AHIMA Conference Preview

Get Set for the HIM’s Big Event

HIM professionals will gather at the 83rd AHIMA Convention & Exhibit from October 1 to 6 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to learn best practices, get up-to-date on emerging issues, acquire new ideas, and brainstorm with experts and their peers.

A one-stop meeting for those who teach, manage, and regulate health records and data, the event is focused on guiding attendees to reach new heights in health information. The week-long program will deliver critical updates on issues affecting the profession and provide enriching networking experiences.

HIM professionals attending the convention will receive a comprehensive overview of current and emerging trends in HIM as well as access to tools that will help them learn and implement some of the most important changes in the history of the profession. Educational tracks include ICD-10, EHRs, health information exchange/return on investment, HITECH, workforce management, clinical documentation improvement, leadership, physician practice, meaningful use, revenue audit contractors, privacy, security, and compliance.

More than 200 exhibitors will be present to provide hands-on demonstrations and interaction with software, technology, and process solutions designed to improve workflow efficiencies. Attendees will also gain inspiration and motivation from keynote speakers, including the following:

• Steven M. R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust;
• Gail Collins, first female editor of the New York Times’ editorial page and New York Times syndicated opinion columnist and blogger; and
• Apolo Anton Ohno, eight-time Olympic speed skating medalist and Dancing With the Stars champion.

In addition, numerous pre- and postconvention activities and workshops held at the venue will allow attendees the opportunity to get up-to-date on numerous changes within the industry in just one week.

The Clinical Coding Community Meeting, which immediately precedes the convention on October 1 and 2, is a must-attend event for new and experienced coders. Held for the first time jointly with the American College of Medical Coding Specialists (ACMCS), the meeting focuses on policy and coding updates. Featured topics include ICD-10 preparation, managing outpatient discharged not final billed, and compliance. A special ACMCS educational track will provide additional content of specific interest to physician-based coding professionals.

Also on October 1 and 2, the Privacy and Security Institute is an intensive session presenting practical knowledge, application, and information analysis. Attendees will elevate their skills, gain insights, and learn how to tackle and overcome the compliance monitoring and risk assessment challenges facing privacy and security professionals.

For more information, visit www.ahima.org/convention.