As we look back on the past year, we are grateful for the opportunities Legacy Data Access had to participate in the AHIMA community for the first time. From the national conference in Minneapolis to state association events in Iowa, the Carolinas, and Texas, each meeting reinforced why Health Information Management professionals are so critical to the future of healthcare and why supporting them with better tools and strategies matters more than ever. The conversations and connections from these events shaped our thinking in meaningful ways. Here are some of our key takeaways.
Cyclic Archiving: A New Approach to Cyber Risk
At the national conference, we presented – along with Heather Hanson, CBCP, Practice Manager, Resiliency Services at Clearwater – on how the use of cyclic archiving can reduce impact radius and minimize cyber risk. The response from attendees was encouraging. As healthcare organizations face mounting cybersecurity threats, the concept of cyclic archiving resonates as a practical approach that supports both governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks and organizational resiliency. When you can systematically manage legacy data while maintaining accessibility and reducing your attack surface, you’re not just checking a compliance box – you’re building mature operational resilience.
The Reality of HIM Professional Burnout
One theme emerged consistently across every event we attended: burnout among HIM professionals is real and widespread. These dedicated professionals are overwhelmed, often working with outdated tools that create friction rather than facilitate their work. The conversations around patient-centric data access and improved end-user interfaces for release of information (ROI) were about more than efficiency. They were about respecting the time and expertise of HIM staff. When we reduce unnecessary complexity in their daily workflows, we give them back the capacity to focus on what matters: ensuring data integrity and supporting quality patient care.
Navigating the AI Transformation
Artificial intelligence dominated conversations at every event, and understandably so. AI is being rapidly implemented across healthcare, especially in the areas of revenue cycle, coding, and clinical documentation, creating significant change that can feel unsettling for staff who have built their careers on established processes. But there’s tremendous promise here too. The key insight we heard repeatedly: AI tools are only as good as the data they are trained on. HIM professionals are uniquely positioned to ensure that data is prepared properly for AI engines. Good data leads to good analytics, which leads to better decision-making across the healthcare continuum.
Data Integrity Must Include Legacy Systems
At its core, the HIM role is about ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and completeness. What became clear through our conversations this year is that data archive strategy and downstream access must be part of that equation. A comprehensive approach to data governance includes thoughtful archiving strategies that maintain accessibility while supporting compliance and operational goals.
Honored to Be Part of the Community
Perhaps what impressed me most about AHIMA is the genuine sense of camaraderie. HIM professionals know each other across state lines, support each other’s growth, and share a collective commitment to advancing their profession. We are humbled by the warm reception and honored to be part of the ongoing conversation about how to elevate the HIM role and underscore its criticality in healthcare delivery. As we look ahead, LDA remains committed to listening, learning, and developing solutions that genuinely serve the needs of HIM professionals. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into the AHIMA community this year.
We’re excited to continue the journey together next year. Be on the lookout for our event schedule and speaking engagements throughout 2026.