New CDI Specialist

I'm a nurse with no coding experience. I have been chosen to be a CDI Specialist. I'm replacing a single specialist in my hospital, therefore have no one to teach me. I won't be sent to a training class and/or an online class. Where do I start to learn this on my own? I have no one to help me.

Comments

  • Hi!
    Welcome! First of all, you are in the right place. ACDIS is a great resource and CDITalk is a very informative and supportive community.

    I am assuming because there is an existing program (though small) you already have an established process in your facility? Query templates? Electronic/paper process? Etc.

    Start with investing in the CDI handbook. Read it. Read it again. Download and read the last few years' worth of CDI Journals from ACDIS. Read the ACDIS blog. Read the query briefs. Make sure you understand compliance. Read the coding guidelines in the ICD-10 book. Make sure you understand when you can/cannot code a documented dx.

    Also, reach out to coding. Make sure they know who you are and that you are eager to learn. Ask them to send you resources, articles, educational materials when they find/receive them. Make sure you develop a relationship with. They can be some of your best teachers.

    Start small. There is a big learning curve here and it will take time. I started 5 years ago and didn’t know what a DRG was on my interview. I also started solo because our previously established program fell apart and was unstaffed. I don’t think I even reviewed records for a couple weeks. It took me that long to get my footing. If you can, ask the current CDI what their top 10 queries are. Make sure you understand when they should be placed. Start with those areas and expand once you have a better grip on things.

    Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We've all been there :)

    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 March 2016
    I would also recommend purchasing the CDI Pocket Guide as a quick-reference once you get rolling. It's a great resource when you begin applying your "early" learnings. As Katy noted, if you are willing to ask questions, there are many who will be there for you with a reply and guidance.

    Best wishes!

    Cindy Pritchett, RN, BSN, CCDS



  • What is your email address.... I would like to send you some handouts and assist you with some basics...

    Also, become a member of ACDIS as there are a lot of useful queries there and great information! Don’t feel overwhelmed-most of the CDI I know have NO coding experience. It comes with time!

    Oh, and make friends with the coders. Sit with them and see their workflow.... what bed size are you?

    jbovard@regionalhealth.com

    Juli


  • Irene

    I will get some info to you by the end of the week.... currently working on a project taking up most of the hours in my first days this week!

    Juli


    Juli Bovard RN CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Clinical Effectiveness/Clinical Quality
    Rapid City Regional Hospital
    755-8426 (work)
    786-2677 (cell)
    "No Limit to Better......"




  • Hi friends!

    Propose to your supervisor that you attend a CDI Boot Camp offered by HCPro. They will recoup the money in a single DRG shift:)

    cari
Sign In or Register to comment.