HIT 120 Week 6 Ethical Issues in Health Information Technology DeVry

This week, we will focus on discussing some basic concepts pertaining to ethics in healthcare, through the Real-World Case 21.1 (at the end of Chapter 21).

Kelly was a new coder who had never held an HIM job before. She had just graduated from college and passed her RHIT when she was hired by a local clinic and was so excited to start working. A few weeks later, her manager asked to meet with her. The manager closed the door and told Kelly that she wanted her to code charts for a particular procedure using two codes instead of one so the reimbursement would be higher. The manager then proceeded to divulge information that the clinic was struggling financially so anything extra would help. Kelly got the impression that if she did not comply they would let her go; and she really needed this job. Also, since it was her boss asking, she felt obligated to do as she was told.

1. Summarize the case in a few words. What are the ethical issues associated with this case? Identify the ethical question. What are the facts? Who are the stakeholders? What are the options? What is the decision (HIM values at stake)? What justifies the choice? What can be done in terms of prevention so issue is not repeated?
2. Listen to Week 6 Lecture recording and explain the difference between law and ethics. Also, share an example of an ethical scenario you have experienced or observed and analyze it based on the ethical decision-making matrix.
3. Read another student’s response and post a comment. Your comment can add to their discussion, supplement with additional information, or present another point of view. It is not enough to simply post “agree” or “great job!”
4. Reply to any of the many discussion posts that I make. These discussions posts that I make will expand on course concepts that you should be aware of for the week in play and be able to apply relevant course concepts to answer/respond.

Your discussion deliverables should include:

1. Two written responses discussing any of the topics above. Make sure you write the topic you are responding to at the beginning of your response.
2. A third written response of your choice. This can be about:
   1. The third topic you did not address already. If you go with this option, make sure you identify which topic you are addressing.
   2. Response to a new question or probe posted by the professor during the week. Start by stating which question or probe you are addressing and make sure you click under that particular thread.
   3. Further explanation or elaboration on another student’s response. Start by stating which student’s response you are addressing and make sure you click under that particular thread.
   4. Sharing of relevant experiences or examples that support the issue being discussed. Explain which concepts you are illustrating with your example.

For a high-quality response, please make sure to provide details and explanations and use your own words. Please DO NOT plagiarize (do not copy the textbook or do not copy information from the internet.) It’s OK to write in simple terms; the most important outcome is to practice you writing and presentation skills, reflect your knowledge about this week’s content, and demonstrating professionalism. This will help with retention in the long-term. Don’t forget to use proper grammar and spelling, as well as references for the additional resources you use.

WEEK 6 CHECKPOINT 1