Ohio Health Information Management Association - 2008 Annual Meeting & Trade Show Highlights -

2008 Annual Meeting & Trade Show Highlights

was the theme for OHIMA's 28th Annual Meeting & Trade Show held at the Hilton Columbus, March 31 - April 2, 2008.

Proudly hosting the largest state HIM show, more than 700 health information professionals attended the meeting featuring three days of fun and educational sessions and 85 Exhibit Booths. The convention was held at the elegant Hilton Columbus Hotel adjacent to Easton Town Center in northeast suburban Columbus. OHIMA President Bonnie Hemp presided over the meeting.

VIEW 2008 Annual Meeting photos

Thank you to the Annual Meeting programming committee led by Directors Paula Warren and Jan Kelly for coordinating such an entertaining program. Meeting evaluations were overall very positive, the average score for overall meeting attendance experience was 4.5 out of 5.

Comments from the meeting evaluations included: "Speakers were best ever-every topic held my attention; pertinent and timely information; good variety of exhibitors, a little bit of everything; My first meeting-I can’t wait for next year!"

Mark your calendars for next year's OHIMA Annual Meeting:

March 9 - 11, 2009
Hilton Hotel at Easton Town Center
Columbus, OH

Presentation proposals for the 2009 OHIMA Annual Meeting are now being accepted until August 30, 2008.

DETAILS on how to submit a proposal to speak at the 2009 Annual Meeting.

The Exhibit Hall was held April 1st-2nd and featured exciting HIM/HIT products and services from a diverse showing of 85 booths.

VIEW Exhibit Hall Highlights & Photos

OHIMA Achievement Awards were presented at the Annual Awards luncheon on Monday, March 31, 2008. Congratulations to the following recipients:

		Anne Casto, RHIA, CCS Receives Distinguished Member Award Anne Casto received OHIMA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Member Award for her exceptional leadership and service to OHIMA throughout her career. Anne has made significant contributions to OHIMA through her work related to the Coding Roundtables and annual coding meeting. Anne’s contributions to the HIM profession include involvement in the management of HIM professionals, financial consulting for a vendor and teaching students to become future HIM professionals. One of Anne’s most significant contributions to the profession is co-authoring the textbook Principles for Healthcare Reimbursement. Anne has volunteered her time and energy to OHIMA and AHIMA and is well respected among her peers. Anne was recently awarded the Legacy Award from AHIMA.

		Linda Woodmansee, RHIA Receives Professional Achievement Award Linda Woodmansee has been instrumental in getting 3M software to HIT/HIM programs for educational purposes. Her career success is evident in her accomplishments and advancement in both traditional and non-traditional settings. Linda keeps herself well informed of regulatory, reimbursement and technical issues concerning HIM. She graciously gives of her time to share her expertise in these areas by speaking at HIM educational seminars. Linda has thrived in an unconventional role and serves as a leader and influential role model to others.

		Susan Schehr, RHIA Receives Ambassador to Education Award Susan Schehr has consistently taken students on internships over the years and has never declined a request. The feedback from the students indicate that she is an excellent site supervisor who ensures that each student is exposed to all areas of the department and the unique applications offered by the VA Medical Center. Susan has provided innovative instructional methods along with allowing groups of students to have access to electronic medical records. She encourages her staff to be truly involved with the students and has assisted as a faculty member and served on HIM Advisory Committees. Susan has been a strong advocate for HIM education and is a cheerleader for the HIM profession, and our future HIM professionals.