The Importance of Accountability

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The Importance of Accountability Erika S. Cobb HCS/475 May 28, 2012 Victor Gibb, J.D. The Importance of Accountability The term accountability is best defined as “is accepting ownership for the results or lack thereof (Sullivan & Decker, 2009, p.135).” Both managers and leaders must be responsible, independent, and competent. In fact, Porter-O’Grady & Malloch (2007), suggests that “Combining autonomy, authority, and competence in a leader creates a strong, goal-oriented focus.” This paper will focus on the importance of accountability in the health care setting. Accountability in the health care industry In the health care sector, accountability has grown to become a major concern. In fact, accountability is believed to entail both the processes and procedures by which one party validates and assumes blame for its undertakings (Emanual & Emanual, 1996, p.229). In the medical setting, accountability is considered to be essential. Additionally, it necessitates that individuals maintain accountability based on seven critical domains such as: professional aptitude, ethical behavior, fiscal performance, sufficiency of access, promotion of public health, and communal advantage. An example of individual that is held accountable in health care is a physician. Physicians must be held accountable for their actions, because insurance companies have put into place strict guidelines to ensure that discourages physicians in billing for unnecessary diagnostic tests, medical services, or procedures. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the nation’s largest agencies that is charged with the responsibility of administering several key federal health care programs for low-income individuals, disabled, and the elderly. CMS regulates reimbursements and medical claims that are submitted by hospitals and medical providers by

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