Physician Query Process: Part 2: Describe General Aspects Of A Compliant Physician Query –

**This is part 2 of an 11 part series from Libman Education.  This is good information.  More Information on the query process can be found at AHIMA.org

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Physician Query Process: Part 2:  Describe General Aspects Of A Compliant Physician Query – 

by Christopher G. Richards, RHIA, CCS, Senior Associate, Barry Libman, Inc.

As part of a continuing series of discussions relevant to the coding community, Libman Education presents this 11-part series on the importance of a well implemented physician query process.

Here are some basic query guidelines:  Just like on Jeopardy, a query must BE IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION!

Physician queries should focus on conditions or diagnoses already established in the medical record. A query should not introduce NEW information or information from another admission. Your focus is on accurately coding the current admission.

Queries apply to ALL payer types regardless of the impact on reimbursement. The focus must be on the data quality with respect to accurate code assignment. Queries are NOT just for DRG assignment.
A compliant query should seek clarifications based on a statement of the facts found in the record that you as the coder turn into a question for the physician to answer. A compliant query asks the physician to clarify existing documentation/facts present in the record.

A compliant query should not and must not be “leading” in nature.
What do we mean when we talk about avoiding “leading queries?”

Per AHIMA:
“A query is never intended to lead the provider to one desired outcome. The query must provide reasonable, clinically supported options, include clinical indicators, and must not result in a yes/no*. They must include the option that no additional documentation or clarification can be provided.”

*There are a couple exceptions (as always) to the yes/no rule, discussed later in part 3
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Example of a Leading Query

Dear Dr. Jones,
Based on your documentation, this patient has anemia and was transfused 2 units of blood. Also, there was a 10 point drop in hematocrit following surgery.  Please document “acute blood loss anemia,” as this patient clearly meets the clinical criteria for this diagnosis.

This is non compliant and will lead to trouble. The query intent is NEVER to tell the physician to document something.


For more information contact:
Christopher G. Richards, RHIA, CCS
Senior Associate, Barry Libman, Inc.
crichards@barrylibmaninc.com
www.barrylibmaninc.com
- See more at: http://www.libmaneducation.com/physician-query-process-part-2-describe-general-aspects-of-a-compliant-physician-query/#sthash.BuUKEJoc.dpuf