Reprinted from The PATH, CAHIMA Newsletter

According to Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, "learning, so central to human behavior yet so elusive to understanding has fascinated thinkers as far back as Plato & Aristotle". (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007 p275). 

According to the authors and as cited by Illeris & Ormrod, "learning is a process that brings together cognitive, emotional and environmental influences and experience for acquiring, enhancing or making changes in one's knowledge, skills, values and world views".  Learning theories are tools to aid us in understanding what is really going on in our effort to construct solutions to problems. There are many learning theories to explore. According to Merriam, despite one's preference for most, all theories function for two primary reasons: 1) "to provide us with vocabulary and conceptual framework for interpreting the examples of learning that we observe" and, 2) to suggest "where to look for solutions to practical problems" (Merriam, et al 2007, p277-278).  Read More

The compliance date for reporting ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes has been set for October 1, 2013.  AHIMA has suggested 50 hours of training for current coding professionals as follows:

·        16 hours of training in ICD-10-CM

·        24 hours of training in ICD-10-PCS

·        10 hours of practice with the two coding systems

With the 2010 update there are 69,101 diagnoses codes and 71,957 procedure codes within the ICD-10-CM and PCS systems; so the recommended training time is not surprising.   Some facilities will choose to spread their coder training out over a number of months, while others plan a more just-in-time training approach. To prepare yourself for that training, it is highly recommended that you begin early by familiarizing yourself with both systems.  Read More

Governors State University Conference on Eliminating Health Inequity: 

From Research to Practice

Professional Dynamic Network was privileged to be a co-sponsor of the Conference on Eliminating Health Inequity:  From Research to Practice, held at Governors State University (GSU) on October 22, 2010.

The conference was well attended by leaders in the healthcare community, educators, community members, and GSU students.   Dr. Linda F. Samson (Dean, College of Health and Human Services and Interim Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies) and Dr. Elaine P. Maimon opened the conference with welcome and opening remarks. 

Dr. Samson's letter to attendees explained that, "The Chicago Southland is a region composed of rich, diverse communities with complex needs; Our faculty's creativity and dedication to quality research have moved us onto the front lines in the fight against health disparities in the region.  Our diligent efforts are helping to create viable solutions to real-world problems.  The bottom line - our strategic mission - has never changed:  Make someone's life better.  We're committed to providing education and care for vulnerable populations and the areas of our community where health inequities exist."