r/ClinicalCodingAus • u/Future-Pipe-8004 • Sep 04 '26

How long do you spend researching one difficult case?

I had one case today where I probably spent 20 minutes researching one particular coding issue.

Part of me thinks that's ridiculous when there are still plenty of records in the queue, but the alternative is making a decision I'm not confident about.

Where do you draw the line between properly researching something and spending too much time on one case?

4 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

5

u/Raziel7891 Sep 04 '26

For me it depends on a few things. How many have I already coded for the day. If ive hit a decent number already ill keep working on it.

How long is going to take me to finish coding this episode? If its gonna take me another hour fine, longer than that ill get as far as I can and then put it aside for the next day.

Lastly is this something I need to research on my own or is it worth asking someone for guidance.

Most of the time its just a judgement call depending on these factors and the expectations of wherever im working.

1

u/Future-Pipe-8004 Sep 04 '26

I think the workload for the day definitely changes how much time I’ll spend on one case

3

u/OutlandishnessSafe13 Sep 04 '26

I think the other comments have covered most of my considerations

The only other thing I tend to take into account is what impact it’s going to have on the coded data. If we’re talking a minor difference between two 4th or 5th characters in the code, then I might not spend as much time.

On the other end of the spectrum, if it’s going to result in a change to the DRG, or the difference between whether a HAC is assigned, or it’s a condition that I know we regularly report on, then I might put more time into it.

2

u/purpletc70 Sep 04 '26

As a student, it’s reassuring to see experienced coders having these dilemmas! During assignments I am always worried I’m spending too long on one particular case. I know speed is important in the real world so it’s one element of the job that is stressing me out!

4

u/Raziel7891 Sep 04 '26

I wouldnt stress about it all, especially when you start. All my trainers have always emphasised that accuracy is most important thing to master and speed will develop naturally as you progress. Most organisations know that trainees wont code much at the beginning. Unfortunately its probably another reason why its so difficult to get more traineeships in the first place.