M-TEC Message Forum / M-TEC Chapter AHDI / M-TEC Student Forums

INVITATION TO UPCOMING ONLINE WEBMEDX CHAPTER MEETING

Kathy Kropko CMT AHDI-F — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:24:47 GMT

Vallie Piloian at Webmedx has invited all M-TEC AHDI Chapter members to join their upcoming online chapter meeting. Please see the information below for details.

The next Webmedx Chapter of AHDI meeting will be held next week on Wednesday, December 17, at 4 p.m. EST.

WEBMEDX CHAPTER – AHDI MEETING INFORMATION
Date/Time: December 17, 2008, at 4 p.m. EST
Speaker: Jay Cannon, President, Webmedx, & MTIA (Medical Transcription Industry Association) President
Topic: Navigating the Changes in the Medical Transcription Industry
CE Credit: 1 Healthcare Industry

The conference room address is http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rse625a69a238d
Group Login:
Name field: First and last name
Password: pudef

Be sure to log in a few minutes early to make sure you do not have technical issues. Participating in our local chapter of AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, formerly AAMT) is voluntary. If you do participate, be sure to make up your time (check with your STM for preference). We will record the meeting for team members who are unable to attend the “live” scheduled meeting. Once you view the recording, send me an email and I will be happy to forward the CE credit form to you for recertification. For information regarding AHDI, please visit the national website at www.ahdionline.org.

We hope to see you there!

Vallie Piloian, CMT, AHDI-F
Director, Quality Operations
Webmedx
615.916.3717 office
866.341.9996 office

STUDENT WEEK at the Online Association of AHDI!

Jacque Taylor — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:37:10 GMT

ANNOUNCEMENT from the Online Association of AHDI(OA-AHDI)

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS:

Be sure you visit the OA-AHDI forum the first week in December. We are promoting Student Week. Yes, lots of fun, virtual food, resume assistance, question/answer and door prizes.

Mark it on your calendars now.

Judy Mauldin
OA-AHDI BOD
SA Advisor

The Online Association of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (OA-AHDI) invites you to attend Student Week - December 1 through December 5, 2008 You are cordially invited to our online welcome party where you, the MT student, are the guest of honor. We wish to share a fun week with you where you can participate in a question and answer forum, meet MT professionals, and meet other MT students from around the world. Student Week is an annual event sponsored by OA-AHDI. We hope you will join us for this fun-filled week. We look forward to getting to know you. Student Week will be held online and you will be able to join in at your convenience. There will be prize giveaways, a free resume service, games, and virtual refreshments. Student Week provides an excellent opportunity to network! To participate in Student Week activities, please visit http://www.oa-ahdi.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=70 to register. Register using your first and last name. Registration will open on December 1, 2008. Please wait for our forum administrator to approve your registration, which is all done manually. Please be patient during this process as there are many people registering at the same time. For further information, please contact judytland@charter.net

HISTORIC CHANGE

Jacque Taylor — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:41:44 GMT

Historic Change

Brenda J. Hurley, CMT, AHDI-F

Florida Delegate

This is the morning after our national election and with the results now confirmed, no matter your political affiliation, we have all clearly witnessed historic change for our country. Whether your candidate won or lost, we all now must join together to contribute to the much-needed work that must be done for the success of our country.

I cannot help but consider how much historic change we have already witnessed within our own profession. For me, I have been in medical transcription for nearly 40 years, I have seen us go from the windowless basements in hospitals with only 1 or 2 old references and using equipment (typewriters) that was often handed down from other departments. Our job titles changed as well from the girls in the typing pool, typists, medical secretaries, transcribers, to medical transcriptionists. Few people knew who we were within the institutions where we worked and fewer knew that we even existed as reports just miraculously appeared on patient charts as if done by the stroke of magic.

Today, through change, things are different as we often work from our home offices using computers with Windows, we have enormous references available to us including the Internet, and our titles are continuing to evolve as some of our roles also evolve from medical transcriptionists to editors, to trainers, to educators, to consultants, to speech recognition editors, to documentation specialists, to perhaps even some yet determined as our profession continues to evolve and change.

With nearly 4 decades of tremendous change in our profession, there are still some things that have not changed all that much – dictators dictate, we analyze and interpret the dictation to transform it from speech to text, whether on paper or electronically, whether the complete report or only portions of the report, whether through a platform for report creation or through a web portal directly inputting within an electronic health record, we have adapted and continue to change as our role in healthcare documentation evolves.

Our association that represents this noble profession has also evolved to reflect these changes. We are no longer singularly defined as medical transcriptionists as some of us now work in areas that reflect the evolving roles within medical transcription but rather our single focus remains the integrity of the healthcare documentation – created through traditional transcription or through the use of other technologies (i.e., speech recognition, electronic templates, etc.).

Our association has not abandoned medical transcriptionists, it is leading us to prepare for the change that is coming (and where it has already arrived) as the technology that impacts us continues to evolve. Our roots in traditional medical transcription are essential to our ability to transition our skills to making this change, and the association is doing all it can (with limited resources) to give us educational opportunities to prepare us with new skills for new roles in healthcare documentation.

I truly understand the frustration that many medical transcriptionists feel about the profession. Just as so many things have changed over the last 40 years for our profession, some things have not changed nearly enough. We have been undervalued far too long for the importance of our role and contribution we make to quality healthcare documentation. We have not controlled the domain of medical transcription and report creation through the dictation process as others continue to set cumbersome rules or make decisions that negatively impact the ability for us to do our work efficiently and effectively. We continue to be squeezed economically to do more for less as our national healthcare costs escalate and the emphasis on patient safety diminishes.

So how do you propose we make change? Some have suggested that they will leave their careers to go to other jobs. Some have stayed on but have chosen instead to be bitter and complain to anyone willing to listen about the injustices they are subjected to in this field of medical transcription. In the words of Dr. Phil, “How is that working for you?” Leaving a profession that you love, staying bitter and angry only to complain to anyone or everyone who tries to make a change – does that really work for you, does that really work for the greater good of our profession? Those are questions only you can answer.

Have we not seen in this recent historic election that people can and indeed do have the ability to evoke change! There has never been a better time to join together to speak out in a collective voice that change is needed. That collective voice is through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), the organization that advocates for all of us! Just imagine the change we could impact if our membership was 30,000 or more, instead of 7,000. Our association represents our interests in standards-development organizations, with our legislators, the U.S. Department of Labor, through alliances with our organizations (i.e. AHIMA, MTIA, HCCA, etc.), and in numerous other places – giving us a mechanism and a voice for change in the evolving world of healthcare documentation.

Ask yourself, if AHDI wasn’t there for us, who would be? If AHDI was not representing us within these entities, who would be?

If you think that your single membership does not matter – it does. Just as individuals contributed to change in this historic election through their financial contributions, through their volunteering to work for change and by coming together they were rewarded with success.

