ACE 2009 -- SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

ACE 2009 in Music City, USA [Nashville, TN] was beyond amazing. The speakers were outstanding, the vendors were better than ever, and the networking opportunities abounded. Look, I'll be honest with you, I've only missed one ACE in 30 years and each one is better than the one before it but this year we were glued to our seats with speaker presentations by Wendy Mangin, MS, RHIA, 2008 AHIMA President, Scott Edelstein, JD, MPA, Donna Hartley, survivor of a plane crash and more, Bruce Mast, "Navigating Your Career Through the White Water of Healthcare," Jonathan Perlin, MD, PhD, MSHA, FACP on "What to Expect During a Decade of Healthcare Reform" and many, many others too numerous to mention here. If you missed ACE this year -- make sure you don't miss 2010 in Austin, Texas!

In addition, the red carpet Integrity Awards Show was just like being at the Oscars or CMA Awards with interviews and paparazzi on the red carpet and excitement abounding in the auditorium. This was a major departure from last year and much better in my opinion. The recipients were surprised when their names were called; many brought to tears.

The Power of 10 Campaign was launched at ACE 2009 with a goal of $10 from 10,000 MTs [healthcare documentation professionals] through 2010! To read more about this exciting campaign keep reading.

Donate to the Power of 10 Campaign

What is the Power of 10 Campaign?
AHDI is launching a year‐long campaign to raise $10 from 10,000 MTs by 2010. Why? To support the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, where AHDI and MTIA are working hard to make sure YOU have a role in the future of the EHR. Our lobbying firm, along with our government relations staff, are making sure our sector is well represented in important
meetings and discussions being held by our nation’s legislators and policymakers on healthcare reform, criteria and standards for EHR systems, and workforce development in allied health. All Power of 10 funds go directly to this effort.

Why should I donate to the Power of 10?
First and foremost, it takes considerable resources to lobby effectively on behalf of an industry, so all donations help to get us to our goal. Beyond that, AHDI wants to make sure every MT feels connected to and part of this effort, since it is going to take more than just contributions and sponsorships from big businesses to secure our future role in healthcare. It will take every one of
the “silent” ten thousand contributing their “voice” through support and participation.

How do I contribute?
You can make your donation to the Power of 10 campaign by turning in a donation envelope with your contribution or mailing it to the AHDI office (4230 Kiernan Avenue, Suite 130, Modesto CA 95356). Please be advised that contributions to the Power of 10 campaign are not tax deductible.

I challenge everyone reading this blog to GET BUSY -- tell every MT you know -- AHDI member or not -- to read this Power of 10 information and participate in this effort which is greater than any one person. Everyone who tells you they can't afford $135 for AHDI professional membership -- ask them if they can spare $10 [a couple of trips to Starbucks} and send it with your own donation to the AHDI office in Modesto, California at the address listed above.

See you at ACE 2010!