Healthy Communication

Archive for October 2009

National Massage Awareness Week Posted Monday, October 26, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe By Mary Tilley, Massage Therapy Program Coordinator, Mankato Campus October 19-25 is the Annual National Massage Awareness Week sponsored by American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The purpose of Massage Therapy Awareness Week is to draw attention to the benefits of massage therapy and offer opportunities for the public to learn more about what massage therapy can do for them. In the early 1800’s, rubbing, friction and percussion were the mainstays of manual soft tissue manulipation treatment. By the end of the 19^th century, massage had developed into a more sophisticated form of manual therapy, including sliding techniques call effleurage. Numerous studies show therapeutic massage is beneficial to people at all phases of their lives (i.e. infant, child, teen, young adult, adult, seniors) and is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. The following are some ways people in different age groups may benefit from massage therapy: Infants – for colic, sleep difficulties, faster weight gain for preemies, fostering connection between parent(s) and child Children – stress relief, sleep difficulties, learning disabilities Teens/Young adults – student stress relief, pre and post sporting events, injury recovery Adults – stress relief, injury recovery, pregnancy relief, workplace stress, TMJ, Carpal tunnel syndrome, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery Seniors – stress relief, injury recovery, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery, arthritis, compassionate touch for hospices care AMTA’s annual survey looked at the growth of massage therapy over 10 years and determined that massage therapy has been a growing trend in American culture, with 39 million American adults – more than one out of every 6 – getting a massage annually. While relaxation (26%) is still a motive for Americans integrating massage into their routines, using massage therapy for medical purposes (30%) such as injury recovery, pain reduction, headache control, and for their overall health and wellness, is even more prevalent. More people are discussing massage options with their doctors and healthcare providers, and more healthcare professionals are recommending massage therapy as part of patient’s overall health. The survey also stated that almost twice as many doctors recommended massage to their patients this year than five years ago. While physicians led the way for recommending massage therapy when asked (59%), nearly half of all chiropractors (48%) and physical therapist (47%) also recommended massage when patients inquired. Whether Americans are getting massage therapy at a spa, as part of their chiropractic visits, at their health club, or even at work, the use of massage therapy has increased form 10 years ago. The number of both men and women who received a massage in the last year has doubled since 1979 but, at 23 percent, women still get the most massages. Gentlemen you don’t know what you’re missing!!! One of the reasons massage therapy’s popularity is on the rise is its use by Americans ages 18 to 34 (Generations X and Y). The surveys points out the acceptance and use of massage as someone ages, and considering the younger generations’ views and use of massage it will likely surpass previous generations as they rely on massage for therapeutic reasons and stress relief. Only 28 percent of Gen Y (18 to 24 year olds) agree that massage is just a luxury, compared to 94 percent that agree it can be beneficial to their health. Gen X agree: 92 percent believe massage can be beneficial to their health. Massage therapy was three times more popular as a form of pain relief among 18 to 24 year olds than medication (34 percent for massage versus 10 percent for medication). Ninety-eight percent of Gen X respondents believe massage can be an effective way to relieve pain and 37 percent have already had a massage to relieve pain, while 48 percent of Gen Y have used massage to relieve pain. I read there are an estimated 250 different massage/bodywork techniques available. I encourage you to seek out a therapist and get a massage. Join those who believe that massage is the most natural way to heal. While you’re at it refer a loved one and/or friends to one of Rasmussen’s massage clinics. It would be a nice way to help them discover the benefits of massage at a great price… Post Comment Email to a friend Filed under: Allied Health & Nursing Tags:

