After correcting a coding error, a coder discards printed face sheets containing patient identifiers in an open office trash bin. What safeguard was missed?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Wrong codes get fixed—wrong trash does not. Those face sheets still have names and numbers, so they go in the shred bin, not the open can. Paper PHI is still PHI on the way out.
Full Explanation
HIPAA Security and Privacy expectations include safeguarding PHI in any medium. Printed documents with identifiers remain protected health information and require secure disposal such as shredding. Using prints for coding correction does not create an exception for discarding them in unsecured trash.