Many things have changed for all of us since the days when ones medical record and the information contained therein was the property of the health care facility or health care provider. I recall trying repeatedly to obtain the records of my children, born at a military hospital, so I could take them with me, when my husband was discharged, should that information be needed for my premature twins. Unfortunately, I was not permitted to have those records and was told they are the property of the United States Government and the Military. I was, however, quite determined and eventually succeeded in obtaining those records but it wasn't easy.
I'm excited by the access possibilities contained within an electronic health record and the believe, as does President Obama, that it will reduce duplication, reduce medical errors, and provide all Americans with total access so they can be advocates in their own "Health Story Project."
Working with AHDI to ensure a place for the intelligent worker [MTs] in the electronic health record arena is also exciting. Participating in the AHDI Advocacy Summit is one of the best ways to do just that so I urge you to consider adding the Advocacy Summit to your calendar.
Don't sit on the sidelines. Follow me to the AHDI Advocacy Summit!
4 comments:
How do you get so much time off from work to attend all these events, especially weekdays? I envy your participation. As an independent contractor, it is very difficult to be involved.
Thanks so much for leaving a comment -- I'm happy to know somebody is reading my blog. Here's my answer:
I own my own company and contract my services to another MTSO as I have no clients of my own anymore. Basically being an IC for the other company gives me the freedom to choose when I work and when I don't. Needless to say that's a big decision for anyone to make, especially if your income is required to pay the bills. Obviously, when I don't work I don't get paid. However, when I was elected to the AHDI board of directors I made the decision to give 100% and I'm fortunate to be able to do that. My service to AHDI will end on December 31, 2009 and I will go back to work full-time at that point.
There are many other ICs and employees of hospitals or MTSOs who also participate in Advocacy Summit and other activities as well -- they just make up the time when they can. I even know some people who transcribe in their hotel rooms after a daytime activity like Advocacy Summit to make up for their time off. Our MTIA partners are extremely supportive of their employees and ICs who want to participate in Advocacy [as an example] and many even sponsor people to attend. You might want to look into that possibility.
Thanks again for asking the question -- I hope I've answered it.
It answers to a certain degree. I do not work for a service. I work alone and have my own accounts. I do not have other MTs working for me. It's always interesting to be told I should just be able to work it out to get the time off or just take the work with me. I work 12+ hours a day, and how would I get that much work done while attending an event. I don't think it means I don't care or I'm not supportive.
I've been in your shoes as well. I've had two businesses, sold one and still have the second. The one I sold was like yours. At some points I had employees and at some point I was alone. I also worked 12 - 14 hours a day and had little time for anything else but I did attend my local chapter meetings [usually in the evening monthly], I attended the Florida State Annual Meeting and the AHDI/AAMT Annual Meeting. I told my clients that, like them, I had to continue my education in order to provide better service to them. I had that business for almost 10 years and never lost a client. I had 18 clients [one 90-bed psychiatric hospital and the rest were private practice accounts]. I was bought out by a much larger company and I went to work for them as a vice president.
Your continuing education is critical to the service you provide AND it sets you above those who do not continue their education. I would suggest adding that fact to any advertising you do along with credentialing and fellowship in AHDI. That could be one more way to grow your business so you can hire folks to keep and eye on things so you can get out more -- think about it!
I really do appreciate your input and am enjoying our conversation even though I don't know who you are....
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