The article “Data analytics: The power of coded data” by Thomas and Harding (2018) is relevant to the topic of healthcare data analytics because it explores the importance of such data analytics activity as the coding of data. The authors explain the concept of data analytics and argue that it is useful in four areas of healthcare: reimbursement and claims, pharmaceutical and R&D data, data from EHRs, and patient behaviors and preferences (Thomas & Harding, 2018). Further, the article provides details about the importance of coded data in such areas as reimbursement and claims, quality care reporting, and disease surveillance and monitoring.
The first key point made in the article is that errors in the coding of data lead to various negative consequences for individuals and health care organizations. For example, errors in the coding of data about accidents in the workplace have an impact on whether an injured employee will get compensation (Thomas & Harding, 2018). Incorrect coding of patient outcomes can distort the information about healthcare quality provided by an organization (Thomas & Harding, 2018). The second key point of the article is that coded data has great significance in tracing and monitoring disease outbreaks. For example, using coded data confirmed by healthcare professionals, the CDC monitors such conditions as HIV/AIDS and the Zika virus (Thomas & Harding, 2018). Given the importance of the coding of data and the impact of errors made in this activity, healthcare organizations should make efforts to ensure the precision of data coding.
Reference
Thomas, F., & Harding, W. (2018). Data analytics: The power of coded data. Journal of AHIMA, 89(9), 48-49. Web.