What is 'query ownership' in CDI analytics?

What is 'query ownership' in CDI analytics?

• A. Ownership of ICD-10 codes by coders
• B. Clear assignment of responsibility for submitting, following up, and closing queries
• C. Ownership of patient charts by physicians
• D. Who owns the hospital query systems

Answer: (B)

Query ownership is the clear assignment of responsibility for the entire life cycle of a CDI query—from submission and follow-up to closure. In CDI analytics, this means designating who initiates the query, who is responsible for providing the needed documentation or clarification (often the physician or their delegate), who tracks responses and ensures timely follow-up, and who marks the query as closed once resolved. This creates accountability and provides an auditable trail, which supports faster turnaround times, better documentation quality, and reliable performance metrics like query response rates and aging. It’s not about who owns ICD-10 codes, or who owns patient charts, or who owns the hospital query system—the focus is on who is responsible for managing the query itself through completion.

Query ownership is the clear assignment of responsibility for the entire life cycle of a CDI query—from submission and follow-up to closure. In CDI analytics, this means designating who initiates the query, who is responsible for providing the needed documentation or clarification (often the physician or their delegate), who tracks responses and ensures timely follow-up, and who marks the query as closed once resolved. This creates accountability and provides an auditable trail, which supports faster turnaround times, better documentation quality, and reliable performance metrics like query response rates and aging. It’s not about who owns ICD-10 codes, or who owns patient charts, or who owns the hospital query system—the focus is on who is responsible for managing the query itself through completion.