Keystoner

Inside This Issue

PHIMA President's Address PHIMA Executive Office Highlights Governor Rendell Declares HIT Week PHIMA Distinguished Member Award PHIMA Student Scholarship Would You Like to Serve? House of Delegates

2007 Annual Convention 2007 Race Award Pennsylvania eHealth Initiative Gold Corporate Sponsor Spotlight CPHIMA Regional Report NEPHIMA Quarterly Meeting Update WPHIMA Regional Report

PHIMA President's Address

Submitted by Paula Lawlor, President, PHIMA

I am so thrilled to report to you that our planning committee for AHIMA did a spectacular job! Fran Giles and the rest of the committee worked incredible hours and did our state proud. Thanks to all of you who volunteered. Some of you may not know this, but we had many volunteers from our surrounding states. We made calls to our colleagues and requested their support. I was so proud of our state and our performance at AHIMA!

Now I would like to tell you about my experience in providing the Welcome opening address at the Opening General session. I started preparing for my duties as the President of the hosting state several months prior to the convention. I attended committee meetings, was invited to special lunches and dinners where I had to again speak at these events. The most intimidating speech was the General Session Welcome. I wrote my speech that needed to be submitted to AHIMA by September 10. It then needed to be timed and sent to the review committee and PR department of AHIMA. After several revisions with their speech writer, we settled on my 4.2 minute speech. I combined this speech with the ROCKY music and a slide show highlighting our state wonders. I also had a life size standup of Rocky on stage with me. The night before the general session, the PR person for AHIMA and the AHIMA Management team requested that I attend a rehearsal that lasted for over an hour. At this rehearsal I had my own personal coach, working with me on my delivery and presence. I felt like a movie star!! There were teleprompters and an overhead voice. At 8:30am the next morning, the overhead voice began- “WELCOME TO THE 79^TH ANNUAL A-H-I-M-A CONVENTION and now PAULA LAWLOR, PRESIDENT OF P-H-I-M-A”. It was identical to the Emmy’s. It was surreal. Our Executive Director Lorri was in the front of the audience with my husband and daughter. They were great support. For the first time in my life, I was terrified. My entire body shook and I had to change stance position several times because my legs were going numb from the shaking. ALL in ALL- it went extremely well and I did not embarrass PHIMA—Instead OUR performance was highlighted- SO again PHIMA, “we did great”.

In addition to preparing for AHIMA, Lorri and our Board have been very busy. Several of my initiatives this year are in full swing. PHIMA is co-sponsoring a HFMA education session in February on revenue cycle at Seven Springs. We have over 5+PHIMA active members on the PAeHI initiative, we are in the midst of preparing a spectacular annual meeting with education sessions that will add great value to your lives, and we have been keeping up with all the activities that are within AHIMA and PHIMA.

On a sad note, many of you may not know that our Past-President, Patty Gerstner is having severe health related issues with her husband. Patty has resigned her duties last month due to her family commitments. The board, as I am sure all of you, is very saddened by this and sends thoughts and prayers to Patty and her family. I am sure Patty would love to hear from all of you and your kind words and support.

Due to this situation, I nominated Andy Thomas-Lloyd to the position for the duration of the year and the Board voted unanimously on this appointment. Congratulations to ANDY.

I could write for another 2 hours on all the activity that we are involved with- but it will suffice to say- Lorri and the Board are working effectively for our membership and planning to take our association to the next level. Take care and have Happy and Health Holidays. I look forward to our next KEYSTONER—and seeing you all in May.

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PHIMA Executive Office Highlights

Submitted by Lorri Luciano, Executive Director

 As summer came to an end and fall approached, PHIMA continued to work on the needs and request of our members.  Here are highlights of a few things we have been working on for our members:

PHIMA Membership Survey

Time is Running Out!! Did you remember to take a few minutes to complete the PHIMA online Membership Survey?  If not, please take just a few minutes (no more than 10 minutes) to answer a few questions (only 20).  It is just a click away - www.phima.org/survey.asp.

