Worksheets/Check Lists etc.

Snuggs105Snuggs105
in ACDIS CDI Apprenticeship
Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has any worksheets or checklists they can share for a new CDI Specialist. I've recently interviewed for a CDI position and am cautiously optimistic that I will be offered an entry level position. I was hoping someone could share any tips, guides, worksheets, checklists. critical lab values that would trigger a query etc. they used when first starting out. I am still a baby nurse, only 3.5 years on a Med/Surgical Floor.

If I receive this position I will be covering the patients on my current floor, as well as orthopedics and eventually a 3rd floor. I was told that we would follow a patient from beginning to end. So if my patient was transferred to ICU, I still have to follow that patient. I am a little concerned as I don't have critical care experience. I am confident I can master this position with training and experience. I know it will be a little rock to start, so i was hoping to arm myself with as much information/guides (worksheets, checklists, labs, medication lists :P ) as possible to make sure I am successful

Thank you for your time.

Nicole

Comments

  • lprescott1lprescott1
    Good morning Nicole, the ACDIS website has a ton of information for you. Look within the form the resources tab and the publications tab for our papers and journal articles. Of course the forum is a great place as well. I would suggest you ask the CDI manager how you will be trained and what materials they will provide for you (they may have some books on CDI available.) Ask who will be preceptor or mentor in this process? Will you have access to an inpatient coder to offer guidance? (if so ask to shadow the coder so that you may learn how to use the encoder/grouper as well as how to utilize the code books. There is so much to learn on the coding side and on the clinical side- but it is an exciting journey.  

    ACDIS of course does have a number of products for the new CDI (which the CDI manager may already have) such as the CDI pocket Guide which provides information both on the coding guidelines, CC-MCC capture and clinical indicators for commonly reviewed conditions. And we also of the The CDI Specialists Complete Training Guide which I  wrote to assist a new CDI in transitioning to the role. of course we do offer our bootcamps as well. Keep in touch- let me know if you get the job!




  • lprescott1lprescott1
    I was searching through our Journal articles and thought of you when I saw this one-
    https://acdis.org/articles/becoming-cdi-professional-tips-getting-started


  • evanspx@sutterhealth.orgevanspx@sutterhealth.org
    Disclosure, I have no financial interest in any products sold that pertain to CDI.  But, I do have an unsolicited recommendation.   The. CDI Pocket Guide is a great resource.   My favorite section is the clinical references, which are very informative and pertinent.   
  • rose_water@comcast.netrose_water@comcast.net

    When I started as a new CDI, I found this article written by, yes,  Laurie Prescott. This was a Q+A: Chart reviews for new CID specialists, CDI strategies, April 30,2015.. I think it was an excellent reference that you will find very helpful.



  • Snuggs105Snuggs105
    Thanks everyone! I'll keep you updated once I hear something :)

  • millertomillerto

    Hello, I am in a brand new CDI Specialist position at my hospital.  I would appreciate any advice and networking with others.  I am in East Texas (Nacogdoches, TX).

    Tom Miller

    CDI Specialist

    millerto@nacmem.org

    936-569-4154

  • lprescott1lprescott1
    millerto said:

    Hello, I am in a brand new CDI Specialist position at my hospital.  I would appreciate any advice and networking with others.  I am in East Texas (Nacogdoches, TX).

    Tom Miller

    CDI Specialist

    millerto@nacmem.org

    936-569-4154


    I would suggest you seek out your local ACDIS chapter. You have found the forum and that is a great way to communicate and learn from peers as well. And I am sure you have discovered the wealth of information found within the ACDIS website. 

    I worked as the sole CDIS at my facility for a number of years, but reached out to other's at neighboring hospitals. A day of shadowing can provide you with a wealth of ideas and resources. Also if you are able to network with coders within your own facility it can be valuable. I have found that those within our profession are almost all consistently willing to share and teach. I have always been proud of that. 

    There are a number of organizations in addition to ACDIS that can provide you with assist as well to include AHIMA. 

    Lastly, if you are not on Linkedin there is a very active CDI community using that platform. Link with me and i will introduce you to my 'friends'.




  • millertomillerto
    Thank you
  • Sharme.Brodie@hcpro.comSharme.Brodie@hcpro.com
    don't forget as a new CDIS to take advantage of free information offered such as ACDIS radio, biweekly radio show available as a podcast also. and CDI strategies a biweekly newsletter all you need to do is sign up for these offerings.
  • KRNDMH81KRNDMH81
    Hello! I am an RN with a background in MR and currently taking a  Medical Coding certificate course that should be completed Fall 2019.  I recently discovered the CDI role, which I had not heard of before and I am wondering if I should switch from coding courses to a CDI course such as the one at Laboure' College.  I do plan to take the ACDIS/HCPRO CDI Apprenticeship once my current semester is over. Any advice? Thanks!
  • lprescott1lprescott1
    Hi there. This is a great question. Many nurses working in CDI take coding courses, and you would certainly benefit from such a course/certificate program. I am unsure the specific curriculum you are completing as there are many different types of coding curriculum available. CDI specialists can function in both the inpatient and outpatient environments, and as you know the codes sets and guidelines do differ in the different settings. That said if you are in a course that provides you with an outpatient coding credential this may be less helpful to you if you wish to work in an inpatient hospital environment or vise versa.

    I have recently reviewed the Laboure college CDI curriculum outline but cannot speak to the value of the course, nor its applicability to the different roles in CDI. But I would say any education such as that on your resume would assist with opening up employment in the role of CDI. At HCPro we do offer a number of CDI focused bootcamps online and live if you visit our website and of course you have found the CDI Apprenticeship program. My suggestion would be to further explore our website and self educate about CDI and the many different avenues available. Complete your semester and evaluate how this coding education will assist you (I suspect it would be very helpful) and then explore our options as you have mentioned before taking on the costs for the college program. (I say this with the innocent assumption that the costs related to the college program may be quite high- I may be wrong on that.)
    Another great way to  explore is to see if your local hospital system has a CDI program, they might allow you to shadow them in the role or if they cant allow access to records a bit of time spent talking to a staff member in the role might assist you in your plans as well.

    keep in touch we are always looking to bring in more qualified CDI professionals into our roles.

  • JamooJamoo
    Hi, thanks a lot for the useful discussions on this forum. I have just recently completed the ACDIS-approved CDI apprehentice program. I am a foreign trained MD, changing career to HIM. I am planning on sitting for either CCDS or CDIP in the Fall. Kindly advice on the best route to take that will give me a good foundation as a CDI specialist? And also increase my chances of getting the first job.

    J Peleowo MD, ACDIS-approved CDI Apprehentice  
  • lprescott1lprescott1
    I need to mention that to sit for the CCDS exam you do need two years experience in the role. We have set that perquisite as there is no better training and demonstration of competency then successful experience in the role. That said your question is a frequent one for those trying to get into the role. First completion of the CDI Apprentice  program demonstrates your willingness to learn and explore this new avenue and also provide the fact that you would be coming to your new employer with some formal training. I would suggest as you apply for positions you describe your past experience in healthcare as a foreign trained MD you can provide a strong clinical understanding when interpreting medical records.

    I would also suggest if you are applying for positions that you ask to shadow a practicing CDI even for a few hours. One this builds relationships and allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and willingness to learn and grow. As a former manager, i was always willing to arrange shadow experiences for a number of reasons- they allow the individual to see if the position is one they really desire, but it also allows me to assess the individuals ability to communicate, ask questions and fit in. i considered it a more informal interview component.

    also continue your education- perhaps take a coding course or attend other CDI educational programs.
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