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AHIMA Membership Benefits: HIM/Medical Coding Career Resources

Membership Benefits

[ Affinity Programs | Data Resources | Everywhere Benefits | Face-to-Face Benefits | Online Benefits | Print Benefits | ]

Membership has many benefits. Being connected to more than 53,000 professionals who have an interest in promoting quality healthcare information is reason enough to join, but belonging offers so much more: real opportunities to make the most of your HIM or medical coding career.


Top 10 AHIMA Member Benefits

  • Communications
    Journal of AHIMA, AHIMA Advantage Newsletter, various E-newsletters and E-alerts
  • Legislative Voice
    Advocacy Assistant and representation in legislative, regulatory and standards
  • Professional Development
    Programs, services, publications and certification
  • Collaboration
    Communities of Practice, AHIMA Convention and Exhibit, seminars, audio conferences, and Web-based training
  • Discounts
    Education, certification, publications, products and Affinity Programs provide members discounts on valuable services
  • Information and Research
    AHIMA Body of Knowledge
  • Job Postings
    HIM specific job search through Career Assist
  • Members-Only Web site
    myAHIMA Single Log-In, myProfile and Vendor and Exhibitor Directories
  • Component State Associations (CSA)
    Automatic membership at local level
  • Leadership
    Action Community for e-HIM® Excellence (ACE), Fellowship Programs

Go here to join today.

Affinity Programs

AHIMA membership provides you with something extra: special access to valuable services, including express shipping, and insurance. Each of these services is offered to AHIMA members at some of the lowest rates available. And every time you use these services, the companies listed below also make a contribution to AHIMA. More benefits will be added in the near future. When contacting these organizations, please have your AHIMA membership number available.

Avis Rent a Car.

Avis offers AHIMA members great money-saving coupons on top of special weekend, weekly and monthly rates.

For reservations or information, please contact your travel agent, Avis Reservations at (800) 331-1212 or go here. Be sure to use the AHIMA Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number S002800 to receive the lowest rate available. Note: Please confirm that the AWD number appears on the rental agreement before leaving the rental counter.

AHIMA’s Newest Member Benefit: FedEx Advantage® Program!

AHIMA members are now eligible to receive valuable discounts of up to 26 percent on select FedEx® shipping services. There are no costs and no minimum shipping requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit.

AHIMA members can save:

  • Up to 26 percent on select FedEx Express® services
  • Up to 20 percent on select FedEx Express international services
  • Up to 12 percent on select FedEx Ground® services
  • Up to 10 percent on select FedEx Home Delivery® services

Enroll in the FedEx Advantage Program online, or call (800) MEMBERS ((800) 636-2377), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

Liberty Mutual Home and Auto Insurance

AHIMA has teamed up with Liberty Mutual to offer our members Group Savings Plus®, featuring high-quality auto, home and renters insurance at low group rates. For a free, no-obligation quote, call (800) 524-9400, or visit one of Liberty Mutual’s local sales offices. Please mention group #113284.

Group Insurance Plans

AHIMA members can choose to purchase from several group insurance plans offered through Marsh Affinity Group Services, a service of Seabury & Smith.
  • Professional Liability Plan
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Plan
  • Customized Major Medical
  • Short-Term Medical Plan
  • Long Term Care Plan

For more information, including rates and policies, contact Marsh directly at (800) 503-9230.

PDA Verticals
  
PDA Verticals presents the latest in selected handheld hardware and medical software at favorable discounts, offering devices from all the major manufacturers. AHIMA members can take advantage of exclusive special offers that combine  PDA hardware with specifically selected medical software and save even more. To get started, visit here or call PDA Verticals at (800) 462-0388.

T-Mobile

AHIMA members receive a 10 percent discount on all new T-Mobile service rate plans, exclusive discounts on devices, and a waiver of activation fees on new lines of service. For new service, call (866) 464-8662 and mention promo code 10311TMOFAV to receive the AHIMA special device pricing and discount. Current T-Mobile customers should call (877) 453-8824 to receive the AHIMA 10 percent discount. Please have your membership number ready for verification.

For more information on the service plans and available phones, visit here.

World Points Platinum Plus MasterCard Credit Card

AHIMA offers members a no-annual-fee WorldPoints Platinum Plus MasterCard credit card. Designed especially for AHIMA members, this special card offers a low introductory annual percentage rate and a credit line up to $100,000. Earn points every time you make a purchase, and then redeem them for unlimited cash rewards; tickets on major US airlines with no blackout dates; brand-name merchandise; and car rentals and hotel stays in the US. Carry the only credit card that helps support your association’s programs and initiatives at no additional cost to you.

