AHDI

Fond Farewell, Dr. Rebecca McSwain

2012-01-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Rebecca McSwain, PhD, CMT will be leaving her post at AHDI. As AHDI's Professional Programs Associate for the past two years, Dr. McSwain has managed and led a variety of AHDI professional programs with integrity and excellence. She's played an integral role in the educational approval, credentialing, and workforce development programs. During her tenure, Dr. McSwain was a lead author of AHDI's recently published RMT and CMT Exam Guides and a variety of articles and quizzes published in Plexus. Please join us with extending our best wishes to Dr. McSwain in all of her future endeavors.

Timeline of Accomplishments - 2011

2012-01-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the engagement of all our volunteers and the work of staff during 2011, AHDI's many accomplishments continue to push this sector to the forefront of key industry stakeholder groups. Despite an unstable economy and the rate of change that's occurring in our sector, we have endured to offer relevant member programs and services. Take a moment to reflect on our 2011 achievements and ponder the possibilities for 2012.

AHDI Webinars

2012-01-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Continue your education by attending these great webinars, or visit our webinar page to see all upcoming webinars.

Vendor Affiliate Highlight

2012-01-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity Visa® Platinum Rewards Card

Support AHDI with every purchase:

*No Annual Fee.

*Low Introductory APR on purchases and no balance transfer fees for 6 months.

*Earn bonus points for FREE airline tickets, merchandise, cash-back and more at participating merchants.

*$50 donation by the bank when you first use the card and ongoing contributions.

*Enhanced Visa Platinum benefits, including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service, 100% Fraud Protection, Auto Rental and Travel Accident Insurance and much more.

Funds from our new Visa program go to benefit the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. Thank you for choosing and using your favorite card.

Click here to sign up!

ACE 2012 Registration Now Open and Payment Plan Option Available!

2012-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

Spark Your Growth at the 2012 Annual Convention and Expo! Registration for this exciting event is now open and payment plans are available. Register for this event today to be one of the first 250 registrants and get our early-bird discount!

Make the most of your ACE 2012 experience by booking your room at the JW Marriott Indianapolis and becoming an ACE VIP! Find out more about the ACE VIP program.

Want to earn a free ACE 2012 full registration? Play "Search ACE 365" and win! Visit www.ACE365.org and click on "ACE Clue Game" in the menu bar to find out how!

Check out Plexus in January

2012-01-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the January edition of Plexus yet? AHDI eligible members can log into the website to view this issue today!

CMT Opportunity: Open Call for Content & Program Experts

2012-01-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

AHDI's leadership will be identifying professional practice roles within the organization over the next several weeks in mission-critical program areas such as education approval, credentialing, and workforce development. As part of this effort, we are seeking experienced candidates who may be interested in exploring opportunities to work with AHDI. Interested candidates should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in clinical documentation, with broad-based multi-specialty acute care expertise; and currently hold a CMT credential. We would be particularly interested to hear from MTs who have transitioned into new roles working with the EHR/EMR, and individuals with experience as a clinical documentation educator or educational program director with advanced clinical content understanding as well as item-writing experience, strong communication and editing skills, and an understanding/experience with industry technologies.

Please note this is an open call for interested candidates and specific staff, contractor, and/or volunteer positions have not yet been determined. Statements of interest and resumes/CVs may be emailed to resume@ahdionline.org.

Advertise Your Events

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Components, don't forget to post your upcoming events, study groups, etc., to the AHDI Events Calendar. Events to be included in the March issue of Plexus need to be posted by January 26.

Membership Tip of the Month

2012-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a resource tool to empower you to be accurate, fast, and compliant? Benchmark KB is a web-based portal that will do just that. As an AHDI Individual Professional, Postgraduate or Sustaining member, you may purchase Benchmark KB at the discounted rate of $174 (that's $25 off!). Corporate and Educational members should contact InterFix, LLC, for information on discounted rates and bulk pricing. Visit the Benchmark KB web page to learn more about this service.

A Word From the Board

2012-01-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

A new year is viewed as a milestone opportunity for all of us. Many people are making decisions and taking steps forward for positive changes and improvements in their lives and careers, eagerly closing the door on the year just past and welcoming the shiny new year as chockfull of potential. As you read these words, you have probably noticed that your first monthly newsletter of 2012 is packaged under the new banner "Membership Matters—Benefits in Action." A benefit isn't really a benefit unless you know about it, and AHDI has chosen this exciting new name to rebrand the purpose and content of this newsletter, to keep its membership in the know and destined to grow as we explore all that matters to membership. Read more.

January Deals of the Month

2012-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

There's just a couple more weeks to take advantage of this month's deals:

RMT Exam Bundle

CQE Exam Bundle

Visit our home page for full details!

Did You Know?

2011-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Individual Professional members have access to CEC pre-approved quizzes! CMTs, take advantage of this member benefit by logging on to your membership account then going to the Member Center tab.

Matrix Now Available

2011-12-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

The December issue of Matrix is now available. AHDI eligible members can log on here to view this issue as well as past issues.

We would also like to inform readers that the December issue of Matrix will be the last. We will be rolling several column favorites into more robust issues of Plexus magazine. Rest assured, AHDI eligible members will continue to receive a magazine with relevant industry and association-related content as part of your membership, along with other great member benefits. We hope you will enjoy our enhanced version of Plexus! Look for the first issue in January 2012.

‘Tis the Season to Learn from the Best!

2011-12-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Experienced MTs from all over the globe are showing their holiday cheer by volunteering to mentor students and postgraduates in AHDI's eMentoring Program. This is the perfect opportunity for Student, Associate Student and Postgraduate members to gain experience from a knowledgeable source and share in a realistic account of what the profession is all about. Sign up for an eMentor today!

Bonus Member Benefit

2011-12-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Connect the Dots with Tara Courtland on apprenticeship by checking out her recent article in the September issue of Matrix. Connect here.

December Deal of the Month—End-of-the-Year Triple Sale for EVERYONE!

2011-12-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

With the holidays upon us, we're feeling jolly and decided one deal just isn't enough! For the entire month of December enjoy three of our best deals ever! These products can be used for multiple purposes: self-evaluation, staff training, potential employee testing, classroom instruction, or exam preparation. Take advantage of these discounts today, as supplies may be limited. Remember to log in to the website to secure the eligible member price.

Mega MT Challenge Combo—40% Off

Rate: $36 eligible member rate / $42 list price
Combo price contains both CDs. Discounted rate is based on the bundle price for an even larger discount (individual CD list price is normally $45)! View product details.

Purchase Mega MT Challenge Combo now!

CMT Prep CD Bundle—40% Off

Rate: $54 eligible member rate / $60 list price
This bundle includes all three CDs, Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III. View product details.

Purchase CMT Prep CD Bundle now!

Exam Prep Flash Cards—Healthcare Record & Medicolegal Issues—40% Off

While Supplies Last—Order Soon!

Rate: $15 eligible member rate / $21 list price

AHDI Flash Cards are designed to provide the student, new graduate, and/or seasoned MT with quick, high-impact study tools for skill-building and exam preparation. View product details.

Purchase Exam Prep Flash Cards now!

Vendor Affiliate Highlight

2011-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION- Health IT Certification, www.HealthITCertification.com, offers the following professional certifications for those responsible for planning, selecting, implementing, and managing electronic health records and other health information technology and Health Information Exchanges, including RHIOs: Certified Professional in Electronic Health Records (CPEHR), Certified Professional in Health Information Technology (CPHIT) and Certified Professional in Health Information Exchange (CPHIE).

AHDI MEMBERS RECEIVE Substantial AHDI member discounts for Health IT Certification online curriculum and certification examinations.

What Do You Want to Learn About at ACE 2012?

2011-12-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

The ACE 2012 Program Committee wants your input. Please take this one-question survey and let us know which topics you think should be featured at ACE 2012:

Take ACE 2012 Topic Survey

NPA Connects Students, Recent Graduates, and New Documentation Professionals

2011-12-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

If you’re currently in school, have recently graduated from a medical transcription/clinical documentation program, or are just beginning your career in the clinical documentation sector, consider joining AHDI’s New Professionals Alliance. This alliance focuses on providing essential resources, networking, and career-building tools for up-and-coming professionals and those new to the field. Discussions via this members-only Google Group provide helpful hints, encouragement, a place to bounce questions and ideas around, and access to online events to help build your career as a documentation professional. To join, go to AHDI’s website at ahdionline.org, then to Get Connected, and click on Special Interest Alliances. Enter your email address in the box for “Subscribe to New Professionals Alliance.”

Social Media Specialists Wanted

2011-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Components, if you do not already have a social media specialist (SMS), now is the time to broaden your horizons and enhance your knowledge and use of social media/networking opportunities. The SMS provides support and training on the component level to both leaders and members. The SMS will be responsible for community engagement and will be the point of contact for questions relating to the component's social media channels, as well as all other sites/services utilized by the component for community outreach and engagement. SMS training is provided by members of AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News & Networking (OWNN), meeting on a monthly basis. For more information, contact Kristin Wall , CMT, AHDI-F (kwall@ahdionline.org).

