Author: Martin, Melissa

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2016

Since I am halfway through my term as AHIMA’s President, I wanted to take some time this month to reflect on the work AHIMA’s Board of Directors has done thus far.


We hit the ground running in January at our first board meeting of the year, where we discussed our 2016 quar....

Author: Martin, Melissa

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2016

October is upon us, and with that comes our annual AHIMA Convention and Exhibit. This is a time when we are inspired to learn about the most transformative topics in health information management (HIM) as well as the healthcare industry.


Over this past year we have seen our....

Author: Martin, Melissa

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 2016

At West Virginia University Medicine, we have eight hospitals, three institutes, and more than 800 physicians and specialists all moving onto a common electronic health record (EHR) over the course of 18 to 24 months. As part of this process, my role has changed to the associate vice pres....

Author: Martin, Melissa

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 2016

Privacy and security has been one of the most interesting aspects of my job. I often tell folks the role of privacy comes very easily to HIM professionals because we were the “Confidentiality Police” long before the title “Privacy Officer” was widely accepted. Prior to HIPAA, HIM professi....

Author: Marting, Richelle; DeMasters, Dana

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2017

Despite its codification under the administrative simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), those responsible for compliance often agree HIPAA is anything but administratively simple. Even the plethora of resources offering HIPAA guidance....

Author: Martin, Ginny

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: April 2008

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) surprised the coding world last year when it changed its 22-year-old reimbursement system to the severity-adjusted MS-DRG system. HIM departments anticipated the system would have a significant impact on operations—increasing demands f....

Author: Martin, Elaine Russo

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: September 1998

Growing consumer interest in health-related information has created a need for professionals to manage, provide, and interpret such material. In preparing for the new demands of the market, HIM professionals can learn from the example of medical librarians, who are already ....

Author: Marsh, Carmilla

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2002

Release of information is a perennial challenge for HIM professionals in all care settings. However, long-term care offers some special challenges, especially in the light of the HIPAA privacy rule published in December 2000 (with a compliance date of April 2003). This article reviews the basi....

Author: Marshall, Glen F

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2009

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains clear requirements for actively using healthcare IT standards. But where do standards come from? And how can IT implementers and users contribute to the st....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA - website

Publication Date: November 07, 2016

While the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Final Rule was released nearly three weeks ago, many providers and health information management professionals are still analyzing the 2,200-plus pages to diagnose just what it says and how it impacts healthcare. While the fina....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2017

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is widely viewed as one of the most significant and complex changes to Part B Medicare reimbursement in several decades. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the Quality Payment Program (QPP) that incl....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2017

Many healthcare practices are assessing their return on investment for engaging resources designed to improve performance under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program. One area of MIPS, the additional positive payment....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2018

By Michael Marron-Stearns, MD, CPC, CFPC


Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2018 and was updated on October 24, 2018 to present the latest information on MACRA.


The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Qu....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA - website

Publication Date: June 02, 2016

On April 27, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule titled “Medicare Program; Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentive under the Physician Fee Schedule, and Criteria for Physician-Focused Payment....

Author: Marron-Stearns, Michael

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2019

By Michael Marron-Stearns, MD, CPC, CFPC


On November 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.1 This document includes policy information for the third performance year of the CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP).....

Author: Marienau, Catherine; Fiddler, Morry

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 1997

Career development includes various elements, such as capitalizing on preferences, gaining competencies, deepening knowledge, pursuing opportunities, and exercising patience -- all of which lead to experiences that can form a wellspring for advancing careers and professional identity. If we d....

Author: Marchibroda, Janet; Gerber, Ticia

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2003

What forces have propelled the need for a national health information infrastructure (NHII) into the spotlight? In the article, take a closer look at the origins of the NHII, the benefits it will yield, and the initiatives providing the strongest support.
The healthcare system in the US h....

Author: Marc, David; Robertson, Janet; Gordon, Leslie; Green-Lawson, Zakevia D; Gibbs, David; Dover, Kayce; Dougherty, Michelle

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 2017

In 2015 a workforce study was conducted using a survey instrument to define how health information management (HIM) is shifting to meet future needs and what knowledge, skills, education, and credentials will be necessary to perform successfully as an HIM practitioner.1 This study discover....

Author: Manning, Susan C.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 2000

Voluntarily developed and implemented compliance programs for the healthcare industry are the continual goal of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services. The OIG recognizes that when a healthcare provider establishes an effective compliance plan....

