Case #1: A colleague accidentally leaves their computer unlocked with patient records visible. You notice this breach of security and have the choice to report it to higher-ups or ignore it to avoid causing trouble for your colleague. The AHIMA Code of Ethics underscores the importance of safeguarding health information. How do you reconcile your duty to protect patient data with your professional relationship with your colleague?

Provide specific information from the AHIMA Code of Ethics to support your answer. Discuss how you would resolve this concern.

Case #2: A coding professional works in a healthcare facility that emphasizes high productivity. The coder is under pressure to meet coding quotas, but rushing through the coding process may lead to inaccuracies. The ethical dilemma here involves the conflict between the AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding, which stress the importance of accurate coding, and the pressure to meet productivity targets.

Discuss what strategies the coder should use to balance the need for accuracy with productivity. Should the coder talk to their supervisor? Why or why not?

Case #3: A coder receives medical records from different healthcare providers, and there are inconsistencies in the documentation. Following the AHIMA Standards, the coder should seek clarification from the providers to ensure accurate coding. However, the dilemma arises when one provider is unresponsive or unwilling to provide clarification. The coder must decide whether to code based on incomplete information or risk delaying the coding process.

Discuss what strategies the coder should use to balance the need for complete documentation with productivity. Should the coder talk to their supervisor or the physician? Why or why not?

Case #4: A coding professional is aware that the health information being coded is incomplete or unreliable due to lack of proper documentation by the physicians. According to the AHIMA Code of Ethics, coding professionals must ensure the accuracy and integrity of health information. Along with this, releasing incomplete or unreliable information may affect patient care and billing processes. The coder faces the ethical dilemma of balancing the need for accurate information against the potential consequences of delayed chart completion and assignment of codes.

Discuss what strategies the coder should use to balance the need for complete documentation with productivity. Should the coder talk to their supervisor or the physician? Why or why not?

Case #5: You have recently been hired as a medical coder, and you realize that the training provided by the organization is insufficient to ensure accurate coding. According to the AHIMA Code of Ethics, it is your responsibility to strive for accuracy and proficiency in your work. However, reporting this issue might jeopardize your position or strain your relationship with the employer. How do you balance the ethical imperative of accurate coding with the potential consequences of speaking up?

Discuss what strategies the coder should use to balance the need for complete documentation with productivity. Should the coder talk to their supervisor or the physician? Why or why not?