Conference

Just to get an idea, how many facilities are paying for their CDI
specialist to go to the Conference?



Jamie Dugan RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Baptist Health System
3563 Phillips Highway, Suite #106
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Office: 904-202-4345
Cellular- 904-237-7253

Comments

  • edited May 2016
    We have 4 CDI RNs and 1 of us get to go!
  • edited May 2016
    Our facility sent us to San Diego last year, but will not send us to Nashville this year. A little too steep for going out of my own pocket for now!
    Julie Cruz RN, CDS
    St. Joseph Health
    Eureka, CA
  • And how do you convince the powers that be that it is a great learning opportunity? Any ideas?
  • edited May 2016
    So far (that can always change), I am budgeted to attend the conference
    and I think the deciding factor is ICD-10. There is so much happening
    at in our system right now, they want us to know the latest and greatest
    to make this transition as smoothly as possible.

    Linda Haynes, RHIT, CCDS | Manager, Clinical Documentation Improvement |
    Legacy Health
    1919 NW Lovejoy | Portland, Oregon 97209 | 503-415-5609 |
    lhaynes@lhs.org
  • edited May 2016
    We are sending 2. Saving on airfare and driving. :) We have been campaigning to go since we found out was going to be in Nashville.

    Dorie Douthit, RHIT,CCS
    CDI Program/HIM
    706-389-3364
    St. Mary's Health Care System
    1230 Baxter Street
    Athens, Georgia 30606
  • edited May 2016
    My facility is sending me (manager) AND they are contemplating sending 1 or 2 more. Not sure yet.
  • edited May 2016
    Our is paying for all 3 CDI's to attend.
    Karen


    Karen McKaig, BSN, RN, CCM, CPUR, CCDS
    Case Manager
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Baxter Regional Medical Center
    Mountain Home, AR 72653
    870-508-1499
    kmckaig@baxterregional.org
  • edited May 2016
    Well it is a lot of money and I do understand that. My Manager had
    wanted to go as well but I guess it is not in the budget. I have been
    approved to go but it is with my paying for all of it. I really feel it
    will benefit us greatly. For those of you who have gone previously, I am
    sure you will say it is worth the money.

    I think their mind is pretty much made up, the Director denied saying it
    was too costly.

    Thanks Jamie
  • Wow, that's great. Enjoy!

    Renee Meyer
    RN CDI
  • At our facility (9 CDS's, 1 Manager, 1 Physician executive), I expect I will go as the manager, the physician & likely 2 of the staff CDS's.

    Well worth the knowledge that can be brought back (presentations, vendors, casual conversations with peers -- especially the networking aspects, come prepared with some things that you'd like to discuss & talk with attendees, speakers, vendors, advisory board members, fellow CDI Talkers...).

    Bring biz cards.
    Have a small notebook & pen in your pocket (I WILL forget things if I don't make notes).

    Don

    Donald A. Butler, RN, BSN
    Manager, Clinical Documentation
    Vidant Medical Center, Greenville NC
    DButler@vidanthealth.com ( mailto:mDButler@vidanthealth.com )
  • edited May 2016
    Penny,

    I am sure the letter is not going to change their mind unfortunately.
    I know how much it will mean to our program to have the team
    represented. Unfortunately, we are under finance and they look at $...
    Great letter!

    Jamie
  • edited May 2016
    As we obtain our CCDS, we are rewarded by being sent to the conference.

    **The way I have it figured, it usually costs about $2000 (flight, airfare, meals, hotel). If you put away about $170 each month, you should have enough to attend. Save for 2-3 months and pay for your airfare, then begin sending $100 a month to ACDIS for the conference fee until paid. Continue saving to have the hotel and meal money by the time you leave. If your facility decides to send you, you have a head start on saving for the next year!

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    CDI Specialist
    Providence Health Center
    254.751.4256
    Sharon.cole@phn-waco.org
  • edited May 2016
    My employer already paid for me to attend the conference in Nashville, but now that I will be presenting, my travel and conference is paid for by ACDIS. That means that one of my new hires (hint, wink - hiring) will be able to go and likely the other new hire (hint, wink - hiring two CDI Specialists) will be able to go as well.

    That being said - one could likely go for cheap if they travel cheap. To get there - Greyhound (best if less than 10 hours away), Priceline and Hotwire, Then you use local transit. To stay there- use a hostel. I stayed in a hostel in San Diego last year even though my employer was paying my way. Hostels are a great way stay in a city cheap and comfortably. Most hostels have kitchens for you to prepare your own food. http://www.hostels.com/nashville/usa

    If you are a member and sign up soon, you may be able to still get the discounted early-bird rate (email Al).

