Case Study: Approaches to Ethical Dilemmas
Case Study: Approaches to Ethical Dilemmas
Synopsis
In the case of Lydia; But I Consider Myself to Be Credentialed, there are ethical issues and boundaries that are being crossed. Over her extensive career in the medical coding field, Lydia maintains her continued education requirements, but did not maintain her certifications with AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) or RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator). Per her college connections, she is able to maintain steady work. However, her college friends do not check her certifications. They also accept her excuses as to why the proof is not available (Grebner, MS RHIA and CCS, 2012, pp. 1-3). Personal life, while understandable that it happens, cannot be allowed to affect one’s certifications. Without these certifications, one may have the qualifications but does not have the paperwork to “back it up”. Having current certifications guarantees an employer and the client served are being done so by a “known” professional. Not keeping up with one’s certifications is a violation of ethics code from responsibility to employer, responsibility to the profession, responsibility to clients, and of records keeping.
Questions
1. Should Matilda or Fernando have been aware of Lydia's credential status?
Yes. Both of them should have asked for the correct proof, or sought it out for themselves. Honor is a valuable characteristic. Matilda and Fernando were taking Lydia at her word based on her honor. However, when working in any field one should freely back their honor with proof so that there is no room for question.
2. Should Matilda inform her organization's administration of Lydia's credential status? Why or why not?
Absolutely Matilda should have informed her organizations administration. It is a violation of ethics to put forth that one has credentials that are not active. It could also cause legal trouble for the...