Introduction To The Purpose Of Week One AHIMA Scavenge

Introductiondirectionsthe Purpose Of Week One Ahima Scavenger Hunt

Introduction/directions: The purpose of Week One: AHIMA Scavenger Hunt Assignment is to familiarize students with the premier association for health informatics and information management professionals, known as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Explore AHIMA's website to find answers to the questions listed below.

Fill in the blanks for the purple items, below:

  1. When was AHIMA founded? ___________________________
  2. List the name changes that the association has undergone. In what year did the association change to what is today: the American Health Information Management Association? AHIMA Name changes: _________________________________________________________________
  3. Who is AHIMA's current CEO & Board President? current AHIMA CEO: _______________________________________________ Current AHIMA Board President ______________________________________
  4. List the available AHIMA credentials. _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________
  5. Identify the various membership categories. List at least 4 benefits of becoming a student member of AHIMA. What is the membership fee for students? Is this an annual or one-time fee? Identify AHIMA membership categories _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _________________ _________________
  6. List 4 benefits of becoming a student member of AHIMA: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
  7. What is the membership fee for students? _______________________________ Is this an annual or one-time fee? _______________________________
  8. What are AHIMA's core values? How do you identify with the listed values? Why? AHIMA’S CORE VALUES: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
  9. How do you identify with these values, and why? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
  10. What resources does AHIMA offer for prospective students, current students enrolled in an accredited program (hint: career planning purposes, professional development) and volunteerism? Which ones would you use? AHIMA resources for prospective students, current students _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
  11. AHIMA resources for volunteerism _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
  12. Which resources would you use? _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Paper For Above instruction

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) plays a pivotal role in shaping the health informatics and health information management fields. Established to advance the profession through leadership, education, and advocacy, AHIMA's history and core values reflect its ongoing commitment to improving healthcare delivery through effective data management and technological innovation. This paper explores the foundational elements of AHIMA, its current leadership, credentials, membership structure, core values, and available resources for students and volunteers, offering insight into its significance in the healthcare industry.

Introduction and Historical Background of AHIMA

AHIMA was founded in 1928, marking nearly a century of leadership in health information management. Originally named the American Association of Medical Record Librarians, the organization sought to professionalize and standardize health data practices. Over the decades, it underwent several name changes—reflecting its evolving scope—until adopting its current name in 1991. This transition signified a broader mission encompassing a wider range of health informatics and information management roles, positioning AHIMA as a premier national organization dedicated to advancing health information professionals (AHIMA, n.d.).

Leadership and Credentials

As of the latest information, AHIMA's current CEO is Wylecia Wiggs Harris, who has been at the helm since 2018, leading initiatives that foster innovation and professional growth. The Board President is typically an experienced health information management professional elected to oversee strategic direction and governance (AHIMA, 2023). AHIMA offers a variety of credentials, each designed to demonstrate competency in specialized areas of health information management. These include the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), and the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), among others, serving as benchmarks of professional achievement and expertise (AHIMA, 2023).

Membership Structure and Benefits

AHIMA provides several membership categories to cater to various professionals, students, and organizations. Student membership is particularly prominent, with benefits that include access to exclusive educational resources, networking opportunities, discounts on certifications and conferences, and career development tools. The annual membership fee for students is modestly set at approximately $49, reflecting its affordable access designed to foster emerging professionals' growth. Membership benefits include access to AHIMA's extensive learning modules, job boards, professional publications, and participation in local and national events, which are instrumental for career advancement (AHIMA, 2023).

Core Values and Personal Alignment

AHIMA's core values revolve around integrity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and excellence. These values underpin its mission to empower health information professionals and improve healthcare quality through accurate data management (AHIMA, 2023). Personally, I identify with these values as they resonate with my commitment to ethical practices, continuous learning, teamwork, and a drive for excellence. Upholding integrity ensures trustworthiness in health data, innovation drives adaptation to technological changes, collaboration enhances interdisciplinary efforts, accountability ensures ethical compliance, and a pursuit of excellence motivates ongoing professional development.

Resources for Students and Volunteers

AHIMA offers numerous resources tailored to prospective students—such as career guidance, scholarship opportunities, and educational pathways. For current students enrolled in accredited programs, AHIMA provides professional development resources, certification prep materials, webinars, and mentorship programs. Volunteer opportunities include participating in community outreach, webinars, and policy advocacy initiatives, which serve to strengthen professional networks and influence the future of health information management. Personally, I would utilize the mentorship programs and certification preparation resources, which align closely with my career objectives and commitment to ongoing education (AHIMA, 2023).

Conclusion

In conclusion, AHIMA represents a cornerstone organization in health information management, supporting professionals through its history, leadership, credentials, and member services. Its core values guide its mission to enhance healthcare quality via accurate health data and innovative practices. Engaging with AHIMA’s resources, especially as a student or volunteer, can significantly contribute to professional development and career success in the dynamic field of health informatics.

References

  • American Health Information Management Association. (n.d.). About AHIMA. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/about/
  • American Health Information Management Association. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/about/leadership/
  • American Health Information Management Association. (2023). Credentials. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/certification/
  • American Health Information Management Association. (2023). Membership Categories. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/membership/
  • American Health Information Management Association. (2023). Core Values. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/about/values/
  • Moody, L. M. (2020). Transforming health information management: The role of professional organizations. Health Informatics Journal, 26(1), 175-185.
  • Johnson, P., & Smith, R. (2019). The evolution of health information management organizations. Journal of Healthcare Management, 64(2), 124-132.
  • Green, S., & Taylor, M. (2021). Certification in health informatics: Impact and importance. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(12), 1-10.
  • Williams, K. (2022). Volunteering and professional growth in health IT. International Journal of Health Services, 52(3), 245-254.
  • Fletcher, R. (2018). Educational pathways in health informatics. Health Education & Behavior, 45(2), 213-220.

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