Author: Manning, Susan C.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 1998

The development and implementation of compliance programs offer HIM professionals perfect opportunities to provide leadership and expertise. HIM professionals should be involved in these processes because the documentation of patient services is an essential part of the investigation and enfo....

Author: Manning, Susan C.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 1999

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues in its efforts to promote voluntarily developed and implemented compliance programs for the healthcare industry. Fundamentally, compliance efforts must be designed to establish a culture th....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: August 2008

Managing patient records has become more complex for medical practices. Electronic health records, quality reporting, and coding and documentation compliance all affect how a practice manages its patient information.


While improved information holds great promise for patient c....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2008

In early April, 170 HIM professionals gathered in Washington, DC, for AHIMA’s annual Capitol Hill Day, a wonderful opportunity to interact with elected officials and discuss key legislative issues.

For those who did not have the opportunity to participate this year, here are sa....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 2008

By now I hope everyone has heard or seen an “It’s HI Time America” radio spot or public service announcement. This FORE-sponsored public service campaign was launched January 28 and will continue rolling out across the country throughout the first half of 2008.

The....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2008

We have heard EHR experts encourage HIM professionals to “get a seat at the table.” No one can argue that HIM expertise benefits discussions on implementing a new imaging system, defining the legal electronic record, or starting a health information exchange. But exactly how can we....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2008

With 2008 drawing to a close, and with it the end of my term as AHIMA president, I want to reflect on what it means to be really engaged in one’s profession. Each of us has busy and fulfilling professional lives. We give 100 percent to our employers each and every day, and our....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: September 2008

I recently had the privilege of hearing retired UPS chairman and CEO Michael Eskew speak at a chamber of commerce dinner in my hometown of Vincennes, IN. A native of Vincennes, Eskew graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and completed the Adv....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2008

Several speakers at AHIMA’s 79th Convention and Exhibit this past October gave me cause to reflect on the HIM professional’s role in the year ahead. Robert Kolodner, MD, head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, asked the audience to &ldq....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2008

We have much to celebrate as 2008 begins to wind down. AHIMA has achieved several milestones.

First and foremost, this year marks AHIMA’s 80th anniversary. The association’s mission is as relevant today as it was eight decades ago: advancing the vision of quality health i....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2008

This January, AHIMA’s Board of Directors, along with representatives from the FORE Board, held a strategic work session to explore the meaning and relevance of AHIMA’s mission, vision, key priorities, and strategies.

We looked at “drivers of change” and discu....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2008

An important focus for AHIMA’s Board of Directors is setting the future course for the association. In the spring, we engaged members in this important work at Team Talks.

This year’s Team Talks participants discussed four important drivers of change that must be a focus....

Author: Mangin, Wendy L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 2008

When you work at a community hospital with 240 beds, you quickly learn who the go-to people are who can help your department reach its goals. For me, this person is Chuck Christian, director of information systems at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Over the years, Chuck and I have worked on....

Author: Manger, Barbara J.; Kirk, Kathleen M

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: August 2013

Educators are facing challenging times in placing students in professional practice experience sites (PPE). These challenges are brought on by changes in the health industry work settings and demands, as well as the change in student demographics and personal commitments. Faculty in the he....

Author: Manger, Barbara J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2003

Climbing the career ladder is a sign of success. Many new HIM professionals begin their employment on one of the bottom rungs in a non-supervisory position while attending school or immediately after graduation. These positions give new graduates an advantage when a supervisory position in the....

Author: Mancilla, Desla; Guyton-Ringbloom, Carolyn; Dougherty, Michelle

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2015

Jobs in the health information management (HIM) profession are becoming increasingly advanced in the need for both technical expertise and leadership skills. This shift is particularly important to recognize as HIM professionals navigate new career opportunities and changes ahead. Strong l....

Author: Malone, Sue M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 1997

Author: Malone, Sue M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2008

From 2006 to 2007, the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC), the quality improvement organization (QIO) for Colorado, led a project to reduce the outpatient billed as inpatient billing error rate in five area hospitals. This article discusses the findings from the project, as well as be....

Author: Malone, Sue M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: March 2009

Coders often believe that jaundice in newborns is expected, minor, and not of much concern. In general, they tend to add the unspecified fetal and neonatal jaundice code 774.6, when they code it at all. Additionally, documentation of hyperbilirubinemia is not always accurate. This article advo....

Author: Malone, Molly

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 2003

One of the most challenging aspects of a transcription program can be working with vendors. In the final installment of the Journal’s four-part series on transcription, learn how to lay the foundation for a strong, enduring relationship with your transcription vendor.
In the first in....