I cannot guarantee you that with your membership it will make all of our plans and goals successful, but without you and your contribution to our association, I can guarantee that it will be more difficult to achieve our success.

During this historic election we have witnessed that when people come together they can make change; clearly that message is the same for all of us who have shared in the career of medical transcription, it is time to come together to make change.

Join AHDI, join your local chapter, if you live in an area that has no local component association then join the Online Association. Join me and other committed volunteers by getting involved, if only for an hour a month or more, we need all contributions, as collectively we can make history!

CONGRATS TO OUR NEW OFFICERS

virginia brammer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:13:00 GMT

Hi. I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW OFFICERS. I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead. I know it will be a year of change, fun and friendships!!

CONGRATS!! :P

Virginia Brammer

2009 President Elect, M-TEC Chapter of AHDI
Member Bylaws Committee, M-TEC Chapter of AHDI

M-TEC Graduate 2003

Member, AHDI

M-TEC CHAPTER ANNOUNCEMENTS

abear — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:35:07 GMT

We will no longer be posting information about chapter activities (chapter elections, meeting dates, newsletter, etc.) on the M-TEC forum. All chapter announcements will be directed to chapter members via email and/or postings on the M-TEC of AHDI Google Group forum.

If you have not been receiving emails from our chapter email address over the last year or have been having trouble accessing our Google Group forums, please send an email to [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email].

Respectfully,

What are the advantages you have found to becoming a member of AHDI?

JulesB — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:47:15 GMT

Can y'all explain to me what the advantages you have found to becoming a member of AHDI?

Also, I think I understand that there are different chapters, and that M-TEC is one chapter? Or am I totally confused? :w00t:

Is there a membership fee?

Thank you!

THE POLLS ARE OPEN!!!!

Danielle Richmond — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:13:18 GMT

Hello chapter members,

It's time to elect your 2009 Chapter Officers!

The voting booth will be open
Monday, October 20 thru Friday, October 24!

We are proud to announce that both the Chapter Secretary and Chapter Treasurer positions have been filled, with only one candidate for each position.

Congratulations to our new Chapter Secretary, Megan S.!
Congratulations to our new Chapter Treasurer, Donna Johnson!

The voting booth is now open for Chapter President and Chapter Vice President. Please cast your vote for who you think should be our next Chapter President. The runner up will be our new Chapter Vice President.

To cast your vote, please send an email to the Nominating Committee at mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com with "Voting Registration" in the subject line and your name and AHDI member # in the body of the email. You will receive a reply email with the link to cast your vote. We have included the candidates' bios below to help you make your decision.

2009 M-TEC CHAPTER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Candidate: Virginia Brammer

Dear M-TEC Chapter:

My name is Virginia Brammer and I am a PROUD M-TEC graduate in March 2003. I live in Hancock, WI and I have been working as a medical transcriptionist since 2000. I was working as a transcriptionist and being mentored by a wonderful doctor while I was going to M-TEC. I had a wonderful opportunity to learn from both. I have been at the same hosptial in Berlin, WI since 1998. I worked in the ER there as a unit clerk until 2000 when I started working as a transcriptionist. I love transcription and the challenges and rewards that are ahead for us. The digital age has created wonderful opportunities for all but we have a long way to go and I am willing to do what it takes to get us there. I am extremely organized and have many, many skills.

I currently am the Transcription Resource Person for the hospital in Berlin, WI. I train the new transcriptionists, help the current transcriptionists with anything they need, write the newsletter (CHN Medical Transcriptionist Times) and I am trying to make us more organized by doing many different things. I am currently in the process of standardization our clinic office notes and whatnot and am loving every minute of the process. You might say that I am the one that creates change in my department.

I have been married for 23 years and have 3 children - Robbey age 19, Allie age 14, and Ray age 27. I have 2 wonderful grandchildren - Kenzie age 3 and Austin age 2. My hobbies are reading and scrapbooking and newsletter design.

Thank you,
Virginia Brammer

Candidate: Jennifer Thompson

Dear M-TEC Chapter:

My name is Jennifer Thomson and I am running for President of M-TEC Student Chapter.

I have been a Medical Transcriptionist since 2005. I attended and graduated from the M-TEC Premiere Program in July of 2005. I am currently an independent contractor working for two great transcription companies. I am also studying to be a medical coder.

Some of the things I have done in my life are being an Executive Assistant to the top executives of major corporations, such as Texaco, Hewlett-Packard and Tarzana Regional Medical Center. I have overseen major projects and consistently followed through to completion any and all projects with exceptional results, in the process earning the Hewlett-Packard Outstanding Achievement Award and the Texaco Total Quality Management Award.

I live in Porter Ranch in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California just outside of Los Angeles. I have two grown sons who are both Ph.D.'s in the health/medical fields. I also have a 5 year old grandson (still waiting for more…helloooo). I have been married to the same wonderful guy for 38 years. I have four dogs (2 shitzu's and 2 Japanese Spaniels), two horses and oodles of fish.

My hobbies are riding my Harley Davidson Sportster that is tricked out to look really retro in red and white with a bigger gas tank and have been riding for over 20 years. I ride my horses (needless to say I get up pretty early to do all this) of course.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to keeping medical records completely accurate and confidential. I am an excellent organizer and great at generating ideas and stepping up to the plate when I am needed.

I feel very passionately about supporting our MT profession. I always try to help educate people I speak with who do not understand exactly what an MT does, and there are a lot of them who have no idea what it is we do! Also, how hard we work and how difficult it was to learn our great profession.

I am confident that given the honor of being elected President of the M-TEC Chapter I will work hard to focus doctors, hospitals and the every day people who depend on us to keep their records accurate and confidential. Most of all I will always be there for the MT's who need support and encouragement at any time, day or night.

Thank you,

Jennifer Thomson

PLEASE VOTE NOW!
We will announce the results of the election for
Chapter President on Monday, October 27.

Respectfully,

2008 Nominating Committee
Danielle Richmond, 2008 M-TEC Chapter Vice President
Carrie Hebert, 2008 M-TEC Chapter Secretary

LAST CALL FOR NOMINEES!!!!

Danielle Richmond — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:59:43 GMT

Hello all,

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update......

As of today we have 2 people running for President, 1 person running for Vice president, 1 person for Secretary and 1 person for Treasurer. We ask you one more time to think about serving your student chapter! Please feel free to nominate yourself or someone else.

FINAL DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008.

VOTING WILL START THE FOLLOWING WEEK!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!!

CALL FOR NOMINEES!!

Danielle Richmond — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:04:01 GMT

CALL FOR OFFICER NOMINATIONS

Nominees for the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI may submit their nomination for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer on the M-TEC message board under the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI forum. There is a pinned topic for you to post your nomination. If you are nominating yourself, please include a brief bio so our members can get to know you. If you are nominating someone else, please let us know why you think they make a good candidate.