 In an effort to become more responsive to the needs of our diverse and growing membership, PHIMA is asking for your participation in our membership survey.   Your responses are strictly voluntary.  The data will be used for planning purposes and will not be sold or given to any other organization or individual for any other defined purpose.    A summary of the membership survey information will be published to members at a future date.  Just for taking the 10 minutes or less to complete our survey, you will be entered to win a $25 American Express Gift Card.  All Membership Surveys must be completed by Friday November 16, 2007 to be eligible for the drawing.

2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting

Are you ready to “Reach for the Stars”?  We hope your calendars are marked for the 2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting on May 5-7, 2008 at The Penn Stater Conference Center.  We have been diligently working to bring information to our members about the 2008 meeting as early as possible.   We wanted to make this year a little different from the past but still offer an exciting program for a great price.  This year the annual meeting will begin on Monday May 5 at 3:00 pm and end on Wednesday May 7 at 12:30 pm for the price of $200 or $13.33 per credit!  You, as an attendee, will have the opportunity to earn 15 CEs, visit more than 50 vendors, participate in a Chinese auction, enjoy a Presidents/Vendor Reception, network with your peers, and a few other exciting new opportunities all while relaxing in a beautiful setting. 

All of the 2008 PHIMA Annual Meeting 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 May2008!

 PHIMA Premiere Membership Update

As of the end of October 2007, there are 480 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 in mid-October.  

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.

Educational

Our members have asked for Education and that is what we have been working on these last couple of months.  I am pleased to announce we have an educational session planned for our members every month from now until our annual meeting in May 2008.  All of these sessions will be an audio conference enabling you to earn CEs while not missing any time off of work.  We have sessions for management, technical individuals, and long term care.   Take a few minutes to check out the educational calendar by visiting www.phima.org/education_calendar.html.   If you don’t see a topic that is of interested to you, please send us an email with some recommendations. 

Thank you to Michele Bartholomew, MHMS, RHIA, CCS, Managing Consultant, Pellis consulting, for speaking and Lankenau Hospital and Iron Mountain for providing a location for two all day CCS Preparation Readiness Workshop in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to 85 individuals.  Everyone in attendance was appreciative of this opportunity.

We are always looking for feedback and comments from our members on any suggestions for educational sessions and /or idea on what PHIMA can do for our membership.  Please feel free to contact us at lluciano@phima.org. 

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Governor Rendell Declares HIT Week

Click here to read the proclamation

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PHIMA Distinguished Member Award

Submitted by Dee Lang, RHIT, 2^nd Year Director


It is that time of the year again!  Yes, a time to start thinking about an outstanding PHIMA member that has tirelessly provided loyal service to the Association as well as made noteworthy contributions to our profession.  The Distinguished Member Award is the highest honor that our association bestows.  This award is a reflection of PHIMA’s appreciation and recognition of such contributions.

 
We have made the nomination process easier with online applications now available at the following link: www.phima.org/aboutphima_distinguishedmember.html

Here, you will find the list of documents that need completed when nominating a candidate.

If you prefer the old-fashioned way, you can send the nomination form and documents to Dee Lang at 282 Old Airport Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 by no later than December 1, 2007.

Please, if you know a PHIMA member that has achieved significant accomplishments, introduce them to us by nominating them for this award!!

Warmest Regards,
Dee

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PHIMA Student Scholarship

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

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 these scholarships as well as scholarship applications will be sent to all accredited HIM /HIT Programs in Pennsylvania.  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.

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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Would You Like to Serve?

