I S S U E

M O N T HY E A R

HIM Connections Newsletter Issue #4 May 2014

Message from Kayce Change can happen in the blink of an eye and when it does, I always try to remember that it is not what happens to you, but how you respond to what happens that matters the most.

The ICD-10 delay caught us all by surprise, and while it was a huge disappointment, HIM profession-als are resilient and we thrive in changing environments.

Since the announcement of the delay, we have talked with HIM professionals nationwide and while there is disappointment, their response is overwhelmingly positive. Facilities are using this “gift of time” to better prepare their team.

As we move forward, the HIM Connections continues to partner with clients and candidates nationwide in the area of HIM & HIT recruitment and staffing. To help you get to know us better, I would like to share our company vision, mission and core values with you in this newsletter.

Enjoy all of the information and thank you for staying connected with HIM Connections!

Kindest Regards,

Kayce Dover, MSHI, RHIAPresident & CEO

YOUR CONNECTION TO…Better JOBS page 2 Better PEOPLE page 3

Better SERVICES page 4 Better RESULTS page 5

888.655.4722 | info@himconnections.com | Copyright © 2014 • All Rights Reserved • HIM Connections, LLC

The HIM Job Market

New technologies and reform drive demand for highly qualified HIM professionals and new HIM roles.As new technologies are developed to meet the need for advanced information management, the HIM profession is rapidly moving in new and diverse directions. In this era of change, the role of the HIM professional is evolving from that of manager of information to a strategic analyst of electronic data. Demand for HIM expertise is steadily rising, largely due to ICD-10, EHR implementation, the influx of newly insured patients, and the overall impact of healthcare reform.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information professionals is expected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for other occupations. The implications for the HIM job market are monumental - both challenging and rich with opportunity.

CLICK HERE to view complete article by Kayce Dover, MSHI, RHIA. featured in ADVANCE for Health Information Professionals

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What Do Hiring Managers Look For?via Idealist Careers

The person making an organization’s initial hiring decisions will spend, on average, 15 seconds perusing your effort before placing you in the yes, maybe or no pile. While presenting yourself through a resume and cover letter is a challenge, there are several useful tactics that will genuinely make you and your potential value to the organization stand out.

1. Can you do the job?In other words: do you have the skills, experience, and education to be able to fulfill all the requirements listed in the job description? Have you demonstrated that you were able to succeed in a similar role or under similar circumstances?

2. Will you do the job?Are you committed to the mission and/or central issue of the organization? Have you already demonstrated the work ethic necessary to succeed in this specific line of work? To help your case, emphasize any previous experience you’ve had with the mission or central issue of the organization, whether through volunteer service, work, or education.

3. Will you fit in?Do you speak the language of nonprofits (i.e., do you know when to say “organization” rather than “company”)? Do you exhibit enthusiasm for this particular job at this particular agency? Do you use language that reveals your familiarity with the organization’s mission? Does your sense of humor resonate with the prospective workplace? Employers want to know that you will feel comfortable working in the organization and that your colleagues will get along with you. CLICK HERE for the full article >>

Let Your Resume Do the TalkingBy Kayce Dover, MSHI, RHIA

Like any HIM professional in search of the ideal position, you diligently scan the newspaper, spend hours searching online job boards, and faithfully hand out your business card at networking events. Still, once you find the perfect job, you have to gain the attention of your prospective employer to land an interview.

With that in mind, what’s the most effective means of grabbing that coveted face-to-face opportunity? Any human resources director or employment agency will tell you: a well-written, eye-catching, and shamelessly self-promoting résumé.CLICK HERE for helpful resume tips in the full article

FEATUREDJOBSCodingInpatient Coder - ALOutpatient Claim Editor - MAInpatient Coding Specialist - US (Remote and Travel)Coding Supervisor - ALCoder - COOutpatient Coder - AL and Remote US

ConsultingContract Coding Account Manager - MA

Health Information TechnologyEnterprise Systems Analyst - AL

HIM ManagementDirector of Coding Operations - US (travel required)Executive Director of HIM and Clinical Documentation - GAHIM Manager - TN and TXCoding Manager - NYDirector of Coding - COManager, Health Information Management - WADirector of Health Information Management - TX and NY

OtherInstructor - Medical Billing and Coding - MSCDI Specialist - CAPhysician Coding Educator - NDClinical Documentation Specialist - MI

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE JOB LISTINGS!

888.655.4722 | info@himconnections.com | Copyright © 2014 • All Rights Reserved • HIM Connections, LLC

Your connection to... Better JOBS

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Plan your summer vacation now!We believe HIM Professionals like you are a valuable recruiting source and in the past have referred many of our best candidates. As a result, our Referral Reward Program has been revised to increase involvement in identifying qualified and talented HIM individuals for employment within our organization and the clients we serve by rewarding you better. To thank you, we want to reward you with the best referral program in our industry. Click the image to make some money!

