Question

Create a flowchart for the following procedure that describes the HIM Department’s processing of a patient’s ED record from the time the patient leaves the ED for home to the time the patient’s ED record is archived by Health Information Management staff.

• Using a list of ED discharges, Health Information Management (HIM) staff pick up the records of discharged ED patients by midnight of the day of the discharge or visit.
• The ED records are reconciled with the ED Discharge List.
• If a record was not received, the ED is contacted. If the record is still in the ED, staff is dispatched to pick it up.
• A list of missing records is created and is worked until all records are received.
• ED records are prepped for scanning.
• Documents are scanned and indexed.
• Scanned paper documents are stored for 90 days prior to destruction.
• HIM staff analyze the online record for missing documentation. All deficiencies are entered into the electronic chart deficiency system.
• The ED coders access the records by discharge day. The coders code the records if available documentation is sufficient. If not, the coders wait for missing documentation or make inquiry of physician regarding required information.
• When all documentation is complete and coding is done, the record is archived to permanent storage.
• After 90 days, paper records are destroyed.

The flowchart can be completed using readily available software (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Visio, etc).

Answer 1