Stacie Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, LHRM, RCC
FHIMA President

stacie@southeastrad.com

If you have received an email from me lately you have probably noted the quote from Helen Keller that is found on my signature line-- "I am only one; but I am still one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.  I will not refuse to do the something I can do."  I believe this quote fits perfectly with my theme for this year, “The Power of One”.    Each and every member can add to our influence by making a contribution, no matter how small it may seem.    The “Power of One” believes that the influence of one person or one idea can alter the whole world in a positive and real way.  In the last issue of e-Coastlines I invited each of you to take “The Power of One Challenge” by giving at least one hour of your time to FHIMA or your region this year.  What have you done to meet this challenge? 

On August 24^th and 25^th, the FHIMA Board of Directors and the Regional Presidents and Presidents-Elect gathered in Tampa at the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza for the annual FHIMA Leadership Conference.  The new location was a welcome change—a plethora of shopping and fine dining.  I arrived home with a little less money and a few more pounds!  Not only did FHIMA hold the Leadership Conference in a new location, but as an organization we also embraced a new approach to strategic planning. 

Dr. Brian Higley, Founder & Director of Operations for The Building Blocks to Excellence, facilitated an all day strategic planning session titled “Focused Leadership”.  During this session Dr. Higley shared the biggest obstacles that organizations face in accomplishing their strategic plans and provided proven strategies for overcoming the most common barriers to getting things done.   Perhaps the most significant component of the session was a discussion on setting SMART goals to work towards fulfilling our strategic plan.  SMART goals are those that are “Specific, Measurable, Agreed-upon, Realistic, and Time-bound”.   In the next couple of weeks, the Board and regional leaders will be finalizing our SMART goals for accomplishing our objectives.  For 2007-2008 FHIMA will:   

•      Facilitate effective communication between FHIMA, regional leadership and our members. 

•      Create an environment that identifies recruits, prepares and supports leaders within the organization.            

•      Facilitate the employment of new graduates from HIM programs at the baccalaureate and associate degree levels, and coding programs at the pre-degree level.

•      Be recognized by Florida State Senators and Representatives as the leading authority on legislative issues affecting health information management in our state. 

•     Form professional alliances with other healthcare related organizations. 

In addition to the working on our strategic goals, the FHIMA Board is discussing various ways that we can provide additional, affordable and diverse educational opportunities to its members.  We are currently exploring options for offering online education and audio seminars for our members.  In the meantime, mark your calendar for the 2008 FHIMA Annual Convention, July 14-July 17^th at the Omni Champions Gate just outside of Orlando.  This new location will provide an intimate setting for unprecedented educational offerings from FHIMA.  This year the Program Committee is adding additional educational tracks to better meet the needs of our members and they are also planning a special all day legal session to be held on what traditionally has been coding day.   

Don’t worry coders!  FHIMA is still planning all day concurrent sessions for you as well for the last day of convention.  Stay tuned to e-Coastlines and your email for details coming soon!  In addition, FHIMA is also planning to host another CCS/CCS-P Preparation Workshop due to the overwhelming response to the Tampa Workshop on September 22^nd.  If you were unable to attend the workshop in Tampa, don’t worry—plan to attend a second workshop in the Spring of 2008, possibly to be held in Jacksonville.   

There is one last item of exciting news that I would like to share with everyone.   Over the past few months FHIMA has been working with a professional web designer to develop a more dynamic and user friendly website, and the new FHIMA website is almost complete!   

Until next time I would like to leave you with a few words from Barbara Mikulski “Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change.”   I continue to encourage everyone to embrace the “Power of One” challenge and volunteer at least one hour of your time to FHIMA or your region.  It is only thorough collaboration and team work that we can conquer the challenges that come our way.
 

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FHIMA News

Dwan has been a dedicated member of FHIMA for more than 10 years and is actively involved in both the state and local level. Dwan continues to stay abreast of the changes occurring in the Health Information Management field and educates fellow HIM professionals, and students on their role in this profession. As a result of Dwan’s dedication, she was elected as FHIMA President-elect. 