For information about rates, fees, and benefits associated with the use of the card, or to apply, go here or call (866) 598-4970.


Data Resources
This valuable resource will keep you up-to-date with the latest healthcare industry news.

AHIMA and KLAS offer healthcare providers access to health information technology (HIT) vendor performance information. A healthcare provider (referred to hereon as "Provider") is defined by KLAS as a person who works directly with patients (for example, a physician or nurse), or someone who is an employee or owner of a facility (IDN, hospital, or clinic) that supplies healthcare directly to patients.

Complimentary Provider Benefits:

  • An AHIMA Provider member receives free access to KLAS Online (Peer Reviews on Vendor Products and Services) when they take the opportunity to evaluate their current vendors’ performance.
  • In addition, a Provider participating in one of the KLAS specialty research studies will receive a complimentary executive summary of the findings from that study. Some of the studies of interest to AHIMA members include:
    • Back-End Speech Recognition
    • Front-End Speech Recognition
    • Medical Transcription Services Organizations (MTSO)
    • Documentation Management and Imaging

Provider discounts include:

Visit the KLAS Web site for more details on your member benefits, to participate in KLAS research, and to access vendor performance information.


Everywhere Benefits
Action Community for e-HIM® Excellence (ACE)

ACE members lead and influence e-HIM®, making a difference in their organizations, communities, states, and at the national level. Joining the community begins with recognition or self-nomination.

Advocacy

AHIMA is a recognized voice in healthcare: nationally, regionally, and locally. The Policy and Government Relations (P&GR) Team in Washington, DC, holds a strong record of advocacy in Congress, federal agencies, and standards development and maintenance organizations. AHIMA ensures you have a voice in the present and future of HIM.

The Washington, DC office, in particular, leads AHIMA advocacy by representing members in the halls of government, where rules and regulations are made that directly affect members.

There are many groups in Washington similar to AHIMA's, but none of them are so specifically designated to work for its members and the HIM workforce in general.

Your membership dollars provide you with a nonpartisan and respected voice when it comes to legislation.

Advocacy Assistant

AHIMA's Advocacy Assistant, an online tool designed to assist members with advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels. Members can learn about advocacy, and send e-mails to federally elected legislators and the President directly from the tool. The tool also has a media contacts list where you can send e-mails to the editors within your state. Click here to read more and to log in.

Career Counseling

Do you have questions about health information management careers? AHIMA offers career counseling to those new to the field and also for seasoned veterans.

Certification

Members receive discounts when they sit for certification exams. Since 1933, AHIMA has been setting the standard for HIM professional certification. An AHIMA credential offers a competitive edge with employers, potential employers, colleagues, and peers. Industry-wide, AHIMA certifications are recognized as the benchmark of professional excellence.

AHIMA currently offers seven credentials:

Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS). AHIMA is introducing a new CHPS certification beginning in April 2007. Integrating core competencies of two current certifications, AHIMA's CHP and HIMSS's CHS, the newly revised CHPS certification will better serve the privacy and security industry by issuing a credential that demonstrates mastery in both areas.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) These two exams demonstrate skill in classifying medical data from patient records, either in the hospital setting (CCS) or in physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers (CCS-P). Employers see both of these certifications as a benchmark of professional excellence, translating into potentially more challenging and even lucrative positions in the industry.

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)/Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) RHIAs are skilled in the collection, interpretation, and analysis of patient data. RHITs are health information technicians who ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. The integral involvement RHIAs have in areas like HIPAA compliance, privacy of health records, data quality, security, research, and decision support make them invaluable leadership assets in any healthcare setting. RHITs can look forward to expanding career opportunities in health information technology.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA). This entry-level credential is designed to give the coder immediate marketability after completing a qualified medical coding training program (such as Coding Basics online program), or on-the-job training. It ensures that basic coding knowledge has been mastered. The CCS is an excellent resource for training entry-level staff and finding the most promising candidates for hiring and promotion.

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA). With ARRA’s emphasis on electronic health records, the healthcare industry continues to become more data-driven, making health data analysts more valuable than ever. Individuals who earn the CHDA designation will achieve recognition of their expertise in health data analysis and validation of their mastery of this domain. This prestigious certification provides practitioners with the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information, while balancing the “big picture” strategic vision with day-to-day details.

