ACDIS and AHIMA Release 2026 Update to Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice
Updated guidance reflects evolving technology, care settings, and documentation practices
Chicago, IL, September 1, 2026, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago, IL — September 1, 2026 — The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS), an HCPro professional community, are pleased to announce the release of the 2026 update to Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice. The new edition replaces all previously published versions of the guidance.
The ACDIS/AHIMA guidelines serve as a foundational industry resource for clinical documentation integrity (CDI) and coding professionals developing, evaluating, and maintaining compliant query practices. The 2026 update reflects changes in healthcare delivery, technology, and documentation workflows while reinforcing the core principles that support clinical documentation integrity.
The updated guidance applies across inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory, and professional fee settings, with specific considerations for outpatient and ambulatory environments addressed throughout the document.
“As health information practices evolve and technology becomes more integrated into the documentation process, clear and trustworthy query practices are more important than ever,” said Rana Abuzir, RHIT, FACHDM, director of health information practice advancement at AHIMA and a member of the workgroup that updated the brief. “This guidance gives professionals a practical framework for protecting documentation integrity while preserving the provider’s independent clinical judgment. Whether a query comes from a person or technology, the standard for compliance should remain the same.”
Developed With Extensive Industry Feedback
The 2026 update follows the publication of a draft version in April 2026 and an extensive public comment period. The workgroup received feedback from nearly 200 individuals and groups, representing health systems, professional associations, committees, and other organizations that came together to review the draft and, in many cases, jointly submit comments.
The workgroup incorporated this feedback as part of the update process and received assistance with final review from subject matter experts across both AHIMA and ACDIS, including members of the ACDIS Advisory Board.
The resulting guidance reflects the evolving needs of CDI and coding professionals while reinforcing the fundamental principles of a compliant query practice.
Free Webinar to Explore the 2026 Update
To help professionals understand the changes and implications of the new edition, ACDIS and AHIMA will host a free informational webinar and panel discussion featuring members of the workgroup.
2026 Update to the ACDIS/AHIMA Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice
September 30, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. Eastern
The panel will discuss the updated guidance, key changes, and considerations for applying the guidelines in today's evolving healthcare environment.
The webinar offers 1 ACDIS CEU, which may be used toward renewal of the CCDS|CCDS-O credential or any AHIMA credential.
Access the Updated Guidelines
The 2026 edition of Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice is freely available on the ACDIS website. AHIMA members can also access the brief through the AHIMA Body of Knowledge.
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About ACDIS
The Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) is the leading community for clinical documentation integrity professionals. ACDIS provides education, resources, networking, and professional development opportunities to help CDI professionals advance the integrity of the healthcare record and support quality patient care.
About AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the global leader in health information, supporting professionals who manage and use health information to improve healthcare quality, safety, and outcomes. AHIMA provides education, resources, advocacy, and credentialing for health information professionals across the healthcare ecosystem.
Melissa Dowling HCPro 9173304339 melissa.dowling@hcpro.com
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