Health information professionals must prioritize which of the following?

Health information professionals must prioritize following the law because adherence to legal and regulatory standards is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of healthcare practice. Compliance with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Affordable Care Act, and other relevant regulations ensures the protection of patient privacy and the correct handling of sensitive health information. This legal framework is also essential for upholding ethical standards in healthcare, fostering trust between patients and providers, and avoiding legal repercussions that could arise from non-compliance.

While the other choices may seem relevant to the operations of a healthcare facility, they do not take precedence over legal obligations. For instance, just executing directives from a physician or manager, focusing solely on financial aspects, or hastening the claims process could lead to unethical practices or legal violations. Therefore, the priority must always be on following laws to ensure compliance, safeguard patients’ rights, and maintain the institution's legitimacy in the healthcare landscape.