AHIMA Conference News

AHIMA Adapts With Aplomb

By Lee DeOrio

Only days ago, AHIMA wrapped up what could be reasonably called its most unique annual conference ever. Instead of a crowded exhibit hall, chatrooms were filled with attendees who wanted to share stories. In fact, the ability to communicate as presenters were, well, presenting was a neat feature that offered insight as well as a bit of humor. It even afforded presenters who taped their session the chance to “mingle” while speaking.

If someone were to take a crack at describing the conference’s theme, their thought process could very well land on “data accuracy.” No matter whether it’s coding, documentation, or patient identifiers, accurate medical records hold great power in the quest to provide quality patient care. Perhaps nothing exemplifies this overarching emphasis than the inclusion of a session titled “Making Data Accuracy Fun.” Amy Richardson of Haugen Consulting Group spoke about her efforts to get an organization to overcome the dread of all-day webinars to actually enjoy the process of making data more accurate.

In a similar vein, President/Chair-Elect Katherine Lusk, MHSM, RHIA, FAHIMA, called the health information profession “a banker for health data.” In this role, health information professionals must translate the data into formats that can be useful to specific parties. Lusk urged the adoption of a naming policy that “allows us to collect the necessary information to bridge the gap of patient mismatches.”

It’s safe to assume that attendees missed the interaction with their colleagues and the opportunity to connect face to face and chat in a casual atmosphere. Nevertheless, the education aspect of the conference remained on target.

— Lee DeOrio is editor of For The Record.