What are the benefits of taking this course?

You'll understand when and how to issue queries, how to phrase them compliantly, and where query opportunities most often arise. You'll also gain clarity on key policy elements like retention, timing, and the use of prior encounters.

Course: Composing an Effective and Compliant Physician Query

Description

This course introduces the fundamentals of physician query composition, emphasizing both compliance and effectiveness. Learners will explore the purpose of queries in medical coding, when and why they are needed, and who is responsible for initiating them. The course covers key elements of a compliant query, strategies for phrasing clear and appropriate questions, and common clinical scenarios that often require clarification. Supplemental resources, including AHIMA and ACDIS practice briefs, are provided to support best practices and policy development.

Included Lessons:

What is a Query?
Composing a Query - Video
Resources

Key Takeaways

Improved Understanding of Query Purpose: Gain clarity on when and why physician queries are used in the coding process.
Confidence in Composing Compliant Queries: Learn how to structure queries that meet AHIMA and ACDIS standards.
Awareness of Query Triggers: Identify documentation scenarios that commonly require clarification, such as conflicting, incomplete, or vague information.
Stronger Communication with Providers: Develop skills to write objective, respectful queries that facilitate provider response without leading or suggesting diagnoses.
Knowledge of Regulatory Expectations: Understand industry guidelines and compliance standards that govern query practices.
Enhanced Coding Accuracy and Reimbursement Integrity: Support proper code assignment and reduce the risk of denials or audits through effective query use.

Why is learning about query composition important for coders?

Coders frequently encounter documentation that requires clarification. Understanding how to appropriately query providers helps support accurate code assignment, compliance, and reimbursement.

What is a physician query in the context of medical coding?

A physician query is a formal communication tool used to clarify unclear, incomplete, or conflicting provider documentation in the health record. It helps ensure accurate code assignment, supports clinical validity, and aligns with compliance standards.

About our Medical Coding Courses

HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams.