In This Issue
Implementation of a Remote Coding Program
Article excerpts are from the latest Jan/Feb CHIA Journal. Read the full articles and more in the online version here

Meeting the Demand for Coding Professionals 
by Merle Swoope RN, BSN, MSN, CCDS and 
Sandy Barber, RHIT, CCS, CCDS 

Many health care organizations are affected with a shortage of skilled certified medical coding professionals. In an effort to address shortages of coding professionals, meet operational demands within a rural community, and share resources within the St. Joseph Health Care System, St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC), implemented a remote coding program. An interview was conducted with Sandy Barber, RHIT, CCS, CCDS, AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer/ Ambassador, Regional Manager, Coding Integrity, about her experiences with the implementation of the remote coding program at SMMC. Sandy has 25 years of coding experience and has observed the transformation of inhouse medical coding into the world of remote coding. In her interview, Sandy provides ighlights of the remote coding implementation at SMMC, a 225-bed acute care facility in Apple Valley, California, where she describes the impact on coding practices, employee engagement, and employee productivity. 

Networking: A Path to Success 
by Gloryanne Bryant, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCDS
 
As many people in the industry will tell you, one of the key components of career success involves networking - the exchange of information with likeminded people and the development of notable contacts with the intention of furthering one's career. 

For the purpose of career development, networking means talking with friends, family members, and acquaintances about your goals, your interests, and your dreams. Statistics indicate that most people learn about job openings through the people they are closest to. Each person in your network inadvertently comes with a network of their own, thus increasing your potential contacts exponentially. It's also worth noting that social media is an incredible tool, and can play a pivotal role in networking strategies. Utilize applications such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Instagram to connect with peers and professionals in your field instantaneously. In addition to connecting instantly to your current peer group, you also hold in your hands a global directory; the infinite means to find a variety of people to add to your growing professional network. It is a good rule of thumb to build and maintain a professional online presence; it's equally important  to present yourself professionally online in a manner that will inspire the connections you hope to gain to reach out to you as you continue your own search.
It's CHIA Election Time - Make It Count
Do Your Part and Vote Today! Now is the opportunity to vote for the incoming CHIA Board of Directors and AHIMA Delegates who will influence the strategic direction of CHIA over the next few years. 

Learn more about the candidates by reading the candidate position statements and biographies, and then cast your vote! 

Only Active, Senior, Graduate and Honorary CHIA members are eligible to vote.
CHIA Blog Series: Information Governance At-a-Glance
Blog series describes the "scalable framework" AHIMA has developed, called the Information Governance Adoption Model (IGAM), as described in AHIMA's Information Governance Toolkit 2.0. This model consists of ten organizational competencies which assist HIM professionals in focusing in on all areas of IG within an organization to implement an IG program.  Read the full CHIA blog series.

Competency: Regulatory/Legal

The hospital's legal counsel is responding to a suspected breach of protected health information. Imagine an attorney in charge of the health care organization's legal affairs approaching the HIM manager requesting a report summarizing the number and types of individuals who accessed several patients' electronic health record five years ago for a period of six months. Is this something that could be provided? Is the information easily accessible, timely, and accurate? This is one simple example of how an information governance program would benefit the healthcare organization. IG can contribute to how well an organization can respond to regulatory audits, mandatory reporting, survey questionnaires, and government agency requests ensuring compliance.
Call for CHIA Volunteers - Make a World of Difference
CHIA members are dedicated to excellence in the management of personal health information required to deliver quality health care to the public. We rely on our valued members (you) who make this happen for our Association. As we establish CHIA's Committees and Task Forces for the coming year, we are seeking members to team together with us to make a world of difference. 

Learn more about CHIA volunteer opportunities here and discover how you can make a difference. Whether you are a new member or a seasoned volunteer, we need you!
CHIA Awards & Scholarships - Deadlines Approaching
Honoring the excellence, dedication, and service of HIM professionals is an important annual tradition. CHIA recognizes those who make a world of difference in HIM, and encourages all members, students and HIIM Program Directors to submit nominations and/or apply for these opportunities.
  • Exam Fee Reimbursement - Applications Due Feb 28. Provides partial reimbursement ($100) of AHIMA's exam fee to sit for the RHIT or RHIA credentialing exam.
  • Recognition Awards - Nominations Due Mar 1. Awards honor exemplary service, reward contributions that build the HIM knowledge base, recognize excellence in preparing future HIM professionals, and encourage new talent and leadership. 
  • Student Scholarships - Applications Due Mar 1. Up to four $500 scholarships will be awarded to the students enrolled in accredited HIA/HIT programs, or members pursuing a specialty or additional HIM credential. 
  • HIIM Program Grant - Applications Due Mar 1. The purpose of the $2,500 program grant is to support improvements in teaching and learning and to help meet special needs of Health Information Administration, Health Informatics, and Health Information Technology programs.
San Diego Health IT Summit
January 24-25, 2017 | Omni San Diego Hotel 

Available Join the transformative discussions shaping the next decade in health care with this Healthcare Informatics and CHIA partnered summit. Discounts available for CHIA members. 

At Health IT Summits, renowned leaders in U.S. and North American healthcare gather to present important information and share insights. Discussions and interactive sessions lead to shared learnings and exceptional networking. Healthcare leaders participate in transformative discussions and benefit from a unique environment for learning and professional growth. 

New Webinar on Demand Products Available
e-learning Learn on demand with Webinars on Demand. This e-learning resource is tailored to meet your needs and lets you learn and earn CEUs at your convenience. Check out the Webinar on Demand library regarding e-codes, ICD-10, and other CEU opportunities, and get started with one of these latest additions:   
  • ICD-10-PCS Key Learnings for FY2017 
  • OSHPD Update: What's New, What's Here, and What's Coming 
  • AHIMA Foundation Registered Apprenticeship Program 
  • ICD-10-CM and Documentation for FY2017
CHIA is #Connected
Keep up with the latest news and announcements on  Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our profile on LinkedIn
CDI's Role in ROM, Quality & RAC Denials
Thurs, January 12 - LIVE Webinar
The Compliance Puzzle; Assembling the Pieces
Tues, January 17 - Pleasanton
Thurs, January 19 - Garden Grove
Documenting End of Life Decisions: The California Landscape
Wed, January 25 - LIVE Webinar
2-Day ICD-10 Advanced PCS & CM Coding Workshop
Fri, February 10 & Sat, February 11 - Long Beach
PEPPER for the HIM Professional
Wed, February 22 - LIVE Webinar
Health Record Confidentiality & Release of Information
Wed, March 15 -  Ontario
Thurs, March 16 - Sacramento