of seven participating states selected to work on health information security and privacy collaboration, harmonizing state privacy law collaboration. Proposed legislation coming out of our current body of work this time includes Senate Bill 876 by Gaetz, Health Care Information [SPSC].
The Health Care Information: (SB 876) by Gaetz seeks to authorize the release of patient records to certain additional health care practitioners or providers; authorizes a health care provider to release or access an identifiable health record without the patient's consent in an emergency; authorizes the results of a clinical laboratory test to be sent to certain health care practitioners or providers involved in the care or treatment of a patient, etc. Lindsey Watson, Legislative Assistant to Senator Don Gaetz reports that, “Senate Bill 876 was filed on January 21, 2009, and on January 30, 2009 it was referred to three committees - Health Regulation; Judiciary; and Health and Human Services Appropriations.
For additional information, please visit the Florida Senate Web site to view a copy of the bill. http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/index.cfm?Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Year=2009&BillNum=0876
Bridging the Gap begins a new Mentorship year!
By Gwen Clippard, MS,
RHIA and Donna Retallack AAS, RHIT
FHIMA Bridging the Gap Committee Chairs
As the Bridging the Gap Committee (BtG) rolls out the 2009 Mentorship year we would like to extend our appreciation for all of our FHIMA members who have donated their time and knowledge to our young HIM professionals. If you are unfamiliar with the Mentorship Program, allow me to give a brief history of the Mentorship Program under the Bridging the Gap Committee.
2009 is the first official year for the Bridging the Gap Committee, it began as a realization of the need to make the contact between the HIM students and HIM professionals as students crossed over into the work force after graduation. Discussions lead to brainstorming as to what would assist our young HIM professionals with the difficult transition into their new career’s. A pilot program for mentorship was created and in 2008 a group of soon to be graduating HIM students was individually matched with HIM professionals from all areas of business. The outcome was a bonding between our next generation of HIM professionals bringing forth new open minds with electronic technology mentored by the knowledge and experience of our HIM leaders today.
Bridging the Gap is under the guidance of FHIMA Director, Barbara Bermudez, RHIT; the FHIMA BtG Committee consists of Co-Chairs Gwen Clippard, MS, RHIA and Donna Retallack, AAS, RHIT which include three sub-committees of: Mentorship, Pamela Martin, Internship, Martin Smith, MEd, RHIT, CCA, and Coding, Cathy Minan, CCS.
If you are interested in the BtG program or becoming a part of it please feel free to notify Gwen, Donna or Barbara at the following for more information.
On The Road to ICD-10: There Is No Time To Waste
By Carla M. Gaines,
MPH, RHIA, CCS
Chairman, Data Quality Committee
When I was first informed of the proposed October 1, 2011 date for ICD-10 implementation, I had mixed emotions. With so many changes, transitions, and adaptations within the coding industry in such a short period of time; I began to wonder if I would ever get a break. Then when I read that the Department of Health and Human Services published the final rule establishing the implementation date for October 1, 2013; I thought here we go again. Like many of you, for the past 10 to 15 years, the rumors of ICD-10 implementation were really beginning to sound more like an urban myth. However, it is true this time and the good news is, we can stop anticipating and start planning because we have a definite date.
My advice to you is don’t get complacent. Just because the implementation date was pushed back two years, don’t make the mistake of giving yourself two extra years to begin planning (although I do warn you against organizations and vendors that try to put you in panic mode). Use the extra time wisely. ICD-10-CM is going to require greater specificity in physician documentation. It might be a good time to spruce up your physician documentation improvement program and begin transitioning it to ICD-10 specifications. ICD-10 also requires greater knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Coders should begin brushing up on anatomy and physiology. Since ICD-10 codes are alphanumeric and can be anywhere from three to seven characters, selecting the correct code requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology. If you don’t have an ICD-10 codebook, purchase one. Go ahead and begin practice coding. This is a good way to assess your strengths and opportunities for improvement as well as critique your physician documentation against ICD-10 specifications.
Lastly, don’t get off track and unfocused by listening to too many vendors and too many organizations that have all the answers to ICD-10 implementation. AHIMA has published a guide to implementation that separates implementation into three phases: Impact assessment, overall implementation, and go-live preparation. This is our parent organization and it would only make sense that their advice would be in our best interest. It is just as important that you begin assessing your encoder needs. Your encoder/ software vendor should be able to answer all your questions in addition to providing you with the support, training tools, webinars, and resources for ICD-10 readiness. It’s not too early to ask the right questions. Good luck.
For additional information on ICD-10 implementation, visit www.ahima.org/icd10/prepare.asp.
What in the world is TAKOTSUBO?