    All in all, I am certain one could go to the conference and get there and stay in Nashville and eat for less than $2k total. I was able to go to San Diego last year, eat out most meals, stay in a hostel and still submit receipts for reimbursment of $1200 including airplane from DC to San Diego. Add that with the conference fee ~ $2k.

    Email me if you want some ideas (I didn't even mention camping!)

    Looking forward to seeing everybody again!

    Mark
  • Sadly no. We have limited education budget for the year and to send one of us would deplete our accoun to nothing. Money is better spent on other educational opportunities such as books, local, online, webinars and free offerrings.

    Laurie Prescott RN,MSN CCDS
    lprescott@morehead.org
  • edited May 2016
    I was told it isn't in the budget.....was a little upset by this since I am the only CDI and do everything with no help....we used to have JA Thomas and they cut that out d/t finances. With my current personal situation I can't afford to put out all the money myself...

    Tracy M Peyton RN, CCDS
    Bradford Regional Medical Center
    Upper Allegany Health Systems
    116 Interstate Parkway
    Bradford, PA 16701
    814-558-0406
  • edited May 2016
    Great letter!

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    CDI Specialist
    Providence Health Center
    254.751.4256
    Sharon.cole@phn-waco.org
  • edited May 2016
    They paid for us to go the first 2 years (2nd & 3rd Conference) but I've paid out of pocket since then.

    They would not budget for anyone to attend this year, either.

    NBrunson, RHIA,CDIP,CCDS
  • edited May 2016
    Sharon,

    Love that idea. What great incentive!!

    Dorie
  • edited May 2016
    Last year, my co-workers and I did a poster presentation and my hospital sent 2. One of those was a discounted conference fee since we did a poster presentation. Consider submitting a poster if you want to go and maybe your facility will pick up the rest. Plus, it's a great way to be involved in the conference.
    Karen


    Karen McKaig, BSN, RN, CCM, CPUR, CCDS
    Case Manager
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Baxter Regional Medical Center
    Mountain Home, AR 72653
    870-508-1499
    kmckaig@baxterregional.org
  • I paid my own expenses last year to San Diego. I watched for airfares on several travel sites. Most of the meals are furnished by exhibitors. Consider sharing a room with someone whose expenses are covered.

    I went to SanDiego 2 days early to make a vacation out of it and as Mark stated, I only spent around $1200.00.

    The conference is so energetic and exciting it is worth the money and so far, they have not deleted education expenses as a tax deduction !

    Lisa Romanello, RN,BSN,FNS,CCDS
    Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Quality Department
    CJW Chippenham Campus
    Angelisa.Romanello@hcahealthcare.com
    804-228-6527
  • edited May 2016
    Not ours

    Michelle Clyne, R.N. MSN/MHA
    Clinical Documentation Improvement
    % Health Information Management
    Good Samaritan Hospital
  • I am going on my own dime but I am so excited I don't care about the cost. I will get paid while I am gone so that is great not to have to use the vacation.

    Ronna Mahlen, RN, BSN, C-CDS
    UW Valley Medical Center
    Renton, WA
    ronna_mahlen@valleymed.org
  • edited May 2016
    My Organization will only pay for one day. The conference and all other
    days away from work will be on my dime.
  • edited May 2016
    I've also heard not too miss out on the bluebird cafe!
  • edited May 2016
    Good to know Laura!!! Have hockey fans in my camp also. I'm not sure about the nightlife; seems like after trying to ingest all the info I may have my brain hanging from somewhere by days end...
    I guess it may be good to have designated spots...
    Partiers: lounge
    Hungry hippos: restaurant
    Serious ACDISer's: lobby
    Looking forward to meeting many new contacts and learning about positive experiences...No horror stories, we ALL know them too well!!!

    Judi Bates RN, BSN, CCDS
    Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
    CDI Specialist
    856-757-3161
    Beeper 66x2906
  • Has anyone thought about meeting somewhere Monday night-lobby, lounge etc for a meet and greet for us bloggers?? I know last year they did and while I saw it being planned (and didn’t get to go), I was so jealous!


    Juli Bovard RN CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Clinical Effectiveness/Clinical Quality
    Rapid City Regional Hospital
    719-4390 (work)
    786-2677 (cell)
    "No Limit to Better......"


    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
  • Agree! I would like to meet up. I think poster set-up is Monday evening but aside from that nothing is planned so it ould be great to touch base with people!



    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404
  • edited May 2016
    I agree...
    I think it would be great to have a list, for those of us that have never attended the conference, of the top 5 things to have for conference... Things that we may not realize that make it helpful...Maybe even the top 5 things to leave behind.
    I know we will have more reading material, pens, etc...
    Please, experience conference goers...Give us a heads up!!!
    Judi Bates
  • edited May 2016
    Bring another bag to take all your freebies home in! :)

    Dawn M. Vitalone, RN, CCDS
  • edited May 2016
    Not only freebies but for your conference book
  • edited May 2016
    My plan will be to look through them each night and only bring what I really think is useful/valuable...
    JUDI
  • Conference book??