Navigating through the sea of HIM credentials: What do they all mean? Posted Wednesday, October 07, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe By Susan Rolling, RHIA, HIT Program Coordinator, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lake Elmo It used to be so easy. Either you took an exam to become credentialed as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). That’s it! Now it’s not so easy. It seems like there are oodles of credentials that a HIT graduate can obtain. What is a graduate to do? Here is a list, from the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) of what they are, what they mean, who can get them, and what you can do with them: RHIA – Registered Health Information Administrator · An RHIA is an expert in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. They often manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets. You must receive a bachelors degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIA exam. RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician · An RHIT is someone who ensures the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care or control costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree. You must receive an associate degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIT exam. CCA – Certified Coding Associate · The CCA validates competence of coding fundamentals in new graduates and those new to the coding profession. The credential balances limited job experience with tested knowledge, opening doors to new employment opportunities and positioning CCAs for advancement over non-credentialed individuals. · CCA examination candidates must have a high school diploma from a United States high school or an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience. CCS – Certified Coding Specialist · Certified Coding Specialists are mastery-level professionals skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in the hospital setting. These coding practitioners review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, they must possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems. In addition, the CCS is knowledgeable in medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. · CCS exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience. CCS-P – Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based · The CCS-P is a mastery-level coding practitioner with expertise in physician-based settings such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. This coding practitioner reviews patients' records and assigns numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, the individual must possess in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system and familiarity with the ICD-9-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems. The CCS-P is also an expert in health information documentation, data integrity, and quality. · CCS-P exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience. CHDA – Certified Health Data Analyst · CHDAs demonstrate expertise in health data analysis and the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information, while balancing the "big picture" strategic vision with day-to-day details. CHDA-certified professionals also exhibit broad organizational knowledge and the ability to communicate with individuals and groups at multiple levels, both internal and external. Candidates must have a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential. CHPS – Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security · The CHPS credential is the only combined privacy and security certification available in the healthcare industry. CHPS denotes competence in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy and security protection programs in all types of healthcare organizations. Becoming certified in healthcare privacy and security demonstrates a choice to focus and advance by specializing in privacy and security dimensions of HIM. Being distinguished with this special expertise signifies a commitment to advancing privacy and security management practices and lifelong learning and professional development. Candidates must have an HIM credential (RHIT or RHIA) with a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential. In Summary, a Rasmussen HIT graduate is eligible to sit for the RHIT exam and should do so as soon as possible after graduation. The sooner you take the exam the better, as you will be more likely to remember what you learned! This will give you a better chance of passing the exam. Then you can go on to obtain the other credentials if you are inclined to do so. Post Comment Email to a friend Filed under: Allied Health & Nursing Tags:

Posted Monday, October 26, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe

By Mary Tilley, Massage Therapy Program Coordinator, Mankato Campus

October 19-25 is the Annual National Massage Awareness Week sponsored by American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The purpose of Massage Therapy Awareness Week is to draw attention to the benefits of massage therapy and offer opportunities for the public to learn more about what massage therapy can do for them. In the early 1800’s, rubbing, friction and percussion were the mainstays of manual soft tissue manulipation treatment. By the end of the 19^th century, massage had developed into a more sophisticated form of manual therapy, including sliding techniques call effleurage. Numerous studies show therapeutic massage is beneficial to people at all phases of their lives (i.e. infant, child, teen, young adult, adult, seniors) and is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. The following are some ways people in different age groups may benefit from massage therapy:

Infants – for colic, sleep difficulties, faster weight gain for preemies, fostering connection between parent(s) and child
Children – stress relief, sleep difficulties, learning disabilities
Teens/Young adults – student stress relief, pre and post sporting events, injury recovery
Adults – stress relief, injury recovery, pregnancy relief, workplace stress, TMJ, Carpal tunnel syndrome, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery
Seniors – stress relief, injury recovery, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery, arthritis, compassionate touch for hospices care