Component State Associations

When someone joins AHIMA, he or she automatically becomes a member of 1 of 52 Component State Associations (CSAs). CSAs offer the chance to network and build relationships on a local level. Twenty percent of each member's dues go to support their CSA.

Fellowship Programs

Fellowship is open to certain active, honorary, or senior members of AHIMA who meet the eligibility requirements. Individuals who earn fellowship may use the designation Fellow of the American Health Information Management Association (FAHIMA).

The AHIMA Foundation
The AHIMA Foundation provides the financial and intellectual resources to sustain and recognize innovation and advances in HIM to strengthen the profession, improve healthcare, and benefit the public. The AHIMA Foundation achieves this mission by:
  • Raising funds to support Foundation initiatives
  • Identifying trends that impact HIM
  • Defining new directions for the profession
  • Guiding and encouraging professional development through research
  • Defining and identifying best practice
  • Recognizing excellence in the HIM profession
Through research, education, and public awareness initiatives, the AHIMA Foundation is shaping tomorrow's health information management by accelerating the profession's ability to anticipate, educate, and innovate as it successfully transitions to the HIM of the future. The AHIMA Foundation funds the following programs and initiatives:
  • E-HIM® research and resource development
  • Best practice development
  • Grant-in-Aid and Dissertation Assistance research awards
  • HIM Faculty Development
  • Triumph Awards and leadership development
  • Workforce Assessment Study
Logo line/Recognition Weeks

Show your HIM spirit by purchasing quality gifts from AHIMA.  In addition be sure to celebrate two recognition weeks each year:  Health Information and Technology Week and Health Information Privacy and Security Week, which are set up by AHIMA to recognize the achievements of healthcare professionals.

AHIMA Mentor Program

Student members of AHIMA have an extra benefit of connecting with an AHIMA Mentor. The program consists of more than 30 professionals in the HIM field who are willing to give time and advice to AHIMA student members. Connect with these AHIMA Mentors by visiting the Student Community of Practice. New members can also access mentors by clicking here.

Online Continuing Education Quizzes

AHIMA members have the convenient option of taking continuing education (CE) quizzes online. This highly popular, members-only service offers a number of time-saving advantages.

Survey Data/Special Reports

Emerging issues in health information management is a new section of the ahima.org site that lists special reports. In addition, keep up with new e-HIM® practices by reviewing the e-HIM® work group documents.


Face-to-Face Benefits

Members receive discounts on all meetings. Every year, AHIMA reaches out to its members in the form of face-to-face meetings, seminars, workshops, and its annual convention. These meetings give members the opportunity to learn about critical industry topics from experts, network, and discover innovative professional solutions for their organizations.

Annual Convention and Exhibit

From educational tracks to tutorials to showcases, and more, the AHIMA Annual Convention and Exhibit offers expert-led practical information you'll put to immediate use as soon as you return to your workplace. The annual convention is also the venue to network with other HIM professionals, boosting networking opportunities dramatically.

Coding Roundtables

Through AHIMA's Component State Associations (CSAs), this program brings medical coding training and coding expertise right to you. Coding professionals in all settings benefit from the presentations and networking available in multiple regional locations. Coding Roundtables, which improve coding skills through education, provide significant networking opportunities, create an environment for mentoring, and allows those attending a forum for sharing coding practices, challenges, and requirements to affect industry policy.

Volunteer

AHIMA offers many ways that you can network through volunteering. Meet new people, share your experiences and make a difference. Want to become a leader in HIM?  Volunteering is a great way to start. Learn how to volunteer here.


Online Benefits

AHIMA has seized the infinite possibilities offered by the on-line and electronic communications. Below are just a few of the ways you can maximize your knowledge and expertise without leaving the comfort and convenience of your computer. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to make you an HIM authority through the latest electronic resources.

AHIMA Career Assist

FREE to members! For students, professionals, and employers, there's no better career connection than AHIMA Career Assist, a repository for available positions in the medical coding and HIM fields. Career Assist is an exclusive way to make your talents and capabilities known to potential employers and also allows you to search for that perfect position. It works for employers, as well, by attracting qualified potential employees. In fact, Career Assist is such a great recruiting tool that companies pay to post their positions!

