When a medical record is inconsistent with the selected diagnosis code, who should the coder contact?

The coder should contact the attending physician when a medical record is inconsistent with the selected diagnosis code because the attending physician is the primary healthcare provider responsible for the patient's care and the documentation in the medical record. The physician has the best understanding of the patient's clinical condition and can clarify or correct any discrepancies between the documentation and the diagnosis code used.

This communication ensures that the medical record accurately reflects the patient's diagnosis, which is crucial for proper coding and billing, as well as for maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. Accurate coding directly impacts reimbursement and helps to uphold the integrity of the medical records within the healthcare facility.

The other options, such as the attending nurse, billing supervisor, or compliance auditor, while they each play important roles in the healthcare setting, do not possess the same level of insight into the clinical details and nuances of the patient's care as the attending physician. Thus, they may not be able to effectively address the coding inconsistency without input from the physician.