Expediency vs Integrity: The Importance of Ethical Vigilance and a Long-Term Vision

Editor’s Note: This is an opinion piece submitted to the Journal of AHIMA. The opinions here reflect those of the author and not AHIMA. 

In a society where rules and regulations frequently dictate what is permissible, individuals and organizations are regularly faced with ethical quandaries that blur the lines between legality and truth. The crucial question arises: Does mere permissibility equate to alignment with the principles of truth and integrity? This discussion delves into the significance of ethical vigilance in making decisions that uphold truth, even in the face of the allure of permissibility.

At the core of this quandary lies the differentiation between what is legally sanctioned and what is morally upright. While laws and regulations establish boundaries for acceptable conduct, they do not always encompass the broader concept of truth. Actions may be legally permitted but ethically questionable, raising concerns about honesty, transparency, and integrity.

Consider a scenario where healthcare providers have the opportunity to exploit a legal loophole to enhance profits, albeit at the expense of misrepresenting the true nature of a patient's illness. While some may justify their actions based on permissibility within legal bounds, the ethical dilemma persists: Is it truthful to manipulate data for financial gain?

In today's swift-paced world, individuals and organizations often confront a choice between integrity and expediency, and between long-term vision and short-term rewards. The decisions made in these moments can reverberate, shaping reputations, relationships, and overall success.

Integrity entails being honest, ethical, and trustworthy in every facet of life. It necessitates aligning actions with personal values and principles, even in the face of challenges or temptations to take shortcuts. Upholding integrity is fundamental for fostering trust, building strong relationships, and nurturing a positive reputation. While the allure of expediency may sometimes beckon with promises of quick wins or immediate gratification, the long-term repercussions of compromising ethical standards can be detrimental to one's credibility and ultimate success.

Expediency, on the other hand, revolves around convenience, practicality, and efficiency in achieving short-term goals or outcomes. It often involves decisions driven by immediate needs like meeting deadlines, maximizing profits, or gaining a competitive edge. Although expedience can yield swift rewards and instant satisfaction, it can also result in compromises on core values, a decline in quality, and disregard for long-term consequences.

In the realm of decision-making, individuals and organizations must strike a delicate balance between integrity and expediency, and between a long-term vision and short-term gains. While expediency may offer instant advantages, compromising on integrity could have enduring implications for reputation and ethical standing. Conversely, prioritizing integrity and nurturing a long-term vision often demands patience, perseverance, and a readiness to forego immediate gains for sustainable success.

Leaders who champion integrity and long-term vision are more likely to inspire trust, loyalty, and admiration from their teams, clients, and stakeholders. By demonstrating clear values, setting a positive example, and ensuring actions mirror principles, they can cultivate a culture marked by accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within their organizations. When faced with challenges or enticements to prioritize expediency, leaders grounded in a long-term vision remain resolute in their values and objectives, even if it involves temporary setbacks or hurdles.

In the health information (HI) profession, expediency and integrity are intertwined. HI professionals must navigate this delicate balance, prioritizing the privacy of health information, timely access to information, facility reimbursement, and upholding data quality. Their commitment to both aspects ensures optimal patient care and informed decision-making.

At the core of their work is maintaining trust — trust in the data they manage and trust from patients and healthcare providers alike.

In sum, the decisions we make in reconciling integrity with expediency and long-term vision with short-term benefits can profoundly shape our personal and professional trajectories. By giving precedence to integrity, nurturing a long-term vision, and making choices in harmony with core values and beliefs, we pave the way for trust, credibility, and enduring success. In a world that often values quick fixes and instant outcomes, it is paramount to uphold integrity and long-term vision as cornerstones for achieving lasting impact and fulfillment.

Cesar M Limjoco, MD, is chief medical officer for T-Medicus LLC, providing customized and comprehensive coding, CDI, and auditing services. He is also a former board advisor for AHIMA.