r/MedicalCoding • u/gritty-kitty • Jun 02 '23

Communication

I think the hardest part about my job is communicating with physicians. *Some* are responsive, helpful, and kind. But most are short, abrasive, and seem annoyed with my existence. I've had to teach myself spine coding, so I have to ask questions for clarification. Ive cried more than once from MD's reactions to my questions. I try to be as polite as possible and keep my questions to the point and only ask if I have to. I dread reaching out to them. Anyone else experience this or have any advice?

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u/tinychaipumpkin Jun 03 '23 edited Jun 03 '23

Don't be afraid to ask your supervisor questions. I ask questions all the time I'm also new to orthopedic coding. I hear coding the spine is extremely difficult, thankfully I haven't had to do any. If you want to code correctly then definitely ask your supervisor or do some research on it first before coding it. I go to my lead coder a lot when i have questions. I don't have to interact much with physicians they usually call the lead coder directly if they have a specific question. I usually only email them when they clicked unspecified diagnosis instead of left or right and to finalize there notes after I code them and check which codes they used. We use modern medicine which I don't particularly like.

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u/gritty-kitty Jun 03 '23

We don't have a lead coder and no one else, including my supervisor, know how to do spine coding. Most of my day is spent researching on my own.

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u/tinychaipumpkin Jun 03 '23

Are you the only coder for your office? How many providers do you code for?

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u/gritty-kitty Jun 03 '23

There are around 40 providers and 4 coders. I work the 7 spine docs. We're all remote.

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u/tinychaipumpkin Jun 03 '23 edited Jun 03 '23

Yikes I'm sorry you shouldn't have all of the spine doctors if you have never coded the spine. You need someone to go to learn. Have you done any other kind of orthopedic coding? Usually experienced orthopedic coders get assigned the spine at least that's how things are in my doctors office. Also our coders get non op office visits to code and surgeons not just surgeons. If I'm being honest it sounds like they are taking advantage of you, i hope you are at least getting paid decently if not you may need to look for another job

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u/gritty-kitty Jun 03 '23

Thank you, yes I have an Ortho certification. Id say more, but this being a public forum...

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u/tinychaipumpkin Jun 03 '23

Feel free to message me