Shaping Healthcare: The Impact of AHIMA Advocacy Summit 2024

The AHIMA Advocacy Summit serves as more than just a platform; it's an opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the health information (HI) profession and advocate for the entire healthcare system, including patients. Advocacy Summit participants will have a powerful chance to address challenges in healthcare while actively shaping the future of HI.

Leading at the Advocacy Summit

In terms of leadership, the AHIMA Advocacy Summit brings health leaders and policymakers together to discuss critical policy issues related to health data and HI. Not only do you have a chance to learn, it's an opportunity to engage in conversations with other leaders on important topics, enhance your professional profile, and build real connections within a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

Advocacy in Motion: Tangible Changes for Our Industry

We work to achieve real, concrete changes in healthcare through our advocacy efforts.

At the AHIMA Advocacy Summit, sessions like “Ensuring Data Quality and Patient Safety by Improving Patient Identification and Matching” sparked discussions highlighting the importance of the MATCH IT Act.

Reflecting on last year's Summit, a discussion on reducing administrative burden had a lasting impact on so many. Working closely with key individuals and federal agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), allowed us to advocate post-Summit for crucial changes in HI policy and standards, highlighting the strength of our community when we work together toward a common goal.

Guidance for Participants: Navigating with Confidence

If you're new to the Summit, don't worry about not being an expert. Members of Congress genuinely value hearing from constituents like you in the HI profession. They recognize your role as key contributors who provide valuable insights into what's happening in the field and the challenges we face.

As we advocate for initiatives like the MATCH IT Act and the need for better oversight over non-clinical AI, remember, your expertise matters. Let's bring our collective wisdom to Congress and continue shaping the future of HI.

Together, we're not just attending a summit; we're influencing change that can improve health outcomes.
 

Lauren Riplinger, JD, is chief public policy and impact officer for AHIMA.