Greetings!  I'm just back from another fabulous ANI- it's always so exciting to see my AAHAM friends, and there was some great education in a wonderful location.  CPAM Coaching was presented by Lois Wakefield, Tamora Ellis and VIrginia Berney- it was well received and we hope to offer an expanded session next year.

Before you know it the CPAM and CCAM exams will be upon us.  If you are taking it this time I hope our initiatives have been helpful.  I believe that the availabity of the Study Manual will lead to higher pass rates, which is a good thing!

There will be more updates to come and I am looking forward to telling you how the tests went.  To anyone reading this who has not signed up to grade, Lois needs you!

 

Liz

It's been longer than I thought since my last post.  I can't believe it's Fall already.  But that means it's almost time for the ANI- this year in sunny Florida.  I hope I will be able to see many of you there. 

Right after the ANI, of course it's time for the Fall CPAM/CCAM exams.  I hope the Study Manual and Webinars have been useful to you.  We are always working on new ways to help you become successfully certified. 

Yesterday the temperature here was around 90 degrees and today it's 64.  That's the way healthcare is a lot of the time, too.  Constant change and other than that, you never can be sure what will happen next.  It's why membership and participation in AAHAM is so important- we strive to keep you updated with current info, provide you with meaningful networking opportunities, and give you exams that show you know what you're doing. 

Your feedback is vital.  I welcome ALL suggestions and feedback.  You can reach me at ebaptist@perrymemorial.org...

I'll tell you a little secret.  I do those webinars for coaching (with a lot of help!) and beforehand, I never feel like doing it.  I say to myself, "Oh, I wish I didn't have to do this today, I have other stuff to do and who wants to talk for 2 hours anyway?  Not me!" 

But I go ahead and do it anyway, for several reasons:

1.  I know that once I start, I will enjoy doing it.  Deep down, I really do want to do it.

2.  It's important for our members,   People who use the webinars score higher on the exams.

3.  It's good to make yourself do something you think you don't want to do.

These reasons can also be translated into good reasons to take the exam.  You probably tell yourself, "Oh, I can't do it.  It's too hard.  It takes too much time,  I will fail and be embarrassed."  If your employer does not require you to be certified, you might just listen to yourself and never jump.  But deep down, you really do want to do it. 

Realistically, you probably won't "enjoy" taking...

For those of you looking for extra ways to glean information, look no further than the current issue of The Journal.  There are a number of fantastic articles in it that reference the subjects often seen in CPAM questions.  You will find articles titled "Auditing the Results of Change," "Patient Receivable Loan Prgrams," "Avoid Bad Debt from Self-Pay Accounts" and more,  All these go into detail about the kinds of issues we face in the revenue cycle, and give the type of info you're going to want to know if you take the test.

Regards,

Liz

It won't be long before the fall exam week starts.  I'm sure those of you who are scheduled to take the test are already studying- at least I hope so.  Anyway, I am often asked for study tips.  Everyone has different methods that work best for them, but I can tell you some things that help me.

- get a partner!  I had a lot more success when studying with a buddy.  It helps keep me focused and we can instantly talk over issues and concerns.

- review difficult material again and again.  And again.  I have trouble memorizing formulas.  I find that by writing them down over and over, I have much better retention. 

- practice writing.  Essay questions are not most people's favorite.  I actually like them, but that's probably because I find it easy to write a good paragraph.  An essay answer needs to show that you understand the concept and can apply it correctly.  Bullet points are helpful but usually not enough.

The other day we were privileged to have Beth Franzak from the Maryland Chapter...

Greetings!  Welcome to the brand new blog for AAHAM Professional Certification.  I’m Liz Baptist, CPAM, and I’ve been the National Professional Certification Chair for a while now.  Here you’ll find all kinds of different information including tips on studying,  writing a good answer, and reasons to become certified, as well as news, upcoming events, and general musings.