PHIMA is still accepting candidates for the ballot for 2008-09.  The Board openings are as follows:

•  President Elect

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Director

• Delegate and (1) Alternate

The deadline for candidate submission is December 4, 2007.  If you or anyone you know may be interested, please contact Carole Gammarino, RHIT, Nominating Chair,
cgammarino@verizon.net

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House of Delegates

Submitted by:  Andrea Thomas-Lloyd, Delegate

On Sunday, October 7, 2007 the AHIMA House of Delegates (HOD) met in Philadelphia just prior to the kick-off of the 2007 AHIMA Annual Convention and Exhibit.  PHIMA was represented by the following:

            President:                                 Paula Lawlor

            President-elect:                         Eve Ellen Mandler

            Second Year Delegates:            Michele Bartholomew and Andrea Thomas-Lloyd

            First Year Delegate:                  Joyce Garozzo

 Three resolutions were reviewed, discussed, and ultimately passed.   

1. “Proposed Resolution for e-HIM Professional Standards”

2. “Quality Data and Documentation in the EHR”

3. “Ensuring the Future of the HIM Profession through Vision 2016:  A Blueprint for Quality Education in Health Information Management” 

Delegates had the opportunity to participate in three of five issue forums.  As a result of these sessions, a summary of feedback was developed and presented at the HOD in the afternoon.  These discussion sessions addressed the topics listed below.  Summaries of the feedback sessions are located on the AHIMA State Leaders and HOD Communities of Practice (CoP).  This CoP is open to any AHIMA member. 

HOD Structure and Operations

Vision 2016: A Blueprint for Quality Education in HIM

Accreditation and Certification Governance

Certification Program Development

HIM Global Trends

Just prior to the face-to-face HOD in Philadelphia, your delegates were responsible to electronically review, discuss, and vote upon two resolutions:   Proposed Resolution on Diversity (passed with 79% affirmative votes) and the Proposed Resolution on the PHR (passed with 91% affirmative votes). 

In the recent past, the House of Delegates was an annual event where elected constituents from across the AHIMA membership came together, discussed topics, and voted on business.  In our electronic age, business is conducted ongoing, as needed, and primarily communicated through the State Leaders and HOD CoP, AHIMA and PHIMA sponsored e-alerts and e-mail, and discussion forums and threads on our PA CoP. 

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2007 Annual Convention

Submitted by Fran Guiles, RHIA, CTR
Secretary, PHIMA and Co-Chair, AHIMA Planning Committee

Well, the “Event of the Year” has come and gone.   It seems like only yesterday when I wrote my article asking for volunteers for the AHIMA National Meeting.  You, the membership picked up on the request and responded.   We were not only successful in recruiting PHIMA members, but were able to gather volunteers from other State Organizations such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland to name a few.  Many volunteers also came from our Local PHIMA Organizations.    Sheila Green-Shook, Director of HIM in Kirkland, Washington was instrumental in gathering many “Students” from a school in Tennessee. There were “student volunteers” from Community College Philadelphia, Temple University, Gwynedd Mercy College, and DeVry University.    

Paula Lawlor, PHIMA President, stated during her welcome to the 79^th Annual AHIMA Convention at the General Session that 280 volunteers (they/you) were instrumental in making the AHIMA convention a successful event.    “MANY THANKS TO ALL”!!!!!

The volunteer interaction with AHIMA during the first couple of Pre-Convention Days was a bit disjointed.  I apologize to those whose sacrifice was put on the back burner.     Quickly the waves were calmed and our volunteer efforts were smoothly coordinated with the whole convention process.        

Our volunteers were given a Welcome Bag when they arrived for their assignment.  Every volunteer wore a red shirt, with a white liberty bell and PHIMA spelled out in blue.   

We looked great!!!    The shirts were a big hit because we had some folks asking if they could purchase them.   We would like to thank Iron Mountain for providing the bags to PHIMA for the volunteers. 