Call for Presentations—ACE 2012

2011-11-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

The ACE 2012 Program Committee will be identifying speakers for the convention over the next several months. If you or someone you know would like to present at ACE 2012, please submit your presentation details via the online Call for Abstracts form. This is an electronic form. Simply fill in the information required and click submit. If your presentation is selected, you will be contacted by AHDI staff. Please submit all presentations by January 31, 2012.

District Directors Information Reminder

2011-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

In September we introduced you to your new National Leadership Board (NLB) who officially took office on September 1. In this new model of representational governance, members elected six distinguished District Directors and At-Large Directors as their voice at the national level. We encourage you to visit the website to get to know your directors and the officers recently elected by the Board in Phoenix for 2011-2012.

We know it will be important to you to be connected with your Board. With our new online "home base" for each district, you will be able to stay connected with your District Director about issues close to your home. This home base is where the District Directors will post updates and where you can send direct messages to them. Click here to view a map of the districts, and then select your district to view the district page.

Resources available:

Find out more about the role of the District Director

Connect with your District Director via email

Read news feeds from your Director via a blog posting

Find ways to stay connected in your district

And much more!

These leaders are here to serve you, so we encourage you to get out there and get connected.

Next Issue of Matrix Available December 1

2011-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

The December issue of Matrix will be available online December 1. AHDI eligible members can log on here December 1 to view this issue as well as past issues.

2012 AHDI Integrity Awards - Nominations Close April 30, 2012

2011-11-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

With the demands and challenges facing our sector, we hear so much about recognition of our workforce and the need to acknowledge the outstanding work being done by so many across the industry and within the association. AHDI's Integrity Awards program is designed to shine a spotlight on those individuals, organizations, and volunteer groups who are truly making a difference in our industry. Not only does this recognition program impact the individuals who are nominated and chosen for these awards, but it generates visibility around best practices and drives recognition of our industry in a public way. Do you know a CMT who has a passion for credentialing and helping others get credentialed? What about an MT educator who really made a difference to you as a student? Do you belong to an AHDI component that has done something innovative and engaging this year? Is your employer creating a corporate culture that has inspired you to excel? Every one of us knows someone who has made a professional impact over the last year. Be a proactive colleague. Take the time to nominate that person or organization for one of these awards:

Hall of Fame Award

Employer of the Year Award

Membership Impact Award

Rising Star Award

Excellence in Credentialing Award

Innovation through Technology Award

Educator of the Year Award

Advocate of the Year Award

Nominations should be submitted electronically and are due no later than Friday, April 30, 2012. Nominees will be notified of nomination after committee vote and winners will be announced at the Integrity Awards Luncheon at AHDI Annual Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, IN. Visit the AHDI Integrity Awards page for more information.

Deal of the Month Reminder

2011-11-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Register for a specialty course, a prep course, the Acute Care Module, or the SRT Course and receive a substantial discount. Don't wait—you must be registered by the 25th of this month to get the discount! Get more information.

Check out Plexus in November

2011-11-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the November edition of Plexus about leadership yet? If you have not received your print copy* in the mail yet, you can catch a preview by accessing the PDF version online in the members-only section at www.ahdionline.org.

*Associate and Student Associate membership categories do not receive a print copy; online access only.

Open Letter From AHDI's President-elect

2011-11-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleagues:
It is a joy to share some behind-the-scenes thoughts with you as President-elect of AHDI. This fall/winter season is one of the most active for local/state/regional educational events, and I wish I could have been everywhere. We had many board members attending meetings from Texas to Nebraska, Great Lakes Region, and NEMA this quarter. The highlights for me include AHDI-NEMA in Vermont and AHIMA in Salt Lake City, to include conversations with Don Asmonga and Dan Rode, AHIMA government and policy relations and grassroots organizer, respectively. I also attended the San Diego Health Information Association local meeting in November, working to continually build relationships with members from AHIMA and CHIA. Read more.

Vendor Affiliate Benefit of the Month

2011-11-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

As an AHDI member, we appreciate your continued support and do our best to offer as many discounts and promotions possible on items that will enrich or assist our members professionally.

Available to you as an AHDI member, you will receive a 5% discount and FREE shipping on all Elsevier products ordered through this site. *Members must be logged in to take advantage of this offer.

Did You Know?

2011-11-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Professional members have access to CEC Pre-Approved Quizzes! CMTs, take advantage of this member benefit by logging on to your membership account then go to Continuing Education under the Education/Training tab.

Bonus Member Benefit

2011-11-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

View this previously recorded webinar entitled "Speech Recognition - Editing for Quality and Efficiency," presented by Lynn Kosegi, PMP. This webinar is only available this month. Watch it now!

Speech Recognition Adoption Guide—An Affordable Way to Step Into the Next Generation

2011-11-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

If your organization is considering purchase and adoption of SRT technology, is currently integrating a speech solution, or is negotiating with a client or partner requesting SRT solutions, the Speech Recognition Adoption Guide is the resource that you're looking for!

Now listed at only $149 and available to eligible AHDI members for only $49, this electronic guide is designed to help both purchasers and consumers understand issues related to SRT adoption and integration. Download your copy from the AHDI online store today for instant access!

MT Compliance & Operations Best Practices Guide now available as an e-Book!

2011-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Find the answers you're looking for in this comprehensive guide developed for the working MT! Packed with information about making your at-home office HIPAA compliant, the difference between employee and independent contractor status, and including sample documents such as a non-compete/non-solicitation agreement, the MT Compliance & Operations Best Practices Guide is your must-have resource for regulatory compliance and guidance on operational best practices!

AHDI Eligible Members: $65 (e-Book) / $70 (printed manual)
List Price: $95 (e-Book) / $100 (printed manual)

Choose your preferred format to learn more:

E-Book
Printed Manual

Interview with Vern Davenport, MedQuist, CEO

2011-11-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

In August of this year, in conjunction with AHDI's Annual Convention & Expo (ACE) in Phoenix, Jay Vance, CMT, had the opportunity to interview MedQuist's new CEO and Chairman of the Board, Vern Davenport. Their conversation touched on a number of issues impacting the medical transcription industry, including the electronic health record, consolidation, technology, and downward pressure on compensation. The video of the interview can be found here: Vern Davenport Interview

We've Got a Winner!

2011-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tamara Hidalgo from Presbyterian Medical Group has won a free Professional membership for a year! Tamara entered a drawing at the AHDI booth at this year’s AHIMA convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Congratulations Tamara!

November Deal of the Month

2011-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to take an online continuing education course. Whether it is a prep course or a continuing education course, we have deals for you! We're also continuing the amazing deal of $100 off the Speech Recognition Course beginning in December. Register for the following courses by November 25th to receive these significant discounts:

Specialty Courses—$15 off
($50 Eligible Member / $70 List Price)
Specialty courses such as Cardiology, Radiology, Psychiatry, English Essentials, Dermatology, Pathology, and more are available at discounted prices! View detailed information about the continuing education online courses, the specialties offered, and the system requirements. Each course runs for one full month.

CMT Prep Assessment—$25 off
($75 Eligible Member / $100 List Price)
This course is designed to assist transcriptionists in evaluating their readiness to take the Certified Medical Transcriptionist exam. This course runs for one full month.

RMT Prep Assessment—$15 off
($60 Eligible Member / $85 List Price)
This course is designed to assist transcriptionists in evaluating their readiness to take the Registered Medical Transcriptionist exam. This course runs for one full month.

Acute Care Module—$45 off
($250 Eligible Member / $305 List Price)
The course covers basic acute care documentation to include discharge summaries, history and physicals, consults, emergency department notes, and operative notes. Each specialty covers basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease processes, pharmacology, laboratories, operative procedures, and specialty specific transcription. This course runs for three full months.

Speech Recognition Technology—$100 off
($295 Eligible Member / $350 List Price)
This course is a 100% online, self-study SRT course designed to be completed at the student’s individual pace within an approximate 8- to 12-week timeframe. It offers the student the opportunity for ample hands-on practice on 3M’s ChartScript.com platform using speech-recognized drafts from authentic physician dictation.

These discounted prices are effective November 1 – November 25, 2011, and apply to the courses above taking place in December 2011.

Experience the EHR in Action

2011-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Experience EHR in action and leave your fears of the unknown behind! Introduction to the Electronic Health Record is a 7-week course that will introduce you to the EHR in a way that you didn’t think possible — with hands-on experience. Learning your place in this ever-changing industry is key to properly placing yourself in future roles. Explore how this new technology relates to our industry and familiarize yourself with the terminology in order to increase your value in the marketplace.

This introductory course, developed and taught by the EHR Training Academy, is the perfect way to experience the EHR in action and understand how your existing skill set can be transferred to roles of the future.

AHDI Eligible Members: $100

List Price: $125

Introduction to the EHR Online Course (December/January)

December 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012

Registration closes November 15, 2011

You will receive a welcome email and instructions prior to the start of the course.

Introduction to the EHR Online Course (January/February)

January 1, 2012 – February 29, 2012

Registration closes December 15, 2011

You will receive a welcome email and instructions prior to the start of the course.

AHDI Recredentialing Resource Guide Updated

2011-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

CMTs, are you looking for new continuing education opportunities? Check out our recently updated Recredentialing Resource Guide, as many new preapproved sources have been added.

