The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has announced it is recognizing the importance of health data analysts during Health Data Analysis Month this September.
With the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and federal initiatives such as ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation, the healthcare industry continues to become more data-driven, pushing health data analysts into the spotlight, AHIMA officials said.
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"Health information professionals are uniquely qualified to meet the needs associated with the increasing emphasis on healthcare data and analysis," said AHIMA CEO Lynne Thomas Gordon, in a written statement Tuesday. "This September, AHIMA celebrates these professionals and the value they provide to the healthcare community."
As health information moves to a fully virtual environment with most data captured in a structured mode, there is a greater need for professionals who are skilled in the field of data retrieval analysis and display, AHIMA officials said. Health information management (HIM) professionals have the skills to pull data from EHRs and transform it into information the healthcare industry can use to improve patient care.
Health data analysts will be called upon to provide their expertise, as the healthcare community moves from the ICD-9-CM/PCS classification system to ICD-10-CM/PCS, in translating the data between the classification systems, and mapping skills will be imperative to this transition.
"It's an exciting time to be a HIM professional," said Thomas Gordon. "The changing healthcare landscape is providing many opportunities for health data analysts."
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As part of its celebration, AHIMA will highlight health data topics and education opportunities to help HIM professionals continue to strengthen their expertise. These topics include data mapping, health data analyst certification and information governance and stewardship.
Other opportunities AHIMA is offering include:
- The Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) Exam Prep Meeting in Chicago, September 29-30. During this meeting, attendees will receive support in achieving the CHDA credential from AHIMA professionals.
- "Heath Information Integrity Summit: The Quest for Safe, Usable, Quality Data in EHRs." In September, registration discounts are available for this convening of thought leaders and professionals in the areas of policymaking, informatics and law.
- Clinical Data Analysis and Mapping Institute. In September, registration discounts are available for this institute that addresses applying best practice in clinical data analysis and mapping principles using examples from ICD-10-CM/PCS, SNOMED-CT and other coding systems.
