Consistent coding and reporting requires that all coders apply the code sets in a uniform manner. This is a challenge since no two patients are alike and the context of the specific encounter and the actual documentation provided must be taken into consideration when applying medical codes. In addition, the code sets are updated at least annually.
To help address this challenge, AHIMA provides a full suite of quality products to assist with coding education, certification, lifelong learning, professional networking, and best practices to keep current with the latest coding industry changes.
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Coding Books
AHIMA Press, AHIMA’s publishing division, maintains a full suite of coding publications from the nation's health information management (HIM) coding experts in various provider settings to provide guidance on accurate diagnostic and procedural coding, compliance documentation, and reimbursement practices. Visit the AHIMA store to explore the full range of academic and professional coding books, including coding certification prep materials.
AHIMA administers eight certification exams, including the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA). The RHIT and CCS credentials demonstrate a practitioner's high professional standards in key inpatient and outpatient hospital health information coding areas such as health data management, healthcare compliance, and mastery of clinical coding proficiency and reimbursement methodology. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification. The CCA credential distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices.
E-Learning (Distance Education Courses)
Coding Basics Online Program
The Coding Basics Program is a flexible, self-directed, online coding certificate program that provides students with the entry level skills required to begin a coding career. Students who successfully complete the Coding Basics Program receive a Coding Basics Certificate of Completion, and many choose to sit for one of AHIMA’s national coding certification exams.
Coding Assessment and Training Solutions
AHIMA has online Coding Assessment and Training solutions available for coding professionals. The coding assessments and courses in this program provide opportunities for organizations and coders to assess and develop their coding skills on an ongoing basis. A suite of courses is available, addressing a wide range of diagnosis and procedural coding topics, including specialty coding.
In Person Meetings
Choose from a variety of face-to-face coding education and training programs facilitated by expert faculty with extensive coding experience. Whether you're interested in improving clinical coding documentation, reducing audit risk, or learning ICD-10-CM/PCS, AHIMA meetings and conferences offer a valuable opportunity for you to learn and network. A complete calendar of events is available. Coding-specific meetings include:
- AHIMA Academies for ICD-10 (Multiple dates and locations throughout the year. Check the schedule.)
Audio Seminars
AHIMA’s audio seminars provide a flexible way to stay current on coding practices covering an array of clinical coding topics. Coding industry faculty experts provide accurate and timely coding information to help you succeed in collecting and reporting quality clinical coded data. From the comfort of your office, live audio seminars last 90 minutes and registrants receive instructions to log in the day before the live seminar. AHIMA also offers an audio CD, and prerecorded Webcast versions made available after the live audio seminar has been presented. Go directly to the AHIMA store to purchase them.
AHIMA Live Learning Center
Now the world of AHIMA meetings, conferences, and events is just
a click away! The AHIMA Live Learning Center was created to help busy HIM
professionals find time to learn about current industry issues and events.
Access a host of recorded knowledge from select AHIMA meetings, conferences,
and events—all at affordable prices and without travel costs.
The AHIMA Live Learning Center includes the Annual Clinical
Coding Community meeting, a primary source for information, education,
training, and resources for coding professionals. The two-day event is led by
opinion leaders, speakers, experts, and practitioners with insight and
knowledge about ensuring the successful application of clinical codes. Now, all
sessions are available for purchase. If you couldn’t make it to the meeting, or
attended and want to review the information you gathered there and share it
with your colleagues, the Live Learning Center lets you download a session MP3,
ready for immediate playback.
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