CDIP VS CCDS

ddouthitddouthit
in CDI Talk Archive
I am now eligible to take either/both the CDIP or the CCDS. For those of you that hold both certifications, is there one you feel is more beneficial over the other, or do you feel that having both makes for a better CDI specialist? Pros and cons of one over the other?

Thank you,

Dorie Douthit RHIT, CCS

Comments

  • dvitalone1dvitalone1
    edited May 2016
    Please refer to the previous numerous entries in CDI Talk related to this topic. Do we really need to go thru this again?


  • mdomineseymdominesey
    edited May 2016
    I was an IT person before I became a nurse, and I became an MBA after becoming a nurse. I believe that I straddle both sides (clinical and revenue).

    That being said, I believe that the CCDS is probably the more clinical of the two certifications and the CDIP is the more program-oriented and educational-oriented towards others. Both have their merits and I do not feel comfortable stating which is better for a particular person or their goals.

    Ideally, one would have both! :)



    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695
    Mdominesey@sibley.org
    W: 202.660.6782


  • ddouthitddouthit
    Dawn,

    I am pretty sure the previous conversations were not CCDS vs. CDIP but CCS vs CDIP but will go back and review.
  • mdomineseymdominesey
    edited May 2016
    This is probably an appropriate conversation to have now, because it was only last Friday that those of us who passed the CDIP found out our results. That knowledge could definitely skew the opinion of someone....

    Mark


    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695
    mdominesey@sibley.org
    W: 202.660.6782


  • paxnerospaxneros
    edited May 2016

    Back when a certification was being talked about in CDI there were only two
    available. The C-CDI and the CCDS. I was actually at the Chicago Conf. And
    scheduled for the CcDS exam when I actually heard rumors that AHIMA was
    considering a CDI certification. At the time I thought, "Great, now they
    start thinking about it - after I'm signed up for this one!" (Im always
    amazed they never ask for my opnion...HAH!)

    Being from an HIM background I do hold solidarity w/ my governing body. And
    given a choice at that time I may have gone the HIM route first, but I have
    a feeling I would have soon sought my CCDS.

    As for which is better, I agree with Mark. You need to do what you feel
    will satisfy you personally and professionally. As this profession is
    still young, and you do not find many people w/firsthand CDI experience,
    there are not many employers who are hiring based on CDI credentials. That
    may change in the future however as more are credentialed.

    We require certification at two years of employment. We've not made a
    distinction between the certifications at this time - only that you obtain
    one at two years.

    NBrunson, RHIA, CCDS,CDIP

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