Reference no: EM133241042

A patient was admitted to XYZ Medical Center with abdominal pain. He had been at the medical center several times over the years for various conditions and treatments. The patient's health record was reviewed and showed that the patient's appendix had been removed five years ago. Because of this entry, the diagnosis of appendicitis was ruled out. Other conditions were considered but were ultimately ruled out. In talking further with the patient, the physician learned that the patient never had an appendectomy. The patient was then diagnosed with appendicitis and had surgery to remove the appendix. This erroneous entry in the health record was corrected, the patient improved, and was discharged home.

1. Identify the implications of the data quality issue. Include both implications for the patient and the healthcare organization.

2. Explain the importance of data quality.