Credentialing Exam Practice Test Survey

2011-10-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

AHDI's Credentialing Development Team would like to explore the possibility of developing CMT and RMT practice tests. These tests would be offered online and would be based on the CMT and RMT exam blue prints. Click here to take this short survey.

Education Approval Raises the Bar

2011-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

When AHDI partnered with AHIMA a few years ago to launch its education approval program (EAP), it was the hope of both the association and the industry that the program would impact the way educational programs were addressing job readiness and preparing industry candidates to make the transition from school to work. Since that time, the EAP has approved 28 educational programs that meet the rigorous standards for curriculum assessment and approval. Such a significant number of programs demonstrate how an approval process can gradually establish a new standard for training and provide industry candidates with a credible source of programs from which to choose. AHDI is proud to acknowledge the schools below who have helped the sector to realize this goal (as of 10/3/11):

A&H Training Corporation		Medical Transcription Education Center (M-TEC)
Allied Medical School		MDS of Kansas
American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group		Med-Line School of Medical Transcription
The Andrews School		Metropolitan Community College
CanScribe Career Centre		Moraine Park Technical College
Career Step		Mt. Hood Community College
Central Texas College		North Dakota State College of Science
Columbia State Community College		Richland Community College
Dakota College at Bottineau		Roane State Community College
Everett Community College		Seminole State College of Florida
Exact-Med/United Tribes		Sheridan Technical Center
Guilford Technical Community College		The Inner Office
Kaplan University		Trident Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College		Winter Park Tech

Volunteer Opportunities Available!

2011-10-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Call for eMentors: As the holidays approach, tap into your giving side and volunteer your guidance to the next generation of MTs! AHDI Student and Postgraduate members are looking for experienced MTs to guide them as they enter the transcription industry. Sharing stories of your success, giving constructive and honest feedback, and sharing a realistic view of what is to come are all important parts of mentoring, and your guidance and knowledge can help make a student's story one of success! Find out more and volunteer today!

Quiz writers are needed to help generate online continuing education quizzes for credit-worthy articles in our publications. If you have strong writing/editing skills and an interest in serving the association on AHDI's Research and Development Team, please contact Kristin Wall (kwall@ahdionline.org) for more information (CEC earning opportunities available for CMTs).

Social Media Specialists Wanted: Components, if you do not already have a social media specialist (SMS), now is the time to broaden your horizons and enhance your knowledge and use of social media/networking opportunities. The SMS provides support and training on the component level to both leaders and members. The SMS will be responsible for community engagement and will be the point of contact for questions relating to the component's social media channels, as well as all other sites/services utilized by the component for community outreach and engagement. SMS training is provided by members of AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News & Networking (OWNN), meeting on a monthly basis. For more information, contact Kristin Wall (kwall@ahdionline.org).

Membership Advisory Workgroup: The MAW has openings for volunteer members. If you have a passion for component support, building dynamic member communities, and growing membership, the MAW is for you! The workgroup meets monthly for an hour by webinar. Members typically have about 1 to 3 hours of projects each month. This is a 1-year term. For more information, contact Linda Brady (lbrady@ahdionline.org).

AHDI at 2011 AHIMA Convention

2011-10-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

AHDI volunteer leaders and staff had the opportunity to meet and greet attendees at the AHIMA convention last week in Salt Lake City, UT. Visitors to the AHDI booth had an opportunity to learn about our valuable membership benefits, credentials, and programs. Over the course of three days, we met hundreds of convention goers, including many AHDI members in attendance. Read the event recap by Jay Vance, District 1 Director, on the AHDI Lounge blog as well as this recap by Lisa Johnson, AHDI Secretary.

Pictured left to right (top row): Linda Brady, Director, Member Relations; Barb Marques, Immediate Past President; Cynthia Alder, District 5 Director; Nancy Brighindi, CEO; Karen Fox-Acosta, President-elect. Front row: Sherry Doggett, President; and Jacque Taylor, President, AHDI-West

Vendor Affiliate Benefit of the Month

2011-10-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dell Computer

For discount go to www.dell.com/AHDI or call 1-866-914-6076. and use member ID number CS42811698

Membership Tip of the Month

2011-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

As an AHDI Individual Professional, Postgraduate or Sustaining member, you can get BenchMark KB for only $174.00! That's $25 off the retail price. Learn more about Benchmark KB and how it can help you be accurate, fast, and compliant!

New Webinar Series at Great Rates! Sign Up Today!

2011-10-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

AHDI's newest webinar series, Looking Forward, is "poking the box" and breaking away from traditional topics and pricing. This webinar series challenges you to determine future roles in the profession where you can apply your knowledge and gives you the opportunity to do it affordably.

Organized and moderated by past president Kathy Nicholls, CMT, AHDI-F, these webinars focus on important issues facing transcriptionists today, including the importance of risk-taking, efficiency tools, successful job search skills, and HIPAA requirements. Sign up today for one or all of these great educational opportunities! Please note that registration closes the business day before each webinar.

Bonus Member Benefit

2011-10-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Increase your productivity with Laura Bryan's shortcuts for Speech Recognition Editing. Take advantage of this bonus member-only benefit by signing into your membership account.

E-book on Compliance and Business Best Practices in Healthcare Documentation

2011-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Compliance & Operations Best Practices in Healthcare Documentation Organizations: The EBP Manual is now available as an e-book at a new, affordable price of $400 for AHDI eligible members. For a limited time, when you purchase this e-book with online access, you’ll receive a free organizer (binder & tabs) to print a copy for your library!

Compliance and best practices in business operations are priorities for business owners, independent contractors, HIM directors, and all of those who seek services from medical transcription organizations. This comprehensive e-manual will guide you through many of these complex issues and give you downloadable policies and procedures that you can customize for your own business needs (they are Word documents). AHDI and CDIA have worked with expert legal counsel to develop this skillfully written material to save your valuable time and money.

After purchasing the e-manual, the electronic files will be accessible through the "Member Center" and clicking to "My Account" in approximately one hour. Past purchasers of the printed EBP Manual received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Log onto the AHDI website to access it through your account.

October Deal of the Month

2011-10-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

AHDI and the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) are offering an unprecedented discount on our Speech Recognition Editing Course. This course will teach you the basic and advanced SRT Editing Techniques, provide you with 300 minutes of authentic physician Dictation on 3M’s ChartScript.com platform, give you an understanding of the implications of SRT on the future of the medical transcription industry, and so much more! It is designed to give MTs an orientation to SR technology and practical training and application in editing in a speech recognition setting. Register in October for the November course and receive $100 off the cost of registration. This course is preapproved for 5 TW and 5 PD continuing education credits.

Regular List Price: $450

Regular Eligible Member Price: $395

Sale List Price: $350

Sale Eligible Member Price: $295

AHDI Publications CE Quizzes

2011-09-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

CMTs, just a reminder that continuing education quizzes can be found on the AHDI website under Member Center / My Benefits / Online CECs.

Members must be logged in first to view the Online CECs tab and archives of Plexus and Matrix, found under Member Center / My Benefits / Publications.

New Webinar Series: "Looking Forward: The Future of Healthcare Documentation"

2011-09-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

AHDI's newest webinar series, "Looking Forward: The Future of Healthcare Documentation," features a lineup of volunteer speakers from all facets of the medical transcription industry. Organized and moderated by past president Kathy Nicholls, CMT, AHDI-F, these webinars focus on important issues facing transcriptionists today, including the importance of risk-tasking, efficiency tools, successful job search skills, and HIPAA requirements. Kathy's message to all MTs is this: "Our profession is undergoing radical changes and it's critical for us to figure out future roles where we can apply our knowledge. To do that, we have to poke the box and take action. Join me for this first session where we'll talk just about that!"

Kathy has challenged us to "Poke the Box" and lower the price on this webinar series! She will kick off the series with a complimentary session next week, with additional webinars schedule through the end of the year for only $10 each. These webinars cover all continuing education categories!

AHDI is committed to offering you quality information and education you're looking for at an affordable price. Sign up today for one or all of these great educational opportunities! Please note that registration closes the business day before each webinar.

Starting Projects, Making a Ruckus, and Taking More Risks - Register Now (this webinar is complimentary)
September 27, 2011
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 PD

Presenter:
Kathy Nicholls, CMT, AHDI-F

"What would our world look like if more people started projects, made a ruckus, and took more risks" - Seth Godin

That quote is the intro to Seth Godin's book "Poke the Box." What an appropriate question for the profession of medical transcription today! With this, we'll spend some time poking the box, talking about how that might look, and challenging you to make a ruckus and take more risks.

Boosting Your Paycheck with Expanders! - Register Now
October 6, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 TW or 1 MTT

Presenter:
Laura Bryan, CMT, AHDI-F

This webinar will introduce methods for creating text expansion shortcuts. It will cover systematic approaches to creating shortcuts to help with recall and also for the most efficient use of shortcuts by keeping your fingers close to the home keys. Both transcriptionists and SRT editors will learn clever ways to increase their productivity. These ideas and techniques are applicable to any brand of text expansion software.

