Author: Doyon, Cynthia; Thompson, Kim; Meottel, Lori

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 1999

Best practices don't have to be expensive or difficult. Sometimes changing a process for the better simply means looking at it from a new angle. Here's how one hospital staff collaborated on simple changes that made a difference.

When it comes to reengineering processes....

Author: MacDonald, Ellen

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 1999

Now more than ever, HIM professionals must ensure that documentation of health information is thorough, clear, and accurate. Here are some strategies to solve problems and improve processes.

Health information managers and coding professionals have always played a vital role in adv....

Author: Labak, Carol

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 1998

We've all seen it before: that look of bewilderment on a physician's face when a discussion about documentation arises. While this is not the first incidence of this discussion between the physician and the health information manager, neither is it the first time the HIM professional ....

Author: Okamoto, Carole

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 1998

As health information expands beyond the traditional paper-based medical record, HIM professionals need to confront the issues related to defining the medical record. The author provides a detailed assessment guide to the redefinition process.
The Washington State Health Inf....

Author: Rhodes, Harry B.

Source: AHIMA Q and A | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 1998

Q: My facility recently purchased a new computerized patient record application. I am concerned about the system's established protocol for making corrections and/or addenda to entries in the computerized patient record. The way the application is currently written, the original entry can be d....

Author: Bisbee, Walter L.; Lillback, Debra Harris

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 1998

Good documentation is a cornerstone of data quality. But how can an organization ensure that all disciplines will take responsibility for the comprehensiveness and accuracy of their documentation? The authors describe the steps one facility took to implement a process of record....

Author: Carpenter, Jennifer E.

Source: Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: May 1998

Q: I am currently employed by an organization that is implementing a long term care demonstration program for the frail elderly. I am in charge of the database for the demonstration. I'm writing policies and procedures for release of information and confidentiality and would like to ha....

Author: AHIMA Professional Practice Team

Source: AHIMA Q and A

Publication Date: May 02, 1998

Q: With the revised method of calculating my delinquent rate for Joint Commission, are undictated operative reports (Ops) and H&Ps counted as delinquent?

A: Even though the Joint Com-mission's standard on how to calculate delinquency rates changed, the standards regardi....

Author: AHIMA Professional Practice Team

Source: AHIMA Q and A

Publication Date: April 02, 1998

Q: I have a deposition scheduled for next week. The issue at hand is whether a preprinted manufacturer's instruction sheet on how to use a piece of medical equipment should be a part of the medical record. Our position is that it should not be included because it does not reflect ....

Author: AHIMA Professional Practice Team

Source: AHIMA Q and A

Publication Date: March 02, 1998

Q: In light of last year's changes to the Joint Commission's standard on delinquent records, how do I compute my delinquent record rate?


A: Last year the Joint Commission reduced the prescriptive nature of the language regarding delinquent records. Only the total number of ....