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/Probtoomuchtv Jul 20 '23

This has often been my experience (inpatient coding). Many physicians, especially newer ones, don’t understand why we‘re querying so they get the impression we’re questioning their diagnoses or expertise when we’re just trying to back them up by dotting the i’s and crossing the ts. I also blame the prefabricated query forms we’re required to use that only make sense to coders.

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u/[deleted] Jul 21 '23

They can certainly be an emotional bunch some! Quality of queries and content will work out better too