WHO CAN NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE AN OFFICER
Any one member of the M-TEC Chapter can nominate themselves or someone else. The purpose of nominations is to compile a list of officer candidates who would like to run for office. Any member can nominate a person regardless of AHDI membership status; however, when the election takes place only AHDI members are allowed to vote. M-TEC Chapter members will receive an email with a link to a secure nomination form that cannot be shared with someone else.

HOW TO NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE
Self Nominations
If you are interested in running for office, please nominate yourself. Do not leave it up to someone else to nominate you. No one knows your willingness to serve better than you. Do not let thinking that it is somehow wrong or odd to nominate yourself stand in the way of being an officer. It is not odd and it is the correct thing to do

Nominating someone else
Before nominating someone, contact the person you wish to nominate and ask the person...
1. if they are willing to run for office.
2. if they are members of AHDI (or willing to join).
3. if they are members of the M-TEC Chapter (or willing to join).

IMPORTANT NOTES

The last day to nominate yourself or someone else on the M-TEC message board is October 10. Once the nominations are posted, a separate post for Q&A will be pinned so members can have a chance to ask the candidates questions. Q&A will run from October 10 to October 17. The Nominating Committee will then select the best candidates among the nominees for you to elect. VOTING will take place via email to mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com from October 20 to October 31.

THE NEW OFFICERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2008!

SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!

RE: Candidates for the 2009 President and Vice President office positions

Danielle Richmond — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:46:06 GMT

Hi everyone!

RE: Candidates for the 2009 President and Vice President office positions

We have made enormous strides this year and are happy to be turning over a chapter with a good strong infrastructure in terms of links of communications with students and grads and resources for productivity and professionalism. We truly believe the 2009 President and Vice President positions will be even more exciting as the chapter "startup work" has been completed. The new chapter officers can relax and concentrate on creating new opportunities to support our members. As an officer of the M-TEC Chapter, you are never without the support of your fellow officers and committee chairs!

Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions about the President or Vice President position. We hope that you consider adding your name to the candidate list for President or Vice President on the M-TEC forum today!

Elizabeth Dickerson, RMT

President, M-TEC Chapter of AHDI

Danielle Richmond
Vice President, M-TEC Chapter of AHDI

M-TEC graduate NETWORKING anyone??

abear — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:09:21 GMT

Are you a member of the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI?? If not you are missing out!!

The M-TEC chapter is fortunate enough to have working M-TEC graduate members answer questions from our student members about anything and everything. Questions such as what to expect in the transition from student to working MT, or what the interview process was like for them.

In return for our graduates' generosity, the M-TEC Chapter has started a NETWORKING database for our M-TEC graduate members. Only M-TEC graduate chapter members will have access to this information as all correspondence is through the chapter email account to help with any privacy issues. The database includes info on each working graduate such as:

graduate name and contact info (email address)
name of employer;
employment status such as IC, FT employee, etc.;
date started with the company;
pros and cons of the company such as # of ESL dictators, software platform company uses, etc.
...and other helpful info

HOW THIS DATABASE BENEFITS YOU!!
For recent grads that didn't have a chance to network while you were in school, here is your chance. If you have received a few offers and would like to see if other M-TEC graduates are current employees, we can CONNECT you!

For long-time grads who are looking for a job change or want to collect on that referral bonus that their company offers, you would have access to other graduates looking for a job, and we can CONNECT you!

NOTE TO CURRENT GRADUATE CHAPTER MEMBERS: If you did not receive the email sent out in regard to the database, please email us at [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email] to make sure we have you listed as a graduate and/or have your correct email address. Unless you tell us you graduated, we have no way of knowing.

If you wish to join the M-TEC Chapter and take advantage of our networking database, please email us at [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email] and put "want to join the chapter" in the subject line. You do NOT have to be a member of AHDI to join us.

IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN RECEIVING ANY EMAILS FROM THE CHAPTER AND YOU ARE A MEMBER, please check the M-TEC forum under the topic "..INVALID EMAILS." Several attempts were made to send emails to those members on the list but were returned undeliverable. Please make sure to ADD US TO YOUR ADDRESS BOOK so future emails won't get sent to your "JUNK MAIL" folder.

Hope to connect with you all,

Carrie

LAST DAY OF CHAPTER MEETING

abear — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:17:09 GMT

If you haven't accessed the chapter meeting yet, we urge you to do so. It is located on the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI Google Group page and will adjourn at midnight tonight. If you are having trouble logging in or have questions, please email me at [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email] so I can help you access the meeting.

Carrie

CHAPTER MEETING STARTS TODAY!

abear — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:31:31 GMT

For anyone who has not accepted their invitation to join the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI Google page to access the meeting, please email me at our chapter email address [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email] so that I can get you set up.

Carrie

Chapter Meeting schedule

abear — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:43:32 GMT

To all members,

Our next chapter meeting is scheduled for Monday (September 22nd) through Thursday (September 25th) on our M-TEC Chapter Google Group forum. If you have any questions, please email me at [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email].

Respectfully,

Carrie

M-TEC CHAPTER OF AHDI MEETING SCHEDULE

abear — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:33:59 GMT

Well we had our first Google Group meeting this week. Stay tuned for the next meeting dates!!

All Members of the National AHDI... please vote! :0)

Jacque Taylor — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:53:57 GMT

If you haven't already, it is time to go to the AHDI website at www.ahdionline.org and vote for the candidates of your choice for the national board of directors and speaker of the house-elect! It literally only takes a second, and it is SO important for you to exercise the privelege you have as a member to choose your leaders. If you think just one vote doesn't vote, you are wrong. Some candidates have won or lost by a mere 1 or 2 votes... so remember YOU are the most important member, and we need YOUR input!!! Thanks to the strong voice of the student alliance and collective students everywhere, students and postgrads were given this privilege in 2005, so let's show our M-TEC pride and have a record vote from our students! There are also some proud graduates of M-TEC running for office this year... Chad Sines, Kristin Hagen, and myself, so at least there will be some names you will recognize! :D

Tick, tock... tick, tock...

Kudos to Carrie!!!

kmg17 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:52:52 GMT

Carrie,

I just wanted to thank you for all the work you've done to put together the Grad Questions & Answers. I can only imagine how much time and effort you put into it! I'm keeping those e-mails in a folder in my hotmail account so I can look at them anytime. Congrats on doing such a wonderful job... can't wait for "round 2" :D!!!

Kris

WOW, WHAT A CONFERENCE!!! :0)

Jacque Taylor — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:29:00 GMT

It has been a while since I have posted here, but I hope you have been keeping up to date on things going on with the association and profession through the bimonthly BOD Blast and HOD Blast. The Board of Directors have also been holding regular Fireside chats where members are free to ask any questions they have about the Association. This has been a wonderful opportunity for members to get direct answers and to discuss issues of concern with the Board. Also, don't forget that you are welcome to attend the monthly webinar board meetins! Contact Gigi DeLuca at gdeluca@ahdionline.org if you wish to attend! Things are still “movin’ and shakin’”!!!!

