AHIMA, AMIA, EHRA Release Report on Operationalizing Definition of EHI

AHIMA, AMIA, and EHRA announced today the release of a final report that examines key issues related to operationalizing the definitions of “electronic health information” (EHI) and “designated record set” (DRS). The report is intended to serve as a resource to assist providers, health IT systems, health information exchanges, and health information networks in complying with the information blocking provisions of the Cures Act Final Rule.

Provider Role in Protecting Patient Confidentiality, Privacy, and Security Beyond HIPAA

This list of resources from AHIMA will assist health information professionals with educating patients on how to protect the confidentiality, privacy, and security of their health information in environments not covered by HIPAA.

Information Blocking Recommendations Sent to HHS

AHIMA and several other organizations urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the ONC, OIG, and CMS to work together to provide additional education to providers related to information blocking laws and requirements. 

AHIMA Comments on FY 2023 Hospital IPPS Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. 

AHIMA Responds to OCR RFI

AHIMA has submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Considerations for Implementing the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, as Amended.

AHIMA Comments on USCDI Draft v3

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Draft Version 3. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.  New data classes for health insurance information and health status are proposed, and 20 new data elements. 

AHIMA Responds to ONC RFI

AHIMA submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) on electronic prior authorization standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria.

AHIMA Joins Healthcare Organizations in Advocating for AHRQ Funding

AHIMA has joined 135 healthcare organizations in advocating for $500 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) federal budget. The funding will support AHRQ's mission of furthering research to improve health care quality, reduce costs, advance patient safety, decrease medical errors, and broaden access to essential services.

Coalition Responds to Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee RFI

In a response to the Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee request for information (RFI), AHIMA and other healthcare organizations recommended the authorization of funding for long-term and post-acute care providers to adopt interoperable health information technology with a focus on patient care and safety. 

AHIMA Comments on PREVENT Pandemics Act Legislation

AHIMA recently provided feedback on the PREVENT Pandemics Act draft legislation, introduced by HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC). AHIMA provided comments on social determinants of health, accurate patient information, and improving the frontline workforce.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Interoperability

A policy statement addressing interoperability has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To make the strides needed to strengthen interoperability within healthcare, public policy must improve standardization of health data to support interoperability. 

Coalition Sends Letter to CMS and ONC on FHIR Based APIs

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), AHIMA and other provider-based organizations ask that security and vulnerability flaws of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) based application program interfaces (APIs) be reviewed and that FHIR API policies be reevaluated.

AHIMA and HIMSS Provide Input on Cyber Incident Reporting Act

In a letter to relevant committee leadership on Capitol Hill, AHIMA and HIMSS sent a letter in support of the most recent bipartisan amendment offer by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA) to the Cyber Incident Reporting Act. The legislation would create a compulsory cyber incident notification program with implications for the healthcare community. AHIMA and HIMSS voiced support for issues including harmonizing federal reporting requirements, focusing on patient safety, and supporting opportunities for cyber workforce development.

AHIMA Comments on Draft Elements of Common Agreement

In a letter to the Sequoia Project, AHIMA provided feedback on the Elements of the Common Agreement in support of the goal of establishing “a floor of universal interoperability across the country for health care.”

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Consumer Engagement

A policy statement addressing consumer engagement has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To empower individuals to become better informed and more involved in decisions that affect their health and healthcare, AHIMA believes that public policy must guarantee an individual’s right to access their health information, regardless of where it is captured, stored, or exchanged.

Release of Preliminary Report: "Defining EHI and the Designated Record Set in an Electronic World"

AHIMA, the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), and the Electronic Health Record Association (EHRA) released a preliminary report that examines key issues related to the operationalization of the definitions of electronic health information (EHI) and designated record set (DRS).

AHIMA Comments on Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule.

AHIMA Comments on Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

AHIMA Comments on Surprise Billing Regulations

AHIMA submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the interim final rule on Requirements Related to Surprise Billing.

Overview of AHIMA's New Health Equity Policy Statement

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and exacerbated existing health inequities in the US and beyond. This spring we convened a work group to help us think about what key public policy considerations should be addressed by policymakers to address health inequities.

August 2, 2021

Health Interoperability Outcomes 2030

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology recently asked the healthcare community what interoperability outcomes should be prioritized that align with ONC's interoperability vision for the nation and the 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. In this video, AHIMA CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, details AHIMA’s answer.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Health Equity

A policy statement addressing health equity has been approved by AHIMA's Board of Directors. To meet the needs of diverse populations and reduce and eliminate health disparities and inequities, AHIMA believes that public policy must encourage the standardized collection of accurate and complete patient demographic and social determinants of health data. 

AHIMA Provides Input to NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards

AHIMA provided input to the NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards request for public comment on healthcare standards development, adoption, and implementation. AHIMA's letter stated that harmonizing standards to create a consistent set of standards for code sets, content, and services must evolve together to address clinical and administrative workflows. AHIMA commented that a clear roadmap and timeline are necessary to ensure the successful convergence of clinical and administrative data streams.

AHIMA Provides Feedback on 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation

AHIMA submitted comments on the 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation. AHIMA's letter offers several recommendations pertaining to accurate patient identification, increased health literacy, expanded access to and support for telehealth, payment for breakthrough devices, and biometrics.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Healthcare Reform

A policy statement on the subject of healthcare reform has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors. To recognize the value of health information in any health reform efforts seeking to expand insurance coverage, improve quality, and/or reduce costs, AHIMA believes that, regardless of insurance coverage status, public policy must guarantee the right for all to have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage and ensure individuals are able to access, use, and share their health information. 

Under the Dome: Read Highlights from ICD-10 C&M Committee Meeting

At the recent ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee meeting, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and National Center for Health Statistics discussed the possible adoption of April 1 ICD-10 code updates.

AHIMA Comments on US Core for Data Interoperability Draft Version 2

AHIMA submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT regarding the US Core For Data Interoperability (USCDI) Version 2. The USCDI establishes a baseline set of standardized data classes and data elements to enhance nationwide, interoperable health information exchange. The USCDI Draft version 2 proposes to new data classes and data elements to the USCDI.

Under the Dome: Learn About AHIMA's New Policy Statement on Affordability

As the cost of care rises, policymakers have increasingly focused on the need for greater transparency in healthcare prices and health plan coverage.

AHIMA Releases New Policy Statement on Affordability

A policy statement on the subject of affordability has been approved by AHIMA’s Board of Directors.

AHIMA Submits Comments on Code Proposals

AHIMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Center for Health Statistics on code proposals discussed at the March ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.