The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the premier association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA’s more than 57,000 members are dedicated to the effective management of personal health information required to deliver quality healthcare to the public.
History of AHIMA
Founded in 1928 as the Association of Record Librarians of North America (ARLNA) to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA is committed to advancing the HIM profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning. Quality information is essential to all aspects of today’s healthcare system.
In 1938, the association changed its name to the American Association of Medical Record Librarians (AAMRL), and in 1970, it became the American Medical Record Association (AMRA). Finally, in 1991, the organization became the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to reflect the evolving role of health information management professionals.
Over the years, AHIMA has played a key role in shaping the healthcare industry. In the 1960s, AHIMA worked with the federal government to develop Medicare and Medicaid programs. In the 1970s, AHIMA helped develop the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system, which is still used today.
Health information management (HIM) is the body of knowledge and practice that ensures the availability of health information to facilitate real-time healthcare delivery and critical health-related decision making for multiple purposes across diverse organizations, settings, and disciplines. AHIMA is not involved in the endorsement of, or selection of, any of the EHR systems featured on the AmericanEHR Partners website.
Mission of AHIMA
The mission of AHIMA is to “empower people to impact health.” AHIMA’s goal is to provide health information management professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to provide quality care and to promote the use of health information to improve health outcomes.
AHIMA Services
AHIMA provides a variety of services to its members, including credentialing and certification, continuing education, advocacy, and standards development.
Credentialing and Certification
AHIMA offers a variety of credentialing and certification programs for health information management professionals. These programs include the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentials, which demonstrate proficiency in health information management.
Continuing Education
AHIMA offers a variety of continuing education programs for health information management professionals. These programs are designed to help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the healthcare industry.
Advocacy
AHIMA advocates for policies that support the use of health information to improve health outcomes. AHIMA works with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote the use of health information to improve patient care.
Standards Development
AHIMA is involved in the development of healthcare standards and guidelines, including the development of the ICD-10 coding system, which is used to classify diseases and other health problems. AHIMA also provides guidance on issues related to the privacy and security of health information, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations.
Impact on the Healthcare Industry
AHIMA has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The organization has played a key role in developing the standards and guidelines that health information management professionals use to manage health information. AHIMA has also been instrumental in promoting the use of health information to improve health outcomes.
In recent years, AHIMA has been particularly focused on promoting the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and EHR products and other health information technologies. These technologies have the potential to improve the quality of care and reduce costs, but they also raise important privacy and security issues.
AHIMA has been working to ensure that health information management professionals have the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage electronic health records and other health information technologies.
Membership
Active Membership is available to individuals interested in the AHIMA purpose and willing to abide by the Code of Ethics. Active Members in good standing shall be entitled to all membership privileges including the right to vote. Student Membership is available to any currently enrolled student that satisfies one of these conditions:
- Currently enrolled in an AHIMA-approved coding program or a CAHIIM-accredited health information management program
- Currently in a program that has been formally recognized by CAHIIM as a Candidate seeking accreditation
Benefits of Membership
There are many benefits to becoming a member of AHIMA. One of the primary benefits is access to the organization’s many resources and services. This includes access to continuing education programs, which can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in health information management. AHIMA also offers networking opportunities, which can help you connect with other professionals in the field and build your professional network.
Another benefit of AHIMA membership is access to advocacy efforts. AHIMA advocates for policies and regulations that support the use of health information to improve patient care and outcomes. By becoming a member of AHIMA, you can participate in these advocacy efforts and help make a difference in the healthcare industry.
Finally, AHIMA membership can also help you advance your career in health information management. The organization offers a variety of credentialing and certification programs, which can help you demonstrate your expertise and skills in the field. This can help you stand out to potential employers and advance your career.
For those interested in a career in medical coding and billing, it may be helpful to know more about the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), an organization that provides certification and training programs for professionals in this field.
FAQs
1. How can health information management professionals benefit?
Health information management professionals can benefit from AHIMA by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, obtaining credentialing and certification, accessing continuing education programs, and networking with other professionals in the field.
2. What is the future of health information management, and how will AHIMA be involved?
The future of health information management is likely to be characterized by continued growth and innovation in electronic health records and other health information technologies.
AHIMA will continue to play a key role in ensuring that health information management professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage these technologies and promote the use of health information to improve health outcomes.
3. Can individuals who are not healthcare professionals join?
Yes, AHIMA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are interested in health information management. While the organization’s membership is primarily made up of healthcare professionals, anyone who is interested in the field can join as an associate member.
Associate members can take advantage of many of the same benefits as regular members, including access to educational resources and networking opportunities. However, only healthcare professionals are eligible to obtain AHIMA credentials and certifications.
Conclusion
AHIMA has been at the forefront of health information management for over 90 years. The organization has played a key role in shaping the healthcare industry, and its members have been instrumental in improving the quality of care and promoting the use of health information to improve health outcomes.
If you are a health information management professional, AHIMA is an essential resource for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
