Who works the working DRG?

• A. Physician
• B. Nurse
• C. Coder
• D. Clinical documentation specialists

Answer: (D)

The DRG under active review is shaped by the clinical documentation specialist. They scrutinize the chart, spot documentation gaps, and issue clarifying queries to clinicians so the records accurately support the appropriate DRG. Physicians, nurses, and coders all play roles in documentation and coding, but the task of “working” the DRG—driving documentation to achieve the correct DRG classification—is the domain of the clinical documentation specialist.