PHIMA volunteers had many assignments such as covering the registration area both at the Marriott and Convention Center.  They were greeters and ticket takers for various luncheons, breakfasts, award ceremonies, and the huge welcome reception on Sunday evening to kick off the convention.  They distributed “AHIMA Today” outside the general sessions on all three days.  Volunteers were asked to hand out our materials for track sessions and to assist with the “Fore Not So Silent Auction” set up, and then a few days later with breakdown of the auction set up.   We had volunteers stationed at the Internet Café to help attendees with their CE forms, session handouts, and general questions. 

On Sunday afternoon, PHIMA Executive Board Members assisted with distributing gifts to the House of Delegates -  “Philly Pretzels and Mustard”!!!!  They were delicious, and the scent of the pretzels was awesome.    On Tuesday evening our “student volunteers” helped at the President’s Premiere Celebration at the National Constitution Center.   

The PHIMA team also worked on the project of our Hospitality Booth, it was a lot of fun and an enormous success.   Our booth was open during the convention from 7:30am to around 5:45pm.  We had a “Rocky” full size live poster, candy for all who stopped by, and prize giveaways every hour Monday-Wednesday.   The booth was also well stocked with brochures and maps of the city.  There were approximately 5,000 folks who attended the AHIMA convention, and it seemed like more that half of them came to our booth for directions, recommendations on where to dine, and just to chat.   Oh, and yes, to get a photo with our star guest Sylvester Stallone,  “ROCKY”.    A great many of our volunteers helped with this activity.  

In addition to all of the above, AHIMA gave us the option to run a campaign to contact area high school and community college counselors to invite them to a special two-hour presentation at the convention.   Christine Staropoli, HIM Program Director, Gwynedd Mercy College, and Dasantila Sherifi, HIT Program Chair, DeVry University, were instrumental in this venture.   Invitations and counselor packets were mailed to counselors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  I would like to take the opportunity to thank Siemens for their donation of postage for the mailing.  

The day of the event was Wednesday and Chris and Tila greeted the counselors.  They were introduced to Claire Dixon-Lee, Vice President of Education, AHIMA and Executive Director of CAHIM, who briefed them on careers in HIM and escorted them on a tour through the vendor hall where they gained a feel for the profession, The counselors were in awe of the grandeur and it really left quite an impression.   Lunch at the “Hard Rock Café” was sponsored by Gwynedd Mercy College.  In attendance were the (4) counselors from area high schools (2) from Plymouth Whitemarsh, Charles Carroll High School in North Philadelphia and Council Rock High School – Warminster.  Patt Peterson, Director of Education, AHIMA joined us at lunch and representatives from PHIMA, Community College Philadelphia, Gwynedd Mercy College and DeVry University.   After lunch Patt Peterson gave her presentation to the counselors “Discover the HIM Profession”, a walk through the AHIMA web page, and talked at more length about careers in HIM.  All in all this was a positive initiative and Chris and Tila have been invited to future local and state counselor meetings to talk about the HIM profession.   Chris commented that this was a “positive journey”.  

I would like to thank Paula Lawlor for considering me to be one of the leaders, along with Lorri Luciano, PHIMA Executive Director, in this endeavor.   Thanks to the entire PHIMA Board for their support and contribution to volunteerism for this event, and thanks to the AHIMA Planning Committee for their many hours of work.   

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2007 Race Award

PHIMA along with Central Pennsylvania has been recognized with an honorable mention in three categories for the 2007 Roundtable Achievement in Coding Excellence (RACE) Award at the AHIMA National Convention in Philadelphia.  These categories are: AHIMA Coding Roundtable Coordinator Recognition for Excellence, AHIMA CSA Recognition for Coding Leadership and CSA Team Recognition for Coding Roundtable Factitive.

Pennsylvania has always been committed to quality coding and providing educational opportunities for our members.  PHIMA offered four (4) audio conference or 4 CEs pertaining to coding and the regional associations offered an additional 14 CEs.  At our 2006 PHIMA Annual Meeting held in May 2006, we had a Coding Track offering 8 CEs.  Along with the opportunity to earn CEs with audio conference and the Coding Track at the Annual Meeting, we offer two online coding educational presentations on the PHIMA website.   We are also supportive of the CCS credential, and although we were unable to host a preparatory session during 2006 – 2007, we have two scheduled for October 2007. 

