My column in the April MRB addressed unexpected disruptions for HIM managers and the importance of backup plans?quite timely because the ICD-10 implementation delay was announced just before the newsletter was published.
Implementing a patient portal is at the top of the list for many organizations working toward attestation for Stage 2 Meaningful Use of EHRs under CMS' EHR Incentive Programs.
It's no secret that the scope of HIM is expanding, so one would assume that compensation for HIM directors and managers is on the rise but this may not be the case.
Provider-based clinics and departments are increasingly common at hospitals, but the rules for provider-based qualification and billing can often be confusing.
HIM professionals must be flexible and willing to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment. Most people in HIM departments across the nation are focused on the emergence of EHR technology and what will happen with ICD-10, and rightly so. But the key to developing the policies and procedures that will help make any HIM initiative successful is health information governance.
As healthcare continues to evolve, addressing the effect changes may have on the healthcare landscape and establishing goals for the future is important.
Better late than never. This is what some healthcare professionals are likely saying about the delayed release of the fiscal year (FY) 2014 OIG Work Plan, which was due to be released in fall 2013 but did not make an appearance until January 2014.
The term "data rich and information poor" has been used to describe EMRs. Patient records are often packed with data, but that data is less than helpful if it is difficult to find at a moment's notice.
HIM and IT leaders nationwide are feeling the stress from an overwhelming number of large-scale projects. This stress is often related to problems associated with prioritization, timelines, schedules, and disruptions.
