By: Hannah Molette
On Monday February 11, PMI Atlanta Chapter held a Healthcare Panel to discuss "The HITECH Act and its impact on Healthcare IT”. The panel was moderated by Gregory Barnett, PMP, and included Lenny Swinson, CEO of Pristine Technology Solutions and Ponce Kenton, Director of Engineering Physician Practice Solutions at McKesson. The discussion included highlights of how technology enhancements benefit Healthcare practitioners. In 2004, President George W. Bush issued an executive order to implement the interoperable electronic patient records system by 2014. In 2009, the Obama administration put in place the HITECH Act and allowed for use of federal stimulus programs to fund Healthcare IT initiatives. (US Department of Health and Human Services Recovery)
Through what is now known as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) physicians and medical practitioners are able to shorten billing cycles, improve quality of healthcare service, maintain audit and regulatory compliance (HIPAA), and manage associated risks. Most organizations that implemented EHRs, saw 97% return on billing claims. EHRs allow doctors and medical staff to securely share information involved in the treatment of a patient’s care. In addition, EHRs helps to do away with paper records which save medical care offices time and money. A patient’s health record now moves with them across states and can be quickly shared amongst respondent health care providers. Medical practitioners are now capable to track patient illnesses to decrease deaths associated with misdiagnosis and inappropriate medication prescribing. Through EHRs, medical practitioners are also able to anticipate more accurate solutions.
ASME, Atlanta Section, in conjunction with PMI Atlanta Chapter, would like to invite you to participate in an exciting event on February 23rd, as part of Engineers Week. We will present "Using Core Culture to Drive Organizational Change presented by Dr. Sheila Margolis at 9 am to 10 am and "What Skills Do Engineers Need to Move from Technical to Managerial Positions" at 10:45, presented by Eric J. Bruce. Join us from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at Marc Auditorium at Georgia Tech. Please click here to register.
By: Rodric L. Golden
The Professional Growth event for the month of February calmed the buzz of some PMI members. I attended several PMI events recently and there was a buzz circulating regarding recruiters being in the building. I overheard some members stating they wished there was a way to identify the recruiters who were present. This was the very thought that was running through my head. Apparently, someone either read my mind or overheard the same conversation.
At this month’s Professional Growth event, it was nice to see that recruiters actually had a segment in the Professional Growth event to identify themselves, their areas of expertise, open positions, and highlight current hiring trends of various industries. These introductions gave interested job seekers the opportunity to identify which recruiter aligned with their particular needs. In addition, it improved upon the usual “table” process that was not as effective. This new process allowed individuals to spend less time waiting in line for a recruiter at a table, only to find misalignment of interests, industry, or area of specialty. Bringing recruiters directly into the monthly event definitely added value to the Professional Growth and networking portion of the monthly dinner meeting. I think that those seeking new opportunities can appreciate this change and will look forward to networking in the coming months.
Steven Shapiro, Vice President of Communications for PMI Atlanta, understands the importance of clear and accurate communication and isn’t afraid to show it. He started as a volunteer January 2012 and has been going full force ever since. Shapiro ensures that the members stay informed with the latest news and trends of this fertile profession. He manages the newsletter, event coverage and social media for the chapter.
As we all know in the PM World, multiple channels of communication can often become convoluted. When asked what challenges he faces Shapiro reported, “The challenge I face is getting all of our events covered and managing the time commitment to run the group.” He incorporates a full-time position for AT&T as well as going to school into his busy schedule. “Time management is something I am constantly working on. I have a goal for 2013 to institute a baseline and unified voice for the chapter’s social media outlets.” Although his profession and volunteer efforts are not closely related, Shapiro does dedicate the same level of organization to both spectrums.
He hails from the great fighting city of Philadelphia and positions himself as a gadget guy enjoying the latest trends of technology when it comes to his hobby.
For more information about becoming a volunteer for PMI Atlanta please email volunteer@pmiatlanta.org.
Volunteers don’t just do the work, they make everything happen!
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