Job Search Skills is the New EHR World - Register Now
October 18, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 PD

Presenter:
Kathy Nicholls, CMT, AHDI-F

There are many more resources today than in the past for job searches, and the new world of the EHR gives MTs additional opportunities. In this webinar, we will talk about creating that perfect resume, using social networking to your advantage, as well as professional safety in social networking. Learn how to seek out those emerging roles in the EHR and find things that might fit your skills.

Research Skills 2.0 for the MT - Register Now
November 4, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 MTT

Presenter:
Cheryl Blake, CMT

Great research skills are a big part of being a good MT. The options for researching things today are greater than ever before. Join us to discover how to develop your research skills 2.0 with the technology we have available to us!

What's New with HIPAA? - Register Now
November 16, 2011
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1.5 ML

Presenter:
Brenda Hurley, CMT, AHDI-F

This presentation will cover new HIPAA changes and will clarify some of the existing requirements. The material covered will include the proposed rule for the Accounting of Disclosures and its Access Reports, the importance of the Designated Record Set and what it is, Data Breaches and the Risk of Harm related to breach notification requirements, the newly announced HIPAA audits and important tips for preparing for those audits, as well as data security questions that all Business Associates need to be able to answer. No matter your role in healthcare documentation, there will be something for everyone in this packed presentation!

Dreaming of a Good Night's Sleep: Parasomnias and Other Sleep Disorders - Register Now
December 1, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 CM

Presenter:
Deborah Nolan, CMT

Sleep apnea, night terrors, hypnagogic hallucinations, or plain old insomnia? Sleep disorders can lead to all sorts of physiological and psychological sequelae. In this hour, we'll discuss sleep disorders, why and how they occur, and how we can improve our sleep hygiene.

Let's Chat About Medicolegal Terms: It's More Than HIPAA - Register Now
December 15, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
CEC: 1 ML

Presenter:
Kim Buchanan, CMT, AHDI-F

This webinar will cover the laws that apply specifically to healthcare personnel, the concepts of breach of contract, tort, standard of care, the doctrine of informed consent, the 4 D's of negligence, and more.

Did you read this email all the way to the end? Here is a surprise. At the end of each webinar you will be prompted to enter the name of your component association – that is your local chapter, state/regional association, or web-based association. The AHDI component with the most participants for the entire webinar series will win a $25 gift certificate to use on any AHDI purchase!

Vendor Affiliate Highlight

2011-09-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Reward yourself and support AHDI with every purchase! Sign up for the Platinum Rewards card today!

Platinum Rewards Card

Advancing the Profession: New AHDI Fellow!

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

AHDI would like to congratulate the following individual who has met the requirements to be deemed an AHDI Fellow.

Rose Hayden, CMT, AHDI-F

If you have given your time and energy to advancing the profession through industry and association service, you may qualify for the designation of AHDI Fellow. Download and review the application. For questions regarding this designation, contact Tina Wilson via email.

Volunteers Needed to Join AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News & Networking

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News & Networking (OWNN) is looking for enthusiastic, goal-focused people to join this workgroup. The primary objective of AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News and Networking (OWNN) consists of external messaging, oversight of the news and media, and viral communication to ensure delivery of a clear and unified message about who we are and what our contribution to healthcare delivery is and should be. To help with this effort, OWNN also coordinates webinars to help train component liaisons in the above-listed areas that relate to social networking.

Note: We are also looking for a Linked In expert to present on this topic to our component social media specialists. If you are well-versed user of Linked In and are willing to present, or are interested in joining OWNN, please contact Kristin Wall (kwall@ahdionline.org).

Unique RMT & CMT Logo Items!

2011-09-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Check out the wide array of unique and personal RMT and CMT-themed logo items in the AHDI Marketplace! The Marketplace is AHDI's one-stop shop for fun ways to recognize and celebrate being credentialed. You'll find everything from porcelain mugs and shopping bags to pajamas and T-shirts! These also make excellent gifts for your credentialed coworkers, employees, and friends. Visit the Marketplace today!

Credentialing Practice Test Now Available!

2011-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

For those seeking to become credentialed as a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT), AHDI has launched a credentialing practice test to help candidates become familiar with the testing process. This 15-question practice test is designed to give you an opportunity to acclimate to the Kryterion Websentinel testing platform and the user interface you will be using when you take your full exam. We encourage you to take your time, become familiar with the audio player and the functions for increasing http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifvolume and rewinding the audio file, and filling in the blanks on transcription and SRT editing questions. This practice test provides a mix of level 1 and level 2 content questions and is not designed to be diagnostic of potential exam performance nor should it be used to evaluate exam readiness with content or exam objectives. This test will not be scored, but you will receive feedback at the end as to your correct and incorrect answers. You will have 45 minutes to complete this 15-question practice test. There is a $12 fee to take the practice test.

For more information about credentialing, click here.

NOTE: Prior to taking the practice test, candidates must first apply for exam eligibility and pay the eligibility fee.

September Matrix Now Available!

2011-09-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

In this issue, our theme is centered around what today's employers are looking for in tomorrow's MTs. Eligible members can view this issue of digital Matrix here (must be logged in).

Over 30 CECs for Less Than $9 Each!

2011-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

How is this possible, you wonder? By purchasing the ACE 2011 DVD, available soon. Watch any of the ACE 2011 credit-worthy educational sessions featured on the DVD and write a 300-word summary on each session you wish to earn credit for. Add those CECs to your Summary Form and you're set. If you get audited, attach the corresponding summaries you'd written as proof of credit earned. It's that easy.

Session Highlights:

Shed or You're Dead: How to Stay Alive and Thrive in the Midst of Healthcare Change – Kathy Dempsy, RN, MED, CSP (1.5 PD)

Ethical Considerations in Health Information and Transcription – April Martin, CMT, AHDI-F (1 ML)

New Research Milestones and Treatments of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – David Saperstein, MD (1 CM)

Speech Recognition and Medical Transcription Throw Away Everything You Thought You Knew – Lynn Kosegi, PMP (1 TW)

What Every MT Should Know About Privacy and Security Rules and Regulations – Barbara Perrett, RHIA, CCS, CHP, CHC (1 ML)

Post-production editing is in progress, and we anticipate the availability of this DVD by the end of September. Stay tuned to AHDI communications for further information!

National Leadership Board Takes Office, Offers a New Communication Platform

2011-09-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Please extend a warm welcome to your new National Leadership Board (NLB) who officially took office on September 1! In this new model of representational governance, members elected six distinguished District Directors and At-Large Directors as their voice at the national level. We encourage you to visit the website to get to know your directors and the officers recently elected by the Board in Phoenix for 2011-2012:

Sherry Doggett, President

Barb Marques, CMT, AHDI-F, Immediate Past President

Karen Fox-Acosta, CMT, AHDI-F, President-elect

Bonnie Monico, CMT, AHDI-F, Treasurer

Lisa Day Johnson, CMT, AHDI-F, Secretary

We know it will be important to you to be connected with your Board. With our new online "home base" for each district, you will be able to stay connected with your District Director about issues close to your home. This home base is where the District Directors will post updates and where you can send direct messages to them. Click here to view a map of the districts, and then select your district to view the district page.

Resources available:

Find out more about the role of the District Director

Connect with your District Director via email

Read news feeds from your Director via a blog posting

Find ways to stay connected in your district

And much more!

Once again, please join us in welcoming the new National Leadership Board! Your leadership is here to serve you so we encourage you to get out there and get connected.

Survey for RMTs

2011-09-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

For those who currently hold the RMT credential, are you thinking about taking the CMT exam? Please answer this two-question survey to let us know where you stand.

Two-question survey

Membership Tip of the Month

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Register for the free webinar, Your Association, Your Benefits, to learn how to take advantage of your membership! Whether you are a member or contemplating membership, join us for this informative webinar. Register Now!

Save the Date!

2011-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

AHDI Annual Convention & Expo: ACE 2012
August 8-11
Indianapolis, IN

ACE2011 Lapel Pin - Get Yours Today!

2011-09-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Purchase your commemorative lapel pin for AHDI's 33rd Annual Convention & Exposition today for only $10. Supplies are limited so don't delay!

Purchase Lapel Pin

ACE 2011 DVD Coming Soon!

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The education sessions were videotaped at ACE for the first time ever. The DVD will go on sale in late September. Watch your email Inbox, or visit www.ahdionline.org, for details on how to purchase your copy.

Diversity in Healthcare Documentation Survey

2011-09-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Participate in a survey regarding diversity in health care! Take this quick, four-question survey, and your responses will be compiled for a project entitled, "Increasing Diversity in Health Information and Healthcare Documentation through Increased Awareness and Better Educational Opportunities for Inner-City Children." Take the survey now!

ACE was the Place!

2011-09-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who were able to attend AHDI's Annual Convention & Exposition! We wish to acknowledge and thank AHDI West for their contributions to this year's big event. They were fabulous hosts.

This was the first ACE for AHDI's new CEO, Nancy Brighindi, PhD, CAE. We invite you to read her personal recap from the event here.

If you missed ACE, check out the latest news hot off the press!

2011 Integrity Awards winners

Wrap-up and highlights

The Great Debate – The Audience Said…

We also extend a special thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors for their financial contributors who helped make ACE 2011 possible.

