American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a recommended HIM compliance policy according to AHIMA?

1. Coders should not have financial incentives to code claims improperly.

2. The proper selection and sequencing of diagnosis codes.

3. Proper and timely documentation obtained prior to billing.

4. The correct application of official coding rules and guidelines.

The correct answer is: Proper and timely documentation obtained prior to billing.

The statement about proper and timely documentation obtained prior to billing being the choice that is not a recommended HIM compliance policy according to AHIMA is not accurate. In fact, proper and timely documentation is crucial for ensuring compliance in health information management. Timely documentation is essential because it supports accurate coding and billing practices, enhancing the integrity of health records. Without it, the potential for billing errors increases, which could lead to compliance violations and financial penalties. Therefore, having robust policies regarding documentation is a critical component of HIM compliance. The other options present essential HIM compliance policies. The first emphasizes that coders should not have financial incentives to improperly code, reinforcing ethical standards in coding practices. The selection and sequencing of diagnosis codes is a fundamental practice to ensure the accuracy of health data, while the application of official coding rules and guidelines is necessary to maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Each of these aspects aligns with AHIMA’s recommendations for effective compliance in health information management.