AHDI ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO 2008
This year's Annual Convention and Expo in Orlando was packed full of information, networking opportunities, and planning for the future of the profession. As always, there was a lot of excitement in the air!! We had a total of 827 attendees/exhibitors with 213 first timers! Great numbers, right? For those of you who were not there, this was another great one, and we hope to see you in Nashville next year!

Financially, AHDI is in the black again this year. The association has been able to reduce a lot of travel and operational expenses with our CEO now in Washington, DC, and the use of our webinar technology for meetings. We continue to make gains, but as we all are aware, membership has been down which affects our dues revenue. AHDI continues to look for ways to cut costs and increase non-dues revenue. The new BOS 3rd edition is out and available for purchase and has already helped provided additional revenue .

Credentialing has also been up thanks to the fantastic success of the Credentialing Cup which is a benefit financially for the association as well as for the profession! If you are not credentialed, now is the time to do it!! The 2nd phase of the Credentialing Cup is underway and will last until December 31, so join a study group (if you do not have one in your area, the Online Association has one that you can join), be eligible for discounts on testing and some awesome prizes! We are moving more and more towards mandatory credentialing or licensing of some type for MTs to be able to practice, so get ahead of the game! :0)

Gary David, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology at Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, conducted the first study ever on medical transcription, and reported on his initial findings. Everyone was so impressed with Dr. David that he was bestowed with an honorary membership for his ongoing research into our profession. This is the first scholarly research on medical transcription, what it is, how it is done, why it is important, etc. More information here.

Laura Bryan, CMT, AHDI-F, presented on CDA4CDT (Clinical Documentation Architecture for Common Document Types). The effort here is to standardize documentation. As we all have seen more time is often spent with learning and adhering to account specifics that vary from author to author.

This year AHDI worked with “Dress for Success.” “The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Over 350 clothing items were donated. Their goal for 2008 is to clothe 500 women. For more information about this organization, visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org/. Even if you were not at ACE or could not take any extra clothing in your suitcase, you can still contribute at http://www.dressforsuccess.org/supportdfs.aspx.

One of the recurring questions I have been asked is what benefits have we seen with our partnership with MTIA. I am happy to report that we are really beginning to see the fruits of our labor! Currently we have 650 credentialed MTs. One of the benefits we have seen from our partnership is in advocating for credentialed professionals. AHDI has been advocating to employers the importance of having a credentialed workforce, and to help in that task, MTIA recently released a position paper supporting “CMT Credentialed Preferred” or “Required” in job advertisements.

We had so many awesome speakers it would take forever to describe them all here, but one of the highlights was Discovery Health Channel’s own Dr. G, or Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D., (aka "Dr. G") the chief medical examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. She was scheduled for a 90-minute presentation, complete with slides, stories, etc., but she spent about a half-hour before the presentation signing autographs and talking with the members, went over on her presentation by about 20 minutes, and still stayed and talked with the members and signed more autographs afterwards! She was awesome, and she gave out such a wealth of information. For example… I may be the only one in the dark ages here… but did you know that a “coroner” and a “medical examiner” are not the same thing? I did not know that! For more information on Dr. G and to benefit from her experiences, visit her website at http://health.discovery.com/fansites/drg/bio/bio.html. Plan on a couple of hours because she has a lot of information you will not want to miss!

Also, along with the speakers, we really DID have some fun! Wednesday night was the Welcome Reception and this year, since it was our 30-year anniversary, we had the theme of the 70s, and were encouraged to dress in the spirit of the 70s. Some elaborate costuming went on! We also had the grand finale Saturday night, and who other than the 70s Beatles (well, not really, but almost!) were there and played all the early songs of the Beatles. If you did not know better, you’d swear they were the real thing! They all dressed like the early Beatles, talked like them, and “Paul” was even left-handed! It was awesome. They were called “Brit Beat,” and for more information, pictures, etc., go to their website at http://www.britbeat.com/theband.htm. You’ll be absolutely amazed! Also, for pictures of the entire convention, please do not miss them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/29591485@N03/sets/72157606747278732/show/. You’ll have a lot of fun just looking at them!

ADVOCACY SUMMIT 2008
At the Advocacy Summit, AHDI spoke to legislators on MT education and the obstacles new students face with predatory programs. We spoke to legislators from several states regarding mandatory credentialing, predatory MT programs, the military spouse program, and the EHR. One of the difficulties facing MT programs has been in Title IV funding. Issues relating to Title IV funding complicate funding for MT education. You can see the Advocacy Summit 2008 Highlight Video.

21st CENTURY SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURE TASK FORCE
The 21st Century Task Force has been formed to look into changes to the structure of the Association and components in order to better serve the needs of our members by streamlining governance, relaxing structure where appropriate, and allowing components more freedom to focus on the goals of the Association instead of governance/structure. The task force presented some of their ideas at a town hall meeting at ACE; however, it is important to realize the task force is still in the brainstorming phase and discussing many different ideas.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES (HOD)
Items voted on before ACE:
Item 1: A graduating nonmember could not become a Postgraduate member of the Association. The current Bylaws proposal allowed a recent graduate to become a Postgraduate member. The purpose is to allow more membership opportunities for the Association. It passed in the HOD.Item 2: This proposal sought to address Knowledge Base and whether or not to allow a choice between Electronic and Student membership . This passed and the committee was given a deadline of the November HOD meeting.

GET OUT THE VOTE!!!
Voting is underway for your national board of directors and speaker-elect of the house of delegates! If you haven’t yet, please visit the AHDI Professional Practices Network (PPN) at http://www.ahdionline.org/smf/index.php in the “AHDI National Election Candidates” section, read about your candidates, ask any pertinent questions you might need answered to make your decisions, and then go to http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/nationalvote08.cfm and cast your vote! Since we had a record number of attendees at ACE, and a record number of first-timers, and a record number of newly credentialed MTs, let’s try to set another record and have a record turnout for the vote! All professional individual, student, and postgraduate members can vote, so please take advantage of this privilege to choose your leaders.

In closing, I would like to offer you a poem that was shared by Kathy Rockel, CMT, AHDI-F, 2008 Speaker of the House, at the end of the HOD face-to-face meeting at ACE this year… and remember, YOU are the most important member of AHDI!!

You Make A Difference - "To your own self be true." William Shakespeare
You are unique.
There will never be someone else like you.
Don't compare.
Don't undermine your worth
Because you are different, that is why you are special.
Often, people focus on what they wish they were not or what they wish they could be rather than who they really are.
Only you know what is best for you.
You can make a difference regardless of what you are, where you are, what your resources and talents are.
Simple things make a difference.
Little things done well make a difference.
If each grain of sand were to say:
One grain does not make a mountain,
There would be no land.
If each drop of water were to say:
One drop does not make an ocean,
There would be no sea.
If each note of music were to say:
Each note does not make a symphony,
There would be no melody.
If each word were to say:
One word does not make a library,
There would be no book.
If each seed were to say:
One seed does not make a field,
There would be no harvest.
If each of us were to say:
One person does not make the difference,
There would never be love and peace on earth.
You do make the difference.
Know it.
Act on it.
Make the difference.
Today. ;)

BE SURE TO VOTE!!!

