What should a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional do when asked to explain a medical term they are not qualified to define?

The appropriate response for a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional when asked to explain a medical term they are not qualified to define is to clearly state that they are not qualified to interpret a medical diagnosis. This response maintains professional integrity and acknowledges the limitations of the role. It reflects an understanding that medical terminology and diagnoses often require specific clinical expertise, which goes beyond the scope of health information management.

This approach ensures that individuals are not misled regarding the professional's qualifications and expertise while emphasizing the importance of relying on qualified medical professionals for accurate interpretations. By distinguishing between the roles of health information management and medicine, the CHIM professional protects both their own credibility and the safety of the information being conveyed.

Choosing to communicate limitations enhances trust and encourages proper channels for obtaining medical interpretations, which are essential for accurate patient care.