· Developing a mortality chart review process reducing the observed-to-expected mortality rate to less than 1 percent

The Division is also recognized for decreasing denials by 20 percent in six months, saving $50,000 in software expenses due to identified edits, improving the Division’s case mix index within the last year by increasing benchmark goals by 18 percent, making bedside iPads available for patients and family members to see upcoming appointments and procedures and leading the conversation regarding inclusion of LGBT information in the electronic medical record to improve patient safety and quality of care.


HIM professionals at HSHS - Eastern Wisconsin Division led this work by initiating conversations, facilitating inter-departmental groups, serving as resources and educating colleagues.

“We are proud to recognize the efforts of our members and the contributions HIM makes to overall patient care,” said AHIMA CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE. “The Grace Award honors the extraordinary, and that is what HSHS - Eastern Wisconsin Division is—extraordinary. They have demonstrated HIM excellence in leadership and innovation by improving processes leading to enhanced patient safety and data integrity.”

Award evaluation criteria included how organizations’ HIM professionals demonstrate or promote leadership by volunteering or leading within their organization or community or help develop other HIM professionals by serving as educators, as well as how the organization demonstrates professional achievement and supports and contributes to innovation.

AHIMA also recognizes Hennepin Healthcare with an honorable mention for accomplishments in seeking growth opportunities to serve as transformational leaders and for using innovative practices to eliminate manual work, reporting mortality statistics and improving the case mix index.

A committee of judges, representing healthcare delivery organizations, health information professionals and HIM associations, selects the Grace Award. This year’s judges are:

· (CHAIR) Sandra Pearson, MHA, RHIA, CHDA, CPEHR

CDI & Data Governance Director, SCL Health

· Shelly Asbury, CCS, CCS-P

Director, Physician Coding Compliance, JSA Healthcare

· Kenneth Clyburn, RHIA, CHPS

Health Information Services Director, Beaufort Memorial Hospital

· Elizabeth Curtis, MA, RHIA, CHPS, FAHIMA

Administrative Director, Medical Information Management, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

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