FINAL CALL! Take the 2011 Survey of Medical Transcriptionists

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet taken the 2011 Bentley University Survey of Medical Transcriptionists, please do so now as the survey will close September 7, 2011. This survey is part of a larger academic project seeking to understand the work experiences of medical transcriptionists as well as the value they add to production of accurate and reliable medical records. This survey is a continuation of the 2007 Survey of Medical Transcriptionists. A primary goal of the project is to provide a better understanding for those involved in medical records production regarding the work and value of MTs. Click here to take the survey.

Model Curriculum for MT Education Report Open for Comment

2011-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

The AHDI Model Curriculum revision task force is proceeding with their work on the next edition of the Model Curriculum for Medical Transcription Education, due out in 2012. At the AHDI Annual Convention & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, recently, the AHDI Board of Directors received a progress report on the task force's work, and we are now making this report available for comment. (Note: Within the report document you will find another link to a survey that will allow response to each item of the suggested changes.) Please keep in mind that it is an interim report and that all suggestions from this task force are subject to further discussion and revision by the AHDI Board of Directors and other stakeholders. The complete final revised draft will be available in mid-October and will be published for comment at that time.

Resource Central: September Deal of the Month

2011-08-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

For the month of September, AHDI is bundling our RMT and CMT exam guides for the first time ever! If you are not credentialed, now is the time to start preparing! These guides are perfect for prepping for the Credential Qualifying Exam (CQE). Now that summer is coming to an end, it's time to pick up the pace and delve into the world of professional development by becoming a credential healthcare documentation specialist. To help with this effort, we are bundling our new guides and applying an extra $10 discount on the eligible member price, for a total savings of $40 off the list price!

RMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print

The RMT guide is written under AHDI's new exam blue print for the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) exam. The text provides a structured approach to understanding the cognitive assessment (multiple-choice) domains for the exam. For each Level 1 objective, users will find:

Identification, explanation, and a rationale for the competency being defined by the objective.

Recommended resources, including chapters and sections, for focused study of objective content.

Sample questions in exam style and format for orientation and practice.

In addition, the text provides a 91-question multiple-choice practice test to assist candidates with self-assessment and domain analysis. The Appendix houses a blue print check list and other resources.

The CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print

This text is designed to be used as a supplemental study guide in preparation for the AHDI Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) exam. Students and practitioners who seek access to the CMT exam need to begin that process of preparation with a strong orientation to the exam blue print.

This book provides potential exam candidates with a "walk through the blue print," the goal of which is to make sure that the CMT candidate has a clear understanding of the industry's expectations of competency for a Level 2 candidate and the content domains against which a candidate will be evaluated on the exam. This CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print is, by design, an orientation specifically to the cognitive assessment (multiple-choice) objectives housed on the blue print.

This guide includes the following:

Statement of Objective from the CMT Blue Print

Recommendations for Focused Study

CMT Blue Print Checklist

"BONUS" EHR Glossary

Sample Questions for Each Objective

Complete Start-to-Finish CMT Practice Test

Get your bundle today and receive a $10 discount on the price of the products!

Fee: $60 eligible member ($40 savings off the list price)

Buy Your Bundle Now!

From Your Board of Directors and House of Delegates

2011-08-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Learn. Evolve. Shine. At this year's Annual Convention and Expo, the world comes to you! ACE 2011 begins Thursday evening, August 18, with an "All Around the World" welcome reception. This is the introduction to what promises to be an exciting three days of speakers and presentations, covering creditworthy topics in clinical medicine, industry trends, workforce development, and our new laptop workshops. It isn't too late to commit to attending so you, too, can brush up on your knowledge and skills, learn more about what's happening in the industry, and network with like-minded professionals. Join us for the Fun Night Out at Casino Arizona on Saturday, or explore the beauty and comforts of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa.

The AHDI Board of Directors meeting will be held Wednesday, August 17. Gallery seating is available and we wish to extend an invitation to each attendee to join us. The Board has limited its face-to-face meetings this year in the interests of being fiscally responsible with our resources, so the opportunity to meet and interact in person is especially significant. The board meeting agenda will include presentations by the at-large and district directors who wish to be elected board officers. This ACE is certainly a landmark event with the next evolution of the National Leadership Board (NLB) and newly elected district directors sitting as one with the existing BOD. The House of Delegates meeting Thursday also has gallery seating available.

You won't find another event focused specifically on the healthcare documentation professional that offers such a comprehensive mix of educational sessions, business development opportunities, and professional networking activities. Join us for ACE 2011 and take the next step toward professional growth and success. It's not too late to get in on the excitement!!

It's Not Too Late To Learn, Evolve, and Shine at ACE 2011

We will be accepting pre-event registrations online and by mail or fax through Monday, August 15. If registering by mail or fax, we must receive your registration by 5pm pacific on 8/15 for it to be accepted. Otherwise, we will be taking registrations on-site at the AHDI registration desk in the JW Marriott Desert Ridge - Phoenix, Arizona. The AHDI registration desk will open Wednesday, August 17, at 4:00 p.m. Make 2011 your year to achieve professional growth and success and join us in Phoenix. We'll see you there!

View the Interactive Schedule
Register Now!
Visit ACE365 - Your ACE Headquarters

Vendor Affiliate Benefit of the Month

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Web File Storage Services is a leading web-based file storage system that provides an easy-to-use solution for storing, accessing, and sharing computer files. With 256-bit encryption, TrueShare equips medical transcriptionists with a safe and secure system to upload and download any file type.

One of the many key features of TrueShare is the Auto-Tran for Windows application. Auto-Tran can be used to automatically receive files from clients on an hourly, daily, or weekly schedule. You can also utilize Auto-Tran to schedule downloads of processed files back to your clients. TrueShare fits naturally and easily into most transcription businesses without requiring change, and every Business Account includes unlimited users, enabling you to establish an account for each of your employees and clients with no extra costs. TrueShare enhances your business processes and gives your clients confidence that their information is safe and secure!

AHDI MEMBERS RECEIVE - a 10% discount off the monthly TrueShare rate.

Back to Basics—August Deal of the Month!

2011-08-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

We want to ensure that every member of the Association has a copy of The Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 3rd edition, so we are offering a discount for the month of August! This widely acclaimed industry standards manual has long been the trusted resource for data capture and documentation standards in health care. The 3rd edition delivers a streamlined and strategically reorganized flow of critical data, enhanced explanation of standards and practical application, robust examples taken from clinical medicine settings, and so much more.

Highlights in this edition

Detailed, comprehensive content explanations and rationale for standards and style
Style application examples taken from a clinical medicine context
A complete chapter dedicated to medical record types and formats, including turn-around times (TATs)
A complete chapter dedicated to medical record privacy, security, and integrity
A complete chapter dedicated to amending and modifying the patient record
Trend Notes that alert the reader to the current and/or potential impact of emerging technologies on a particular standard of style
An entire section of chapters addressing trends and drivers in the industry
Medical specialty chapters with organized standards, including new classification systems
Cross-referencing throughout the text to redirect users to related information and standards

For the month of August, we are going back to basics and offering all membership levels a discount on this crucial reference guide. All full membership categories receive just over a 20% discount from the normal price. Associate level members will receive standard member pricing.

Normal Price: $50 Eligible Members/$70 List Price

Sale Price: $45.00 eligible members/$50 Associate & Associate Student members/$70 list

Order Your Copy Today!

Bulk Discounts: Are available for orders over 50. Please contact Kelly Kappmeier for estimates.

Purchase Orders: Must be faxed into the AHDI offices at 209-527-9633.

ACE Featured Sessions

2011-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Emerging Infectious Pathogens (MRSA and H1N1)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Presenter: Brandon White, MS, BS
CEC: 1 CM

This presentation will focus on 2 major emerging infectious pathogens, namely methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and influenza quasispecies (H1N1). This presentation will cover the biochemistry of both pathogens and their associated pathology. Read Full Session Description

Top 10 Syndromes in the Neonate
Friday, August 19, 2011
2:15pa.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Presenter: Margaret A. Pearson, MD, MS
CEC: 1 CM

During this session, ten of the most common syndromes seen in the neonate will be presented. Discussion will include the cause of the syndrome, common manifestations, and management issues. Read Full Session Description

ACE Featured Sessions

2011-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Speech Recognition and Medical Transcription: Throw Away Everything You Thought You Knew
Sunday, August 21, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Presenter: Lynn Kosegi, PMP
CEC: 1 TW

This presentation will focus on speech recognition "then and now." Drawing on experience with multiple companies and speech recognition vendors and many different types of implementations, the speaker will compare what we thought about optimization and implementation in the early days of speech recognition to what we know now. Read Full Session Description

Ethical Considerations in Health Information and Transcription
Friday, August 19, 2011
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Presenter: April Martin, RHIA, CPEHR, CHSS, CMT, AHDI-F
CEC: 1 ML

In recent years, professional ethics have oftentimes been seriously questioned, resulting in a greater demand for transparency and public outcry for accountability. This presentation will begin with a definition of ethics and ethical behavior, as well as their role in the workplace. Read Full Session Description

Don't Miss Our Friend and Follow Event in the AHDI Lounge!