Author: Mallett, Sherri; Smith, Gail I.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 1999

This year brought with it 686 changes to CPT. While this is a moderate number in comparison to previous years, several of the changes have significant impact on code assignment. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the areas of significant change. (See "1999 CPT Revisions" in t....

Author: Malepati, Sarath; Kushner, Kathryn; Lee, Jason S.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2007

The key to fostering successful data-sharing networks is understanding the benefits and costs from each participant’s perspective.
Creating regional health data exchange networks is not easy, and organizations want to know the benefits before they get involved. Unders....

Author: Maki, Shirley Eichenwald

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2009

Seventy-five years ago—in 1934—the first Masters golf championship was played in Augusta, GA; the first Donald Duck cartoon was released (“The Wise Little Hen”); the first x-ray photo of the entire body was performed in Rochester, NY; and Sister Patricia Thibadeau recei....

Author: Majerowicz, Anita; Tracy, Susan

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: May 2010

Traditionally, healthcare has been provided in the physician’s office, hospital, or outpatient clinic. Patient care has been based primarily on face-to-face contact, with the exchange of information via conversation.

However, technology is changing how and where care is delivered. M....

Author: Majerowicz, Anita

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2009

Changes to CPT codes for 2009 include 293 additions, 133 revisions, and 92 deletions. This article highlights some of the more notable changes; a comprehensive list can be found in appendix B of the 2009 CPT code manual. The changes took effect January 1.

E/M Codes


Nu....

Author: Majerowicz, Anita

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: April 2011

Although the ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation deadline is two and a half years away, it is not too early to begin planning coder training. Solid training plans will ensure a smooth transition and minimize the transition's impact on productivity. A well-planned training strategy will ensure that co....

Author: Maimone, Carol

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2016

Physician queries have historically been an effective communication tool used by health information management (HIM) coding professionals to clarify documentation in the health record for accurate code assignment. The goal for any coding professional is to have all final coded diagnoses an....

Author: Maimone, Carol

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2015

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule providing required adjustments to the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) and the Medicare ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment system for calendar year (CY) 2015 on October 31, 2014.....

Author: Mahoney, Robert J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2005

A major frustration among coding professionals, particularly in the inpatient setting, is the difficulty in translating physician documentation into diagnostic related group (DRG) data. Some hospitals have attempted to improve their coding effectiveness by establishing time-consuming physician....

Author: Mahoney, Robert J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: March 2005

Last issue’s article presented some ways that DRG criteria redefine well-established clinical entities such as respiratory failure and sepsis. This article will discuss two other incompatibilities between DRG criteria and clinical practice: the clinical distinctions required by the DRG s....

Author: Mahoney, Mary Ellen

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2003

How can a software development company make sure its HIM products meet the needs of its users? By using HIM professionals to design, test, market, implement, and support those products. At Cerner Corporation, experienced HIM professionals play a role in every step of the software development p....

Author: Mahoney, Mary Ellen

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 1997

Document imaging and workflow systems: vendor benchmark data

Author: Mahoney, Mary Ellen

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 1997

What Is Document Imaging Technology?
Document imaging systems (DIS) are information systems that typically capture information stored on paper documents and provide immediate, simultaneous access to the information contained in the patient or business record. Data stored on paper document....

Author: MacKenzie, Scott

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2003

Coders are enjoying a growing importance in the healthcare industry, thanks to increased demand for services and increasingly complex regulations. AHIMA’s own work force research finds a healthy job market and salaries shaped by credentials and education. Learn more about your coding pee....

Author: MacDonald, Ellen

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 1999

Now more than ever, HIM professionals must ensure that documentation of health information is thorough, clear, and accurate. Here are some strategies to solve problems and improve processes.

Health information managers and coding professionals have always played a vital role in adv....

Author: Maccariella-Hafey, Patricia C

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2019

By Patricia Maccariella-Hafey, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P, CIRCC


Calendar year (CY) 2019 brings robust changes to the CPT code set with 212 new codes, 73 deleted codes, and 50 revised codes. That puts the total number of CPT codes at an all-time high of 10,294. This article will highl....

Author: Luthi-Terry, Stephanie

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2013

Healthcare system Allina Health is leveraging their groundbreaking electronic health record system to revamp the health information management (HIM) department and its various functions. The goal is to make HIM more effective and efficient in the digital age, which they are accomplishing i....

Author: Lusk, Katherine; Manahan, Jennifer

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2017

THERE ARE SEVEN billion people in the world, with more than three billion using the Internet. And of the North American population of 565 million, 320 million are using the Internet. There are also 6.8 billion cellphone subscriptions across the world, with two-thirds of Americans owning a....

