Assignment 8
H06 Health Records Management
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to assignment site for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the “Assignment Format” page located on the Course Home page for specific format requirements.
As the HIM supervisor, you are asked to educate staff on key concepts related to the release of information and patient disclosures, such as accurate system data entry, data quality, and authorizations and consents. You are also asked to discuss how the release process is initiated through the retrieval of information through the master patient index; and the affect system entry errors and duplicates. The master patient index (MPI) organizes patient information in relation to record processing procedures.
- Explain the purpose of the MPI and how to correct MPI errors. Provide at least 2 specific examples of MPI errors, their possible causes, and explain how you would correct them.
- Explain the concept of data quality. Describe at least two ways that the quality of data can affect patients. Be specific.
- Explain the difference between authorization and consents, and their implications on the release of different types of patient information.
Grading Rubric
Please refer to the rubric on the page for the grading criteria for this assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This assignment requires an in-depth understanding of health records management and key concepts related to the release of patient information. As the HIM supervisor, it is important to educate the staff on the accurate system data entry, data quality, authorizations, and consents. In this assignment, we will discuss the purpose of the master patient index, data quality, and the difference between authorization and consents.
Question 1:
The master patient index (MPI) is a database that contains accurate demographic information, medical history, and clinical information of the patients. The primary objective of the MPI is to ensure that each patient has only one record, and all the different records of the patient are linked to that unique record. The MPI organizes patient information to enhance record processing procedures and improve patient care. The MPI also helps in the retrieval of patient information for statistical and research purposes.
Two types of possible MPI errors include duplicate records and overlay records. Duplicate records occur when two or more records exist in the system for the same patient, leading to confusion and incorrect information. Overlay records occur when the information of one patient gets merged with another patient’s record, leading to incorrect information.
To correct the MPI errors, it is essential to establish a comprehensive data integrity plan. One way to correct the error is to merge the duplicate records related to the same patient into a single record. This process helps to eliminate confusion and enhance data accuracy. In the case of overlay records, it is crucial to verify the overlay’s accuracy and ensure that the data belongs to the correct patient before correcting it.
Question 2:
Data quality is a significant component of healthcare management. It refers to the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of the data entered into the system. Two ways in which poor data quality can affect patients include compromising their care and confidentiality.
Poor data quality can compromise patient care as it may result in incorrect diagnoses, incorrect treatment options, or medication errors. This may adversely affect the patient’s health, leading to further complications. Poor data quality may also compromise patient confidentiality as incorrect information may lead to breaches of confidentiality, resulting in legal and regulatory issues.
To improve data quality, it is essential to establish a comprehensive data entry policy that ensures data accuracy, completeness, and consistency. Regular audits of data entered into the system will also help identify data quality issues and improve patient care and confidentiality.
Question 3:
Authorization and consent are the two essential documents that govern the release of patient information. Authorization refers to the patient’s permission for the release of all or specific information to a third party. Consent refers to the patient’s permission for healthcare providers to use or disclose information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Authorization is required for non-treatment purposes, such as research, insurance, or legal proceedings. It is vital to ensure that the third party receiving the information has a legitimate need for it. Consent, on the other hand, is required for treatment purposes, and the information provided must relate to the treatment being administered. The healthcare provider must provide clear and concise information on the intended use of the patient’s information.
In conclusion, the MPI, data quality, authorization, and consents are critical components of healthcare management. As the HIM supervisor, it is crucial to educate the staff on these key concepts to ensure that patients’ information is adequately protected while enhancing patient care.