2011-07-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

AHDI's Outreach Workgroup for News & Networking (OWNN) and our component social media specialists invite you to join us for our "Friend and Follow" event in the AHDI Lounge (inside the exhibit hall) Friday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Whether you are already using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter or are a beginner, come network with us! We will help you get started and also share valuable social media tips, dos and don'ts. During this event, attendees will connect in person with new people to "friend and follow" using social networking avenues so that you can stay connected after ACE. Come prepared to learn, socialize, and have fun! Remember to bring plenty of business cards with your social media information printed on them!

ACE 2011- Featured Workshop

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Power Up! CQE Prep Workshop(not included with full registration)
Friday, August 19, 2011
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Presenter: Lea Sims, CMT, AHDI-F

This two-hour interactive workshop is designed to walk CQE candidates through both exam blue prints, take the fear out of exam preparation, and give candidates an organizational approach to studying both the RMT and CMT exams. Read Full Workshop Description

Summer Surprise Drawing: Win Three Free Nights at the JW Marriott, Phoenix!

2011-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Purchase a full registration before August 1, 2011, and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win 3 Free Hotel Nights at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona, for your trip to ACE 2011! If you've already purchased a full registration for ACE 2011, you will also be entered into the drawing.

The time to act is now. The AHDI convention registration fees are set to increase after August 1, so register today to receive the discounted convention price and get entered into the "Summer Surprise" drawing for 3 free hotel nights! The winner's name will be announced during the opening keynote on Friday, August 19.

Make 2011 your year for renewed professional growth and success and join nearly 500 of your peers at the premier event for today's healthcare documentation professional—the AHDI Annual Convention & Expo.

View the Interactive Schedule
Register Now!
Visit ACE365 - Your ACE Headquarters

Advancing the Profession: New AHDI Fellows!

2011-07-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

AHDI would like to congratulate the following individuals who have met the requirements to be deemed an AHDI Fellow.

Kevena Espinoza, RMT, AHDI-F
Sherry Martin, CMT, AHDI-F

If you have given your time and energy to advancing the profession through industry and association service, you may qualify for the designation of AHDI Fellow. Download and review the application. For questions regarding this designation, contact Tina Wilson via email.

CMT Exam Guide—It’s Here!

2011-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print is here and ready for purchase! This guide is ideal for those preparing for the CMT exam and the credential qualifying exam (CQE). It provides the user with a direct approach to evaluating every item listed in the CMT Exam Blueprint (also provided in the back of the book) and assessing your knowledge in those areas. The purchaser will receive a 78-question practice exam at the end of the book, giving you the best possible sample test experience available to date.

Purchase your guide today!

Fee: $35 eligible members/$50 list price

All Around the World Welcome Reception at ACE 2011

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Join us for this exciting opening event where attendees will be welcomed with international flair! At the "All Around the World" welcome reception, attendees and exhibitors will experience the sights, sounds, foods and beverages from nations around the world. Our exhibitors are excited to host an international bazaar, each representing a different country in décor and design. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate their international heritage by dressing in the traditional clothing or colors of their native country. Anonymous judges will be among the crowd to judge the best-dressed attendees, with the winner receiving a complimentary full registration to ACE 2012 in Indianapolis, IN! So, don’t be shy! Grab your lederhosen, kimono, or dashiki and join the fun! Exhibitors will also be competing for your votes! Attendees will determine which exhibitor has the best booth décor and design and who has the most personable staff. Don’t miss this event—it is sure to be out of this world!

Sponsored by:

2011 AHDI Award Nominees

2011-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Association is proud to promote and honor those who have supported the professional practice standards and goals that AHDI has developed for advancing the profession and positioning this sector for continued relevance in the future of healthcare delivery. The following individuals and organizations have been nominated for an AHDI Integrity Award. Visit our awards page to view all nominees and the criteria for each award. We congratulate all the nominees. Winners will be announced at our Awards ceremony at our 33rd Annual Convention & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Educator of the Year

Brenda Dorsett, CMT, of Lake Havasu City, AZ
Diana Gish, CMT, AHDI-F, of Holbrook, AZ
Patricia Stettler, CMT, AHDI-F, Kirkland, WA

Employer of the Year

Shumaker Transcription Service of Glendora, CA
Spectrum Health of Grand Rapids, MI

Advocate of the Year

Sheryl Williams, CMT, AHDI-F, of Welch, MN

Excellence in Credentialing

Carrie McComb, CMT, AHDI-F, of Auburn, WA
Maggie Thebeault, CMT, AHDI-F, of Lake Havasu City, AZ

Innovation Through Technology

Christine Tyrrell, Tyrrell Software, of Binghamton, NY
M-TEC, Inc., of Fairlawn, OH

Membership Impact Award

Capital Chapter of Austin, TX
AHDI West Regional
Central Florida Chapter of Orlando, FL

Hall of Fame – Member of the Year Award

Kathy Muelker, CMT, of Pflugerville, TX
Patty Barrett, CMT, AHDI-F, of Pittsburgh, PA

Rising Star Award

Susan Rovito of Palo Cedro, CA
Tricia Smith of Fort Riley, KS
Dorothea Penn of Conyers, GA

What's on Your Mind?

2011-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

A month ago we invited members to ask questions and receive personal answers from directors at large, staff, or other leaders. We received almost 30 questions ranging from district location assignments to our partnership with CDIA. The most popular questions centered around substandard pay/decrease in hours, overseas transcription (including outsourcing and HIPAA requirements), certification (both RMT and CMT), how to effectively participate in AHDI and MT growth, and getting a job in the industry. Every question submitted has been answered, and we invite further conversations using the What’s on Your Mind contact form.

We sponsored a series of open letters this year, tackling many of these same issues in a broader arena and invite you to read these association position pieces at your leisure. Those open letters were followed at the time of publication with discussions on the AHDI Lounge, another forum where we encourage discussion, questions, and opinions. AHDI is also on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter—surely representing opportunities to fit any agenda. Want to talk? Let us know!

Getting to Know AHDI CEO Nancy Brighindi, PhD, CAE

2011-07-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

When asked recently what drew Nancy to AHDI, Nancy provided some wonderful insight: "I was first attracted to AHDI because of its mission. That's what caught my interest and why I applied for the position.

The organization truly makes a difference in the lives of patients. Coming from a healthcare association background where I was for 11 years, it was important for me to move to another association where I felt the organization was doing good work for society. Otherwise, I would have really hesitated leaving my job. During my interview for the position, I could tell how caring the people were and how committed to the organization they were. That gave me a good feeling for the industry and the people. Couple that with my interest in association management and I was very interested in working with everyone involved with the organization."

Don’t Forget—eBooks $10 off in July

2011-07-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

This month’s Deal of the Month is a $10 discount on electronic books for AHDI members. That means you get any of the three ebooks noted below for $15! That’s a steal! Click on the name of the product to be taken to the AHDI Store. Members, sign in to receive the discount.

Newly Elected National Leadership Board Members

2011-07-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Your AHDI Board of Directors would like to extend congratulations and a warm welcome to all of the incoming National Leadership Board (NLB) members. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process, whether a candidate or voting member.

District 1 Director – Jay Vance, CMT
District 2 Director – Bonnie Monico, CMT, AHDI-F
District 3 Director – Martha Songer, RMT
District 4 Director – Diane Warth, CMT, RHIT, AHDI-F
District 5 Director – Cynthia Alder, RHIT, CMT, AHDI-F
District 6 Director – Ann Donnelly, MS, CMT, AHDI-F
At-Large Directors – Linda Giles and Susan Lucci, RHIT, CHPS, CMT, AHDI-F

What’s Next?
The board members-elect will attend the next board meeting during the AHDI Annual Conference and Expo, in August 18-21 at the beautiful JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona. The newly elected board members will take office September 1, joining the existing board members to officially launch the AHDI National Leadership Board.

What We've Been Up to Since Advocacy Summit

2011-06-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

AHDI and CDIA members on Capitol Hill in May were eager to get the support of our nation’s leaders around the importance of a comprehensive, accurate health story. In addition to sharing our collateral materials around Capturing America’s Healthcare Story, advocates on the Hill sought specific support from legislators. Members of Congress were asked to submit a letter to Dr. Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, with the request that ONC take the patient narrative into account in developing standards for EHR systems. Over 74 legislative offices indicated an interest in providing this level of support, all of whom have now been provided a draft letter for review and signature, and early feedback is very promising. We’re excited to announce that Congressman Bob Filner, 51st District, California, was the first to submit a letter to ONC in support of our message:

Filner Letter to Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM

Congratulations to the AHDI/CDIA members from California whose advocacy efforts with this office led to such an immediate statement of support.

Legislative Tracking
AHDI/CDIA advocacy staff is diligently tracking all outgoing and inbound emails and phone calls to ensure that consistent communication with these legislative offices continues. Keeping our organizations and key messages on the "radar" of legislative contacts is an important part of what we are doing in followup to our Advocacy Summit. To that end, we are now using Basecamp, a web access project management platform, to track all legislative contacts and will be coordinating these efforts with the Legislative Leaders for each state.