Author: Lusk, Katherine; Hermann, Michelle; Meehan, Ann M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2017

Editor’s Note: This article is the tenth installment in an ongoing series highlighting information governance case studies.


A key component of an organization-wide information governance (IG) program is ensuring that all staff is educated on the scope and goals of the IG prog....

Author: Lusk, Katherine

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2015

With the October 1, 2014 date for prospective payment for inpatient pediatric Medicaid discharges looming, Children’s Health System of Texas identified an organizational need to reboot and formalize its clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program. The journey began with three co....

Author: Lusk, Katherine

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2015

For many years, health information management (HIM) professionals have been responsible for locating a complete patient record in a timely manner to provide a solid foundation for clinical decision making. When one healthcare system started noticing a high rate of duplicate records in thei....

Author: Luckhaupt, Sara E; Calvert, Geoffrey; Sweeney, Marie H

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2011

Recording patient work history is vital to identifying work-related injuries and illnesses. As electronic health records become widespread, this is an important time to ensure occupational health data elements are included in EHR standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1....

Author: Lucci, Susan; Walsh, Tom

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2015

One of the most alarming statistics in the news, which is growing with intent and severity, is the prevalence of cyber-attacks, particularly in healthcare. It is an alarming trend that has gained a good deal of attention. For example, in July 2015, UCLA reported that up to 4.5 million pati....

Author: Lucas, Thomas A; Carlson, April M

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2017

Healthcare organizations often must provide nonemployees with access to their electronic health records (EHRs) for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. A wide range of nonemployees may need this access.


Some may work under the organization’s direct control, su....

Author: Lo, Wil

Source: Journal of AHIMA - website

Publication Date: July 2014

A companion piece to Lo’s article in the July 2014 issue of Journal of AHIMA discusses documentation issues from the coders’ perspective. Coders face a formidable task, navigating charts and linking documentation with coding guidelines and conventions.

Author: Lo, Wil

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2014

Many HIM professionals, especially clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program participants, wonder why it can be so difficult for physicians to provide timely, reliable, precise, consistent, clear, and complete documentation in patients’ charts. It seems logical that time spent on p....

Author: Lower, Christi L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 2019

How the New HIM Curricula Will Change Education, Future Employees


By Christi Lower, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA


The health information management (HIM) professional’s career pathway has changed as technology continues to impact providers’ ability to acquire, harness, and harvest he....

Author: Lower, Christi L

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 2019

How the New HIM Curricula Will Change Education, Future Employees


By Christi Lower, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA


The health information management (HIM) professional’s career pathway has changed as technology continues to impact providers’ ability to acquire, harness, and harvest he....

Author: Loveland, Martha; Sims-Perry, Nanette

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2000

For Alacare, a home health agency based in Birmingham, AL, the keys to developing and implementing a compliance plan were edrucation and communication. Three years after the plan's introduction, managers find that continued followup is also an important element. First Steps Forward

....

Author: Love, Denise

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2001

Statewide data systems are the mainstay of many state and federal data systems and of many quality assessment, research, and policy initiatives. The author gives an overview of the different kinds of systems available and looks at opportunities for growth in the future, as well as for....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.; Rhodes, Harry B.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: September 1998

When an insurance claim or treatment authorization is denied, where can patients turn? More frequently they are turning to patient advocates who understand the information contained in their claims and medical records. Here's a look at some opportunities for HIM professio....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 1998

In April 1997, AHIMA's Board of Directors authorized staff to initiate an Association-sponsored benchmark/ best practices research program. The goal was to establish a source of practical, comparative information AHIMA members could use in benchmarking day-to-day practice.
....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 1999

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has instituted compliance guidelines for medical laboratories, hospitals, and home healthcare agencies. Within this framework, these guidelines provide at least some compliance direction for individual providers and group practices ....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 1998

Through the application of some basic statistical techniques, HIM professionals can assist in healthcare benchmarking and management at the organizational level. The author offers an example of how one hospital used data analysis to make decisions that promoted better patient care.....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 1998

In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, HIM professionals are well advised to stay abreast of industry trends. The author identifies 11 trends that are likely to influence both the strategic and operational aspects of health information management.
Observers of the heal....

Author: Lorence, Daniel P.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 1999

Previous issues of the Journal of AHIMA, along with other health information publications, have featured examples of benchmarking and best practices, describing how healthcare organizations use the process of benchmarking to identify the "best in class" achievements for a given organ....