Jacque Taylor — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:58:16 GMT

GOOD GRIEF!!!!! :shock: I am so sorry! Time flies when you are having fun, doesn't it??? I have not posted for a long time and my mind as STUDENTS ROCK!!!

Monday I will be heading for the annual convention and expo of our association in Orlando, Florida, and I am very excited and very busy getting ready! I intend to have a FULL REPORT ready and available for you as soon as I get back, and maybe even during if I can sneak away for a minute! For any of you who might be attending, PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ME!! Students are my world, and I would love to meet you!:P

I also wanted to let you know that the elections for our national board of directors and speaker of the house-elect will be opening up on Wednesday, August 5. I encourage you to vote. Just a few short years ago, and when I was a student, students could not vote, but the Student Alliance made a big difference and now you have that privilege to choose your leaders, so choose them well!!

I wanted to put a plug in here for some candidates and graduates of M-TEC that are running and would appreciate your vote. First is Chad Sines, a former co-Chair of the Student Alliance and one of the original members that helped to get the SA moving and shaking! He is a candidate for a seat on the board of directors, and I know he would do an excellent job as he was only a student just a couple of years ago and now he is running for the board!!

Secondly is Kristin Hagen, who has done an awful lot in just a short time in her career, and now she is wanting to serve ALL the members of our association by running for a seat on the national board of directors! She is a real "go-getter" and will do an excellent job for everyone. Please consider supporting her as well! :0)

Also, I am a candidate for Speaker of the House-Elect for 2009, which would mean I would be Speaker of the House for 2010. This is a very important position and I feel I would serve our membership well in this position, and would really appreciate your vote and support!

However you vote, no matter who you vote for, just be sure and vote. You deserve a voice in your leaders of your association, and now you have that opportunity!

Talk to you after ACE!!! :D

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS/COMMENTS ABOUT THE M-TEC CHAPTER?

abear — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:31:59 GMT

If you are considering joining the M-TEC chapter but have a few unanswered questions, you can post a question here or email us at [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email].

M-TEC Chapter AHDI invalid emails

abear — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:50:49 GMT

Our chapter has a new email address, [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email]. We recently sent out an email to all members regarding chapter announcements. The following members had undeliverable email addresses:

Allie Freitas
April Williams
Belinda Griffin
Cathie Hoffman
Christina Elliot
Christine Kaczorowski
Corinna Frenzi
Danielle Brown
Donna McGuire
Elena Barras
Gracia Sinclair
Jewell Ragland
Kathy Elyko
Kitty Henry
Krissy Kolesar
Kristin Hagen
Lisa Jones
Rebecca Childers
Roxanne Stern
Sarah Stotesberry
Shawna Kay
Susan Corum
Susan Wise

Please send an email to mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com with the email address that you wish to use as your login address to our Google Group page. We will take your name off this list as soon as we hear from you.

Thank you,

Carrie Hebert

Huron River Chapter Essay Contest

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:08:39 GMT

Dear Students Members of the M-TEC Chapter. Please see contest information below.

Good afternoon everyone!

The Michigan Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (MAHDI) is allowing each local chapter to send one student (waiving registration) to the MAHDI Annual Meeting (held in October in Flint). The Huron River Chapter (HRC) of AHDI is having an MT student essay contest to determine the winner of our free registration. The requirements are simple:

1. Must submit an essay answering the question: What makes transcription a viable career choice for you?

2. Essay must be 300-500 words.

3. A letter from their instructor indicating why they are a good candidate for this award.

4. Essay and letter must be received via email NO LATER THAN September 1, 2008, at amartin@qidtranscription.com.

5. Individual must be a student member ($15) of HRC at time of submission of esssay (two months away - membership application attached).

Winner will be selected based on quality and professionalism of essay as well as positive feedback from the instructor. Winner will be chosen by the HRC board of directors and will be notified no later than September 15, 2008.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide any further information. Please do encourage your transcription students to enter the contest. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to be able to attend the annual meeting. Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!

Sincerely,

April L. Martin, RHIT, CMT, AHDI-F
2008 HRC/AHDI President
Phone (734) 368-8727

Good luck to all of you who apply and participate in this contest!

Susan

WANT TO JOIN THE CHAPTER!!

abear — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:21:58 GMT

[b]WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAIN ASSOCIATION (AHDI) AND LOCAL/REGIONAL CHAPTERS, THE ONLINE ASSOCIATION, AND THE M-TEC CHAPTER?[/b]
You can belong to as many local chapters (which includes educational and corporate chapters) as you like; however, you can only hold office in one chapter. You can be involved in committees from any number of chapters you choose.

[u]AHDI[/u] is the main association which provides opportunities for networking, professional recognition and advocacy as well as comprehensive information about the MT field. AHDI is the reason M-TEC is considered one of the top MT schools by setting the credibility bar! For information on membership restrictions and cost of joining, please visit their website at http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/index.cfm.

The [u]local/state/regional component chapters[/u] provide more face-to-face networking opportunities among members within a geographical area. To find a local/state/regional chapter in your area, please visit AHDI’s website.

For those areas that do not have a local chapter, the [u]online association (OA-AHDI)[/u] is the chapter to join. For information on membership restrictions and cost of joining, please visit their website at http://www.aamtonline.org/.

The [u]M-TEC Chapter[/u] is an educational component chapter whose goal is to be a resource for networking between students and graduates, and provide opportunities for professional recognition and education at the grassroots level.

[b]WHAT ARE THE TRUE BENEFITS OF JOINING AHDI OR ANY OF THE COMPONENT CHAPTERS?[/b]
Some members have said all they got out of joining AHDI was a discount on books and magazines. Yes, AHDI does give discounts on webinars, resource books, etc., but the true value of being a member of AHDI or any of the component chapters depends on your participation. There are certain aspects of membership that you can’t see the benefit from by just sitting back and waiting for it! One of the MAJOR benefits of being an active member in the parent association (AHDI) and/or a component chapter is NETWORKING opportunities!!

Ask yourself these questions: [i]Is my future employer an AHDI member? How can I get noticed as a professional in the MT field if I am not certified? Could I live without my local/ global news channel or newspaper and still be kept up to date with what is going on in the world around me? [/i]

Being an active member in any of the associations can provide you with many networking opportunities with other MTs that may just help you get your foot in the door. Being an active member also provides you with the resources to become a more professional and productive MT.

