Expansion of Program

murpca2murpca2
in CDI Talk Archive
The hospital that I work for is looking into bringing in a consulting firm specializing in Documentation Improvement to further develope/expand our current CDI Program. Currently I am the only CDI employed at the hospital, although developing an expanded program would include adding additional Clinical Documentation Improvement staff. It has been rumored that any nurse wishing to be part of this expanded program (which I assume would include me) would be asked to take a test given by the consulting firm to determine their knowledge base.
I am wondering if any one out there has had to take any sort of Documentation Improvement knowledge validation test, outside of the national ACDIS certification exam, in order to obtain a Documentation Improvement Specialist position and/or keep a position? If so, was any type of training or orientation provided, either prior to the test, or after? Finally, in comparing such a test with the National CCDS certification exam, how did the test compare to the CCDS certification exam?
Any information would be helpful.

Thanks,
Cathie LPN,CCDS

Comments

  • catladyrncatladyrn
    Yes, I have. I had to take a test prior to being considered for the CDI program, but it was really an aptitude test for clinical knowledge more than a CDI test, and when I changed employers, my new employer required me to take the same test (updated), although I was already experienced and had my CCDS. They gave me two hours and I finished in 10 minutes. But I also thought the CCDS was pretty darned easy. I don't think you really have anything to worry about.

    Renee


    Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
  • lspryszaklspryszak
    I can't imagine that whatever the test is that it could be too CDI focused. Unless all the candidates are experienced in CDI concepts how could you expect someone to know this stuff? It doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about since you've been doing the job and have your CCDS.

    I've never heard of anyone "pre-testing" candidates but that doesn't mean that it isn't happening. Interesting. I wonder who the consulting group is that's using this type of selection process?

    Maybe the questions will be general: what is a DRG, what is coding, etc.?
  • tiffany_susantiffany_susan
    edited May 2016

    I took an exam that looked specifically at my clinical knowledge, I would
    compare it to a med-surg certification exam.
    Thank You,
    Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS
    Supervisor Clinical Documentation Program
    Guthrie Healthcare System

    email: tiffany_susan@guthrie.org
    "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
    didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail
    away from safe harbor.Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
    Discover." Mark Twain
  • fentona@bronsonhg.orgfentona@bronsonhg.org
    edited May 2016
    We use 3M as our consulting firm. When I took this position three years ago I was oriented by another CDS and when 3M came on site, which is twice per year per our contract, I spent a week with the consultant. They reviewed the DRG expert book with me, very in depth, each MDC, and at the end of the week I was tested. It was a 50 question test that I could use the DRG expert book on. No issues, they were very through when reviewing with me which made the test easy.
    I have not taken the CCDS exam, so I cannot compare that for you.
    Good Luck,
    Amy

  • digardskdigardsk
    edited May 2016
    I was pre-tested on clinical knowledge.

  • dallend@einstein.edudallend@einstein.edu
    edited May 2016

    I had to take a test at the end of my CDI orientation class. It was administered by the consultant firm who provided our education. We had to pass the test. It was not as involved as the CDI certification exam. It involved basic CDI information - selecting a DRG, principal dx, principal procedure, cc's.
    I still administer a quiz to my orientees at the end of their training. They have to pass the test.


  • Unknown
    edited May 2016
    What consulting firm was that?
  • dallend@einstein.edudallend@einstein.edu
    edited May 2016

    We were originally trained by Cap Gemini - their program was taken over by 3M - I think they used to have a quiz at the end of their orientation.
  • kelleywalrathkelleywalrath
    edited May 2016
    Debbie or any of you who took/gave a clinical knowledge quiz -

    I find this to be a very important aspect in whether or not a CDI is
    successful. Also the quiz you give Debbie to assess the success of
    orientation. Would anyone be willing to share what they took and/or
    developed?

    Kelley Walrath
    Documentation Specialist Coordinator
    BSN - CCDS Munroe Regional, Ocala, FL
    352-671-2589 or x8426


  • heidi.koenigheidi.koenig
    edited May 2016
    I also took a test at the end of the training program. It was an open book test and we reviewed the answers with the consultants. Our program has been extremely successful in the first year. I believe the success of a program depends on having the right individuals in the CDI position(s). Clinical strength, work ethic , MD relations and administration buy-in is directly proportional to the success/failure of a program in my opinion.

    Heidi Koenig, RN
    Clinical Document Specialist
    Ocala Regional Medical Center
    Heidi.koenig@hcahealthcare.com
    352-401-1686
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