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What Consultants Should Know About CHIME, HIMSS, MGMA and Others
Our industry has several organizations that are focused on professional development, networking, and innovation. Understanding these different groups and how your firm participates can greatly improve your awareness of industry trends, various client initiatives, upcoming projects, and other opportunities. I’ve selected three that you should be aware of and understand how your firm’s involvement may help you with future placements and project support work. Let’s take a look at CHIME, HIMSS, and MGMA first.
CHIME (College of Healthcare Information Management Executives) The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an organization created to serve the professional development needs of CIOs working in the healthcare industry and to promote effective information management within that industry. CHIME meets these objectives through networking and education opportunities as well as partnerships with health information technology vendors and service firms. The organization was formed in 1992.
More than 1,400 health care CIOs are currently members of CHIME. According to the organization, its members come from hospitals, clinics, physician groups, government agencies and health information exchanges, and their responsibilities include telecommunications, medical records and information services. CHIME members also often serve as chairpersons for IT steering committees.
CHIME’s current advocacy initiatives include helping CIOs implement the hardware, software and security measures necessary for digitizing patient records, which is one requirement for achieving the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR). CHIME’s Fall CIO Forum is being held in San Diego from October 30th – November 2nd 2018.
HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote the best use of information technology and management systems in the health care industry.
Founded in 1961, HIMSS provides a forum for collaboration among the various stakeholders in health care IT, using advocacy, education and collaboration to further its mission. Its membership base of more than 44,000 individual and 570 corporate members includes health care providers, students, IT vendors, consultants and other stakeholders in the health IT industry. HIMSS currently focuses its attention on health IT topics such as electronic health record systems, HIPAA security and privacy provisions, software interoperability and technical standards.
HIMSS produces an annual conference that brings together health IT stakeholders for several days of education and networking. The organization also offers a research arm known as HIMSS Analytics and a philanthropic group known as the HIMSS Foundation. HIMSS 2019 Annual Convention is being held in Orlando from February 11th-13th. Regional conferences and events happen monthly.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) is a key element in perpetuating success throughout the healthcare industry. The organization provides resources to initiate change and drive results. With exceptional peer-to-peer and mentor-to-peer support systems as well as abundant hard-copy and digital resources, MGMA is spearheading the path to healthcare advancement. They are well known for providing members with consistent expert resources and solutions that include, but are not limited to:
- Educational collateral and certifications
- Success strategies for students, healthcare practices, and employment needs
- Innovative ideas and networking events
- Expertly compiled benchmarking data and statistics
- Access to industry experts and thought leaders
- Information and materials for making your practice more successful and profitable
There are several others that you may hear about. Health Connect Partners (HCP) focuses on areas including IT, Pharmacy, Radiology, and the OR (Read More). The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), provides insight and partnerships focused on health care improvement worldwide (Read More). And Academy Health hosts its annual Health Datapalooza which is a large conference which exists to promote access to open data in the United States for the purpose of improving public health.
As a consultant, we all should be aware of our firms participation and/or sponsorship of these organizations. Let’s be honest, the primary reason for a firm’s involvement is expected return on investment by identifying new clients, building relations, and showcasing capabilities. That directly impacts you and your future opportunities for placement. You could be a self promoter by sharing with your client how your firm supports these organizations. Additionally you could be asked to represent your company…so always be aware of your firms involvement.
What organizations are you or your firm a member? Share your thoughts and comments below.
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