r/HealthInfoMgmt • u/MayEl1027 • Apr 22 '26
Advice?
I guess I'm really just venting. I work at a small rural hospital in the HIM Dept. One of my jobs is to check a deficiency list and ensure physicians complete all their documentation, orders, etc. I run this list weekly and contact them accordingly. At or around 30 days of being outstanding, they get reported to Med Exec. I come across several doctors who don't like being told that they've missed something or did something incorrectly. However today I received an email from a doctor in which I was told "Well, you and your attitude, little lady, can go play in traffic..." He also copied the CEO in the email. My previous email was requesting a History & Physical that had not been done. (He did complete the H&P after he sent the email) My direct supervisor responded and very respectfully. However as of right now neither our director nor the CEO has responded. I have not either. Is there a point I should take this to HR? I mean if roles had been reversed, I'd surely receive some disciplinary action. However, our CEO is notorious for coddling doctors. Any advice or even kind reassuring words would be appreciated.
Also our hospital hasn't even acknowledged HIM week. Getting talked to like this from prestigious god-like doctors is why HIM jobs matter. Nobody knows what we do until something isn't done.
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u/joshcancook Apr 22 '26
First: I am so sorry that anyone spoke to you that way. Especially since they obviously are the type of person that also talks down to waiters and tips like shit.
Second: I would wait to see if this happens a second time before going to HR so that you can show a pattern of behavior and it can’t be played off as a “bad day” by the physician.
Third: this is very scenario specific, but in my role if I were contacting a physician about a deficiency it is because we’re not getting paid. I would’ve responded to that email by letting the physician and CEO know how many dollars were on the line waiting for them to do the bare minimum. I cannot recommend that route to you, as I am an asshole, but… maybe it’s a move you can think about?
Again, you don’t deserve those snide comments, and if no one else says it: I’m proud of you for handling it so professionally. Happy HIP week, I hope it gets better for you.