Evaluate students' performance in a manner that is fair and respectful when functioning as educators or clinical internship supervisors. Individuals of good character who discern moral questions and, in good faith, seek to make reliable ethical judgments, must apply ethical principles. 2.4. This is a must-have resource for any health information management coding professional. Safeguard the privacy and security of written and electronic health information and other sensitive information. Healthcare consumers are increasingly concerned about security and the potential loss of privacy and the inability to control how their personal health information is used and disclosed. Revised & adopted by AHIMA House of Delegates – (April 29, 2019). Ethical behaviors result from a personal commitment to engage in ethical practice. How many questions are on the Tachs test? The Standards document is in two parts; the first part includes the standards and the second contains the guidelines and examples. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning; 2014. If needed, utilize the AHIMA Policy and Procedures for Disciplinary Review and Appeal for potential ethics complaints. There are 11 key ethical coding principles: Apply accurate, complete, and consistent coding practices that yield quality data. They also used to make ethical resolutions within the workplace (Standards of Ethical Coding, 2008). What ethical practices must the medical biller follow in order to maintain a patient's privacy? Due to the complexity of the coding process the guidelines help codersand managers make decisions. Patient Rights. A Code of Ethics sets forth professional values and ethical principles and offers ethical guidelines to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. American Health Information Management Association Standards of Ethical Coding [2016 version], Ethical Standards for Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Professionals (2016), HIM & Ethical Decision Making: Complex Challenges. 4.5. Appreciate the people who help and support you. 9.6. Which of the following ethical principles pertains the most to coding professionals? There are 11 standards of ethical principles 4. What are the objectives of the code standards of ethics in coding. Coding guidelines are used daily. Summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the profession's core values. 9.1. In which situation would you not query a physician? committees, substantiated the content regarding the principles, processes, standards and tracking of ethical review, specified the basic scope of informed consent, and defined the responsibilities and tasks of medical ethics committees at medical institutions, as well as those at the national and provincial levels. What are some of the ethical issues related to coding? The terms "shall” and “shall not" are used as a basis for setting high standards for behavior. Such processes are generally separate from legal or administrative procedures and insulated from legal review or proceedings to allow the profession to counsel and discipline its own members. The following ethical principles are based on the core values of the American Health Information Management Association and the AHIMA Code of Ethics and apply to all coding professionals. Ensure all voices are listened to and respected. In addition, sensitive information (e.g., genetic, adoption, substance use, sexual health, and behavioral information) requires special attention to prevent misuse. Virtue ethics asks of any action, "What kind of person will I become if I do this?" Protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of professional service. The differences between them are these: Legal standards are based on written law, while ethical standards are based on human rights and wrongs. Available online on the NASW web site. Procedural justice. 13.1. ;; Establishes a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities when professional obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties arise. October 06, 2014 - The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) recently published its Information Governance Principles for Healthcare (IGPHC). 4.9. Contribute time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the value, integrity, and competence of the health information management profession. Relinquish association information upon ending appointed or elected responsibilities. Take reasonable steps to provide or arrange for continuing education and staff development, addressing current knowledge and emerging developments related to health information management practice and ethics. Certified medical coders are trained to abstract billable procedures from the medical record. 12.3. Respect others. Is a broad term encompassing documentation that supports a diagnosis as reportable and/or establishes the presence of a condition? The ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct put forth by the APA consists of ten ethical standards. Answer truthfully all consumers’ questions concerning their rights to review and annotate their personal biomedical data and seek to facilitate consumers’ legitimate right to exercise those rights. The “American Health Information Management Association or AHIMA” for short has several reasons for developing a Code of Ethics (American.., 2004). Avoid endorsing products or services of a third party, for-profit entity that competes with AHIMA products and services. 4.4. The successful health information management (HIM) professional (RHIT and RHIA) must be simultaneously passionate about two things: (1) information management expertise and (2) ethical principles and professional values. Keep your word. 6.1. 7.7. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. Moreover, a code of ethics cannot resolve all ethical issues or disputes or capture the richness and complexity involved in striving to make responsible choices within a moral community. For example, an individual might demonstrate behaviors that are based on the values of honesty, providing service to others, or demonstrating loyalty. Processwork re… Honesty. Be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries for students, staff, peers, colleagues, and members within professional organizations. To bill more than is documented is a no-no. AHIMA Code of Ethics American Health Information Management Association Standards of Ethical Coding [2016 version] Ethical Standards for Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Professionals (2016) Developing a Coding Compliance Policy Document (2010 update) In the Winds of Change, Principles Provide a Steady Course Participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud and abuse, or deception. Code of Ethics. An alternate term frequently used is “data content standards” which is frequently used in the context of health information exchange using electronic networks. Preference for any patient or insurance company should not get in the way of your decision-making. The Standards ofEthical Coding are important established guidelines for any coding professional and are based on theAmerican Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA's) Code of Ethics. 9.2. students, staff, peers, or colleagues) where there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to that other person. A health information management professional shall not: 5.3. AHIMA stands for American Health Information Management Association, while AAPC is also known as the American Academy of Professional Coders. 7.3. 3rd ed. Put service and the health and welfare of persons before self-interest and conduct oneself in the practice of the profession so as to bring honor to oneself, peers, and to the health information management profession. 4.1. Both sets of principles reflect expectations of professional conduct for coding professionals involved in diagnostic and/or procedural coding or other health record data abstraction. Guidelines included for each ethical principle are a non-inclusive list of behaviors and situations that can help to clarify the principle. The HIM professional has an obligation to demonstrate actions that reflect values. 3.2. Lack of legibility, completeness, clarity, consistency, and precision are examples of reasons for query. Seek resolution if there is a belief that a colleague has acted unethically or if there is a belief of incompetence or impairment by discussing one’s concerns with the colleague when feasible and when such discussion is likely to be productive. 12.1. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics sets forth these principles. Integrity; do what's right, even when doing the wrong thing benefits you. Processwork is the practice of tracking and working with the flow of process in individuals, relationships, groups, culture and society. Business Ethical Principles Honesty; don't mislead customers, superiors or subordinates by lying, including partial truths and omissions. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, tolerance, love, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues. The AHIMA Code of Ethics is to be used by AHIMA members, non-members with the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) certifications, students enrolled in a formal certificate or degree granting program directly relevant to AHIMA’s Purposes, and consumers, agencies, organizations, and bodies (such as licensing and regulatory boards, insurance providers, courts of law, government agencies, and other professional groups) that choose to adopt it or use it as a frame of reference. The code of ethics for a professional association incorporates values, principles, and professional standards. Apply Ethical Principles #4 and #7. All of the core health information issues are addressed in compliance with state and federal regulations, and employer policies and procedures. Cooperate with lawful authorities as appropriate. Be aware of the profession's mission, values, and ethical principles, and practice in a manner consistent with them by acting honestly and responsibly. 13.4. The prior version of the Standards dates back to 2008, and we all know a lot has occurred in healthcare and coding since then, not the least of which is ICD-10. 3.1. These activities may include teaching, research, consultation, service, legislative testimony, advocacy, presentations in the community, and participation in professional organizations. As noted above, ethical standards ensure that coders are vigilant about confidentiality so patients’ medical information is not wrongly shared with third parties. 1.4. Mentors practitioners new to the field to HIM's mission, values, and ethical principles. The Journal of AHIMA has a circulation of 61,000 and publishes both peer-reviewed and non–peer-reviewed articles. Specific applications of the code must consider the context in which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the values and principles. The conflicting roles or responsibilities must be clarified and appropriate action taken to minimize any conflict of interest. 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