AHDI Board Elects Officers and Appoints Harper as At-Large Director

Officer elections were held during AHDI’s National Leadership Board meeting August 6, 2015, in Alexandria, VA. We’re pleased to announce the election of the following officers, effective September 1, 2015, who will serve under the leadership of incoming President Jay Vance, CMT, CHP, AHDI-F:

Diane Warth, CMT, RHIT, CPC, AHDI-F, Secretary
Sheryl Williams, CHDS, AHDI-F, Treasurer
Sheila Guston, CHDS, AHDI-F, President-elect

Due to personal reasons, we regret to announce the resignation of Cynthia Alder, RHIT, CDIP, CPCO, CHDS, AHDI-F, as At-Large Director on the National Leadership Board. Alder’s 3-year term was to begin September 1, 2015. The National Leadership Board appointed Melissa Harper to the vacant At-Large Director position, effective September 1. Harper is currently manager of clinical documentation services IS&T at UC Health in Cincinnati, OH.

Your Portal to AHDI’s Health Record Integrity eBrief

The AHDI Health Record Integrity eBrief captures the latest news and hot topics affecting the healthcare documentation industry. Emailed every Wednesday, the eBrief has quickly become a trusted information source to more than 20,000 subscribers. If you’re ever looking for a past article or researching a specific topic, the online portal is a handy resource available free.

Visit http://multibriefs.com/briefs/AHDI/ to access the portal.

AHDI Seeks "Challenge Quiz" Author

The AHDI editorial staff is actively seeking a volunteer to author the "CMT/CHDS Challenge Quiz" in Plexus magazine. If you are a certified medical transcriptionist or a certified healthcare documentation specialist and are interested in writing this credit-worthy 20-question multiple-choice quiz, please send a 10-question sample (with answers and explanations) to Kristin Wall, CHDS, AHDI-F, editor, at kwall@ahdionline.org.

Item-writing experience preferred.

The Bottom Line—Speech Recognition Hands-On Learning

The latest issue of Plexus e-magazine is now available for download on the AHDI website. In this issue, authors provide practical insight and time-saving tips for increasing productivity while maintaining quality. Plexus magazine provides readers with many continuing education opportunities, and CMTs and CHDSs can earn CECs. Your eligible AHDI Member login is required to access this benefit.

Not currently an AHDI Member? Visit our website to learn about the benefits of joining, which will include a subscription to Plexus e-magazine and the full archive of past issues.

ICD-10 Position Statement

AHDI recently released a position statement in support of ICD-10 implementation. Given the in-depth clinical documentation knowledge and expanded skill set of our workforce, we are uniquely positioned to help facilitate adoption of ICD-10.

This position statement outlines numerous ways in which healthcare documentation specialists serve as an important partner to clinicians. In addition, AHDI has created tools to assist healthcare organizations and service providers with establishing and maintaining dictation best practices, quality metrics, quality review of clinician-created documentation, and patient engagement and verification. These tools match ICD-10 expectations and prepare clinicians, the documentation sector, and HIM departments to meet or exceed ICD-10 documentation consistency as it relates to pre-authentication documentation.

We encourage all who work in the healthcare documentation arena to download and read AHDI's Position Statement on ICD-10 Implementation.

Read more position statements by AHDI.

AHDI Conference: Summer Planning Done in a Snap!

Planning your trip to AHDI’s Healthcare Documentation Integrity Conference just got easier! Download the brochure to pick the sessions you will attend, find out about the hotel, check the list of exhibitors, and see what’s planned with our friends from AHIMA.

The conference is August 7-8 in Alexandria, VA—only 6 miles from Washington, DC. In addition to the excellent educational lineup, you’ll have time in the evenings to explore the area with fellow attendees, whether DC or Old Town Alexandria. Don’t forget to bring your walking shoes and camera!

Register online at www.ahdionline.org/ACE. Your summer mini-sabbatical is awaiting you!

Featured Webinar: Speech Recognition Editing Productivity & QA Feedback

Presenters: Liz Harmeson, CMT, RHIA; Regina Buchwald
Date/Time: June 10, 2015; 1-2 p.m. Pacific (4-5 p.m. Eastern)
CE Credit: 1 MTT

Join us for an overview of speech recognition editing and navigation, in which we will explore tips and techniques for managing and increasing individual editor production. By design, documentation specialists' takeaways will include being able to combine their own expertise with the strategies outlined to increase their production and motivation.

Quality Assurance (QA) feedback is a critical component of expanding an editor's knowledge base, so the nature of QA feedback and its effect on production will be discussed as well. Work smarter, not harder, by employing these simple techniques.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review best practices to increase editing production/income.
2. Review basic editing shortcuts to maximize production.
3. Understand the behavioral implications that can directly affect editing productivity.
4. To understand and manage the role of QA feedback on production.

Even if you can’t attend the live webinar, registering will enable you to automatically receive a link to the recorded webinar 24 hours after the live presentation ends.

