Composing an Effective and Compliant Physician Query is an online, self-paced course for inpatient, outpatient, and professional fee coders who need a clear, practical approach to writing compliant physician queries. This course explains the purpose of queries, when and why they are appropriate, and who is responsible for initiating them. Coders will learn the required elements of a compliant query, how to phrase questions clearly and professionally, and how to recognize common clinical scenarios that require clarification. The course includes 1 AHIMA CEU and provides reference resources to support consistent, compliant query practices.
Included Lessons:
What is a Query?
Composing a Query - Video
Resources
CEUs available for the following credentials:
AHIMA
CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS
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.
Benefits of Taking this Course
Stronger Query-Writing Skills
Greater Confidence in Provider Communication
Fewer Coding-Related Denials
Improved Documentation Clarity
Enhanced Compliance with AHIMA and ACDIS Standards
Better Support for Accurate Code Assignment
FAQs
What will I learn about composing compliant physician queries?
This course teaches the fundamentals of writing effective and compliant physician queries that support accurate code assignment and clinical validation. You’ll learn the purpose of a query, when it’s needed, and how to structure questions that are clear, objective, and aligned with industry standards such as AHIMA and ACDIS.
How does the course help coders communicate with providers through physician queries?
The course gives you strategies for phrasing queries in a respectful, non-leading way that encourages timely and useful responses. You’ll understand how to identify documentation gaps and craft questions that clarify those gaps without suggesting a diagnosis, improving communication and documentation clarity.
Will this course improve my coding accuracy and compliance related to query use?
Yes. By focusing on compliant query structure and regulatory expectations, the course helps you reduce coding-related denials, support accurate documentation, and strengthen overall coding integrity. You’ll learn when a query is appropriate and how to write it so it meets compliance standards and enhances coding quality.
To stay up to date, coders can explore our Coding Updates hub for the latest ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS changes. HIAlearn also supports organizations with group discounts and scalable team access, promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous professional development across departments.
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