New Members
How do I become a member of LHIMA?
If you would like to become a member of LHIMA, you will first have to join as a member of our national organization AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). You can find out more information about joining AHIMA at http://www.ahima.org/membership.
Once you are a member of AHIMA, go to www.ahima.org. You will log-in with your AHIMA membership number and the assigned password. The first letter of your password will be capitalized if using the default AHIMA password (your last name), otherwise it will be entered just as it was when setting up your profile. Click on “My Profile/Dues Renewal”. There is a field labeled State Association. That is where you will need to select Louisiana to be sure you are a part of our state association.
How do I receive updates and notices from LHIMA?
Go to www.ahima.org and log-in to the main “My AHIMA”. Click on “My Profile/Dues Renewal”. Go to the “My Communication Preferences” tab. You will see many options. Under the CSA (Component State Association) selections heading select Yes or No for contact by e-mails, faxes, postal mailings, or phone, or fax. They all default to “No” for each AHIMA member so you have to change certain ones to “Yes” to get those communications.
Why does my password no longer work for the AHIMA website?
Remember: Your password is now CASE SENSITIVE so if you are using the default password, the first letter will be capitalized. Your initial password for the AHIMA website is your last name or if you have gotten married recently…it would be your maiden name. The password will be just as it is entered in your profile if it has been changed from the initial password. If you still cannot gain access, please click on the “I Forgot My Password” link on the main AHIMA page (www.ahima.org).
Who do I contact if I have problems with the AHIMA website or the AHIMA CoP?
If you have a technical issue with the AHIMA website, you can send an e-mail to info@ahima.org for assistance or visit www.ahima.org/help to get simple tips on how to use AHIMA.org.
How do I go about finding a mentor?
The student is responsible for selecting a mentor. It is advisable to select a mentor in the area of study that you would like to go in to for the HIM Industry.
The Student Mentor Program was established in 2003 to give AHIMA students a method to get assistance from qualified HIM professionals. There is a Mentor contact list on the Student Community of Practice on the AHIMA website under Community Resources. Each mentor should have a phone number and e-mail address listed so that a student may contact them for assistance. There is also a small description of each member and their area of expertise so you can make a more specific selection in the HIM professional you would like to work with.
You should get a response from an AHIMA mentor within 3 business days. However, keep in mind, these are busy HIM professionals and their responsibilities might not allow them to respond to your request right away. If the person you chose has not responded within a week, choose another person on the list. The AHIMA mentor begins responsibilities on September 1st of each year and their “term” goes to September 1st of the next year. The mentor can continue to help students for as long as they would like to do so.
If you have any questions about a mentor or would like to volunteer to become a mentor through AHIMA, send an e-mail to StudentConnections@ahima.org to get more information. If you can not find an “official” mentor through AHIMA to meet your needs or you would like assistance from someone locally, you can contact the Central Officer Coordinator at coc@lhima.org
How do I run for an AHIMA position?
To run for an AHIMA elected position or to nominate someone else, you must complete the online Application to Serve. To be considered to serve, you must complete the application. The deadline for AHIMA elected positions and nomination forms is in January. The deadline for volunteer committees is in October.
How do I register to volunteer at AHIMA?
Click on the Volunteer Link on the AHIMA web page and fill out the form. You will be contacted.