Special Greetings to Our Readers:

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who have died in service for our country.  We also remember those who are currently serving our country. These men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their very lives to carry out their assigned duties. Soldiers don't always pick their missions. They carry out their assignments, doing as they are given orders to do. Many of our soldiers have a tough journey; a journey filled with uncertainty but yet a mission to accomplish.  

 I asked the question of our readers today, what is your compelling mission today?  While our soldiers' sacrifice for all us may be far greater than we can ever imagine for ourselves, surely we can find our own purposeful mission.  A way of finding our mission could be through volunteerism.   

In this edition of Health Wire, Peggy Thompson, MS, RHIA, CCS encourages us all to share our gifts and to volunteer to help others.  Reaching out to those less fortunate is something we can do not only to brighten the lives of others but also to shine a light in our own corners, giving our lives greater meaning and purpose and uplifting our own spirits.

For our coverage of health disparities, we continue to follow the actions and plans of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  As we read further, HIM professional Brenda Laveck, RHIA, reminds us of the importance of the people in our organizations.  As leaders, we face great challenges with the onset of the electronic health record and the dawn of ICD-10.  It is our staff who will make all the difference in helping our organizations to meet those challenges head on and win.

From research on the website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), PDN consultant Theresa Jones, MSEd, RHIA offers some tips on understanding ICD-10 (for the layperson/non-coder).  Moraine Valley Community College's Professor Donna Schnepp, MHA, RHIA occupies our spotlight and discusses her plans as new ILHIMA President.  Finally, we offer warm congratulations to all 17 ILHIMA Award recipients from the recent Tinley Park conference held last month. 

You have my best wishes for a safe and happy Memorial Day.  Please remember those who have given so much so that we can enjoy the blessings we have.

Gerri Smothers, MPA, RHIA, CSL, CPHQ, FAHIMA
President & CEO

Professional Dynamic Network/The Jordan Evans Institute 

It is our pleasure to recognize Professor Donna Schnepp, MHA, RHIA.  She is the Program Coordinator of Health Information Technology, Coding Specialist, Medical Transcription, Medical Billing at Moraine Valley Community College.   She shares with us her interest in Health Information Management as well as her goals as the new ILHIMA President.