The M-TEC Chapter has created Google Group forums for networking, flexible chapter meetings, committee gathering, and mentoring. A newsletter webpage was also started to keep you informed of what is happening in the MT field and to provide a place to gather tools to help you become a professional transcriptionist.

[b]ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS FOR JOINING THE M-TEC CHAPTER? ARE THERE ANY CHAPTER DUES?[/b]
To join the M-TEC Chapter you simply must be affiliated with M-TEC (student, graduate, staff). You do NOT have to be a member of AHDI, although you can join AHDI at a discounted rate if you are still a student. Please note that non-AHDI members cannot vote in chapter elections, hold office, or serve on committees.

We want to consistently bring our chapter members great benefits such as networking opportunities, mentoring programs, a chance for paid registration for ACE or reimbursement for the CMT/RMT test. To do that we have implemented annual dues of $5. However, we do offer you a chance to "test the waters." When you request to join, you will be given access to our Google forums and newsletter website for FREE for 1 month. It's too difficult to sum up all the benefits the M-TEC Chapter has to offer. We want YOU be the judge!

[b]HOW DO I SIGN UP TO BE A MEMBER OF THE M-TEC CHAPTER OF AHDI?[/b]
Send an email to the Membership Committee at mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com, with the following information:

[b]Subject Line:[/b] I wish to join the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI
[b]Body of email:[/b] Please provide us with the following information so that we can give you access to all appropriate pages.
**Full name including titles
**Email address that you wish to log in with and accept announcement emails from the chapter;
**Affiliation with M-TEC (student, graduate, staff)
**AHDI member status (non-AHDI member, student member, postgraduate member, industry professional member). If you are, please include your AHDI member #.

Once we receive your request, you will receive a reply email from the chapter giving you further instructions on how to join. If you do not receive this reply email within 3 days, please resend your request. Responses are usually the same day, but please remember that your Membership Committee Chair is also an M-TEC student!

We hope you decide to join us!

HOW TO ATTEND OUR CHAPTER MEETINGS

abear — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:07:47 GMT

[b]CURRENT MEMBERS of our M-TEC Chapter[/b]
You should have received an "invitation to join" email when you registered. In that email was a link to accept the invitation. Once you accept the invitation and it brings you to the google.groups page, you MUST create a google account. You must create the account with the SAME email address you registered with. If you are needing to change your email address, please send an email request to [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email] and you will be sent a new invitation with your new email address. Please put "Need new invitation" in the subject line. Once you have been invited and create an account with google, all you have to do is log in to google.groups and it should bring you to our meeting site.

[b]NONMEMBERS[/b]
Please send an email request to join the chapter to [email]mtecchapterahdi@gmail.com[/email]. Instructions will be in the invitation email you will receive. PLEASE READ the entire email!!! It explains all the steps to join the chapter meetings.

[b]We need the following info to UPDATE your email address or ADD your email address to our list serv:[/b]
*full name
*correct email address
*status: M-TEC student/graduate
*AHDI member and member #/nonmember

If you still have trouble attending the class, please post a reply to this message.

Newsletter for the Chapter AHDI

sophie149 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:27:24 GMT

Where do we find the newsletter to read for the Chapter AHDI?

Come find out more about the Student Alliance

Corinna — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:05:03 GMT

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that the Student Alliance is having a Fireside Chat on Friday June 6th. Come meet the Co-chairs Corinna Frenzl and Latisha Guthrie. Find out how the Student Alliance can help support you while studying at MTEC. We also provide support to postgrads in getting your foot in the door. Find out ways that you can be come involved!

Friday June 5th. TWO TIMES: 11 PDT; 12 MDT; 1 CDT; 2EDT and 2 PDT;3 MDT; 4 CDT; 5 EDT

Hope to see you there. :hehe:

Corinna Frenzl
Co-Chair Student Alliance
ADHI-WA Student Alliance Board Partner
Proud MTEC Student.

M-TEC Chapter AHDI Meeting Format

abear — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:18:09 GMT

[size=""][b]M-TEC Chapter members and nonmembers[/b]

[color=""]We hope that you all will join us at our next chapter meeting which will be in a Town Hall format held on our Google Group site over 4 days.

[u]The dates of the meeting will be Monday, 6-16 through Thursday 6-19[/u].

Each agenda item will be posted on a separate thread to allow for targeted comments and questions.

You will be able to ask questions and share your ideas on how this chapter can best support your needs. The benefit of this format is that it allows us all to participate according to our own schedule because the site is available 24 hours a day.

The officers will be monitoring the site frequently over the course of the meeting and you should expect responses in a matter of hours at most. At the conclusion of the meeting, our Secretary will compile the results of the meeting to include:

• The agenda items.
• Open items.
• Strategic plans developed from our discussion.
• All other information developed during the meeting.

There will be a call at the next meeting to vote to accept the minutes from this meeting.

At present we will be posting updates on our chapter’s organization (the officers), the committees as well as ideas about fundraising, credentials and other ways to support our members.

This is an opportunity for you to share your ideas and concerns to enable us as a chapter to support the development and success of our members.

If you have an issue you would like added to the agenda, please send it before Saturday, 6-14 to [email]elizascribe@cox.net[/email]. Please put the word AGENDA in the subject line of your e-mail.

[i][b]Elizabeth Dickerson, RMT[/b][/i]

President, M-TEC Chapter of AHDI
Member, OA-AHDI Newsletter Committee
Member, OA-AHDI Legislative Committee
Member, Student Alliance

[b]NOTE: If you haven't been to the google.group site before, see the post INSTRUCTIONS ON ACCESSING THE MEETING AT OUR GOOGLE GROUP PAGE.[/b]

Hope to see you there![/size]

FACE-TO-FACE MEETING AT AHDI NATIONAL CONVENTION

Jacque Taylor — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:13:32 GMT

I am sorry it has been so long in-between posts for me. There have been some professional as well as personal circumstances for me that have come up in the last little while that have consumed most of my time, but I have been thinking about all of you, and communicating with your new President, Elizabeth, and her officers.

I'd like you to post here and let me know if you're coming to the annual convention in Orlando in August? If you are, we have an AWESOME opportunity, given to us by our AHDI staff, to actually meet each other face-to-face! The only stipulations we have is that we have to have AT LEAST 10, and NO MORE THAN 30... and this includes instructors, staff members, students, anybody associated with M-TEC

I need to know no later than June 14 so I can advise staff... so if you're going to be there, please let us know below and we'll get the room reserved! Hope to see you all there!!!!!!! :D

Credentials via webinars

Loretta — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:08:29 GMT

Not sure where this topic belongs but this place looks good :P

I was browsing the AHDI site and noticed some interesting webinars that I might be interested in attending. Does having credits help my MT career any? Or is it just something for my own benefit? I noticed some are free, and some you have to pay for, so I wondered what the benefits are, if any, in the long run. Thanks!

