When is the submission deadline?
January 29, 2026
Please ensure all fields are completed. To prevent losing your work, we recommend drafting your submission into a separate document and then pasting it into the form, as leaving the form open for an extended period may cause it to time out.
Speakers are welcome to submit multiple session proposals; however, a separate form must be completed for each submission.
AHIMA will waive admission fees for all selected speakers, including one co-speaker per session. Please note that speakers and co-speakers are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and meals.
Presenters are welcome to submit more than one poster proposal, but a separate form must be completed for each submission.
AHIMA will provide a $200 discount for the main poster presenter. Please note that AHIMA26 speakers, poster presenters, and co-speakers are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and meals.
The AHIMA Conference Council Committee will begin reviewing applications in January 2026, so submit your proposal early to ensure consideration!
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?
Accept/decline notices are expected to go out in mid-May 2026.
What are the content focus areas for AHIMA26?
Keep in mind that AHIMA attendees represent a wide range of experience levels and professional backgrounds. Don’t hesitate to submit proposals geared to every stage of learning – from beginners to advanced.
When crafting your proposal, be mindful of the session timing. Educational sessions are 50 minutes in total. We recommend reserving the last five minutes for Q&A, leaving a minimum of 45 minutes for your presentation. Please ensure you are prepared to fill the entire time allotted for your session.
CONTENT FOCUSES
The AHIMA26 Conference will include six tracks. Some examples of topics that fall within each track are listed below. Please use these examples as a guide for choosing and submitting a session for the AHIMA26 Conference.
Track – POLICY & GOVERNMENT
Topic examples must be related to 2026 federal policy developments and can include:
Health Data & Technology
- Data usability and optimization
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare
- Interoperability advancements
- Electronic prior authorization
Policy & Compliance
- Health IT policy updates and trends
- Price transparency requirements
- Information blocking regulations
Track – PRIVACY & SECURITY
Topic examples can include:
Privacy & Security
- Protecting patient data
- Cybersecurity threats and prevention
- AI implications for privacy and security
Patient Rights & Access
- Individual right of access
- Price transparency
Data Exchange & Interoperability
- Interoperability standards and practices
- Information blocking: rules and solutions
Compliance & Regulations
- Navigating compliance requirements and evolving regulations
Track – CODING
Topic examples:
Coding Challenges & Strategies
- Navigating coding challenges, documentation gaps, and conflicts
- Preparing for ICD-11: key updates and transition strategies
- Inpatient coding: CCs, MCCs, and POA indicators
- Outpatient coding: specialty-specific guidance, e.g., ambulatory surgery
- E/M coding: mastering upcoming changes and documentation requirements
Quality, Compliance & Reimbursement
- Coding accuracy’s impact on reimbursement and quality
- Coding for value-based care and quality initiatives
- Coding audits and compliance best practices
- Denial management: reducing denials and improving RCM
Technology & Innovation
- Leveraging technology and AI for coding efficiency and accuracy
- Future of coding: trends, technology, and workforce evolution
Track – CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Workforce Development & Future Planning
- Preparing the healthcare workforce for new challenges
- Retention, recruitment, and future skill development
- Succession planning for long-term success
- Global workforce trends and future directions
Leadership & Management
- Leading and managing remote teams
- Engaging and re-engaging staff for optimal performance
- Supporting and developing emerging leaders
- Soft skills for leaders, including emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution strategies for leaders
Technology & the Evolving Workplace
- The impact of technology on the workforce
- Skills needed to thrive in a virtual workplace
Track – DOCUMENTATION & DATA INTEGRITY
Topic examples:
Core CDI Skills & Competencies
- Understanding CDI metrics and statistics
- Record review and documentation clarification
- Clinical and coding competency
- Critical thinking in CDI
Compliance & Ethics
- Compliance considerations in CDI
- Ethical and responsible use of healthcare data
Data Quality & Outcomes
- Ensuring the integrity and quality of healthcare data
- Quality outcomes measurement and reporting
- Using data to drive effective and equitable care
- Data collection from medical devices
- Building data literacy across teams
Track – OPERATIONAL OUTCOMES
Topic examples:
Foundations of Data & Analytics
- Understanding data workflows within a health system
- Understanding data analytics fundamentals
- The relationship between AI and data
- How data drives decision-making
Improving Outcomes Through Data
- Using data to improve clinical, quality, and safety outcomes
- Leveraging data to impact patient outcomes
- Using dashboards for SDOH data to promote health equity
Operational Efficiency & Financial Performance
- Improving operational efficiency and productivity through data analytics (AI, revenue cycle optimization, digital transformation)
- Leveraging technology to improve financial results and reduce administrative burden
Visualization & Communication
- Data visualization principles
- Best practices for creating clear, impactful dashboards
Ethics, Compliance & Regulation
- Ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance in data use
Industry Trends & Disruption
- Patient digital health strategies
What will be the evaluation criteria for submitted proposals?
EVALUATION CRITERIA
All proposals will undergo a peer review and will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Education level: Does the content address a beginning, intermediate or advanced audience?
- Clarity of writing: Is the proposal well-written, clear, and well-organized?
- Innovation: Does the proposal introduce new ideas or concepts? Does it include research or case studies? Does it offer actionable concepts that attendees can implement?
- Relevance: Is the proposal aligned with current U.S.-focused or international HI issues? Is it relevant to the AHIMA mission and strategy?
- Goal: Does the proposal outline practical applications for HI professionals? Does it use appropriate approaches or methods to achieve its objectives?
NOTE: Interested in purchasing a sponsored content session? Please submit as “Sponsored Content Breakout Sessions” by contacting ahimaexhibits@spargoinc.com.