Hm Manual Ch3

CHAPTER 3

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important aspects of healthcare administration is the appropriate documentation and disposition of healthcare information. Although much information is now recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR); Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), there remains considerable vulnerability to ensure the contents of patient information are held in accordance with laws such as the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Privacy Act, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Specifically, information is only provided to persons in a need to know status. It is imperative that all pertinent information be provided in a beneficiary’s record whether it is electronic or paper. This data follows a beneficiary until the sponsor retires or separates from military service. The medical record is the vehicle that ensures the continuum of care throughout the beneficiary’s life. Hospital Corpsmen (HMs) are often the very first individual a beneficiary encounters upon entering a military treatment facility (MTF), outpatient or inpatient. In order to adequately assist the beneficiary, HMs must be knowledgeable and skilled in the administrative affairs concerning outpatients and inpatients. This chapter will provide information on the function of healthcare programs with which the HM may be involved or responsible. It will discuss the legal implications in medical care, including the various aspects of consent, incident reports, and release or non-release of medical information. Further, guidance concerning the relationship and interaction with law enforcement personnel and the legal community will be outlined. Regardless of the job title, HMs will have administrative responsibilities which may be primary or equal to their clinical responsibilities. The role of the HM includes:  Greeting the patient entering the clinic or inpatient floor  Assisting patients in...