By Carrie Boatman

Interview with AHDI’s NLB Director,
Susan M Lucci, RHIT, CHPS, CMT, AHDI-F

Susan Lucci has been in healthcare documentation for over 25 years. Recently, she launched a new business, Privacy Officer Services, LLC which provides MTSOs with their own credentialed HIM privacy officer. In addition, she has just joined MedScribe Health Information Management as their Chief Operations Officer.

Susan has been a speaker at many state, regional, and national conferences. She has also written many articles for Plexus, Matrix, For the Record, and Journal of AHIMA. She serves on the executive committee for the Health Story Project for AHIMA. Susan was the 2009-2010 president of AHDI and is serving a second term (2011-2013) on the AHDI National Leadership Board.

1. As a newly elected director at large, what will be your main focus for our association for 2012? Because of the consolidation in the industry, it is more important than ever to reach all the healthcare documentation specialists and let them know what AHDI is doing on their behalf. We definitely need to grow this association before more contraction and isolation occurs for the predominately home-based professionals. So my focus will be on outreach and spreading the word about the truth of what is happening and how we can best prepare for the days ahead in the EHR era.

2. What do you think MLS should be doing right now to prepare themselves for this continuing evolution of electronic healthcare? They benefit from learning all they can about the changes that are taking place now. A good way to do that is by belonging to their professional association. Another thing they can do is let their employer know they are knowledgeable and want to be “part of the solution.” Many organizations are working hard to identify those who can help them keep up with changes and be that workforce ready to take on new challenges and new roles. And yes, you knew I was going to say it and it is vitally important – to get additional education and certifications to demonstrate your expertise.

3. Why do you think credentialing is so important for our industry?
Healthcare is probably the most highly regulated profession today. That medical transcription remains unregulated makes it a target for both scrutiny and commoditization. We have seen both happen at an alarming pace. Even though the house of delegates has voted in an overwhelming majority to promote credentialing as a mandatory step, we do not have the power to enforce that. Rather, it is a strong statement about where the profession should be going. Medical language specialists should see how important this will be to the purchasers of our services and flock to get this done; if not for themselves to demonstrate their high level of skill then for the potential requirement of this by clients in a shrinking documentation universe. We should all be mindful that EHRs still “claim” to eliminate transcription costs and many have done that. This is not a fad that will go away. This is a developing trend that is going to continue to grow.

4. How can an medical language specialist become involved in one of the initiatives at the state, local or national level? A great way to get involved is to find your district and then identify a component or state/regional association near you. Then ask yourself where your interests lie. Once you do that, you will be able to choose from helping assist others become credentialed to getting involved in advocacy efforts. Don’t think you can do advocacy? It’s as easy as writing a letter, making a phone call or showing up with others who will do the talking. We have a voice and we must not be left behind in improving our nation’s quality of care. With us, healthcare is better – physicians are more efficient and the patient has an expert set of eyes and ears watching out for quality content.

If you have questions for Susan, contact her at:

Susan M Lucci, RHIT, CHPS, CMT, AHDI-F

Chief Operations Officer, MedScribe HIM

Phone: 201.331.7800 x 1002

slucci128@hotmail.com