HBMA, AHIMA Establish Partnership

AHIMA and the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the associations to collaborate and share educational benefits with their members.

The agreement increases the amount of resources available to members of each association and provides opportunities for collaboration on best practices and procedures to ensure the quality of health information. "Both AHIMA and HBMA are dedicated to being at the cutting edge of industry practices and innovation," says AHIMA Board President/Chair Cassi Birnbaum, MS, RHIA, CPHQ, FAHIMA. "Health care billing organizations are a logical partner for health information management departments because professionals in both areas are knowledgeable in coding, data analytics, and risk management. We look forward to working with HBMA."

As part of the agreement, AHIMA and HBMA will accept continuing education units (CEUs) for prior approval from each organization and provide webinars to each others' members for free. With similar industry perspectives, the partnership provides an opportunity for AHIMA and HBMA to lead the information management and health care billing professions as advances in health care technology grow.

"The collaboration and partnership will allow health information management professionals and health care revenue cycle professionals to work together as we navigate the changing world of health care," says Curt Cvikota, CHBME, president of HBMA.

The agreement also allows for further collaboration between AHIMA and HBMA through advocacy, thought leadership, professional development, and volunteer opportunities.

Source: Healthcare Billing and Management Association