Congratulations to Kayce Dover for making the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2014! “39-year-old Dover, president and CEO at HIM Connections LLC, is a fireball of talent, energy, focus and success.” Read the full write-up HERE

Recipes for Recruitment & Staffing SuccessOur recipe cards have become quite a hit! These are pocket-sized cards with a delicious recipe on the front and useful career tips on the back. Win win! We are adding to the collection so be sure to request your set today. CLICK HERE to request recipe cards

Your connection to... Better PEOPLE

888.655.4722 | info@himconnections.com | Copyright © 2014 • All Rights Reserved • HIM Connections, LLC

AHIMA Annual Clinical Coding Conference June 7, 2014 | New Orleans, LA

Coder Staffing in a Delayed ICD-10 World: Keys to Preparing Your 2015 Budget_____________________

AHIMA Faculty Development Institute & Assembly on Education Symposium July 27, 2014 | Chicago, IL

Bridging the Gap from New Graduate to Practicing HIM Professional_____________________

GHIMA Annual MeetingAugust 21, 2014 | Athens, GA

Coder Staffing in a Delayed ICD-10 World: Keys to Preparing Your 2015 Budget_____________________

AHIMA 86th Convention & Exhibit September 27- October 1, 2014 | San Diego, CA

Coder Staffing in a Delayed ICD-10 World: Keys to Preparing Your 2015 Budget

Careers in Enterprise Information Management and Information Governance: Six Must Haves for the Road Ahead

Connect with us at these upcoming events Don’t miss our industry experts at these speaking sessions throughout the year!

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Strong Growth in HIM Jobs Seen Health Data Management, April 25, 2014

The number of available health information management jobs in the nation will increase by 41,100 between 2012 and 2022, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In its latest analysis of data on the medical records and health information technicians field, the bureau says the industry had 186,300 such jobs in 2012 and those positions will increase by 22 percent by 2022. The median annual salary was $34,160 in May 2012.

Healthcare sectors employing the most HIM professionals in 2012 include general medical and surgical hospitals (37 percent), physician offices (22 percent), nursing and residential care facilities (9 percent) and government (5 percent).

The bureau has published a summary of its findings that includes information on the duties of HIM professionals, educational requirements, additional necessary skills, desirable or required licenses/certifications/registrations, and advancement opportunities.

888.655.4722 | info@himconnections.com | Copyright © 2014 • All Rights Reserved • HIM Connections, LLC

Your connection to... Better SERVICES

HIM ServicesDo you have open positions that need to be filled?

Are coding vacancies causing your unbilled to rise?

Do you need a trusted HIM partner?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, CLICK HERE to learn more about our client services!

Planning Coder Staffing Changes for ICD-10

With the ICD-10 deadline looming, budget now for coder and physician education, loss of productivity and extra staffing.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: This article was written and posted just days before the ICD-10 delay announcement. Given what we know now, it’s important to “stay the course” and continue planning, testing and dual coding where possible. Although “pre-delay” this article contains useful tips and information on how to prepare and forge ahead. So read on and take notes!

Hospitals can’t afford to pull coders out of production for ICD-10 training and hands-on practice without some type of backup coding support. Daily coding production must be maintained. Claims must continue to be submitted and hospital revenue must keep flowing. Herein lies the coder staffing conundrum-thoroughly prepare internal staff for ICD-10 while meeting day-to-day coding workload demands.

During recent months, we’ve received a flurry of requests from hospitals that have only used outsourced coding service compa-nies “as-needed.” It appears that in 2014, HIM Directors are rethinking their outsourced coding partnerships and searching to establish permanent, long-term partnerships with coding firms. In addition to coverage for in-house/staff coders during ICD-10 training and dual coding ramp-up, hospitals want more consistent, ongoing relationships before, during and after the transition to ICD-10. Here are four best-practice strategies that have emerged.

CLICK HERE to view complete article by Kayce Dover, MSHI, RHIA. Featured in ADVANCE for Health Information Professionals

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888.655.4722 | info@himconnections.com | Copyright © 2014 • All Rights Reserved • HIM Connections, LLC

Your connection to... Better RESULTS

How to Recruit the Best CandidatesRecruiting strong candidates can be difficult in a “candidate driven” market. Candidates have far more options to consider, making strong recruitment efforts even more important.

Sharing is caring! Be sure to let your friends and colleagues know about HIM Connex so they can receive future issues! CLICK HERE to send the sign-up link.

Here are a few tips:

• Evaluate the overall compensation package and be able to articulate the complete package to the candidate (salary, benefits, flexible hours/location, bonuses, opportunity for growth, etc.).

• Network with other HIM professionals.

• Expedite the hiring process. Top talent stays in the job market less than 10 days and delays can cause candidates to lose interest.

• Conduct exit interviews. Understanding why people leave can improve employee retention thus reducing turnover.

• Consider working with a recruiting firm. The cost of a vacant position can be much higher than enlisting experts to assist you in the process.

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Our Vision To be the leading provider of Health Information Management and Health Information Technology recruitment and staffing solutions nationwide, and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Our MissionTo help people exceed their goals by delivering superior services through best practices, thought leadership and providential relationships.

Core ValuesHonesty, Integrity, Respect, Excellence and Servant Leadership