Dwan is employed at the Mayo Clinic/St. Lukes Hospital in Jacksonville as the Unit Manager of Patient Financial Services. Dwan leads her staff by example utilizing effective communication skills. Dwan has been successful in implementing standardized job descriptions for her coding staff requiring an AHIMA accredited program degree and credentialing, thus raising the bar for her current and future employees.   Dwan has a BS in Medical Record Administration and a Masters degree in Business Administration. 

One colleague noted “Dwan’s “can do” attitude is contagious and her high expectations challenge others to put forth their best efforts in all situations. HIM needs more professionals as dedicated as Dwan.”

Distinguished Member Award

Holly Woemmel, MA, RHIA

Holly has served HIM for the past 18 years by actively being involved in the local, state, and national level.  Currently, Holly is serving on the FHIMA Board of Directors as Past President. In addition, she is a member of the ASTM E31.15 Health Information Capture and Documentation Committee. 

Holly has had many speaking engagements and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida.  Her dedication to the profession is evident with her continual and on going commitment to the HIM field.

Holly has a BS in Medical Record Administration and a MA in Computer Resource and Information Management.

Holly’s leadership, innovation and creativity signify her dedication to the profession. Holly brings an energetic positive attitude to everything she does, as one colleague said, “she kicks it up a notch.”

Distinguished Service Award

For the past several years Karla has actively served the members of FHIMA. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the HIM profession is evident through her active involvement in FHIMA. Karla is currently serving as the Chief Delegate on the FHIMA Board of Directors. She takes all of her responsibilities seriously and speaks out on many important issues facing our profession. Just recently, Karla was appointed to the AHIMA Membership Task Force. 

Karla continues to be a mentor to both her students and fellow FHIMA members and is passionate about education and expertise in the coding arena. One of her former students at Saint Petersburg College said, “Karla is a warehouse of knowledge in all areas of Heath Information Management and is always willing to share and advise when needed.”

Outstanding Professional

Tanya has been an active member of AHIMA, FHIMA and CFHIMA since her 1995 graduation in HIM from the University of Central Florida. Tanya has consistently served in multiple capacities, including President of CFHIMA and Director of FHIMA. Tanya is an advocate for students; and regularly participates in professional practice experiences to the HIM Program at the University of Central Florida.

Tanya has a BS in Health Information Management and a MA in Computer Resources and Information Management.

Tanya is employed as the Corporate Director of Health Information Management for Health First. Tanya provides her strong leadership skills throughout this multi-facility organization. During the past two years, she facilitated the successful implementation of a system-wide document imaging system.

Outstanding New Professional

Lisa is an excellent example of a HIM professional! She has been active in FHIMA and the Ocean Health Information Management Association since her graduation from Daytona Beach Community College in 2002. Lisa currently serves as the President of the Ocean Region.

Elizabeth Whitmer, RHIT, FAAMT –

Elizabeth has been a very busy lady!  This is her second Literary Award from FHIMA. Elizabeth has worked hard this past year to keep HIM in the press and has published 11 articles on FIRE (Find, Inspire, Recruit and Educate) as well promote HIM during Health Information Management and Technology week.

Elizabeth has consistently and faithfully been an advocate for the HIM profession as evidenced by her commitment to the local, state and national level associations. Elizabeth’s uses the written word to promote our profession and encourage future students.

Outstanding Student

Amanda Marie Zak

Amanda is a student at the University of Central Florida in the HIM program.  She is a very well organized and consistently produces high quality work and projects. She is dedicated to her goal of becoming a HIM professional. Not only is she currently attending UCF full-time, but she also maintains a job at Orlando Regional Medical Center as a HIM analyst.

Amanda is currently serving as president of the Student Health Information Management Association at UCF. She is dedicated to her school work and maintains an overall GPA of 3.892.  It has been said by her fellow students that “Amanda is a wonderful role model.”

FHIMA Member is honored with AHIMA's Triumph Mentor Award! 

Congratulations to Stacie Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, LHRM, RCC!

Each year, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) recognizes a member who has a long record of encouraging students or colleagues to realize their full potential, and having helped others find ways to achieve their best. These individuals are those rare professional colleagues and friends who touch our lives and launch us toward new horizons. The AHIMA 2007 Triumph Mentor Award is Stacie Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, LHRM, RCC.