    Juli
  • edited May 2016
    Don't forget business cards for the Exhibitor's drawings and
    networking!!
    I forgot one year and will never do that again!!
    JoAnne Price MS RN CDIS
    Kingman Regional Medical Center
    Kingman, AZ
  • edited May 2016
    Business cards to exchange
  • A sweater.


    Melissa Varnavas| Senior Managing Editor
    Associate Director|ACDIS
    75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
    Danvers, MA 01923
    P 978/406-4711
  • edited May 2016
    Be sure to pack clothing in the ACDIS colors for the first day of the conference and then something from your home state for day 2. Tennis shoes for walking. Business cards (and more business cards, seriously, a few more) for all the contacts you will make and the drawings. Camera if your cell phone doesn't have one. HCPro usually has discounts on books and materials if you are in the market for those kinds of things. Don't forget the Grand Ole Opry - there is a show on the 21st. A colleague and I bought 2 tickets, then found out funding was pulled and we couldn't go - they are way up in front in the center if anyone is interested, contact me at the email/phone below. I will miss all the wonderful information, education, camaraderie, and networking opportunities:( But I hope you all love your conference experience:)

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    CDI Specialist Team Leader
    Providence Health Center
    254.751.4256
    Sharon.cole@phn-waco.org
  • edited May 2016
    One more thing, pick up your materials Monday night if possible and go through the book - I've occasionally changed planned breakout sessions based on the materials, familiarize yourself with where everything is - main room, breakout room areas, where specific vendors are set up if you had one you specifically wanted to speak with. Get to your session early, some fill up really quickly and it can be hard to find a seat. Make sure you have contact numbers of your colleagues or other people you want to hook up with so you can easily communicate.

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    CDI Specialist Team Leader
    Providence Health Center
    254.751.4256
    Sharon.cole@phn-waco.org
  • edited May 2016
    Biz cards ... Biz cards ... Biz cards

    I like the idea of contact numbers for colleagues across the country to connect with at the conference. Make some arrangements. One of several highlights for me last year was to meet Robert & Mark.

    A small notebook that can fit in a pocket or purse -- jot down those ideas from talking with someone; who you might want to follow up with & why (a couple of things I know I 'missed' because I didn't make a note).
    Also helps to jot a list of session inspired ideas that need further reflection or follow up.

    Contact (in advance) your vendors/consultants to see if they are doing something special -- to help plan evenings.

    Definitely a camera!!

    Make plans to have fun!!
    Bring something to relax!!

    Materials (last year) if I recall correctly are also emailed out -- preview in helping to select sessions.

    Exhibit hall is a great chance to do some shopping homework if you think you might be in the market for software, materials, etc.
    Also a great chance to explore and learn about career opportunities -- helps to know what options are there even if you have no interest or plans currently.

    Don
  • ACDIS provides a fabulous book with all the materials in it for every session. And, they also provide a great bag to carry it around in :)

    Laura Bohls
  • edited May 2016
    Sticky notes or tabs for your conference book. This is also good way to make notes to f/u on if you do not do Don's notebook idea.
    Last year I determined what meetings I was going to attend - tabbed them with room location and time that helped me keep on track.
    Shelia
  • edited May 2016
    Highlighters for use in conference book along with pen. I usually take extra seems like some one always asks for one.

    Diane Draize RN, CPUR,CCDS
    Clinical Documentation Specialist

    Ministry Door County Medical Center
    diane.draize@ministryhealth.org
    920-743-5566 ex 3143

    We earn trust by working together as One Ministry to keep PATIENTS FIRST in everything we do
  • We will have a special "conference edition" of CDI Strategies coming next Thursday that will have a ton of information and tips in it.

    Also be sure to check your emails for the special conference "Welcome Letter" that outlines important things to remember and bring with you to the conference.

    In the meantime, here is some information about the options available within the hotel:
    http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/bnash-renaissance-nashville-hotel/
    Here is a link to information about nearby restaurants.
    http://www.marriott.com/hotels/restaurants/bnash-renaissance-nashville-hotel/
    One group is going to Margaritaville http://www.margaritavillenashville.com/
    Another group is going to the Nashville Hard Rock http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=105&MIBEnumID=3
    The Advisory Board is heading to a restaurant called Merchants www.merchantsrestaurant.com


    Melissa Varnavas| Senior Managing Editor
    Associate Director|ACDIS
    75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
    Danvers, MA 01923
    P 978/406-4711
  • Katy

    Good morning. Do we just want to pick a place in the hotel and decide on a time to meet up? I am game!


