APAR Online Process

APAR Open and Close Dates

APAR Open Date

APAR will open in 2024 on January 31,2024 to collect data from each CAHIIM accredited Health Information Management and Health Informatics program. Annual APAR reporting encompasses a reporting cycle that begins August 1 and ends July 31 and it is always one year behind to give programs ample time to collect data for the report. For example, APAR 2024 will collect general data for the academic year cycle that started August 1, 2022  and ended July 31,2023.

APAR Closure Date

The APAR system will close for all programs at 11:59pm on May 31, 2031. Failure to complete the 2024  APAR by May 31,2024 may result in the program being placed on Administrative Probation until the report is satisfactorily submitted. The change in accreditation status will also be recorded in the program profile in the CAHIIM Program Directory.

APAR Login

Programs Participating in APAR 

• If your program was not accredited during the APAR reporting timeframe August 1, through the following July 31st, you do not have to complete the current APAR.
• If your program is under Inactive Status you do not have to complete the current APAR.   
•  If your program is an accredited program in the Comprehensive Program Review Process you must complete an Annual Report.
• All programs must complete and update the Directory Profile Tab.

Signing into the APAR

The APAR System has emailed an APAR User ID and Password to all Program Directors. Please contact CAHIIM staff at APAR@cahiim.org if:

1. you have never participated in the APAR reporting process;  
2. you have misplaced your user ID or password information;
3. you have any APAR questions. Response is usually within 24 hours.

Program Director Change: If there is a new program director implemented after the system has opened, the program must complete the Program Director Change Form and be Prior Approved before accessing the system. The process must be completed before the established APAR deadline.

APAR Resources and Help

We emphasize the importance of reviewing the Instructions and collecting all data and materials using the APAR Data Element Checklist that is sent to all programs. The checklist will describe data collected and identify data fields that are new for each APAR.

APAR User's Guide: Section I: Getting Started describes how to access and navigate through the System Sections and functionality. Other  User Guide sections can be found in the APAR system, in the Resources tab. 

2023 APAR User's Guide