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Inside This Issue

PHIMA President's Address PHIMA Executive Office Highlights 2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting PHIMA Scholarship and Exam Reimbursement 2008 PHIMA Board of Director Elections CPHIMA Regional Report

NEPHIMA Regional Report SePHIMA Regional Report WPHIMA Regional Report Gold Corporate Sponsorship Highlight –    Iron Mountain Gold Corporate Sponsorship Highlight –    Alpha Systems

PHIMA President's Address

Submitted by Paula Lawlor
President, PHIMA

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PHIMA Executive Office Highlights

Submitted by Lorri Luciano, RHIA
Executive Director

PHIMA Membership Survey Update

Congratulations to Nancy Soso in winning the $25 American Express Card for completing the PHIMA Membership Survey during October and November 2007.    Thank you to Nancy and the other 327 members who took the time out of their busy schedule to complete this survey.  PHIMA will now be able to provide valuable information to our members as well as meet more of our members needs from this data.  A summary of the membership survey information will be published to members in the spring of 2008. 

PHIMA Premiere Membership Update

As of the January 1, 2008, there are 502 PHIMA Premiere Members.  PHIMA would like to thank all those individuals who made the extra commitment to Pennsylvania.  As a Premiere Member you should have received a personalized email reminding you of your Premiere Membership benefits along with an electronic PHIMA Premiere Membership Card.   If you still need to renew your membership, you can complete our on-line membership application and pay by visiting www.phima.org/about_membership_07_08.asp.

Education (Online topics and Audio Conferences)

Since July 2007, PHIMA has offered the opportunity to earn at least 1 CE per month by participating in an audio conference or attending an all day workshop.    This provided a PHIMA member with the opportunity to earn 12 CE’s in the last six months.    As we begin 2008, the opportunity to earn additional CE credits will continue.  We have put together several  audio conferences that touch on a range of topics such as Electronic Health Record and Long Term Care just to name a few.   Plus don’t forget the 2008 Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7, 2008 with the opportunity to earn 22 CE’s in 2 ½ days.

PHIMA is pleased to announce the opportunity for our members to earn CE’s utilizing online education.  The new online educational programs include presentations with audio and handouts with online quiz, evaluation, and CE certificate all at your finger tips.  Learn more about this new program and the educational sessions offered by visiting phima.org/education_onlineeducation.html

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2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting – May 5–7, 2008

Submitted by Lorri Luciano, RHIA
Executive Director

Are you ready to “Reach for the Stars”?  This is our theme for the 2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting scheduled for May 5-7, 2008 at The Penn Stater Conference Center.  We are pleased to inform our members the preparation for the 2008 annual meeting is complete and ready for registrations.   This year the annual meeting will begin on Monday May 5 at 9:00 am or 3:00 pm and end Wednesday May 7 at Noon.

When you register for a full registration (it is only $200 for an early bird registration), you will have the opportunity to potentially earn 22 CEs in 2 ½ Days of education.  As in years past we have recruited speakers for the Annual Meeting that are from across the country we believe  will meet all of our members education needs.  These topics include:

• All Day CCS Preparation Readiness Course

• Electronic Health Record topics

• RHIO’s

• Atlas topics

• e-Discovery

• Interventional Cardiovascular and Radiology Coding

• Inpatient PPS

• MS DRG’s

• Trauma Registries

• Privacy

• OPPS/APC 2008

• Department of Health Updates

 Along with these topics, PHIMA is pleased to announce the Pennsylvania Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity will be joining us this year.  This will bring additional topics to our agenda to include Speech Recognition, ASTM Standards, and Quality Assurance in Transcription to name a few.

Besides attending all these awesome educational sessions each attendee will have the opportunity to visit at least 50 vendors, participate in a Chinese auction, enjoy a Presidents/Vendor Reception with dancing, network with your peers, and get a massage, all while relaxing in a beautiful setting.   

Don’t wait any longer to check out the details and register for the 2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting.  All the details, registration, and more can be found on the PHIMA website by visiting - www.phima.org/AnnualMeetingRegistration.htm.  We hope to see each and every one of you in May 2008!

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PHIMA Scholarship and Exam Reimbursement

Submitted by Kathy Arner LPN, RHIT, CCS, CPC, MCS
1^st Year Director 

REMINDER - PHIMA Student Scholarship

Each year PHIMA is proud to be able to present two scholarships to students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the field of health information management.  In October letters announcing those scholarships were sent to all accredited HIM /HIT Programs in Pennsylvania with a reminder sent in Jan. Scholarship applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: 

1. Currently enrolled in an accredited HIM program, HIT program, AHIMA Independent Study Program (PA Residents Only), or graduate program in a field related to Health Information Management;

2. Currently a member of AHIMA and PHIMA, including payment of the PHIMA dues assessment; AND

3. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should:

1. Review the qualifications, instructions and online application by visiting www.phima.org/careercenter_programdirectory_scholarship.html

2. Postmark the application no later than February 15, 2008 and

3. Send the application to: PHIMA 1^st Year Director as listed in the websites that are provided.

RHIA/RHIT Exam Reimbursement

The guidelines for submitting for this reimbursement can be found on PHIMA.org.

