Question

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. What are the ethical issues associated with this case?

2. Identify a few things the hospital can do to prevent the unethical behavior.

Answer 1

1. ethical issues associated with this case are

• confidentiallity between kelly and her manager.
• overburden of staff by assigning new assignment without any prior intimation.
• the relationship berween kelly and manager hampered.
• quality of care may decline .
• employee rights
• safety and wellbeing of employee.