By Carolyn Grimes, MS, RHIA, CMT, FAAMT
Since this term is capitalized in ICD-9-CM, it must mean an eponym, so there must be a person or a town named Takotsubo. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as broken-heart syndrome and transient left ventricular apical ballooning is known in Japan as tako tsubo, because the left ventricle looks like the pot used as an octopus trap by Japanese fishermen. (The traditional trap is shaped like a vase with a narrowed area before the outer edge flares out, and the rope is tied around this neck to drop and retrieve the trap.)
This syndrome is remarkable in that an undamaged heart behaves just as though it suffered a myocardial infarction. The typical patient, whether in Japan or the United States, is a post-menopausal female, and the appearance of this syndrome is triggered by severe physical illness or great emotional or physical stress. Think earthquake or tsunami or hurricane or the mortgage lending crisis. Then there is the entire list of diagnoses we frequently code on Medicare patients.
Cardiologists who have been very fond of French terminology now have another language to draw from. And we have already modified the term from its original two words to one, the same as we did to Viet Nam which became Vietnam as far as our publications are concerned.
By Kelly McLendon, RHIA and Eudelia “Skip” Thomas, MS, RHIA, FHIMA Legislative Committee Chair
The FHIMA Legislative Committee has been answering questions as they come in from both members and non-members in reference to legal and regulatory issues concerning HIM and health care in general. The Legislative Committee is committed to answering these questions as quickly and accurately as possible. The Legislative Committee does its very best to research your question and provide accurate responses but you should always also consult appropriate legal counsel.
Also, the committee anticipates that they will begin to review the new FHIMA Legal Health Records In Florida; A Guide to Statutes, Rules, Regulations addressing Paper and Electronic Medical Records for this year’s updates. Please contact the Legislative Committee co-chairs Kelly McLendon, kmclendon@hixperts.com, or Eudelia ‘Skip’ Thomas, ethomas@fccj.edu for more information on this valuable HIM resource. You can also order this online at www.fhima.org.
Update on the Northwest Florida HIM regional association: NWFHIMA Elects New President!
By Carla M. Gaines, MPH, RHIA, CCS
NWFHIMA is pleased to announce the new President-elect Toye Johnson-McSwain, RHIA. Toye obtained her bachelor’s degree at Florida A&M University in 2003 and currently works as a remote coder for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
One of Toye’s greatest challenges as President involves unifying the Northwest region which includes 14 counties within the Panhandle extending from Madison to Bay County. Although, the regional association remains active, it is difficult to bring everyone together due to travel distance, work schedules, and various other reasons. Toye has plans to help eliminate those obstacles by offering future meetings using modern communication technology. She also plans to expand the current committees and solicit more student involvement. Toye recognizes the importance of mentoring students and preparing them as future leaders of the HIM world of the future. She is an advocate for education and realizes that seasoned HIM professionals and HIM students can learn from each other and she plans to take this approach when planning meetings around HIM industry hot topics.
Please join NWFHIMA in congratulating and welcoming Toye to her new role.
AHIMA Update
President Obama Gives First Congressional Address, Cites Need for Healthcare Reform
President Barack Obama gave his first address to a joint session of the US Congress on February 24. Although not an official State of the Union address, the President’s nationally televised presentation came soon after several big legislative wins in just his first eight weeks as President—the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (PL 111-5) and the extension of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (PL 111- 3). Stating that “we will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before” the President outlined three areas for moving out of our current economic situation: investing in energy, healthcare, and education. Raising a startling statistic that healthcare causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds, the President described how the economic stimulus proposal has already addressed electronic health records and that his forthcoming budget will build upon these proposals and that healthcare reform “cannot wait, must not wait, and will not wait another year.” AHIMA will continue to keep you updated as current proposals advance and new proposals emerge in the days, weeks and months to come. Visit AHIMA’s Advocacy and Public Policy Center Web page to keep up with the latest news from Washington.
AHIMA Kicks Off Congressional Education Campaign
After an action-packed beginning to the 111th Congress with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, AHIMA is kicking off a new education campaign. This week, AHIMA’s Policy and Government Relations office sent an introductory letter to all members of the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. In addition, AHIMA’s component state associations were supplied with draft letters to forward to each of their state’s congressional delegations and a general letter is available on the AHIMA Advocacy Assistant for AHIMA members to send to their own members of Congress and Senators. These letters are in an editable format so that you can personalize them to make them more applicable to your own environment and situations. If you have any questions about this introductory campaign, contact AHIMA’s Director of Government Relations, Don Asmonga at Don.Asmonga@ahima.org.