Stacie’s professional contributions as a mentor are many. She is has been a Communities of Practice (CoP) Facilitator for numerous CoPs over the past 5 years and was recognized as one of the “Top 12” AHIMA CoP facilitators in 2006. Stacie has also been an AHIMA Student Mentor for 4 years, where she has mentored many students through chat sessions, CoP threads, and authoring articles posted to the Student CoP resources. Taking the “Bridging the Gap – Education to Employment” resolution to action, Stacie began with her regional HIM association to address the needs of the local educational programs. Well received by students and family, this model was then shared at the state and national level as a model for all to use and adapt.

Among her colleagues, Stacie is described as inspiring and lifting the performance of those around her. As one person stated, “She reminds others of the bigger goals. She paints the picture. Like a great painter, she doesn’t just demonstrate her talent; she changes how you feel. Stacie doesn’t just see the person, she sees the potential.”  This year Stacie is president of FHIMA, and her theme is The Power of One, which will focus on how each of us can make a difference in volunteering for this profession.  Stacie is a true asset to the HIM profession and exemplifies an individual worthy of the Mentor Award. Congratulations, Stacie!

- Submitted by Diana Spaulding, RHIT, CCS

Congratulations to the 2007-2008 FHIMA Board of Directors!

On Tuesday, June 26, 2007, the 2007/2008 Board of Directors were installed at the Annual Membership Luncheon. The new officers are:

President
Stacie Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, LHRM, RCC

President-Elect
Dwan Thomas-Flowers, MBA, RHIA, CCS

Past President/Director
Michelle Mock, MSM, RHIA

Directors
Monica Cole, RHIA, CCS
Jill Finkelstein, MBA, RHIA
Carla Gaines, MPH, RHIA, CCS
Monica Hardy Johnson, EdD, RHIA
Diana Spaulding, RHIT, CCS
Kelly Wilson, MBA, RHIA, CHP

Chief Delegate
Barbara Flynn, RHIA, CCS

Executive Director
Carolyn Glavan, MS, RHIA

FHIMA Scholarship Recipients

HIM Program - 4 Year
Julie Ball
University of Central Florida

HIM Program – Graduate
Gina McNellis, RHIA, CTR, CHP
St. Scholastica

Thanks to the following who contributed to the scholarship fund this year. 

Axolotl
HIM Quality Solutions, Inc.
Medware, Inc.
Professional Outsourcing, Inc
Pyramid Healthcare Solutions
Stat Solutions, Inc.

FHIMA also wants to thank the following regions for their contributions as well:  Gulfcoast, Panhandle, Ocean and Southwest Health Information Management Associations.  It is such a worthy cause for the future of our Health Information leaders and FHIMA is proud to be able to provide these scholarships for many years to come!

FHIMA 2008 Convention!  Mark your Calendars!

In 2008 our Annual Convention will be held July 14-17, 2008.

We will be at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate. We have a great room rate of $149 for single/double at this beautiful property!

Watch future editions and emails for FHIMA 2008 Convention details!

GET THE 2006 Medical/Legal Guide to Health Care Records in Florida!

FHIMA Medical Legal Guide 2006 Version is now available!

The Medical/Legal Guide to Health Care Records in Florida is now available and ready for purchase. The Guide includes a CD and Notebook set for $295.00 plus $10.00 Shipping and Handling.  Students enrolled full-time in an accredited HIT/HIM program may purchase the guide for $65.00 plus $10.00 Shipping and Handling.
 

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Articles

CMS Changes FY 2008/2009
By:  Carla Gaines, MPH, RHIA, CCS
Coding Mgr., Tallahassee Memorial Hospital

CMS has finalized its plans to move ahead with the Medicare Severity (MS) DRG system, effective October 1, 2008.  This change came despite some protests from influential organizations and groups, including the House of Representatives, who on July 19^th voted in favor of an amendment to prevent CMS from implementing the payment cut, and also to delay implementation of MS-DRGs for one year.

Read More>>>
 

Impetus
By:  Alphonso Sanders, RHIT
e-Coastlines Chair

Impetus can be defined as a driving force; stimulation or encouragement resulting in increased activity. There are many proven forms of positive prodding that have been tried over the years none more satisfying to those who love what they do and do what they love than the simple self-gratification of achieving goals or reaching personal  bests..

