Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 76

As HIM Director, you receive a call from the CEO informing you that she has received a complaint from a patient. The patient reports that one of the coders in your department revealed the patient's diagnosis to the patient's neighbor. What action is recommended?

Answer options

• A. Gather all the facts prior to meeting with the employee.
• B. Give the employee a written warning.
• C. Terminate the employee immediately for violation of the confidentiality policy.
• D. Immediately call a departmental meeting to discuss the importance of maintaining confidentiality. A

Correct answer:

Explanation

The correct action is to gather all the facts prior to meeting with the employee to ensure a fair assessment of the situation. Jumping to termination or issuing warnings without understanding the complete context can lead to unjust consequences. Additionally, while emphasizing confidentiality is important, it should follow a proper investigation.