Make the most of Career Assist

For Job Search

  • Post a searchable resume (by other AHIMA members and registered companies), making yourself visible to hundreds of potential employers—who just might be able to give you a boost up the career ladder.
  • Search jobs by state, country, keyword, and job category, customizing your job search by geographic location, function, or any other parameter you want to create.

For Employers

  • Post job openings and create a company profile so members searching for a job can get a snapshot of your organization, helping to ensure that potential for an employer/employee match exists.
  • Search resumes other AHIMA members have made available. By using this service, you can search a pool of highly qualified candidates for that open position in your organization.
Communities of Practice Exclusive Members Only Benefit!
Communities of Practice (CoP) is one of the AHIMA’s most valuable benefits. CoP is so popular with members because it's such an amazing tool for reaching out to other members. Keep informed on the latest trends in HIM, problem solve, network, career-build, and more! With more than135 communities to choose from, you can network with peers across the US and beyond. Here is just a sample of the communities you can join:
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Registrars
  • Clinical Laboratory Billing
  • Concurrent Coding
  • Documentation Improvement
  • e-HIM®
  • HIM Professionals in IT Roles
  • HIPAA
  • Home Coding
  • Long Term Care
  • Student

Communities of Practice feature chat, e-mail, problem solving capabilities in threaded discussions, research functionality, and more.

Electronic newsletters/journal

As part of its mission to keep you up to date on the healthcare information topics that matter, AHIMA is always working to bring you not only the latest news, but also to deliver it in the most convenient way. Members either receive it direct to their desktop or have access to the many e-resources.  Here is a list of just some that we offer:

  • Code Write
  • The E-alert
  • Long-Term Care Insights
  • AHIMA Resources e-newsletter
  • Student Connection e-news
  • Perspectives in Health Information Management (scholarly journal)
AHIMA Body of Knowledge (BoK) Exclusive Members Only Benefit!

As part of Communities of Practice (CoP), this online library puts the entire breadth of HIM knowledge right at your fingertips. Articles from the Journal of AHIMAi>, practice briefs, position statements, job descriptions, and more are updated regularly. Always current and always comprehensive, the AHIMA Body of Knowledge is always available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at home or at work. In terms of convenience and time saved, the AHIMA Body of Knowledge is head and shoulders above a brick and mortar library! In fact, it's so user friendly you can be "in the library" discovering the information you need in minutes!

MyAHIMA allows members to access their favorite member-only areas of the Web site with one convenient log in.

Web-based Coding, HIM, and Cancer Registry Management Training

Save money through member discounts on all web-based products! Convenient, comprehensive, and user friendly, AHIMA online courses open the door to an entire health information management campus, right from your computer. Electronic formats are also available for audio seminars, offering up-to-the-minute, in-depth information on key HIM topics.

Through its "online campus," AHIMA offers courses addressing:

  • Cancer Registry Management
  • Career Management
  • Clinical Terminologies and Vocabularies
  • Coding and Reimbursement
  • Compliance Regulations and Accreditation
  • Data Quality and Data Content Standards
  • e-HIM® and Electronic Records
  • Health Information Management Operation
  • Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security

Print Benefits

AHIMA publications and books have always been the bedrock of our educational and information delivery. Membership provides free subscriptions to respected industry journals, plus significant discounts on authoritative textbooks, which are timely and practical, because they're written by practicing industry experts.

AHIMA Advantage
AHIMA Advantage Looking for developments and news on e-HIM®, the Association, and more? Look to the Advantage. Eight FREE issues are yours as a member. With each and every information-packed issue, you'll find terrific information that's certain to help you climb the career ladder, understand the industry, and establish best practices.

 

 

Educational and Professional books
Members receive up to 20 percent off all AHIMA books, which are the tangible result of our mission to deliver a broad spectrum of the most authoritative, reliable, and up-to-date reference materials. AHIMA publications cover critical health information topics, including medical coding, compliance, electronic health records, privacy, confidentiality, and security, and more. Each AHIMA book boasts expert authorship by one or more professionals who work in the same field about which they write.

 

Journal of AHIMA
Journal of AHIMA This award-winning publication is considered by members to be one of their most valuable, tangible benefits. Offering industry news, practical guidance, career information, and updates on professional resources, the Journal comes to you FREE 11 times per year. The Journal is your source for on-the-job solutions.

 

With the fast pace and constant change in HIM, you need reference tools that you can turn to for reliable guidance on the issues you face. We provide them.

AHIMA On Demand
Order reprints online, download articles and order customized textbooks all with a click of the mouse.


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