    Juli Bovard RN CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Clinical Effectiveness/Clinical Quality
    Rapid City Regional Hospital
    719-4390 (work)
    786-2677 (cell)
    "No Limit to Better......"


    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
  • Sounds good to me. A lot of people are probably getting in later in the evening so maybe an after-dinner time sort of thing? I'm open.


    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404
  • edited May 2016
    Maybe we can even think about sharing a ride from the airport???
    I'm coming from Philly, getting in at 5pm...
    I know I read about a cheap bus...Gotta look at that again as I did all my research in February and didn't write anything down...

    Judi Bates RN, BSN, CCDS
    Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
    CDI Specialist
    856-757-3161
    Beeper 66x2906
  • Wow! I JUST CHECKED AND I DON'T EVEN GET IN UNTIL 9:00 P.M! (PASSED MY BEDTIME) LOL! I AM CERTAINLY WILLING TO STOP IN FOR A DRINK IF ANYONE IS STILL UP AND AWAKE ONCE I GET THERE! :)


    Juli Bovard RN CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Clinical Effectiveness/Clinical Quality
    Rapid City Regional Hospital
    719-4390 (work)
    786-2677 (cell)
    "No Limit to Better......"


    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
  • I'm getting in pretty early (I think noon) but I would imagine many people will being getting in around that time. Our office manager scheduled a shuttle through Execucar?

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404
  • edited May 2016
    Ditto from Gail and I....we don't get in until 9 pm either, but a night-cap may be just the ticket!!

    Julie Cruz RN, CDS

    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    St. Joseph Health
    2700 Dolbeer St
    Eureka, CA 95501
    wk: 707-445-8121 ext. 7550
    cell: 707-267-0973
  • Sounds good to me if people are up for it!


    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404
  • Julie

    I am game! Maybe we could share a cab from the airport! I will touch base with you next week and maybe we can make plans for the cab or at the very least a nightcap at the hotel!


    Juli Bovard RN CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Clinical Effectiveness/Clinical Quality
    Rapid City Regional Hospital
    719-4390 (work)
    786-2677 (cell)
    "No Limit to Better......"


    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
  • edited May 2016
    We look forward to it!!

    Julie Cruz RN, CDS and Gail Eaton RN, CDS

    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    St. Joseph Health
    2700 Dolbeer St
    Eureka, CA 95501
    wk: 707-445-8121 ext. 7550
    cell: 707-267-0973
  • Julie, Gail

    As do I! Are either of you on the Linked-in network? I tried finding you on there but had no luck! TTY next week!

    Juli
  • Not to sound na
  • :)

    There are about 1,800 CDI professionals participating in the LinkedIn ACDIS group.
    http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Association-Clinical-Documentation-Improvement-Specialists-1788317

    We also have a Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Association-of-Clinical-Documentation-Improvement-Specialists/297350311114

    And we are on Twitter https://twitter.com/acdis



    Melissa Varnavas| Senior Managing Editor
    Associate Director|ACDIS
    75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
    Danvers, MA 01923
    P 978/406-4711
  • edited May 2016
    Thank you Julie....I just joined, will see if I utilize it to it's fullest function as time goes on!

    Julie Cruz RN, CDS

    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    St. Joseph Health
    2700 Dolbeer St
    Eureka, CA 95501
    wk: 707-445-8121 ext. 7550
    cell: 707-267-0973
  • Thanks for the reminder. I have been meaning to join for.... the last year!!! :)

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404
  • edited May 2016
    This might be a good time/spot to mention our Twitter game... If you happen to use Twitter and are coming to the conference, try to catch a photo of ACDIS Director Brian Murphy and post it using #ACDIS2013. We'll keep an eye out for your photos and pick someone to win a t-shirt.
    It is sort of like a new-age "Where's Waldo" game only you'll be trying to find and photograph the "big boss". :)


    Melissa Varnavas| Senior Managing Editor
    Associate Director|ACDIS
    75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
    Danvers, MA 01923
    P 978/406-4711
  • edited May 2016
    ooohhhh -- don't tempt me

    thinking ... could I maybe follow him into the bathroom?
    maybe a "promote hand washing" picture?
    how a about a big yawn the morning of the last day of the conference
    during a presentation?

    BAD Don, Bad Don
  • edited May 2016
    :P Subversive, Don. Subversive.


    Melissa Varnavas| Senior Managing Editor
    Associate Director|ACDIS
    75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
    Danvers, MA 01923
    P 978/406-4711  | F 978/406-4811 
    www.acdis.org |Mvarnavas@cdiassociation.com
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