American Health Information Management Association

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization that promotes the business and clinical uses of electronic and paper-based medical information. The association was founded in 1928, when the American College of Surgeons established the Association of Record Librarians of North America to improve the standards of clinical records in hospitals and other medical institutions.

History

The American Health Information Management Association was originally known as the Association of Record Librarians of North America. The association was established by the American College of Surgeons to elevate the standards of clinical records in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Over the years, the association has grown and evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of healthcare and the role of health information management within it.

Mission and Vision

The mission of AHIMA is to empower people to impact health. They envision a world where trusted information transforms health and healthcare by connecting people, systems, and ideas. The association is committed to advancing the health information management profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning.

Membership

Membership in AHIMA is open to health information professionals, health informatics, students, and other interested individuals. The association offers a variety of benefits to its members, including access to a vast network of professionals, educational resources, and the latest industry news and research.

Certification

AHIMA offers several professional certifications in the field of health information management. These include the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP), and Certified Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) among others.

Advocacy

AHIMA advocates for the health information profession on a variety of issues, including privacy and security, health IT, and coding. The association works to influence standards and best practices in health information management and to ensure the profession's role in the development of policy and legislation.

See Also

• Health informatics
• Medical record
• Health information management
• American College of Surgeons