We encourage involvement and look forward to receiving many applications.  Please feel free to contact Kathy Arner, 1^st Year Director with any questions or concerns. My contact information can be found on website (www.phima.org/about_executiveboard.html).

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2008 PHIMA Board of Director Elections

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Submitted by: Carole L. Gammarino, RHIT
Nominating Chair

Members, it’s that time of year again, where we get the privilege and honor to choose our next Board of Directors.  This is one of the many benefits we receive by being an active member of PHIMA and AHIMA.  This is your opportunity to support our organization and have your voice heard.  Our board speaks on the behalf of the members on many levels including the National level at AHIMA.  This is your time to participate and make a difference. 

This year for the Board of Directors, we are voting on the following:  President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Director and One Delegate.  Voting will be done online at www.phima.org/vote.html starting February 25, 2008 and will remain open until Friday April 4, 2008.  A paper ballot can be requested from our Executive Director.

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CPHIMA Regional Report

Submitted by Jennifer Zimmerman, RHIA
Public Relations Chairperson

CPHIMA held its annual holiday education session on December 14^th at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey PA. This holiday educational program focused on Electronic Data Exchange.  The following speakers captured our attention; Martin Ciccocioppo, MBA, MHA, Vice President, Research Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania and Board Chairman, eHealth Initiative.  Martin’s presentation “Connecting Pennsylvanians for Better Health and the State of IT in Pennsylvania” started off our morning.  Steven Fox, Pepper Hamilton LLP, Attorneys at Law presented “E-Discovery, The Legal Implications”.  Finally, Kelly Lewis, President and CEO, Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania presented “PA Updates on Health Information Exchange, e-Prescribing, e-Radiology and Hospital Broad Ban Interoperability Projects”. 

These informative presentations were followed by the CPHIMA Business Meeting.  During this meeting the CPHIMA Executive Board presented, for the first time in history, the CPHIMA Distinguished Member Award.  Mary Anne Bacas, CPHIMA Past-President, presented the award to Kay Strigle.  Kay was selected for the award for her long term commitment and dedication to HIM education and the profession.   Kathy Leaman and Linda Massey were also selected by the Executive Board for their efforts in creating and sustaining a successful coding roundtable.  We closed the meeting with lunch in the spectacular Circular Dining Room. Everyone will agree this year’s holiday educational program once again filled us with knowledge, great food and the holiday spirit!

Upcoming Events:

CPHIMA has education sessions slated for the following dates; March 14, 2008 at the Masonic Home in Elizabethtown, PA, June 13, 2008 and September 19, 2008.  We have two upcoming Coding Roundtable sessions.  The first will be held on February 28, 2008 11am-2pm at the Lancaster General Health Campus. The topic will be Ophthalmology, featuring Dr. Catherine Rommel, Manning and Rommel Associates.  The second session will be held on April 2, 2008 11:30am – 2pm at the Lancaster General Health Campus.  The topic will be Billing and its Processes.  Speakers will be Sherry Hess, MBA, RHIA, CCS-P, Senior Project Coordinator, Patient Financial Services at Lancaster General Hospital and Cheri Foreman, MHA, CCS, CPC-H, CPC MT(ASCP), Manager of Patient Financial Services at Lancaster General Hospital. 

Additional information about CPHIMA, our newsletter and registration information for upcoming educational sessions and Coding Roundtable information can be found on our website!  www.cphima.org.

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NEPHIMA Quarterly Meeting Update

Submitted by:  Leslie Dotzel, MBA, CCS, CMT
Public Relations Chair

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association assembled on November 15, 2007, at Convention Hall in Pittston, PA.  The meeting’s theme was long term care.  Four and a half continuing education credits were offered to those in attendance. 

Maria Maletta Hastie, BS, MPA, NHA, shared information regarding options to long term care. The presentation focused on LIFE Geisinger’s commitment to provide quality, comprehensive care while emphasizing autonomy and quality of life.

Margo Magda, RN, CRNAC, spoke on RNAC responsibilities, regulations, and reimbursement.  The importance of accurate assessment, care planning, quality of care, and compensation were highlighted. 

Janet Nebrecki, MS, NHA, State OBRA Coordinator, DPW, reviewed facts pertaining to Preadmission Screening Annual Resident Review (PASARR) requirements.  The processes for regular and target admissions were explored along with MA408 guidelines. 

