Allowing patterns of optimizing or minimizing documentation and/or coding to impact payment, Assigning codes without provider documentation, Coding when documentation does not justify the diagnoses or procedures that have been billed, Hiding or ignoring review outcomes, such as performance data, Failing to report licensure status for a provider through the appropriate channels, Recording inaccurate data for accreditation purposes, Allowing inappropriate access to genetic, adoption, health, or behavioral health information, Misusing sensitive information about a competitor, Developing a “record set” that excludes meaningful consumer information to be shared with consumers to protect the health system or specific providers. 11.4. 9.7. Care should also be exercised in endorsing any other products and services. If you believe an AHIMA member has violated the Code of Ethics, you may file a complaint with AHIMA. 2017. 4.9. Ethical obligations are central to the professional's responsibility, regardless of the employment site or the method of collection, storage, and security of health information. Educate stakeholders about the need to maintain data integrity and the potential impacts should data integrity not be maintained. Take reasonable steps to ensure that health information is stored securely and that consumers’ data and information is not available to others who are not authorized to have access. Source: AHIMA. These purposes strengthen the HIM professional’s efforts to improve overall quality of healthcare. The Internet Healthcare Coalition (IHC) held a working summit from January 31 through February 2 to begin the development of an international "e-health Code of Ethics." 13.2. True Mentors practitioners new to the field to HIM's mission, values, and ethical principles. Standards of Ethical Coding. About Us Act with integrity, behave in a trustworthy manner, elevate service to others above self-interest, and promote high standards of practice in every setting. (See also AHIMA Mission, Vision, Values.). 9.1. Standards of Ethical Coding. National Association of Social Workers. STUDY. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our, Ethical Standards for Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Professionals, complete the Alleged Violation of AHIMA Code of Ethics form, read the AHIMA Policy and Procedures for Disciplinary Review and Appeal, CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart. 10.5. Author: AHIMA House of Delegates. Recognition, The HIM professional has an obligation to demonstrate actions that reflect values. Gravity. 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. Such determination can only be made in the context of legal and judicial proceedings. Be aware of the profession's mission, values, and ethical principles, and practice in a manner consistent with them by acting honestly and responsibly. There is an ethical obligation in this role that spans multiple experiences within the … Value all kinds and classes of people equitably, deal effectively with all races, cultures, disabilities, ages and genders. The guidelines are not a comprehensive list. Foster trust among group members and adjust behavior in order to establish relationships with teams. The extent to which each principle is enforceable is a matter of professional judgment to be exercised by those responsible for reviewing alleged violations of ethical principles. 4.6. A non-inclusive list of examples includes: Refer to the AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding for additional guidance. Act in a professional and ethical manner at all times. Take precautions to ensure and maintain the confidentiality of information transmitted, transferred, or disposed of in the event of termination, incapacitation, or death of a healthcare provider to other parties through the use of any media. For example, an individual might demonstrate behaviors that are based on the values of honesty, providing service to others, or demonstrating loyalty. Code of Ethics. Sustaining the Profession through the Support of Educational Opportunities, Case Study IX. The following ethical principles are based on the core values of the American Health Information Management Association and apply to all AHIMA members, non-members with CCHIIM certifications, and students enrolled in a formal certificate or degree granting program directly relevant to AHIMA’s Purposes. Serve an active role in developing HIM faculty or actively recruiting HIM professionals. Revised & adopted by AHIMA House of Delegates – (April 29, 2019). This does not imply that everyone "shall” or “shall not" do everything that is listed. The code of ethics of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) that was passed in 2011 includes these same values. Protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of professional service. 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. The Standards of Ethical Coding are based on the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA's) Code of Ethics. (See also AHIMA Mission, Vision, Values) The code is relevant to all AHIMA members, non-members with the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) certifications, and students enrolled in a formal certificate or degree granting program directly relevant to AHIMA’s Purpose regardless of their professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve. 1998. Engage in any relationships with a consumer where there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the consumer. Establishes a set of ethical principles to be used to guide decision-making and actions. AHIMA Code of Ethics 3 Principles The following principles are based on the core values of the American Health Information Management Association and apply to all AHIMA members, non-members CCHIIM certifications, and students. Potential ethics violations regarding misconduct that involves currently certified individuals (i.e. Disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest. The AHIMA Code of Ethics (available on the AHJMA web site) is relevant to all AHJMA members and credentialed HIM professionals and students, regardless of their professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve. 4.7. Flashcards. Relinquish association information upon ending appointed or elected responsibilities. The code does not provide a set of rules that prescribe how to act in all situations. A health information management professional shall not: 5.3. 1.4. Every day, Callie reads the electronic health record, pulls needed information, assigns the correct codes, and hands over that information to the billing department. 7.6. Individuals of good character who discern moral questions and, in good faith, seek to make reliable ethical judgments, must apply ethical principles. Write. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning; 2014. It appears that the act would be personal financial gain for the HIM director and possibly fraudulent activity. For example, the statement "safeguard all confidential consumer information to include, but not limited to, personal, health, financial, genetic and outcome information" can also be interpreted as "shall not fail to safeguard all confidential consumer information to include personal, health, financial, genetic, and outcome information.". If someone engages in the stated activities, ethical behavior is the standard. Source: Journal of AHIMA. Spell. The Internet Healthcare Coalition (IHC) held a working summit from January 31 through February 2 to begin the development of an international "e-health Code of Ethics." Establishes a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities when professional obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties arise. 