I got into a recent discussion about the role of HIM professionals in an EHR implementation. I thought this was also a timely post since I got a request today to again attend the AHIMA annual conference. I had such a good time at the AHIMA conference last year, that it looks like I’m going to attend AHIMA 2012 in Chicago, but I digress.
In response to the discussion about the HIM professionals role in EHR implementations, I offered the following comment:
I think they’re an essential part of the implementation. The place I see them most used is in how to deal with the old paper charts. The challenge is usually turning them on the idea that they’re useful and valuable even in an EHR world. Many just assume (incorrectly) that their job is gone. It’s not, but it does change.
Just a few places where they will still have to be involved post EHR implementation can include:
-ROI (Release of Information) from the EHR and the old paper charts
-Scanning Loose Paper into EHR (or overseeing that process)
-Quality Checking (similar to paper chart audits)I’m sure there are more, but those are a few off the top of my head.
Personally, I loved talking with our HIM staff during our EHR implementation. In many ways they were a great “sanity” check for me. They weren’t afraid to point out things that I may not have considered. I did feel bad, because I could tell that the HIM director always felt like HIM wasn’t really listened to during the EHR implementation. I can’t speak for some of the other clinical leadership, but I was always grateful for the role that HIM played in the EHR implementation.
Who are you including – or not in ‘HIM’ staff? The term would seem to cover anyone in health related IT.
HIM staff used to be called medical records staff, but that term has definitely evolved. I think this article from AHIMA (the HIM trade organization) highlights some details of HIM: http://perspectives.ahima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147:redefining-the-roles-of-health-information-management-professionals-in-health-information-technology&catid=38:education-a-careers&Itemid=84
Ah. Makes sense. Same thing I’ve told some other people; that you need the existing medical records staff to help in the conversion (while keeping things going), then once you are live to scan in huge piles of old data (for still living patients at least). Over time some will likely leave, but like you said, some will be needed for new purposes. Among other things – training patients in portal use. And you may get more flexibility in running the front desk.
Though over enough time fewer will be needed. But there ought to be plenty of time to train them for new roles.
Are there any stipulations under the ehr/emr protocol that state the staff has to have certification (CMA/LPN/RN if so where can I find it?
J Juanita,
There aren’t any required certifications for use of EMR or EHR. The software has to be certified, but the user doesn’t have to be certified. However, there are some Certified EMR training courses out there if you’re interested in those: http://training4med.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/click.php?a_aid=healthcarescene&a_bid=71d1830f