M-TEC AHDI CHAPTER MEETING

Danielle Richmond — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:45:52 GMT

Hi all,

Just a reminder that our M-TEC AHDI Chapter meeting is Sat, May 10th at 1:00 ET. To join us, please sign on to the virtual classroom and choose the M-TEC Chapter Room.

EVERYONE is welcome to attend!!

**NEW STUDENTS** We urge you to join us and learn more about our chapter.

KAREN FOX will be our guest speaker. She will touch on some of the basics of advocating and how the MT student can get engaged in advocacy and how the MTEC component can engage themselves as a united voice and then open the floor for questions.

We hope to see you there!

Having trouble registering

nortonpa — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:55:07 GMT

I am a new M-TEC student and AHDI member. I am trying to join the M-TEC Chapter of AHDI. Everytime I try to register it tells me that I have not answered one of the mandatory questions. It highlights the AHDI member number, which I did enter. Any ideas of what I'm doing wrong or is there a problem with the form?

Please explain the difference for ahdi

sophie149 — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:14:03 GMT

I am new to M-Tec, what is the difference between the online chapter, Ahdi and ahdi, then we have the M-tec chapter. This may be a dumb question but I am confused..

LIG News Flash–Talking the Talk–Advocacy Summit Orientation!

Jacque Taylor — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:02:31 GMT

What do we do?

We send out a list of questions to help prime the pump so to speak and then have folks play the role of senator or congressman and practice talking with them. (Questions listed below.) We also have experienced members who share their stories and tips on how to be the best advocate and get your point across. It truly is that easy.

Monday, May 5 at 2 p.m. (Pacific), 3 p.m. (Mountain), 4 p.m. (Central) and 5 p.m. (Eastern)

Webinar link: http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rse7ae44c3e00f

For questions, contact Karen Fox, LIG Chair, at karen.fox@foxtx.net or Sheryl Williams, LIG Chair-Elect, at swilliamscmt@msn.com.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

What is medical transcription and what do you do?

Medical transcription is the process by which information from a medical provider, typically in the form of dictation, is converted into a formatted report for inclusion in the patient’s medical record.

Healthcare documentation specialists (medical transcriptionists, speech recognition editors, and quality assurance editors) are part of a dynamic team of allied health professionals that provide supportive, risk-management-focused services to physicians and healthcare facilities. These documentation specialists are knowledge workers in the domain of health information management who partner with physicians and other care providers to interpret, analyze, and document patient care encounters for inclusion in a patient’s permanent health record.

Isn't medical transcription going away?

No . . . With the evolution of the EHR, all patient data will need to be converted into an electronic format, increasing the demand for qualified medical transcriptionists and editors to aid in this process.

How many people in your association?

We currently have more than 7000 members.

How many are credentialed?

About 50% of our members (and others) are currently credentialed (as either a CMT or RMT), with the percentage of credentialed members on the rise.

Do you have statistics on the current workforce need?

The Department of Labor projects our sector will grow by 14% from 2006 to 2014. We estimate a workforce shortage of 30,000 MTs in this country this year.

I have heard of an EHR, that's about e-prescribing and medication errors, right?

EHR stands for electronic health record, a means by which documentation can be standardized and shared.

I have heard of an EHR; where does transcription fit in?

Medical transcriptionists and editors translate the raw data (dictation, draft reports, etc.) into accurate and correctly formatted healthcare documentation, utilizing various tools and technology, including speech/voice recognition. We are working with our allied partners on standardizing healthcare formats, in order to make interoperability possible.

Where is transcription performed?

Services are performed in healthcare facilities as well as remotely. This is an excellent example of a field that takes advantage of technology in order to create a successful teleworking environment.

How is medical transcription important to the economy?

Medical transcriptionists are knowledge workers performing a critical supporting role within the healthcare industry.

Do physicians and hospitals support a credentialed workforce?

Physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities are supportive of a qualified workforce in all aspects of the industry. Increasingly this means that credentialed employees are being sought, if not required.

We are also partnering with risk managers and others to assist providers in embracing best healthcare documentation practices.

Why do you need more transcriptionists?

We need more people to enter the field to fill vacant positions and also to replace soon-to-retire “Baby Boomer generation” workers.

I thought the physician was doing everything themselves?

Some types of reports are currently provider-generated. However, there is still a need for complex narrative reports, especially in the acute care environment.

Who are your allied partners?

We are working with various healthcare and standard-setting organizations (ASTM, HIMSS, AMA, AHIMA, HCCS). We are also working with the Departments of Defense and Labor on a military spouse initiative that would encourage entry into the field as a portable career option, including locating available funding sources for training and expansion of apprenticeship options.

Does the industry support the apprenticeship program?

The medical transcription industry has been supportive of the apprenticeship program. However, resources are limited and current demand exceeds supply.

How prevalent are medical errors?

Very prevalent. However, documentation errors are even more prevalent. Most medical malpractice suits are settled, not due to negligence, but due to suboptimal documentation.

Are patients at risk?

Recently a patient in MN had the wrong (healthy) kidney removed due to a documentation error. Medical transcriptionists and editors perform an important gatekeeper role, pointing out documentation inconsistencies and errors.

What about patient privacy and security issues?

Patient privacy and security issues are high on the list of priorities for the industry. This is one reason that outsourcing healthcare documentation internationally is experiencing a decline at this time in favor of this work being performed by US-based personnel.

What bills are you asking us to support?

Bills relevant to our industry:

- S605 Allied Health Reinvestment Act – last action February 2007

- S1693 Wired for Healthcare Quality Act – last action October 2007

- HR3800 Promoting Health Information Technology Act – last action October 2007

Do you think the taxpayers should pay for educating the workforce?

The healthcare industry will be in need of qualified healthcare documentation professionals to meet an ever-increasing demand. Funding that supports education and retooling of the current workforce has a high return on investment.

What is it you would like the member to do for you?

Never actually said but sometimes related in body language ~ why should the member care?

(These answers should be tailored individually.)

NOTE TO STUDENTS FROM AHDI

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:27:37 GMT

April 21, 2008

You are the Next Generation!

This year the association is promoting a year-long campaign geared toward you, the next generation of healthcare documentation specialists! This campaign will work in tandem with National Medical Transcriptionist Week. The campaign is centered on healthcare documentation professionals promoting and talking about the profession in their professional and personal settings. We’ve had people promoting the profession on airplanes, in the checkout line at the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, and anywhere there is a listening ear. We encourage you as students to be proud of the profession you have chosen and spread the word. You can view our Next Gen campaign info here.

Be a Part?Be an Advocate

As a student just starting out in the profession, legislative advocacy may not be your calling, but if you’re at all interested in advocacy or politics, come join us on the Hill! Our third annual advocacy event is happening May 15-17, 2008. Our Advocacy Summit promises to provide any new student with an experience of a lifetime. Lobbying on Capitol Hill is not an experience every person can say he or she has done. It sounds scary, but we have a lot of information to help alleviate your fears. In the past, many of our students have come to the Summit, have tagged along with our experienced lobbying professional members, and have found the experience exciting and one to remember. We try to promote a team approach to lobbying for our profession through a pairing program with our conference attendees. Click here for more information about the Summit to see if this event is for you.