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. Individuals of good character who discern moral questions and, in good faith, seek to make reliable ethical judgments, must apply ethical principles. The ethical obligations of the health information management (HIM) professional include the safeguarding of privacy and security of health information; appropriate disclosure of health information; development, use, and maintenance of health information systems and health information; and ensuring the accessibility and integrity of health information. 11.1. 13.1. The conflicting roles or responsibilities must be clarified and appropriate action taken to minimize any conflict of interest. Available in the AHIMA Body of Knowledge. Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values and ethical principles to which a Health Information Management (HIM) professional can aspire and by which actions can be judged. The American Health Information Management Association Standards of Ethical Coding includes new and updated information and guidance as of December 2016. Establishes a set of ethical principles to be used to guide decision-making and actions. Release information only with valid authorization from a consumer or a person legally authorized to consent on behalf of a consumer or as authorized by federal or state regulations. 9.6. Start studying Review: AHIMA Code of Ethics. Speak on behalf of the health information management profession and association, only while serving in the role, accurately representing the official and authorized positions of the association. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics sets forth these principles. Develop and enhance continually professional expertise, knowledge, and skills (including appropriate education, research, training, consultation, and supervision). 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. Ensure that the working environment is consistent and encourages compliance with the AHIMA Code of Ethics, taking reasonable steps to eliminate any conditions in the organizations that violate, interfere with, or discourage compliance with the code. 4.4. 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. The supervisor also is violating principle IV, which calls for refusal to participate in unethical practices or procedures. The Ethics Self-Assessment is developed to help you identify your areas of strength in ethics and areas you might wish to strengthen. Professional responsibilities often require an individual to move beyond personal values. A health information management (HIM) professional (awarded any AHIMA certification, e.g. The terms "shall” and “shall not" are used as a basis for setting high standards for behavior. 28 Ibid. Standards of Ethical Coding. All rights reserved, This website stores cookies on your computer. Evaluate students' performance in a manner that is fair and respectful when functioning as educators or clinical internship supervisors. A review and comparative analysis of a 1934 pledge and codes of ethics from 1957, 1977, 1988, 1998, 2004, and 2011 for a health information management association was conducted. HIM professionals should recall these tenets and demonstrate them daily. The AHIMA Code of Ethics serves six purposes: The code includes principles that are enforceable and aspirational. Source: AHIMA. Publication Date: March 2000. 2. 4.5. 7.7. The Ethical Standards for Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Professionals are based on the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA’s) Code of Ethics and the Standards for Ethical Coding. The “American Health Information Management Association or AHIMA” for short has several reasons for developing a Code of Ethics (American.., 2004). Copyright © 2018 by The American Health Information Management Association. 3.2. Code of Ethics and Bylaws. Advocate for changes in policy and legislation to ensure protection of privacy and confidentiality, compliance, and other issues that surface as advocacy issues and facilitate informed participation by the public on these issues. All of the core health information issues are addressed in compliance with state and federal regulations, and employer policies and procedures. The American Health Information Management Association Standards of Ethical Coding includes new and updated information and guidance as of December 2016. This is a must-have resource for any health information management coding professional. 12.3. II. Avoid endorsing products or services of a third party, for-profit entity that competes with AHIMA products and services. Mentors practitioners new to the field to HIM's mission, values, and ethical principles. Both reflect expectations of professional conduct for coding professionals involved in diagnostic and/or procedural coding, data abstraction and related coding and/or data activities. 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. 2.5. 10.7. Source: Journal of AHIMA. We use this information in order to improve and customize your browsing experience and for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media. jpsullivan42. HIM professionals face many ethical problems, including issues related to privacy and confidentiality; compliance, fraud, and abuse; clinical code selection and use; quality review; research and decision support; public health; managed care; clinical care; electronic health information systems, including information security, software development and implementation, data resource management, integrated delivery systems, e-health, information technology, and information exchange; management of sensitiv… 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. 10.3. Advocate, uphold, and defend the individual's right to privacy and the doctrine of confidentiality in the use and disclosure of information. 7.1. The AHIMA Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all to uphold the profession's values and to act ethically. The AHIMA Code of Ethics (available on the AHJMA web site) is relevant to all AHJMA members and credentialed HIM professionals and students, regardless of their professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve. 7.4. 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 4.1. Governance Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2017. HIM professionals face many ethical problems, including issues related to privacy and confidentiality; compliance, fraud, and abuse; clinical code selection and use; quality review; research and decision support; public health; managed care; clinical care; electronic health information systems, including information security, software development and implementation, data resource management, integrated delivery systems, e-health, information technology, and information exchange; management of sensitiv… They are not meant to be a comprehensive list of all situations that can occur. All Rights Reserved. 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