AMTA’s annual survey looked at the growth of massage therapy over 10 years and determined that massage therapy has been a growing trend in American culture, with 39 million American adults – more than one out of every 6 – getting a massage annually. While relaxation (26%) is still a motive for Americans integrating massage into their routines, using massage therapy for medical purposes (30%) such as injury recovery, pain reduction, headache control, and for their overall health and wellness, is even more prevalent. More people are discussing massage options with their doctors and healthcare providers, and more healthcare professionals are recommending massage therapy as part of patient’s overall health. The survey also stated that almost twice as many doctors recommended massage to their patients this year than five years ago. While physicians led the way for recommending massage therapy when asked (59%), nearly half of all chiropractors (48%) and physical therapist (47%) also recommended massage when patients inquired. Whether Americans are getting massage therapy at a spa, as part of their chiropractic visits, at their health club, or even at work, the use of massage therapy has increased form 10 years ago. The number of both men and women who received a massage in the last year has doubled since 1979 but, at 23 percent, women still get the most massages. Gentlemen you don’t know what you’re missing!!! One of the reasons massage therapy’s popularity is on the rise is its use by Americans ages 18 to 34 (Generations X and Y). The surveys points out the acceptance and use of massage as someone ages, and considering the younger generations’ views and use of massage it will likely surpass previous generations as they rely on massage for therapeutic reasons and stress relief. Only 28 percent of Gen Y (18 to 24 year olds) agree that massage is just a luxury, compared to 94 percent that agree it can be beneficial to their health. Gen X agree: 92 percent believe massage can be beneficial to their health. Massage therapy was three times more popular as a form of pain relief among 18 to 24 year olds than medication (34 percent for massage versus 10 percent for medication). Ninety-eight percent of Gen X respondents believe massage can be an effective way to relieve pain and 37 percent have already had a massage to relieve pain, while 48 percent of Gen Y have used massage to relieve pain.

I read there are an estimated 250 different massage/bodywork techniques available. I encourage you to seek out a therapist and get a massage. Join those who believe that massage is the most natural way to heal. While you’re at it refer a loved one and/or friends to one of Rasmussen’s massage clinics. It would be a nice way to help them discover the benefits of massage at a great price…

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Navigating through the sea of HIM credentials: What do they all mean?

Posted Wednesday, October 07, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe

By Susan Rolling, RHIA, HIT Program Coordinator, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lake Elmo

It used to be so easy. Either you took an exam to become credentialed as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). That’s it! Now it’s not so easy. It seems like there are oodles of credentials that a HIT graduate can obtain. What is a graduate to do? Here is a list, from the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) of what they are, what they mean, who can get them, and what you can do with them:

RHIA – Registered Health Information Administrator

· An RHIA is an expert in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. They often manage people and operational units, participate in administrative committees, and prepare budgets. You must receive a bachelors degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIA exam.

RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician

· An RHIT is someone who ensures the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care or control costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree. You must receive an associate degree from a CAHIIM accredited program to sit for the RHIT exam.

CCA – Certified Coding Associate

· The CCA validates competence of coding fundamentals in new graduates and those new to the coding profession. The credential balances limited job experience with tested knowledge, opening doors to new employment opportunities and positioning CCAs for advancement over non-credentialed individuals.

· CCA examination candidates must have a high school diploma from a United States high school or an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience.

CCS – Certified Coding Specialist

· Certified Coding Specialists are mastery-level professionals skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in the hospital setting. These coding practitioners review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, they must possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems. In addition, the CCS is knowledgeable in medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology.

· CCS exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience.

CCS-P – Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based

· The CCS-P is a mastery-level coding practitioner with expertise in physician-based settings such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. This coding practitioner reviews patients' records and assigns numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, the individual must possess in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system and familiarity with the ICD-9-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems. The CCS-P is also an expert in health information documentation, data integrity, and quality.

· CCS-P exam candidates must have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school or have an equivalent educational background. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least three years of on-the-job experience.

CHDA – Certified Health Data Analyst

· CHDAs demonstrate expertise in health data analysis and the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information, while balancing the "big picture" strategic vision with day-to-day details. CHDA-certified professionals also exhibit broad organizational knowledge and the ability to communicate with individuals and groups at multiple levels, both internal and external. Candidates must have a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential.

CHPS – Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security

· The CHPS credential is the only combined privacy and security certification available in the healthcare industry. CHPS denotes competence in designing, implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy and security protection programs in all types of healthcare organizations. Becoming certified in healthcare privacy and security demonstrates a choice to focus and advance by specializing in privacy and security dimensions of HIM. Being distinguished with this special expertise signifies a commitment to advancing privacy and security management practices and lifelong learning and professional development. Candidates must have an HIM credential (RHIT or RHIA) with a bachelors degree or higher to be eligible for this credential.

In Summary, a Rasmussen HIT graduate is eligible to sit for the RHIT exam and should do so as soon as possible after graduation. The sooner you take the exam the better, as you will be more likely to remember what you learned! This will give you a better chance of passing the exam. Then you can go on to obtain the other credentials if you are inclined to do so.