SECURING OUR FUTURE

Announcing AHIMA’s Vision for Transformation & 2019 Strategic Plan



Dear AHIMA Members,



A strong healthcare ecosystem requires the skills of the HIM professional. With rapid changes due to trends in technology, proliferation of data, consumer access, and more, healthcare organizations are assessing the impact upon operations.



Recognizing the challenges and potential opportunities before us, the AHIMA Board of Directors has been working to develop a plan to increase our long-term viability and relevance. In doing so, we’ve asked for input from members, staff, and the industry. Our goal? To envision a multiyear transformation process so that AHIMA, our members, and other stakeholders can solve the big problems that we are uniquely positioned to address.



Transformation Vision

Our transformation is guided by a short-term and long-term vision:

Short term: Focus on current strengths while exploring growth opportunities to lead AHIMA toward renewal in 2019.

Long term: Lay the foundation for innovation and greater impact within the healthcare ecosystem by 2022.



2019 Strategic Plan

The 2019 Strategic Plan sets the path for our dual transformation: We will build a foundation internally by becoming more market-driven while also charting our direction for the future. These priorities allow us to focus our resources to achieve operational excellence and simultaneously build the longer-term mission, vision, values, and strategy for AHIMA.

During the next 12 months, you will see:

Changes to products and services offered by AHIMA as we create more agile, functional, and user-focused tools and resources.

Innovations to our online resources, such as AHIMA.org, the AHIMA store, and myAHIMA.

An improved customer experience as you interact with AHIMA.

A stronger and healthier AHIMA, as we better define the role of the Association and the profession in the marketplace.

First Steps



To start AHIMA along the path of transformation, we will need to make changes. For example, we will begin to focus AHIMA’s resources on developing products and services that reflect our core strengths and offer the highest return for the Association and our members.



AHIMA will continue to support and strengthen products related to Coding, Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI), AHIMA World Congress, Advocacy, Certification/Credentialing, Privacy/Security, and Higher Education, as well as Membership, Periodicals, and Convention.



AHIMA will no longer support and therefore will discontinue products related to Information Governance, Informatics, Standards, and Consumer Engagement. This means that products dedicated to these topics will be discontinued and phased out during 2019. We are aware that individuals will continue to practice in these areas and will seek additional resources to support their needs.



Data Analytics-related products in their current form will also be discontinued. AHIMA believes that there is a need to better define Data Analytics for the HIM profession. While we understand and value the importance of analytics to the profession, we want to develop a clearer understanding of how the HIM professional works within the Data Analytics field and how AHIMA should support these professionals to advance and position HIM. Our goal is to reimagine our Data Analytics products and services to better direct and support current and future professionals.



Please know that AHIMA’s Board continues to support Informatics, Information Governance, and Data Analytics as part of HIM education and the HIM profession, and we expect that academic institutions will continue to include these subject areas into their curriculum. During 2019, we will evaluate all books related to the discontinued subject areas; however, the general course texts will continue to include material necessary to meet the curriculum competencies.



Potential changes to related certifications (CPHI and CHDA) will be under consideration by Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management and the Board of Directors. We will keep you informed as these decisions are made.

Next Steps



At the November Board meeting, the AHIMA Board will ensure that we have sufficiently allocated resources to support the move in our transformation to renewal and that we have clear metrics to measure our progress. Next steps also include obtaining additional input from stakeholders to inform AHIMA’s strategy as we work toward the long-term transformation vision.



Member and certification holders’ input is vital to our transformation, and we want to hear from you. Your expertise and day-to-day experiences can help to reimagine Data Analytics and enhance our core products and services (Coding, CDI, Privacy/Security, Higher Education, Convention, Advocacy, Periodicals, and Membership). Watch for announcements in AHIMA’s E-Alert for upcoming focus groups, forums, and surveys where you can participate.



The Board’s approval of the 2019 AHIMA Strategic Plan kicks off a multiyear transformation to renewal and innovation and will include the development of an additional strategic plan through 2023. There is still much work to be done. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and partnership as we set the stage for this exciting opportunity and begin AHIMA’s path to renewal.



Throughout 2019, there will be several touchpoints to share our progress. Our promise to you as we journey toward a stronger Association is to be clear and transparent in our communication; to work in partnership with the House of Delegates and all our members, as well as our other AHIMA constituencies; and to maintain a steadfast focus on renewing AHIMA.



Thank you for your support.