HIM Transitions

No Rest for the Weary

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:11:00 GMT

I have been trying to get the flu shot for the last few weeks. As you know from watching the news, the flu shot is in short supply. After my third attempt, the nurse practitioner promised to call me as soon as a new shipment arrived. I thought with all...(read more)

HIT Jobs in High Demand

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:08:00 GMT

The introductory course I teach in health information technology (HIT) gives students the basics on health information. This week I did a lecture on the diversity of career options available in HIT. Students coming into the program are usually familiar...(read more)

H1N1 Flu Hits College Campuses

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:13:00 GMT

There has been so much attention on the H1N1 flu in my kid's school district. My daughter's middle school has reported two confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, and there have been a tremendous number of kids out with flu-like symptoms. My daughter missed...(read more)

Stress Management

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:16:00 GMT

My daughter transferred to a new school this year. She had no interest in transferring to this school, but like all parents I overruled her objections so she can be prepared to compete in the highly competitive world we live in. The curriculum at the...(read more)

The Virtual Lab

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:03:00 GMT

I have been learning how to use the American Health Information Management Association virtual lab applications for the HIT program. The virtual lab simulates various HIM functions, such as release of information, master patient index (MPI), chart deficiencies...(read more)

The Vanishing Textbook

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:30:00 GMT

I remember being in elementary school and how everyone was extremely excited about going to the library to check out books. My friends and I looked forward to this day all week; we could not wait to check out our favorite books. We would check out the...(read more)

ICD-10 Anxiety

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:34:00 GMT

I try to attend coding updates annually, and I always learn something new. I attended a workshop this week on the 2010 ICD-9 changes. The amount of information is just mind-boggling. It is a good thing I don't have to perform coding for a living. The...(read more)

Office Hours

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:08:00 GMT

One of the perks of working from home is that you get to set your own office hours. There are no employees, boss or co-workers that you must make time for during an 8-hour day at the office. When I want to start my day, I simply go upstairs to my home...(read more)

Not Another Test

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:49:00 GMT

I was thrilled to pass the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) certified professional coder (CPC) test on the first try this past spring. The experience was nerve wracking, and I didn't think I would survive it. Well, you are reading this blog,...(read more)

Volunteering

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:15:00 GMT

When I moved to North Carolina several years ago, I volunteered my time at a local shelter. I was hesitant at first because I didn't think I could really be of any help to these people in need. Once I was convinced by the shelter director, I signed up...(read more)

A New Toy

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:57:00 GMT

I discovered a new technology toy this weekend. It's called Voki and it allows you to create an audio message with cool characters. You can select a character and change their hair color, eyes, skin tone and even apply makeup. I found a character I liked...(read more)

Fall into the Season

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:17:00 GMT

Next week marks the beginning of the fall semester at the community college where I teach in the medical assisting program. I am looking forward to meeting new students and getting back in front of the class. It's such a good feeling to see these excited...(read more)

Back to School

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:13:00 GMT

We are nearing the end of summer, and it is time for kids across the country to go back to school. The retailers have started the full-scale assault on parents to get to the mall and buy their kids clothes, shoes, computers and other items that your kids...(read more)

Now What?

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:48:00 GMT

Now that I have reached my goal of becoming a full-time faculty member, I expected to feel different. I am extremely excited about achieving my goal in a short period of time--most adjunct instructors work for years before becoming a full-time instructor....(read more)

Mission Accomplished

Carol Dantzler-Harris, MEd, RHIA, CPC — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:57:00 GMT

For those of you who have been following my blog know that I returned to school to obtain a masters degree in education. My ultimate goal was to switch careers and teach on the college level. I started out almost two years ago with no teaching experience...(read more)