Question 1

What is the chief criterion for determining record inactivity?

Accepted Answer

The chief criterion for determining record inactivity is often the amount of space available for storage of newer records, as inactive records are typically moved to make room for active ones.

Question 2

According to terminal digit filing, what would be the number of the record immediately after record number 99-99-30?

Accepted Answer

Terminal digit filing is a filing system in which records are filed according to the last digit of the record number. In this case, the record number 99-99-30 has a last digit of 0. The next record number would therefore be the next number with a last digit of 0, which is 00-00-31.

Question 3

Color coding of record folders is used to assist in the control of

Accepted Answer

The answer of Color coding of record folders is used...

Question 4

Microfilmed records are considered

Accepted Answer

Microfilmed records are acceptable as courtroom evidence as long as they meet the requirements for authentication and reliability. They can be admitted as original records, but may also be subject to objections or challenges from opposing parties.

Question 5

Your state regulations require records to be kept for a statute of limitations period of 7 years. Federal law requires records to be retained for 5 years. The minimum retention period for health records in your facility should be

Accepted Answer

The facility should follow the state regulations which require records to be kept for 7 years. Even though federal law only requires records to be retained for 5 years, it is important for the facility to follow the longer retention period to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Question 6

A HIM Department, currently using, 2,540 linear filing inches to store records, plans to purchase new open-shelf filing units. Each of the shelves in a new 6-shelf unit measures 36 linear filing inches. It is estimated that an additional 400 filing inches should be planned for to allow for 5-year expansion needs. How many new file shelving units should be purchased?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A HIM Department, currently using, 2,540 linear...

Question 7

Out of 2,543 records requested from the HIM Department, 2375 were located. What is the filing accuracy ratio?

Accepted Answer

Filing accuracy ratio = (Located records / Total records requested) x 100%
Filing accuracy ratio = (2375 / 2543) x 100%
Filing accuracy ratio = 0.9339 x 100%
Filing accuracy ratio = 93.39%
Therefore, the best choice is D, which indicates a filing accuracy ratio of 93.39%.

Question 8

The HIM Department at General Hospital has been experiencing an average 30- minute delay in the retrieval of records requested by the Emergency Department. Which one of the following corrective actions would be most effective in reducing the delay in retrieval of requested records?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing and possibly re-engineering the retrieval process is the most effective way to identify specific areas of inefficiency and implement solutions to decrease the retrieval time. Offering a prize or increasing staff without addressing the underlying processes may not effectively address the root cause of the problem. Allowing requesters to retrieve records themselves could potentially result in security and confidentiality issues.

Question 9

A 200-bed acute care hospital currently has 15 years of records in hard copy and filing space is limited. What action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Destroying inactive records that exceed the statute of limitations is the best choice. The hospital can follow government regulations related to the retention period of medical records and dispose of the records that exceed the legally mandated retention period. This will free up physical storage space and reduce the risk of unauthorized access to patient information. However, the hospital needs to ensure that patient privacy is maintained during the disposal process.

Question 10

In a terminal digit filing system, what would be the record number immediately in front of record number 01-06-26?

Accepted Answer

In a terminal digit filing system, records are organized by the last set of digits first. Therefore, the record immediately in front of 01-06-26 would be 00-06-26, as the terminal digits (26) remain the same and the preceding set of digits (01) decreases by one to 00.

Question 11

Which filing system would provide the most convenient method for the record retrieval of 200 patients consecutively admitted to the hospital?

Accepted Answer

The straight numeric system would provide the most convenient method for the record retrieval of 200 patients consecutively admitted to the hospital. This system assigns a unique number to each patient in chronological order of admission, making it quick and easy to locate the desired record. The other systems (terminal digit, unit, and serial unit) are better suited for larger healthcare facilities with more patients and complex record-keeping needs.

Question 12

Which one of the following is NOT an advantage of a computerized master patient index?

Accepted Answer

While a computerized master patient index does provide many advantages, duplication of patient registration can still occur if multiple registration systems or data sources are not properly integrated.

Question 13

Under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, advance directives

Accepted Answer

While healthcare facilities are required to inform patients of their right to complete advance directives, the act does not require that they be included in the patient chart. The patient may choose to share their directives with their healthcare team, but this is not mandatory. Advance directives do not require a doctor's approval and can be prepared by the individual without the assistance of an attorney, although legal counsel may be helpful in some cases.

Question 14

Which set of records filed consecutively on a shelf displays terminal digit filing order?

Accepted Answer

Terminal digit filing order is when records are arranged by the last set of numbers first, followed by the second set, and then the first set. In this case, option B is the only set of records that displays this order. The last set of numbers is 00, 01, and 99, the second set is 78, 78, and 78, and the first set is 56, 57, and 57. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Question 15

Which of the following technologies work well with automated record-tracking systems to speed the data entry process?

Accepted Answer

Bar codes can be scanned quickly and accurately, reducing the need for manual data entry and increasing efficiency. Discharge lists and computerized chart-out slips may also aid in the record-tracking process, but they do not directly speed up the data entry process. Compressible filing units are not related to data entry.

Question 16

A new Health Information Department has purchased 200 units of 6-shelf files and plants to implement a terminal digit filing system. How many shelves should be allocated to each primary number?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A new Health Information Department has purchased...

Question 17

Advantages of a centralized filing system include all but which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

A centralized filing system operates from a single location, so there is no transportation time or effort needed for accessing records from different facilities.

Question 18

Which of the following would NOT be considered secondary data?

Accepted Answer

X-rays would be considered primary data as they are directly collected from the patient during diagnostic or treatment procedures. Disease index, implant registry, and incident reports are all examples of secondary data that are collected, compiled, and analyzed by someone other than the individual or patient.

Question 19

In the master patient index, which is filed by last name, Jill Thomas-Jones would be

Accepted Answer

The traditional filing order for names is last name first, followed by first name. Therefore, Jill Thomas-Jones should be filed as Thomas-Jones, Jill. In this case, option C correctly orders the name in the traditional filing order.

Question 20

Medicare's Conditions of Participation for Hospitals requires that patient health records be retained for at least __________ years unless a longer period is required by state or local laws.

Accepted Answer

Medicare's Conditions of Participation for Hospitals require that patient health records be retained for at least 5 years, unless state or local laws mandate a longer retention period.

Exam 1: Registered Health Information Administrator