Legislative Issues Group (LIG):
Now the Advocacy Alliance!
Given the strong participation of our new Legislative Leaders Program, we are migrating our Legislative Issues Group to an alliance format. The new Advocacy Alliance will be open to anyone in either AHDI or CDIA who wants to stay connected to advocacy information or engage in advocacy dialogue. You do not have to be a Legislative Leader or an active advocate to join or participate in discussions. Regular monthly meetings will now be held by the Legislative Leaders Program (see below) and the leaders who chair that steering committee:

AHDI Chair: Sheryl Williams, CMT, AHDI-F
CDIA Chair: Steve Gaus
Board Liaison: Karen L. Fox-Acosta, CMT, AHDI-F
Staff Liaison: Lea M. Sims, CMT, AHDI-F

Legislative Leader Program
On the heels of Advocacy Summit, interest and participation in the Legislative Leader Program is growing. If your state does not currently have a Legislative Leader assigned and you have an interest in fulfilling this role, check out our Become an Advocate page for more information about the role as well as resources available for those who participate and contact Miranda Chalabi (mchalabi@ahdionline.org) to get connected to the program. Look for information about our Legislative Tracking Training webinars for Legislative Leaders in the next week or two.

Not Too Late to Follow Up!
If you participated in legislative visits at the Advocacy Summit and have not yet sent a followup/thank-you letter to your legislator or legislative aide, please do so as soon as you can. A personal followup from a constituent is an important part of establishing long-term, productive relationships with our legislative offices. If you need some help drafting your followup, use the template below:

Advocacy Summit Followup Letter to Legislators

District Connections
Meeting with your Senators and Representatives when they return to their districts will be critical to spending more one-on-one time with those officials and connecting our advocacy messages to what’s going on in your local area. Check out the dates for Senate and House recess coming up soon:

Senate Recess Dates
July 4-10, 2011
August 8 – September 5, 2011
September 26 – October 2, 2011

House Recess Dates
June 27 – July 5, 2011
July 18-24, 2011
August 8 – September 5, 2011
September 26 – October 2, 2011

Begin making plans now to secure face time with your legislator during these recess periods.

Love a Good Debate? We Need You at ACE!

2011-06-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

This year AHDI will be launching a new session concept at ACE in Phoenix. The Great Debate will be a 2-hour, facilitated, collegiate-style debate on five key industry topics (see below), many of which have arisen out of this year’s Let’s Talk About open letter series from our Board of Directors. Each topic will be presented by both point and counterpoint opening statements, followed by timed debate from the floor and an audience poll. We are looking for attendees with good presentation skills and a strong affinity for either the point or counterpoint for each these hot topics:
“Mandatory” Credentialing: Worth the Effort or Waste of Time?
Offshore Outsourcing: Restrict it or Regulate it?
Incentive Compensation: Carrot or Stick?
Trending Technology (EHR/SRT): Threat to Transcription or Opportunity for Growth?
AHDI & CDIA Partnership: Collaboration or Conflict?
If you would be interested in writing and presenting the opening point or counterpoint on any of these issues, please contact Lea Sims, CMT, AHDI-F, as soon as possible so we can finalize our schedule for this event.

Exhibiting at ACE 2011?

2011-06-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

If your company is considering exhibiting at the 33rd Annual Convention & Exposition, don’t wait to reserve your space. The ACE 2011 exhibit hall is filling up quickly, so don’t miss this opportunity to get your organization, product, or service directly in front of your target audience.

View Exhibitor Prospectus

Questions? Contact Jeff Rhodes
Phone: 410-584-1952

For more information on ACE 2011, visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

Featured Breakout Sessions at ACE 2011

2011-06-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

What Every MT Should Know About Privacy & Security Rules and Requirements
Friday, August 19, 2011
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Barbara Perrett, RHIA, CCS, CHP, CHC

This session will update your knowledge of the privacy rule and the HITECH Act’s more stringent requirements for enforcement. You will gain the knowledge to be prepared to meet privacy rule requirements. Government regulations often seem like an alphabet soup: HIPAA, PHI, TPO, NPI, BAA, HITECH. What are the distinctions between Privacy/Confidentiality; Passwords/Encryption; Breach/HIPAA violation; Business Associate/Business Associate Agreement? Can you define these terms? Should you care about them? Do you know how or if they impact you? Do you need a BAA? What are the penalties? What is included in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and the additional elements in the HITECH act? Having the knowledge about privacy regulations in health care is critical with the increasing government emphasis on enforcement. Come hear the answers to these questions and more as Barbara helps you to navigate the sea of government privacy regulations and to learn how to protect yourself.

Barbara Perrett, RHIA, CCS, CHP, CHC, is a corporate ethics & compliance consultant for University Physicians Healthcare in Tucson, Arizona. She has previous compliance experience with University Medical Center and was the compliance and privacy officer at Tucson Medical Center. Her credentials are in management, coding, privacy, and compliance. She has 25 years’ experience in acute care and rehabilitation hospitals in Georgia and Arizona as director of health information management. Barbara served as the regional HIM advisor for 13 rehab hospitals in the western U.S. She was also the HIM consultant for 5 renal dialysis centers in Atlanta, writing policies and procedures and monitoring compliance with documentation regulations. Barbara has been a speaker for state HIM conventions in two states, a national audio conference for HCPro, and two World Research Group seminars. Her innovative solutions to health information management issues have been published in a number of healthcare newsletters.

Emerging Therapies in the Treatment of Low Back Pain
Saturday, August 20, 2011
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Susan Sorosky, MD

The objectives of this lecture are to provide a background concerning low back pain, examine the disc as a pain generator in low back pain, review the diagnostic tools for discogenic low back pain, discuss the biomechanics and pathology of the intervertebral disc, review the current interventional treatments for discogenic low back pain including IDET and disc injection, and focus on the emerging therapies for low back pain including gene therapy and stem cell therapies.

Dr. Sorosky is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist with additional board certification in Pain Management. She is the co-owner with her husband, Brad Sorosky, MD, of Desert Spine and Sports Physicians located in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Her practice is dedicated to the nonsurgical diagnosis and treatment of spine, sports, and musculoskeletal pain and injury. She has consistently been recognized by her peers as a "Top Doc" by the Phoenix magazine for the last five years.

Register now!
View the Interactive Schedule
Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

Don't Delay - ACE 2011 Early-Bird Registration Rates Expire June 20!

2011-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

Still on the fence as to whether or not you will attend ACE 2011? Don’t wait any longer! Register before June 20, 2011, receive the early-bird rate, and save nearly $100 on your registration fee. You won’t want to miss ACE 2011 in Phoenix—you won’t find a more comprehensive professional development and networking experience all under one roof. Make 2011 your year to Learn, Evolve and Shine!

Register now!
View the Interactive Schedule
Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

New Merchandise Available!

2011-06-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Proud to be an MT? Stop by the AHDI Marketplace to see all of the great new merchandise available for MTs, credentialed MTs and Students/Postgrads. Pick up something for yourself or one of your coworkers!

Advancing the Profession: New AHDI Fellow!

2011-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

AHDI would like to congratulate the following individual who has met the requirements to be deemed an AHDI Fellow.

Joyce Greenway, CMT, AHDI-F

If you have given your time and energy to advancing the profession through industry and association service, you may qualify for the designation of AHDI Fellow. Download and review the application. For questions regarding this designation, contact Tina Wilson via email.

ACE 2011 Early-Bird Rate Ends Soon--Register Now!

2011-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re considering attending the 2011 AHDI Annual Convention & Expo (ACE) in Phoenix, don’t wait too much longer. The early-bird deadline is Monday, June 20. After that date registration prices will increase. Join your peers at ACE 2011, where we’ve designed a dynamic professional development and networking environment that will put you on the path to success. 2011 is your year to Learn, Evolve, and Shine.

View the Interactive Schedule of Events

Register Today

Visit ACE365 – Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

June Monthly Member Bonus Available Now!

2011-06-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

You won’t want to miss this month’s member bonus benefit! We've put together four must-read articles on changing roles and best practices to empower your knowledge of the industry. Click here to view the articles. Note: Members must be logged into the AHDI website to view. Not a member? Join today!

Upcoming AHDI Webinars

2011-06-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

June 8
Ensuring Compliance in the Medical Documentation Industry
Presenter: Scott Edelstein
Time: 1 PM PDT/4 PM EDT
Registration Close:June 7
CEC Given:1 ML

June 14
MT Intelligence: The Value of MTs in HIT Implementation
Presenter: Gary David, PhD
Time: 10 AM PDT/1 PM EDT
Registration Close: June 13
CEC Given: 1 TW

June 22
CMT and RMT: Steps to Credentialing
Presenter: Lea Sims
Time:1 PM PDT/4 PM EDT
Registration Close: June 21
CEC Given: n/a

July 6
Book of Style Boot Camp Series, Part 3: Specialty Standards & Technology
Presenter: Lea Sims
Time: 10 AM PDT/1 PM EDT
Registration Close: July 5
CEC Given: n/a

June Deal of the Month--Huge Discounts on our Ethical Standards!

