Oh, the Anticipation!
Hard to believe, as I have yet to pack my suitcase, but I'm off to Seattle tomorrow morning for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) National Convention.
I look forward to meeting our HIM leaders and readers, but for those of you who can't make it to the conference, I suggest grabbing a latte from Starbucks and following the action right here on ADVANCE Perspective. As the rookie at ADVANCE, I'll be offering a first-timer's take on all the events, from the general sessions to the exhibit hall to the animated chitchat about ICD-10.
This year marks the 80th AHIMA convention, and sessions will celebrate the past while forging into the future. Dr. Jonathan Perlin will offer a glimpse of where HIM is headed with "Healthcare 2018," while AHIMA CEO Linda Kloss will reflect on what's already been accomplished with "HIM at 80!"
Technology continues to be the buzz word, as many sessions will revolve around electronic health information, but genetics is also gearing up to be a conversation starter, with several general sessions focusing on its emerging role in HIM.
As usual, the exhibit hall will be packed with curious attendees (myself included) checking out the latest and greatest software and gadgets. Heeding my co-worker's advice, I'm leaving the heels at home and packing some "sensible, yet sophisticated" flats so I can cruise and peruse the booths pain-free.
Of course it's not a convention without the fun and festive President's Premier Celebration. My closet is unfortunately devoid of 70s-inspired clothing, but I'm hoping to scrounge up something to match this year's "history of music"-themed soiree. I'll be making rounds with my camera in tow, so get ready to flash those pearly whites while you boogie down.