More webinars open for registration:

• The Ins and Outs of Applying for a Work-at-Home Job – June 24
• Brain Health Matters presented by AARP Research – July 8
• Online Testing for an MTSO – July 9
• Compensation Best Practices Toolkit – October 8
• Beyond Transcription—Blazing New Trails – November 9

Mastering the EHR and Credentialing Study Courses On Sale

Mastering the EHR, CHDS Study Course, and the RHDS Study Course are all on sale in July! Sign up between June 1 through June 25 to take any of the following three AHDI online courses in July:

Mastering the EHR (Save $20)
The course will teach you how to navigate the EHR program, current topics in health care, and help you develop critical-thinking skills through comprehension of applied concepts of using an EHR. Learn more.

RHDS Study Course (Save $10)
This 12-week course will aide you in preparing for the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) exam. Learn more.

CHDS Study Course (Save $10)
When you’re ready to start preparing for the Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) exam, this 12-week, self-paced course will walk you through all of the exam objectives. Learn more.

Course discounts are good for July 2015 only. Participants must register no later than June 25.

Where’s the New AHDI Website?

We previously announced that the AHDI website is undergoing a complete overhaul. We were scheduled to launch in early May but we have encountered delays. As you know, technology changes can be tricky and our website migration was not immune to this. A revised launch date has not been set yet but we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

AHDI Seeks "Challenge Quiz" Author

The AHDI editorial staff is actively seeking a volunteer to author the "CMT/CHDS Challenge Quiz" in Plexus magazine. If you are a certified medical transcriptionist or a certified healthcare documentation specialist and are interested in writing this credit-worthy 20-question multiple-choice quiz, please send a 10-question sample (with answers and explanations) to the editor at kwall@ahdionline.org.

Item-writing experience preferred.

Polls Opening May 26 for AHDI Integrity Award Voting

Eligible voting members will also vote to select this year’s AHDI Integrity Award winners. The polls will be opening on May 26 so watch your email inbox for details. Nominees will be presented for the following awards:

• Advocate of the Year
• Educator of the Year
• Employer of the Year
• Membership Impact Award
• Member of the Year Award
• Innovation Through Technology Award
• Rising Star Award

The Integrity Awards will be presented at AHDI’s Healthcare Documentation Integrity Conference on Saturday, August 8.

Win a One-Year AHDI Individual Professional Membership!

Individually and collectively, we have important stories to tell--our stories--about the critical errors we catch and correct or flag on a daily basis. Healthcare documentation specialists are important to patient safety, but it seems like we're the only ones who know that. We've been "invisible" far too long.

So here is your chance to make a difference! We need our workforce VISIBLE and our VOICES heard. We're asking for individual and group video submissions, stating the reason you became an MT/HDS, why it's important to patient care, and why stakeholders should embrace the knowledge and skills HDSs bring to the table.

Download the "My HDS Story" video information packet and guidelines for full details. This packet includes tips, how-to and sample videos, resources, and much more!

We challenge individuals, MTSOs, components, and MT/HDS departments to get on board and submit a video testimonial! AHDI will use clips from these to create a series of videos to go viral and help get our message out, and all participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of several great prizes, including a 1-year AHDI Individual Professional membership!

Upcoming Events

AHDI webinars are a great opportunity to continue your education from the comfort of your home or work office. Certified medical transcriptionists (CMTs) and certified healthcare documentation specialists (CHDSs) can choose from a variety of topics approved for continuing education credit toward recertification.

June 10
Speech Recognition Editing Productivity & QA Feedback
Presenters: Liz Harmeson, CMT, RHIA; Regina Buchwald
Time: 1 PM PDT/4 PM EDT
CE Credit: 1 MTT

June 24
The Ins and Outs of Applying for a Work-at-Home Job
Presenter: Linda Allard, CHPS
Time: 12 PM PDT/3 PM EDT
CE Credit: 1 PD

July 8
Brain Health Matters
Presenters: Vicki Gelfeld, MBA, and Patty David
Time: 1 PM PDT/4 PM EDT
CE Credit: 1 CoM

October 8
Compensation Best Practices Toolkit
Panelists: Sherry Doggett; Joyce Smith; Patricia King; Carole Gilbert, RHIT, CHTS-IM; Cheryl Klopcic, RN, BSN, CMT, RHIT
Time: 1 PM PDT/4 PM EDT
CE Credit: 1 PD

See all available webinars here. View the AHDI Events Calendar to learn about AHDI component events and other industry-related events.

Polls Open: AHDI National Leadership Board Elections

The online polls are now open for the 2015 National Leadership Board elections. Ballots were emailed to all eligible voting members on Monday, May 18. The polls are open until June 1.

There are 6 highly qualified candidates running for 3 at-large director positions. Visit the elections web page to meet the candidates before casting your vote.