2011-06-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

For the entire month of June, we are blowing the doors off our Ethical Best Practices Standards! Not only are we offering over $25 off the price of the Resource Guide, but we’re offering Educational and Corporate members the opportunity to purchase the full manual at discounts ranging from $250 - $450 off the member price! If you have not purchased these guides, this is the time to do it. We may never have a deal this great again. Don’t let it pass you by.

The Resource Guide for Healthcare Documentation Specialists contains all content from the original Ethical Best Practices Manual for the Healthcare Documentation Sector that relates specifically to best practices for our workforce. Practice guidelines related to at-home HIPAA and regulatory compliance, compensation, employee vs. independent contractor status, and provision of services are all included in this resource guide for the working MT. Sample agreements and contracts, including business associate and noncompete/nonsolicitation agreements are included.

Note: This is a smaller supplement designed for medical transcriptionists and does not contain all contracts, guidelines, and customizable forms contained in the full Manual. MTSOs and independent contractors should refer to the full EBP Manual.

Fee: $49.99 for all AHDI members (Savings = $25.01 off regular list price)

Purchase Resource Guide!

AHDI congratulates those organizations that have incorporated the Manual of Ethical Best Practices for the Healthcare Documentation Sector into their business practices. For those who haven’t, there’s no time like the present. This vital standard includes the following:

Best Practices Checklist
Statement of Ethical Best Practices
AHDI Code of Ethics
CDIA Code of Ethics
Best Practices in Operations
Best Practices in Billing
Best Practices in Compensation
Best Practices in Marketing and Solicitation
Employee vs. Independent Contractor Guidelines
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Guidelines
Production Location Transparency Guidelines
Sample Non-Solicitation & Non-Compete Agreement
Best Practices in Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Sample HIPAA Policies and Procedures
Sample Business Associate Agreement
Guidelines for Establishing a HIPAA-Compliant Home-Based Office
U.S. 50-State Data Privacy Survey

Program documents included in this guide will help medical transcription companies ensure they are compliant with the new HIPAA regulations and operating in a manner consistent with ethical best practices. In addition, the program will help demonstrate to the healthcare industry and government officials that AHDI members are committed to safeguarding the privacy, security, and integrity of patient health information.

View a sample of the content Included in the manual. This sample shows the HIPAA Policy & Procedure Table of Contents and one of the actual policy documents. The HIPAA Policy & Procedures alone encompass over 170 pages of content out of the 18 sections within this manual.

This program carries a value that could easily cost a company tens of thousands of dollars. Click here to order your copy of the manual today.

Fee: $500 Educational/Corporate members (Savings = $250 - $450 on member pricing. This guide retails for $4000.)

Power Up! CQE Prep Workshop at ACE 2011

2011-05-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Featured Workshop:

Power Up! CQE Prep Workshop
Friday, August 19, 2011
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Presenter: Lea Sims, CMT, AHDI-F

What is the CQE? If you are an acute-care MT with more than 2 years’ experience and a desire to sit for the CMT exam, changes in credentialing policy now require you to demonstrate RMT (level 1) competency before moving on to the level 2 CMT exam content. To make this easier for CMT candidates, we are offering a fast track exam option that will allow candidates to sit for both the RMT and CMT exams in a single exam session—the Credential Qualifying Exam (CQE). With new exam blue prints and exam prep materials available for public consumption and candidate preparation, we are pleased to announce a new workshop available at ACE 2011 in Phoenix.

This two-hour interactive workshop is designed to walk CQE candidates through both exam blue prints, take the fear out of exam preparation, and give candidates an organizational approach to studying both the RMT and CMT exams. Workshop attendees will receive tips, strategies, and practice exercises that will give you a better understanding of what to expect on AHDI credentialing exams. In addition, all attendees will receive a "Power Pack" resource kit, filled with exam prep items from either of the two workshop bundle options below. Choose from one of the following:

CQE Workshop Package 1—The Basic Power Pack includes:

CQE Prep Workshop – Friday, August 19
RMT Exam Guide
CMT Exam Guide
Book of Style Workbook

Total = $90 on or before August 1 and $135 after August 1

CQE Workshop Package 2—The Complete Power Pack includes:

CQE Prep Workshop – Friday, August 19
RMT Exam Guide
CMT Exam Guide
Book of Style Workbook
CMT Prep CD I
CMT Prep CD II
CMT Prep CD III

Total = $150 on or before August 1 and $225 after August 1

Don’t miss this phenomenal opportunity for resources and hands-on exam guidance and support. For anyone serious about becoming credentialed, this workshop is a "must see" session at ACE. After the workshop, stop by the AHDI Pavilion to have your products signed by the authors and chat about testing. This workshop is a separately ticketed item not included with Full Registration.

Register Online

Register before the early-bird deadline (June 20, 2011) to secure the lowest registration rate available!

View the Interactive Schedule

Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

Payment Plan Option for ACE 2011 Expires Tuesday - Register Now!

2011-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

AHDI members purchasing a full conference registration may pay for their registration fee in three equal payments over a three-month period. To utilize this special option, you must register using the Payment Plan Registration Form. The payment plan option expires on May 31, 2011 – register today!

Register before the early-bird deadline (June 20, 2011) to secure the lowest registration rate available!

View the Interactive Schedule

Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

The MT's Role in Real-Time EHR Documentation at ACE 2011

2011-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Featured Breakout Session:

The MT’s Role in Real-Time EHR Documentation
Friday, August 19, 2011
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Joe Weber, MS, MBA

The future for medical transcriptionists is said to be threatened by speech recognition but much more so by EHRs. Physicians dislike point-and-click data entry, and documenting into a computer makes them far less productive, but there are strong market forces pushing them in that direction. This session introduces an innovative approach to clinical documentation within an EHR, introducing a new type of professional called a Medical Coordinator (MC) that leverages the medical language expertise of MTs. MCs listen to clinical encounters from a remote location via a secure audio-transmission system. They are intensively trained in EHR documentation, combining relevant free text for the Subjective and Objective sections with codified input for the Assessment and Plan, with the documentation appearing on monitors in the exam room. MCs can also handle the coding and other important functions. MCs actually determine how the encounter should be documented, thereby migrating into a critical role in the future of health care.

Joe Weber is CEO of Valadoc, The Medical Coordinator Company. During his 40 years in the healthcare industry, Joe has been engaged in medical research, hospital administration, biotechnology, consulting, and marketing – with a heavy focus since the 1980s in dictation, transcription, speech recognition, and natural-language technologies. Joe has published and presented extensively on a variety of topics, mostly related to clinical documentation, is the holder of 3 U.S. patents, one of which was for Smartype. He is a founding member of the prestigious Davies EHR Excellence Award Program of HIMSS and has served on the board of directors of the Medical Transcription Industry Association (MTIA).

Register before the early-bird deadline (June 20, 2011) to secure the lowest registration rate available!

View the Interactive Schedule

Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

ACE 2011 - Interactive Schedule Now Available!

2011-05-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) 2011 program committee is comprised of a group of volunteer healthcare documentation professionals that share your passion for this profession. They’ve hand-picked the most pertinent, hard-hitting session topics aimed at meeting your needs as a modern MT. Attend ACE 2011 and leave Phoenix empowered by the knowledge you’ve gained and re-energized by the connection you’ve re-established with your industry and peers. Join us in Phoenix where you, too, can Learn, Evolve and Shine!

Register before the early-bird deadline (June 20, 2011) to secure the lowest registration rate available!

View the Interactive Schedule

Visit ACE365—Your ACE 2011 Headquarters

AHDI Members Volunteer for Transcription Toolkit Workgroup

2011-05-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

AHIMA recently put out a call for participation for a workgroup that is forming to advance knowledge and practice of transcription and its role in supporting the EHR. This workgroup is charged with creating a transcription toolkit that will focus on technology to capture structured data for the EHR, operational considerations, policy and procedures, outsourcing guidelines, and transitioning roles and responsibilities.

We would like to recognize the following people who notified us that they had submitted a request to participate in this AHIMA initiative: Cynthia Alder, RHIT, CMT, AHDI-F; Teresa A. Costa, CMT, RHIT; Sherry Doggett; Susan Dooley, CMT, AHDI-F; Loretta Foulkrod; Brenda Hurley, CMT, AHDI-F; Kathy Lengel; Susan Lucci, RHIT, CMT, AHDI-F; Suzanne McKean, RHIT; Brenda Wynn, CMT.

Celebrate MT Week with….Other MTs!!

2011-05-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

We know that the at-home nature of medical transcription can often be an isolated, disconnected occupation, with few opportunities to interact and network with colleagues who understand and appreciate your professional experience. There is no better way to “associate” with industry colleagues and build professional relationships than through membership in AHDI. AHDI members all around the country are gathering this week at component meetings and state conferences to celebrate the contributory value of MTs in healthcare and to build and sustain the relationships they’ve made through the association. Won’t you join them?

If you want to make a meaningful investment in your career, consider beginning that journey with AHDI membership. Visit our Why Join AHDI? page to learn more about the value of membership and the benefits you’ll receive as a member. If you join during the month of May, you’ll be eligible to receive the May benefit of the month. AHDI members seeking access to our credentialing exams will have their eligibility fee waived for the month of May. If you’re planning to take an exam, membership means saving money on your exam. Don’t miss out!