AHIMA Launches White Paper Series on Meaningful Use
This week AHIMA launches a series of short white papers analyzing the recently released notice of proposed rulemaking on “meaningful use,” the federal incentive program to encourage EHR adoption and use. Each week the series will review the notice and discuss the issues for hospitals and physician practices that decide to apply for these payments. In later weeks the papers will cover AHIMA’s comments on the proposed regulations. The series is available on the AHIMA ARRA Web page and the Journal of AHIMA Web site, where readers can discuss the issues, opportunities, and challenges with each other. The tentative schedule:
- Week 1—Overview of the NPRM and the Meaningful Use Definition
- Week 2—Continuation of the Overview and Meaningful Use Mechanisms
- Week 3—Meaningful Use and Certification
- Week 4—HIT Functionality Measures for Eligible Providers/Hospitals
- Week 5—Clinical Quality Measures for Eligible Providers/Hospitals
- Week 6—Process for Demonstrating Meaningful Use
- Week 7-8—AHIMA Comments on Meaningful Use
Watch for announcements of new papers each week in e-alert. AHIMA has already provided an overview of the notice of proposed rulemaking based on the draft issued on December 30, 2009. This can be found at the AHIMA ARRA Web page.
AHIMA Advantage Goes Digital in 2010
Look for your first digital edition of AHIMA Advantage beginning with the February issue. In 2010, AHIMA Advantage will be offering three digital issues in the months of February, June, and October and three print issues in April, August, and December. The digital editions will come to you much faster via e-mail and offer additional features such as searchability and portability. No software will be needed to access the digital versions and they will be available at your convenience. You will be receiving your first digital edition of AHIM Advantage in February. Please let us know what you think! E-mail us at advantage@ahima.org.
Advocates Sought For 2010 AHIMA Capitol Hill Day
AHIMA’s Capitol Hill Day is an opportunity for members of the 111th Congress to hear directly from HIM professionals who are working to ensure quality healthcare through quality information. This second session of Congress must address HIM issues beyond the coverage of the ARRA stimulus package or healthcare reform. Issues remain to be addressed including HIM and allied health education, privacy and security, red flags rules, and record audits. Who better to inform Congress than HIM professionals working on the front line of change and facing many practical questions that can be resolved in part by members of Congress?
AHIMA members will visit Capitol Hill on March 23, a day after AHIMA holds its Winter Team Talks in Washington, DC. Imagine the impact if every member of Congress received a visit from one or more constituents carrying a message of interest to the HIM profession. Join us and plans to participate early by going to the Hill Day Web site for more information.
Reservations with AHIMA must be made by February 26 to accommodate the Congressional visit appointment process. Hotel reservations should also be made no later than February 19, to obtain a room at the Hilton Washington Hotel. Learn more here. Let’s send a professional message to Congress and move our HIM agenda forward.