You’re Graduating, Now What?

Finding your first paying job as an MT can often be a challenge. The ads you read proclaim, "at least two years of acute care experience required." You’ve shipped out your resume and taken a half dozen employment tests online, but so far you’re coming up empty. Wondering where to turn next? Try Getting Your Foot in the Door: Two Years’ Experience Not Required. This information-packed ebook has everything you need to help you secure your first job. Expert advice on writing resumes that work, assessment tests to determine your strengths and weaknesses, insider tips on securing an interview, valuable guidance on networking, and much, much more! This is a must-have for anyone looking for work in the MT industry. You can order your copy here.

I Love My Career Video Contest

As part of our 2008 Next Gen campaign, AHDI is encouraging healthcare documentation professionals all over the country to share their love of the profession with career candidates and our next generation workforce. To that end, members and others in the industry are encouraged to wear I Love My Career...Ask Me Why buttons and participate in events to generate awareness about the profession and recruit new industry candidates. (Find out more about Next Gen here.)

We also want to hear from you! Despite all the changes in the industry, healthcare documentation still remains a rewarding, fulfilling allied health profession, and we know there are many of you out there who feel passionate about your role in healthcare delivery! So, if you want to really share your love of the profession, post a video telling us why at our YouTube contest site! You can record your video via your digital camera, cell phone, or web cam and upload it here. Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes and should specifically address the theme: I Love My Career...Ask Me Why.

AHDI members will be encouraged to come view these videos and vote on their favorite, most creative video. The winner will receive a copy of The Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 3rd Edition, and have their video highlighted at the AHDI Annual Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida, in August of 2008. All other videos will be shown throughout the convention in attendee areas and will be compiled into a "testimonial" video that can be used by AHDI components to promote the profession during Next Gen events in 2008.

So, tell us why you love this career!

Making Connections

As an association that has over 2000 students, we know how hard it can be to juggle your studies, families, and need to prepare for entering the workforce. One way to do all of those things is by attending the Annual Convention & Expo. There is no better way to find the right study material or references for the job, make connections with potential future employers, and meet your peers. The event is in sunny Orlando, Florida, the home of Disney World?a fantastic place to engage your family as well as your future. To aid in this effort, the association is giving any Student a $100 discount off the full registration price. If you?ve never been to a national convention this is your opportunity. Click here to review the convention details or register today!

STUDENT ALLIANCE WEBINARS

Advocacy as an MT Student
May 12, 2008
1 p.m. PDT, 2 MDT, 3 CDT, 4 EDT

Students play a crucial role in the future of our profession. Advocating is as simple as sharing with someone what you do and as complex as directing the future and preserving our vital role in healthcare delivery. On May 12, Karen Fox, CMT, will cover ways in which students can engage their legislators to meet their specific needs as well as how your creative energy can support the advocacy efforts at any level.

Student Alliance Fireside Chat
June 6, 2008
Note: Two scheduled times: 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT and 3 p.m. PDT/6 p.m. EDT

Do you sometimes feel alone and isolated in your studies? Come network and meet other students and postgrads. Find out more about the benefits of getting involved in the Student Alliance. Meet co-chairs Latisha Guthrie and Corinna Frenzl. Come meet professional MTs who are involved in the Student Alliance and find out about volunteer opportunities. We will also have time to answer your questions and have a frank discussion on being an MT student today.

E-Mentoring and Student Alliance Postgrad Mentoring

Are you a Student or Postgraduate member who would like an established MT to help guide you into the future? Then the new AHDI Mentorship Program is for you! The Mentorship Program is a short term mentoring partnership aimed at enriching the development of new and established MTs. For more information including application please refer to the Mentorship Policies and Procedures. Why wait? Now is the time to invest in yourself and the future of Medical Transcription!

Grab Your Friends and Get Your RMT!

Do you have at least 9 friends who want to get credentialed? Form a study group and join the Credentialing Cup! To participate in the current contest, all team members must take the exam before July 31st. If that’s too soon, have no fear! The success of the Credentialing Cup has encouraged us to open up a second phase that will start August 1st and run through December 31st. For more information on the Credentialing Cup, click here.

This email is sent to you by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.
Copyright © 2008 AHDI 4230 Kiernan Ave., Suite 130, Modesto, CA 95356-9322
If you do not wish to receive this email, please email broadcast@ahdionline.org

M-TEC Chapter Committees

Angela Matias — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:03:37 GMT

The following committees have been formed for our chapter. Volunteers are needed for each committee. We ask that you choose 1 committee, so as to allow everyone to participate!! We would love to see participation from all!! Together we can make this the best Chapter AHDI has!! We can set the standard for others to follow!! Please post here or contact myself or the committe chairperson that you would like to participate in.

Awards & Recognitions: Belinda Griffin, chair. This committee will handle the Awards & Recognitions for our Chapter!

Bylaws: Debbie Boyne, chair. Help write the Bylaws and Policies & Procedures for our Chapter. You will have guidance so don't be afraid. This is a very interesting committee to participate in!

Fundraising: Patti Rojec, chair. Help raise funds. We do not charge dues so we will need to raise funds.

Membership: Amanda Estep, chair. Increase our membership.

Mission Possible: Corey Moses, chair. RMT/CMT study group initiative and mandatory credentialling initiative.

Newsletter: Kelli Mannnig and Laurie Sexton, co-chairs. Monthly Newsletter.

Please let us know what committee you would like to help out with!

adding an attachment to email someone on the forum

sophie149 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:24:39 GMT

Is there a way to add a attachment to an email here on the forum?
Thank you,
Colleen

M-TEC Chapter AHDI Newsletter "Ask a grad" section is looking your questions

cathya35 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:00:19 GMT

Hello everyone!

I am helping out with the newsletter for our M-TEC Chapter AHDI and would like to feature a section titled "Ask a Grad" that would allow students to ask any questions that they may have for our graduates. Please e-mail or PM me any questions that you come up with and I will post them on the graduate forums so that our graduates may respond. We will then select questions and responses to be included in the next issue of the newsletter.

Thanks!
Cathy

NEWSLETTER NEEDS YOUR IDEAS

Laurie2419 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:37:28 GMT

Everyone is so busy these days. We would love to print some of your ideas on Short cuts for saving time in our M-Tec Chapter Newsletter. We need some quick dinner recipes and some household organizing or quick cleaning tips!

***Please don't post them here, send them to us at:

Quick Dinner Recipes to ourplacetwo@verizon.com

Household Organizing or Quick Cleaning Tips to laurie2419@aol.com

Thank you so much, Laurie & Kelli :D