We would like to thank our previous Coding Roundtable Chair, Laurine Johnson.  She has been very active on the CoP by not only offering answers to the many coding questions that make their way out there, but also posting questions of her own to spark investigation and opinions from the many active AHIMA coders.    PHIMA has had a long standing commitment to data quality which is achieved in large part to coding quality.  This has been proven to still be strong over the years.

Congratulations to the Coding Roundtable Committee and the Coder within PHIMA. 

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Pennsylvania eHealth Initiative

Submitted by Eve-Ellen Mandler, RHIA, MS, CCS, President Elect

PHIMA has taken the opportunity to become a key player in the Pennsylvania eHealth Initiative, with 240 participants and 160 healthcare organizations in Pennsylvania. We have joined as a Charter member. This coalition is to bring together Pennsylvania Healthcare and Business stakeholders to develop a vision and plan for the future of Health Information Technology.

PHIMA Representatives will be members of all the Committees of the eHealth Initiative. Our first meeting is October 24, 2007, in Harrisburg.

Dee Lang- Business Analysis and Technology Committee-statewide Interoperability standards to be consistent with National Standards. Identify and promote best practices for protecting the privacy of health information.

Paula Lawlor- Communication and Education Committee-Educate stakeholders about the benefits of utilizing HIT and HIE to provide safer, quality care. Become a statewide resource.

Andrea Thomas-Lloyd and Suzanne Weaver-Policy Committee-Serve as a resource for best practices for data security, data use agreements, privacy and confidentiality that can be applied to PA HIE’s. Address MPI methodology.

Eve-Ellen Mandler-Membership Committee- Coordinate all Membership functions including recruitment, database maintenance, etc.

Trevor Scnupp-Local HIE Special Interest Group-Harmonize state and local initiatives for the sharing of health information; Identify and evaluate common challenges confronting local HIE’s.

Ron Lawlor-Finance Committee-To provide strategic oversight and direction relating to the Initiative’s fiscal matters. Secure funding for the initiative and sponsored project, Create budget.

PHIMA thanks all of the members who have agreed to represent us on this all important group representing the electronic exchange of health information in Pennsylvania.

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Gold Corporate Sponsor Spotlight

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CPHIMA Regional Report

Submitted by Jennifer Zimmerman, RHIA
Public Relations Chairperson

CPHIMA held its annual coding education session on September 21^st at the Brethren Home in New Oxford. The featured speaker was Deborah Hale, CCS, President of Administrative Consultant Service, LLC, (ACS) a Certified Coding Specialist with twenty five years of experience. 

Topics covered included: Understanding Coding and DRG/MS-DRG Methodology, Challenges Facing the Hospital Industry under MS-DRGs, and Fiscal Year 2008 Coding Changes. 

Upcoming Events: CPHIMA has education sessions slated for the following dates; December 14, 2007 – Hotel Hershey, March 14, 2008, June 13, 2008 and September 19, 2008.  Our next Coding Roundtable will be held on November 14, 2007 at the Lancaster General Health Campus. The subject will cover IV Infusion and Hydration Codes in the Outpatient Setting including 2008 changes.

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 met on September 13, 2007, at Convention Hall in Pittston, PA.  Four and a half continuing education credits were offered to those in attendance.  Paula Lawlor, RHIA, President, PHIMA, presented “What is going on at PHIMA?”  Kathy Fennick, UASI, relayed “ICD-9 2008 Update.”  And Unified Medical Informatics shared insight regarding “Future Electronic Record Requirements.”

The next NEPHIMA meeting will take place November 15, 2007, at Convention Hall in Pittston, PA.  Topics will include the role of an RNAC, PASRR, and long term care.

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WPHIMA Regional Report

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