Leanne Emmerick, RN, NHA, and Laura R. Novakowski, RN, MBA, NHA, presented “ADD Value to Long Term Care”.  Segments included:  Assess long term care ability to optimize the medical record; Design strategies and tools that enhance effectiveness and efficiency; Do what it takes to skillfully measure, monitor, and educate.  Ms. Emmerick is the Director of Nursing at Meadows Skilled Nursing Facility.  Ms. Novakowski is President & Founder of Positive Power Strategies, Inc.

The next NEPHIMA meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2008, at Convention Hall in Pittston, PA.  All are invited to attend.

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SePHIMA Regional Report

Submitted by Cathy A. Flite, M.Ed., RHIA
President, SePHIMA 

Education Session

A full-day educational session was held at the Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia on November 29, 2007. Kathleen A. Frawley, JD,MS spoke about e-Discovery and HIM; Scot Nemchik, CCS,CIC spoke on POA and deciphering the POA initiative in the US; and Lisa Tesno, RHIT,CCS spoke on the MS-DRGS:  Review following the October 1, 2007 implementation. The Education & Arrangements Committee chairs are working on the upcoming March 2008 educational session.

Bylaws

SePHIMA reviewed and updated the Bylaws which were approved at the November 29, 2007 educational meeting.

Technology Committee

A significant Bylaws change includes the creation of a new committee for the technology needs of SePHIMA.  This new committee will be chaired by Jerry Harter.   Jerry Harter has been actively working on the SePHIMA website - www.sephima.org.

Financial Status

SePHIMA’s accountants have performed a compilation for the board and submitted the IRS 2006-2007 taxes on time to the IRS.

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WPHIMA Regional Report

Submitted by Michelle Wieczorek RN RHIT CPHQ CPUR
Publications Chairperson, WPHIMA

Education Update

The CPT-4 coding update seminar was held at St. Clair Hospital on December 7th and was presented by Laurine Johnson, MS RHIA.  This educational offering provided 3 CEU's and was well attended.  As always, WPHIMA offers fantastic educational programming with top-tier speakers at bargain pricing!  Watch the website for information on our March 14th offering on JCAHO Core Measures.  This will be held at the West Penn Hospital.

WPHIMA reminds everyone that The Annual Meeting is set for June 6, 2008 at the Comfort Inn in Penn Hills.  PHIMA members are welcome to attend and take part in the outstanding educational offerings.  Please watch the WPHIMA Website for more information and to register for this dynamic educational session.

Membership Drive In Force

With over 200 involved members, WPHIMA continues to meet it's organizational goals.  Membership Chairperson, Stacy Lucas RHIA is leading the effort to both maintain current and attract new members to the organization via an online and mail membership campaign.   The benefits of membership include discounted educational programming and access to “Off The Record”; the official publication of WPHIMA.  New offerings include access to the online Job Bank and monthly updates via email blast.  We encourage all PHIMA members to check us out at http://www.wphima.org/joinwphima.html for more information about joining and to complete the entire membership process online!

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Gold Corporate Sponsorship Highlight – Iron Mountain

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Gold Corporate Sponsorship Highlight – Alpha Systems


A Case for Electronic Imaging to Support Your Hospital’s EMR Strategy

Alpha Systems offers cost effective solutions to lift the burden of healthcare paperwork and increase efficient hospital workflow. Over the past 30 years, Alpha Systems has developed document imaging software and scanning services second-to-none, with the capacity to streamline and integrate massive amounts of information in electronic and paper form into a simple, accessible online medical record. In fact, Alpha Systems converts more paper and electronic images for Pennsylvania hospitals than any other EDM vendor.

Document scanning and imaging services from Alpha Systems offers instant access to critical healthcare information across existing infrastructures and works seamlessly with clinical information systems. Our software enables you to streamline your chart analysis, e-signature, release of information, and move coding off site for a more efficient HIMS department.  . Alpha Systems’ services are offered at a fixed cost and can be cost justified within the first year of operation, resulting in improvements in the overall efficiency of hospital staff.

Any hospital staff member who requests and works with medical records will benefit from Alpha Systems’ solutions. A complete disaster recovery system, compliant with Joint Commission requirements, is built into our applications, along with security, audit trails, and the data structure required for HIPAA and electronic discovery challenges. Instant access to critical medical records also improves patient care.

With the capacity to handle large-scale document management projects and the ability and experience to meet the most demanding turnaround requirements, Alpha Systems captures and processes 50 million images per month, with software designed for user-friendly functionality and to meet the stringent controls healthcare institutions depend upon. In partnership with each customer, Alpha has developed workflow processes to make critical information available electronically, using software that’s proven, secure and reliable. Programs can be hosted on the hospital’s existing network or remotely through a secure web-based application service provider.

Alpha Systems, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia with a satellite office in Pittsburgh, has become one of the largest document imaging companies in the United States by employing dedicated, conscientious people, by leading the way with technical excellence and by paying attention to details. Our clients experience the value in our rock-solid reputation, earned over many years of world-class service and cost effective solutions.

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