Read More>>>
 

A Diamond In The Rough
By: Elizabeth A. Whitmer, RHIT, FAAMT
President Southwest Region

Anyone that is in the healthcare delivery profession, such as Health Information Managers and any affiliates, eventually learn that our jobs can be sometimes unpredictable.

Read More>>>
 

Update from the FHIMA Leadership Conference -August 24^th & 25th
By: Elizabeth Whitmer, RHIT, FAAMT
President Southwest Region

It was such a pleasure to gather with many of our regional leaders and board members at this years Leadership Conference in Tampa.  Kudos to the board for having it in another location other than Orlando. Having been a board representative and regional leader for many years, this was the first time we were able to go out and explore new territory.

Read More>>>
 

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AHIMA Update

1.  AHIMA's ACE Program Puts the Action in e-HIM

The best way to deal with change is to go out and meet it head on, says Anna Lattu, RHIA. If we sit back and wait, change happens to us and we miss the opportunity to influence it. “It’s much more important to be up there and be part of change and be proactive,” she says.

That’s what Lattu does as director of information management services at Minnesota State Operated Services, a behavioral health agency in St. Paul, MN. And that’s what she does as part of a new AHIMA program that connects e-HIM^® experts with volunteer opportunities within CSAs and with individual AHIMA members.

Lattu is a member of ACE, the Action Community for e-HIM^® Excellence. The program mobilizes AHIMA’s network of HIM experts and change agents. It identifies, prepares, engages, mentors, and recognizes those working to transform HIM practice and connects them with volunteer and career-building opportunities.

ACE members make change happen. They apply expertise, experience, and leadership skills within their organizations, communities, and states. Current ACE members are participating in regional health information exchange initiatives, leading organizational data quality improvement efforts, and speaking at state and national HIM conferences. Other ACE members have testified on HIM issues before government agencies and mentored students and new professionals.

Lattu fights hard for projects she believes in, often convincing, educating and negotiating with her clinical, technical, and administrative colleagues to garner their support. One project she is working to bring to her facility is a telehealth system, which would enable providers to communicate with patients through interactive television.

Individuals join the ACE Challenge through recommendation or self-nomination. An online self-assessment helps them gauge their expertise and experience. If they join ACE, they make a commitment to volunteering.

ACE members like Lattu act as a “preferred pool of experts,” available for mentoring, speaking, writing, testifying, and more. A CSA can seek an ACE member to give a presentation at a state meeting, for example. Individuals can request mentoring on an e-HIM initiative they face at work.

You can learn more about ACE by visiting www.ahima.org/ace.  There you’ll find an online nomination form and the self-assessment. A directory of ACE members available for mentoring also appears there. CSA leaders may access a directory of ACE members available for presentations. To set up access to the directory, they can call Pam Garcia in AHIMA’s Volunteer Services department at 312-233-1162 or by e-mail at: pamela.garcia@ahima.org

2. Maps between ICD-10-CM and ICD-9-CM Posted

The National Center for Health Statistics has posted general equivalence maps between ICD-10-CM and ICD-9-CM. Maps from ICD-10-CM to ICD-9-CM and ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM are provided. The new 2007 ICD-10-CM files available on the NCHS Web site include the ICD-10-CM preface, index, tabular, table of drugs and chemicals, and general equivalence mapping files. The mapping files provide a helpful link between the current ICD-9-CM codes and the new ICD-10-CM codes. A documentation and user's guide, which provides information needed to understand the structure and relationships in the mappings, is also available.

The maps and the associated guides can be accessed at the cdc website.

3. AHIC Use Cases Posted

The American Health Information Community (AHIC) has posted its prototype use cases and feed back instructions to its Web site. In January 2007, AHIC approved a recommendation to develop use cases that address certain aspects of public health case reporting, consultation and transfers of care, personalized healthcare, immunizations and response management, remote monitoring, and remote consultation. AHIC is a federally chartered advisory committee that provides input and recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services on how to make health records digital and interoperable and ensure that the privacy and security of those records are protected, in a smooth, market-led way.

The prototype use cases and feedback instructions are available at www.hhs.gov.

