AHIMA Code of Ethics is provided to all HIM professionals as a guiding light to members in determining right and wrong conduct when performing the duties of their job.The AHIMA Code of Ethics is based on the core values of the association.Here is the preamble

The ethical obligations of the HIM professional include the safeguarding of privacy and security of health information, disclosure of health information;development, use, and maintenance of health information systems and health information; and ensuring the accessibility and integrity of health information. (Sayles, page 664)

This is the scenario:

Kelly was a new coder who had never held an HIM job before. She had just graduated from college and passed the RHIT when she was hired by a local clinic and was 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 2 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 the job. Also, since it was her boss asking, she felt obligated to do as she was told.

Kindly answer the following from the scenario provided above and put a cite reference as well thank you.

1.Identify the ethical question

2.What are the facts?

3.Who are the stakeholders?

4.What are the options?

5.What is the decision( HIM values at stake)?

6.What justifies the choice?

7.Prevention so the issue is not repeated

AHIMA Competencies

Domain I. Data Governance, Content & Structure

1. Describe health care organizations from the perspective of key stakeholders (2)

Domain VI. Organizational Management & Leadership

VI.7 Assess ethical standards of practice (5)