Election Webpage

If you did not see your emailed ballot, please check your spam folder. If you still need assistance, please contact AHDI by tel: 1-800-982-2182 or 1-209-527-9620; or by email: ahdi@ahdionline.org.

Students: Free Webinar on Applying for a Work-at-Home Job

Date: June 24, 2015
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. PT/3 - 4 p.m. ET
Presenter: Linda A. Allard, CHPS
CE Credit: 1 PD

You may be working from home in your pajamas, but the rules for applying for a transcription job are the same as applying to be the White House Chief-of-Staff. Too often we see MTs/HDSs using inappropriate email addresses, applying for jobs they're not qualified for, or calling to complain if they don't get a response fast enough. Whether you're a new transcriptionist right out of school or a 30-year veteran looking to change companies, don't let your slippers and bathrobe limit potential opportunities—learn what will get your resume bumped to the top of the pile and what will get it relegated to the bottom.

Learning Objectives:

1. How to write a resume that will get noticed.
2. Tips for interviewing well on the phone.
3. How to prepare for online testing.
4. Basic tips about what employers are looking for as they sift through stacks of resumes and applications.

This webinar is free for AHDI Student and Associate Student members and made possible by AHDI’s Educators Alliance. Please be sure you are logged into the AHDI website with your membership credentials to receive this free of charge. There’s a small fee for others to attend.

AHDI Board Reaches Decision on Renaming National MT Week

At the AHDI National Leadership Board May 18 meeting, the Board approved to continue with the name National Medical Transcriptionist Week. Earlier this year, the Board sought feedback on plans to rename the annual event to reflect the expanded roles of healthcare documentation specialists. More than 350 people weighed in, with the community’s divided opinion expressed through the open comments section.

The Board is forming a task force to work on developing a one-day annual fall event centered on healthcare documentation integrity. The task force will recommend a name and the timing. A decision will be made at a later date whether to launch this in 2015 or 2016. AHDI is seeking volunteers who would meet online between June and August during business hours. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Tina Wilson by email: twilson@ahdionline.org.

A Word from Your National Leadership Board - May 2015

Most AHDI members and healthcare documentation practitioners are familiar with the role of The Joint Commission (TJC)... As part of fulfilling this mission, TJC publishes “E-Alerts” highlighting current issues affecting healthcare organizations. In April 2015, TJC sent out a Quick Safety alert under the heading “Transcription Translates to Patient Risk.” (Every HDS/medical transcriptionist should read it.) Read more.

Early Bird Extended: Save $55 on AHDI’s Conference

It’s time to make your plans to attend AHDI's Healthcare Documentation Integrity Conference. This year's conference will be held August 7-8, 2015, in Alexandria, Virginia. Navigate to www.ahdionline.org/ACE to make your plans to attend. The early bird deadline has been extended to June 1!

Quick navigation links to plan for conference:

• Online brochure (.pdf)
• Interactive schedule
• Hotel & travel
• Exhibitors & sponsors

This year will bring together healthcare documentation and health information management professionals under one roof. AHIMA's CDI Summit will be held on August 6-7 at the same hotel with a shared day of educational programming and networking.

Complete information is posted online, www.ahdionline.org/ACE. Register by June 1 to save $55. Please note: the conference will not be recorded this year.

Happy National Medical Transcriptionist Week!

National Medical Transcriptionist Week celebration is in full swing! Our Thunderclap campaign successfully launched yesterday, blasting our message out to more than 70,000 people via social media. A big thanks to everyone who joined in!

Have you visited the AHDI website to download your National MT Week materials? It’s not too late! We have images for you to use on our social media accounts and fliers. You’ll find everything at www.ahdionline.org/NMTW.

Meet the Candidates - Webinars

The Nominating Committee has completed its work evaluating and interviewing all candidates for AHDI's National Leadership Board. We are excited to announce the following candidates for this year's election:

At-Large Director – 3 open positions for the term September 1, 2015, to August 31, 2018 (there are no open District Director positions for this election):

• Cynthia Alder, RHIT, CHDS, AHDI-F (Fort Worth, TX)
• Kirk Calabrese, CMT, MA (Geneva, NY)
• Faythe Farwell, CHDS, MS, AHDI-F (Rock Island, IL)
• Melissa Harper (Cincinnati, OH)
• Mary Schmidt (Maquoketa, IA)
• Lynette Shipp, RHIT, CHDS, AHDI-F (Searcy, AR)

The online polls will open Monday, May 18, at which time voting members will receive an email with a link to cast your vote. AHDI members will elect three (3) of the candidates to serve as national leaders of AHDI, who will shape the future direction of the association and represent our members on the Board. Please note that the following membership categories may vote in national elections: Individual Professional, Student, Postgraduate, and Sustaining.

Please take time to get to know the candidates so you will be able to cast an informed vote! Thank you to the Nominating Committee for their tireless effort in securing a fantastic group of candidates, and thanks to the candidates for stepping up to run for one of these important roles.

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