AHDI's 2010 ACE Speaker Highlight: Lea Sims, CMT, AHDI-F - "A Day Without Transcription"

With the rapid evolution of EHRs, template-driven EMRs, and SRT systems, some have been quick to assume that transcription is on its way "out." But few have really considered how incredibly dependent on transcription services the US health system currently is. What would a day without transcription really look like? What would be the impact to patient care, physician workload, and risk management if there were no documentation support system like the one healthcare is currently availing itself of? In this session we’ll take a granular look at the 1.2 billion health records produced each year, 60% of which are captured by the dictation/transcription process. We’ll look at documentation load of several health systems and the impact of transcription on patient care in those facilities. And we’ll explore the new dialogue that is taking place about transcription—how RFPs are beginning to ask about MT credentials, how the acute care sector is now less inclined to think transcription can be replaced than it was five years ago, and how our sector can take advantage of those shifts in perception. If you’re wondering about the future of MT, this is the session to attend.

Sims is the director of professional programs for AHDI and has been working for the association since 2004. In that role, she oversees all association messaging and communications, including coordination of association print and electronic publications; drafting of key association position papers, press releases, and standards; creative and strategic direction of campaigns and advocacy programs; direction of AHDI credentialing/education programs; and coordination of best practices initiatives. She is the author and managing editor of The Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 3rd edition, and The Book of Style Workbook, 3rd edition. She has been an MT for 22 years and holds a BA in Education (English) with a minor in linguistics from the University of North Florida.

Lea will give this presentation at ACE on Thursday, August 5, 2010.