AHIMA Conference Preview

Sun-sational AHIMA Conference Set for San Diego

By Heather Hogstrom

AHIMA’s 86th Annual Convention & Exhibit, “Leading the Way to Health Intelligence,” will take place September 27 to October 2 in San Diego. While in the city, attendees can take advantage of the dining, entertainment, culture, and beaches that sunny San Diego has to offer. For example, animal lovers may want to explore SeaWorld San Diego or the San Diego Zoo, home to some of the few giant pandas in the United States.

Foodies may enjoy San Diego’s famous craft beer from local breweries; the abundance of fresh seafood this coastal city provides, including its signature fish taco; and authentic Mexican food, thanks to its proximity to the border. And curious HIM professionals can take this opportunity to go on AHIMA’s educational site visits to local health care facilities, such as the Palomar Medical and BACTES Sharecare/RealAge, to see how other institutions function. Attendees can also participate in AHIMA’s newly offered yoga sessions or network at its 60s- and 70s-themed Appreciation Celebration featuring a live performance by KC & The Sunshine Band.

Of course, attendees will want to focus on all the educational activities the convention has to offer, from the informative tracks, panels, and tutorials to the exhibit hall. In addition to earning CEUs by attending sessions, attendees can earn one CEU by visiting the exhibit hall, which will feature the latest technology and solutions from more than 200 exhibitors and provide the opportunity to ask knowledgeable vendors specific questions about their products.

The conference will cover many hot topics, such as HIPAA and privacy and security. Those interested in this area may wish to register for the Privacy and Security Institute to learn from experts about current issues and practices. The ever-looming ICD-10, which had been scheduled to go live during the course of this convention, is sure to be another subject of interest. The Clinical Coding Meeting will provide an in-depth focus on ICD-10-CM/PCS, addressing its impact as well as readiness, training, and successful implementation. Other notable topics include data analytics and informatics, information governance, meaningful use, EHRs, technology, health information exchange, audits, data standards, clinical documentation improvement, coordination of care, and leadership.

Notable speakers include the following:

• Karen B. DeSalvo, MD, MPH, MSc, national coordinator for health information technology at Health and Human Services;

• Eric Topol, MD, a cardiologist, chief academic officer of Scripps Health, and director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute;

• Jeff Arnold, chairman and CEO of Sharecare, a health and wellness platform that connects people with medical experts, support tools, and interactive programs;

• Rich Bluni, RN, an author and a speaker with Studer Group, who will discuss “Inspired Leadership”; and

• Rob Lowe, an actor and cancer awareness advocate, who will present the closing keynote address.

For more information and to register, visit www.ahima.org/convention.

— Heather Hogstrom is an editorial assistant at For The Record.