4. Hospital Quality Alliance Quarterly Meeting

The Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA) will hold its upcoming quarterly meeting on Tuesday, September 18, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. EDT. Discussion topics for the meeting include improving the usefulness of hospital mortality data for consumers, reviewing future inpatient and outpatient measures, reporting pediatric asthma measures, and implementing hospital-CAHPS. HQA is a public-private collaboration between 20 public and private sector organizations that has committed to exclusively use NQF endorsed measures. HQA represents diverse stakeholders including hospitals, health professionals, government agencies, quality experts, purchasers, consumer groups, and other healthcare organizations.

To access the complete meeting agenda and registration information, go to www.hospitalqualityalliance.org.

5. CCHIT Announces Town Calls

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) will host a series of town calls on September 19. During these calls, CCHIT work groups will inform the public about the results of recent environmental scans. The schedule will be:

• 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT—Network, Interoperability, Security, and Privacy and Compliance

• 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT—Cardiovascular Medicine, Emergency Department, and Child Health

• 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT—Foundation, Ambulatory, and Inpatient

6. Proposed Resolutions at the House of Delegates Meeting

The AHIMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting is scheduled for October 7 at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. An agenda will be posted to the State Leaders and HOD CoP community resources shortly. Three resolutions have been proposed and are posted on the AHIMA and State Leaders and HOD CoPs:

• Proposed Resolution for Professional Standards

• Proposed Resolution for Quality Data and Documentation in the EHR

• Proposed Resolution for Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management (this resolution is accompanied with the document “Draft Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management”)

The Proposed Resolution for Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management was submitted by the Tennessee HIT/HIM educators and AHIMA HIM Education Strategy Committee. The resolution is based on the recommendations of the white paper “Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management.” developed by the AHIMA HIM Education Strategy Committee. (The white paper will be released later this month; please see the article “A New Blueprint for HIM Education” by Carol Ann Wilhelm, MPH, RHIA, and Claire Dixon-Lee, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, in the September Journal.)

The intent of the resolution is to begin immediate development of suggested actions for the key priorities as defined in “Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management.” These include:

• That AHIMA ensures HIM professionals are prepared for and recognized as experts within the HIM knowledge domains essential in planning, implementing, and managing electronic health records.

• That AHIMA examines all levels of HIM education across the spectrum from certificate programs, associate degree programs, baccalaureate programs, and graduate HIM programs to ensure HIM professionals have the foundation education and career ladders necessary to be recognized and competitive as the experts essential to planning, implementing, and managing electronic health records before other healthcare disciplines challenge these HIM work force opportunities.

• That AHIMA begins to implement new strategies for increasing academic preparation of HIM educators at higher levels and escalate recruitment of more practitioners to become HIM educators at all levels.

The complete resolution papers and accompanying paper can be found in the AHIMA and State Leaders and HOD CoPs under the Resources section. Members can review the proposals and provide their comments to their CSA delegate. For a listing of your delegates, see the State Leaders and HOD CoP.

To access the CoP, go to www.ahima.org. Go to myAHIMA on the right side and enter your AHIMA ID number (seven-digit number on your membership card) and your password. Once in myAHIMA, you can click on the CoP logo to enter. To join the State Leaders and HOD community if you are not a member, click on the Join/Visit Communities on the top toolbar.

7. Report Looks at Next Generation of Clinical IT

A new report from the First Consulting Group looks at what the future holds for clinical information technology. “The Next Generation Safety Net: What's Next after Advanced Clinical Information Systems” provides an overview of the next generation of IT that will be critical to hospitals' response to the rising bar for safety and quality. The report looks at how hospitals must step up their use of computerized physician order entry and medication reconciliation. It also outlines how hospitals can put their electronic data to work to prevent adverse drug events, manage healthcare-associated infection, and monitor quality management and public reporting. The report recommends that hospitals begin planning for next-generation IT now. Clinical pharmacists, the infection management team, and others responsible for safety areas should be involved to assess current practices and where IT can help most.

To read more, go to: www.fcg.com

8. HI&T Week Planning Kit Available Now

Mark your calendars for Health Information and Technology Week, November 4–10, 2007, sponsored by AHIMA and the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). This annual event recognizes the work of health information management professionals, and our vital role in healthcare. The theme of this year's celebration is “Accuracy You Can Count On, Information You Can Trust,” and we have prepared a kit to help you plan your week. To access the planning kit online, visit www.ahima.org.
 

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