Report Outlines Strategy for National Insurance Exchange
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund offers recommendations for a comprehensive set of insurance, payment, and system reforms that could guarantee affordable coverage for all by 2012, improve health outcomes, and slow health spending growth by $3 trillion by 2020—if enacted now to start in 2010. Central to the Commission’s strategy is establishing a national insurance exchange that offers a choice of private plans and a new public plan, with reforms to make coverage affordable, ensure access, and lower administrative costs. The report, “The Path to a High Performance U.S. Health System: A 2020 Vision and the Policies to Pave the Way,” details the Commission’s recommendations for an integrated set of policies and assesses the impacts of specific policy actions from 2010-2020.
Update Your AHIMA Profile for a Chance to Win
Having an updated and accurate AHIMA profile makes you a winner on many fronts, but if you update your profile by March 31, you will be entered into a drawing to win either an iPod Touch or a $100 American Express gift check. Visit here to go to the profile and make sure that all your information is current so that we can do our best to tailor our communications to your interests and accurately represent current trends among the membership and the industry.
Audio Seminar, Webinar Faculty Call for Participation: March 1 Deadline
Do you enjoy public speaking? Would you like the opportunity to help your fellow members earn continuing education units? Do you have a presentation that you are willing to share with the HIM industry? If so, we need your expertise. AHIMA is currently seeking qualified speakers for 2010 audio seminars, webinars, and Fast Facts audio seminars. The seminars will focus on a variety of coding, reimbursement, physician practice, and e-HIM topics and will reach a national audience of both AHIMA members and non-members at all professional levels. If you are interested in participating in one of these opportunities in 2010, please complete this application by March 1.
e-HIM Work Group Call for Volunteers
As part of its e-HIM initiative, AHIMA invites you to join a work group to research industry needs and develop best practices for legal electronic signature and information attestation. The work group deliverables will serve to educate members and the industry on this topic. Work group activity will be conducted via weekly one hour teleconference calls and use of a private Community of Practice. No face-to-face meetings are planned. The weekly calls will begin on March 12 at 3 p.m. EST (2 p.m. CST, 1 p.m. MST, and noon PST), and continue through June 4. To volunteer, send a brief e-mail statement of your qualifications and a short description of your experience on the subject of electronic signature and attestation to Jill Clark at Jill.Clark@ahima.org. Please note that the deadline for responses is the close of business on March 4.
Save the Dates for 2009 Winter Team Talks Meetings
Come to the 2009 Winter Team Talks meetings and have an opportunity to meet with your peers, learn about ongoing plans within the Association, receive comprehensive meeting materials, and share your thoughts on upcoming strategic decisions—all free of charge. All members are welcome to attend these informative meetings and you receive continuing education credits for attending. Here is the 2009 schedule:
- Winter Team Talks—March 12, Las Vegas, NV, at the MGM Grand Las Vegas
- Winter Team Talks—March 23, Washington, DC, at the Renaissance M Street Hotel
- Hill Day—March 24, Washington, DC, at the Renaissance M Street Hotel
- Virtual Winter Team Talks—April 1 (noon-1:30 p.m. CT). Register here and look for more details in the “Community Links” section of the State Leaders and HOD CoP.
Visit here to register for one of the meetings. Hotel registration and transportation details for the above locations are posted in the Resources section of the State Leaders and HOD CoP.
Plan Now to Complete a Triumph Award Nomination
Each year, the Triumph Awards from the AHIMA Foundation are given out at the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit. It is a great honor to be nominated for and receive one of these 10 prestigious awards. New this year there are two new awards, the Community Outreach Award and the Pioneer Award. The Community Outreach description is below and you can find the descriptions and qualifications for these two new awards as well as the other eight awards here as well as the nomination guidelines, nomination form, and list of past recipients.
The new Community Outreach Award honors those HIM professionals or groups who have embraced the need for public outreach and encouraged the overall management of health information. The nominee should have provided information on HIM topics to the public such as medical identity theft, HIPAA, or privacy and confidentiality. Visit here for information and a nomination form. Please note the 2009 nomination deadline is June 1. If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Render at marilyn.render@ahima.org. The 2009 Triumph Awards will be presented at AHIMA's Convention and Exhibit in Grapevine, TX.
Health Information Privacy and Security Week Planning Kit Now Available
Health information is vital to the delivery of care, and so is keeping it secure. Join us as we observe Health Information Privacy and Security Week, April 12—18. This annual event is sponsored by AHIMA to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, their employers, and the public of the importance of protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal health information. This year’s theme is “Protecting Information—It’s a Top Priority,” and we have prepared a kit to help you plan your week. To access the planning kit online, visit here.
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