Question

At a recent department head meeting, your organization's CEO indicated that there is discussion about purchasing a lithotripsy machine. Search what a lithotripsy is if needed. HIM has access to the EHR which has all information as to who had a lithotripsy and when, and what codes were billed for reimbursement. What can you assume will be HIM's role in these discussions? What data can be provided to help with this discussion? What data elements would be helpful to provide the information/report to the CEO (ex: Patient name, etc.)?

Answer 1

Lithotripsy is a treatment method in which ultrasonic shock waves are used to break calculus or stones present in kidney or other organs into small particles so that they can be passed out of the body .

We can utilise the HIM in making the decision regarding purchasing a lithotripsy machine because HIM is linked to EHR and it will help to know about the stats related to lithotripsy . It will provide us the information regarding the following details :-

- patient name

- UHID number

- diagnosis ( kidney stone etc)

- procedure done ( lithotripsy / open surgery )

- total number of cases with stones ( any )

- number of patients who underwent lithotripsy etc

This information will be helpful to provide the data to the CEO about the need or requirement of a lithotripsy machine . Then on the basis of the stats the decision will be made that whether to buy a lithotripsy machine or not.