American Health Information Management Association

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2014/11/12) */
Contact Name and Title:*** Dir Prod Lines
Contact Phone: XXX XXX XXXX
Contact Email: ***
The two courses mentioned by Ms***, "Basic ICD-Coding, Part 1" and "Basic ICD-Coding, Part 2" where originally developed
to provide training with the coding system ICD-They were updated to reflect information based on the coding system of ICD-As this upgrade is focused on new codes, and not a new way to code, AHIMA was under the impression that the American Council on Education (ACE) would update the transcript serviceAfter this issue was brought to our attention, we understand that is not the caseWe are now engaged with ACE to get these courses reviewed in order to get them part of the transcript service
We expect that this will take some time and will more than likely occur in March of We have also requested that everyone who has taken the course will be able to retroactively select this course for inclusion in their transcript
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 11, 2014/11/21) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
1.)ICD-coding has new guidelines, new features, the code sets are organized differently and have structural changes as wellAll this information may be found and is explained in detail in the new code books for ICD-10-CM/PCS, mainly published by AHIMATherefore, it IS a new way to code; a new versionAnd that is why it is necessary and appropriate that ICD-courses be re-evaluated by the American Council on Education
AHIMA advertises these courses on their website with "ACE Recommended Credit.." hours attached, implying to the public/consumers/students that they can receive ACE credits after completion of these courses when that is not the caseUnder the "Course Registration" tab, (for Cluster and Cluster 3) located at http://www.ahima.org/education/onlineed/Programs/cb, AHIMA continues to state the following:
"Basic ICD Coding, Part (ACE Recommended Semester Credits-3) An introduction to basic inpatient coding concepts using ICD-10-CM, this course emphasizes practice in the assignment of valid diagnostic codes."
"Basic ICD Coding, Part (ACE Recommended Semester Credits-3) A continuation of Part of the Basic ICD Coding course, Part focuses on ICD-10-PCS codingThis course emphasizes practice in the assignment of valid ICD-10-PCS procedure codes."
The website must be revised to state the factsThese courses have not been evaluated by ACE
2.) In the online classroom at AHIMA Distance Education, when I generate my student report, the course numbers, WCBand WCB507, are incorrectI do not know what they're supposed to be, but the course titles for these course numbers are listed on the ACE Transcript Registry as belonging to Basic ICD-9-CM Coding Part (WCB505) and Basic ICD-9-CM Coding Part (WCB507)I did not register nor was I ever enrolled in these coursesI took Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Part 1, and I am currently enrolled in Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Part Different courses cannot have the same course numberThis needs to be corrected immediately to uphold the integrity of my student recordsI cannot use my student records as it stands due to the discrepancy
3.) AHIMA and their Online Education Support Team are fully aware of how the official transcript process worksAHIMA will recall receiving official transcripts FROM my home university, which were required by AHIMA as "official proof" that I completed a college-level Human Anatomy and Physiology course before I could even register for courses within AHIMA's Coding Basics Program
On 10/30/14, via email, the AHIMA Online Education Support Team advised me to request official transcripts via ACE for a different course I had not takenBasic ICD-9-CM Coding Part 1which would then enable AHIMA to give me unofficial transcripts with a different title (the correct course title)Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Part In addition, I was also advised by the AHIMA Online Education Support Team to write my own letter to my home university explaining AHIMA's 'mishap'? This whole idea was very unprofessionalAs I explained before, AHIMA and AHIMA's Online Education Support Team are fully aware of how the official transcript process worksMy home university (the school I need to give official transcripts to) has not accepted this plan, and understandably soAfter much discussion with my home university, in order for me to register for further courses at my home university they will accept unofficial transcripts (for courses not yet evaluated by ACE) from AHIMA along with a letter of explanation FROM AHIMA, on AHIMA's business letterhead, for validation purposesAHIMA must know that letters of this nature cannot come from or be written by a studentThey have to be directed to and from the respective schoolsThe prospective letter of explanation from AHIMA must include a date (MM/DD/YY) that the official transcripts will become availableThis cannot be delayed, as it will impede the process of my school registration and receiving my diploma at my home university at program-end
Please send the unofficial transcripts for completed course, Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Part with a letter of explanation regarding the unavailability of official transcriptsThis letter must include the date (MM/DD/YY) that the official transcript will become availableSend the unofficial transcript for Basic ICoding Part upon course completion with a letter of explanation regarding the unavailability of the official transcriptThis letter must include the date (MM/DD/YY) that the official transcript will become availableThe material requested should be mailed to my home university:
National American University
***
Final Business Response /* (1000, 15, 2014/12/09) */
After discussions with Ms***, we have determined that we cannot satisfy her request, therefore we are in the process of refunding her the total amount paid for the courses, Basic ICD Coding Part and Basic ICD Coding Part
***

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2014/12/30) */
AHIMA has resolved the complaint with the customer.
When a customer purchases any AHIMA certification exam via online, they are required to confirm that they have read and agree to the terms and conditions, which include an explanation of the...

$75 processing fee (the explanation can be found at http://www.ahima.org/~/media/AHIMA/Files/Certification/Candidate_Guide.ashx). When we connected with the customer, we determined that the customer wanted money back and her test date extended. To meet the customer's needs, we are refunding the customer $124 as was originally discussed. Plus, we offered the customer a 25% discount on her next CCA application along with instructions on how to apply the discount. There is not an expiration date on the 25% discount, so the customer can use the discount when she feels she will be ready to take the exam. The customer agreed to the refund amount and the 25% discount.

Thank you in advance for your response, I appreciate it.

Sincerely,

[redacted]
Client Marketing Manager

AHIMA American Health Information Management Association
[redacted]
AHIMA: Health Information You Can Trust

Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 10, 2015/01/02) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
To this date, 1/2/15, I have not received my refund check in the mail. I called back AHIMA and spoke to [redacted] who stated it was processed on 12/18/14. I asked her on what date it was mailed, and she placed me on hold and then provided no assistance. If it indeed was processed on that date, I should have likely received the refund by now. They were unable to provide me with any further assistance. This is 2 weeks since the refund was processed. I am in need of my refund check and would like to know when I shall be receiving it.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2015/01/20) */
AHIMA has resolved the complaint with the customer. When a customer purchases any AHIMA certification exam via online, they are required to confirm that they have read and agree to the terms and conditions, which include an explanation of the $75 processing fee (the explanation can be found at http://www.ahima.org/~/media/AHIMA/Files/Certification/Candidate_Guide.ashx). When we connected with the customer, we determined that the customer wanted money back and her test date extended. To meet the customer's needs, we are refunding the customer $124 as was originally discussed. Plus, we offered the customer a 25% discount on her next CCA application along with instructions on how to apply the discount. There is not an expiration date on the 25% discount, so the customer can use the discount when she feels she will be ready to take the exam. The customer agreed to the refund amount and the 25% discount.
AHIMA has resolved the complaint with the customer in regards to sending a refund. A check was sent overnight to the customer.