CCDS exam

Unknown

I passed yesterday!!
I felt the exam was of moderate difficulty. I am not a certified coder so some of that part I struggled with.
Good luck to everyone who plans to test soon!

linda.steinhoff

Wonderful! Congrats to you!
How long have you been working as a Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist? I have been told it was most difficult with a lot of coding questions? I am planning to take it before June, but am very unsure of my readiness! Any advice?

robert.hodges2

Congratulations and I have the same questions. I know the study guide isn't available until April.

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Aleda E. Lutz VAMC
Mail Code 136
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw MI 48602

Unknown

I have been working as CDI for 1 1/2 years but in coding and revenue department for 3 years which did help me.
I would suggest the elearning on the ACDIS website that they offer. It was very helpful.
Good luck!

Tina Simpson BSN RN CCDS
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist

epracz

Congrads!!!

tiffany_susan

Same hear!! Plan on taking before June and more than a little nervous!!!

Thank you,
Susan Tiffany RN, CDS
Supervisor
Clinical Documentation Program
Robert Packer Hospital & Corning Hospital
570-882-6094 pager 465
Fax 570-882-6768
Tiffany_Susan@guthrie.org

bea.smith

How much is the test? Can you take it online?

Unknown

$255 if you are a member, a little higher if not
You go to an exam center and its computerized


Charlene

mannb1

From the info on the ACDIS site - check out certification - you have to apply, then wait to be sure you are accepted, go to testing center (usually @ H&R block centers?). You can only take in the DRG Expert and One drug book - no other papers, only your driver's license (I think). They seem very tightly controlled, understandably, and you have 3 hours to complete, I believe.

For those of you planning to take the exam soon, please post for all of us your experiences - as many of us are thinking of testing.
Good luck & kudos to those who have passed & those who are taking soon!
Becky Mann

dog

I will repeat what I wrote in an earlier thread and add some more.

I am not a coder. I've been a CDS for 16 months. I did not study at all for this test--what would I have used as a study guide? I finished the 3-hour test in 45 minutes. I didn't think it was all that hard. Also remember that 20 of the 120 questions are unscored, so you can probably miss more than you think you can and still pass.

A few of the questions seemed irrelevant to the role of a CDS and more to an inpatient coder. But the sequencing and diagnosis questions were not difficult. If you don't know anything about RAC foci (but of course you do), you need to brush up. Most of the clinical questions seemed cardiopulmonary-based, which worked out well for me. You have to be able to read a simple spreadsheet and understand what you are seeing as it relates to this job, even if you don't use spreadsheets in your program.

If some of you are remembering the "Final Competency" test you had to take after training with your consultant company, you can relax. This test is much, much easier.

Good luck to everyone taking it.

Renee

Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Arizona Heart Hospital

epracz

Where do you access elearning on acdis website?

Unknown

Left hand column near bottom


Tina SImpson BSN RN CCDS
White River Health Systems
Batesville, AR 72501

Unknown

How long did approval take after submitting your paper work?


Charlene

tiffany_susan

Has the certification been recognized yet? In particular I am wondering
about ANCC.....

Thank you,
Susan Tiffany RN, CDS
Supervisor
Clinical Documentation Program
Robert Packer Hospital & Corning Hospital
Tiffany_Susan@guthrie.org

Unknown

It has not been recognized by ANCC that I am aware of. Wish the webinar's and other CEU's were recognized by them for our nursing.

Tina Simpson BSN RN CCDS
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
White River Health Systems
1710 Harrison St. Batesville, AR 72501
870-262-3825
beeper 745

Unknown

When you pay your entry fees and set up a testing time you will receive a confirmation in the mail within just a few days.

Tina Simpson BSN RN CCDS
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
White River Health Systems
1710 Harrison St. Batesville, AR 72501
870-262-3825
beeper 745

robert.hodges2

Amen to that Tina. One does need those CEU's for relicensure.



Robert



Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN

Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist

Aleda E. Lutz VAMC

Mail Code 136

1500 Weiss Street

Saginaw MI 48602



P: 989-497-2500 x13101

F: 989-321-4912

E: Robert.Hodges2@va.gov



"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
-Albert Einstein

bmurphy@hcpro.com

Hi everyone, Brian here. I just thought I'd mention that the ACDIS
conference does offer CEUs toward your RN licensure. Some of our audio
conferences do as well, as well as one of our e-learning courses (MCC
capture).



Thanks,

Brian



Brian Murphy, CPC

Director

Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS)

200 Hoods Lane

Marblehead, MA 01945

781-639-1872, ext. 3216

bmurphy@cdiassociation.com

susanklein

That is a good idea Brian, as we can not attend the conference.



Susan A. Klein, BSN, RN, C-CDI

Saint Peter's University Hospital

Director, Clinical Documentation Mgt

office: 732-339-7613

fax: 732-745-5944 (specify room B175)

pager: 732-651-4359

linda.steinhoff

How about the CDI exam certification? Can you use the e-learning courses to use for that certification?

bmurphy@hcpro.com

Yes, our new courses (including two that are about to be rolled out
after much delay) have attached CCDS credits.



Brian Murphy, CPC

Director

Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS)

200 Hoods Lane

Marblehead, MA 01945

781-639-1872, ext. 3216

bmurphy@cdiassociation.com

susanklein

Do you have an E-Learning Course to prepare you for the CCDS exam?



Susan A. Klein, BSN, RN, C-CDI

Saint Peter's University Hospital

Director, Clinical Documentation Mgt

office: 732-339-7613

fax: 732-745-5944 (specify room B175)

pager: 732-651-4359

bmurphy@hcpro.com

Hi Susan, at this time we do not. We have a handbook coming out next
month to help candidates prepare for the exam, but because the test
covers so much ground an e-learning course was not the best fit. We may
consider one in the future, however.



Take care,

Brian



Brian Murphy, CPC

Director

Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS)

200 Hoods Lane

Marblehead, MA 01945

781-639-1872, ext. 3216

bmurphy@cdiassociation.com

linda.steinhoff

Is this "new" handbook specific for the next new version of the exam replacing the original handbook?

bmurphy@hcpro.com

Yes, that's correct, though the new version of the exam will be 90%
compatible with the old. There is some additional emphasis placed on
query opportunities in the MDCs, some of the RAC questions are being
updated, etc. This is not a wholesale revision but an update and some
modifications.



I hope that helps,

Brian



Brian Murphy, CPC

Director

Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS)

200 Hoods Lane

Marblehead, MA 01945

781-639-1872, ext. 3216

bmurphy@cdiassociation.com

NormaB

I took my test in Chicago at the Conference - I PASSED!! YAY ME!!

N.Brunson, RHIA, CCDS

stacy.vaughn

congrats!!!!!

Stacy Vaughn, RHIT, CCS
Data Support Specialist/DRG Assurance
Aurora Baycare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: (920) 288-8655
Fax: (920) 288-3052

robert.hodges2

Well done J



Robert



Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN

Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist

Aleda E. Lutz VAMC

Mail Code 136

1500 Weiss Street

Saginaw MI 48602



P: 989-497-2500 x13101

F: 989-321-4912

E: Robert.Hodges2@va.gov



"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
-Albert Einstein

sbeatty

Congratulations!! I'm waiting on a passport so I'll have 2
identifications to gain entrance.

Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI
Columbus Regional Hospital
2400 E. 17th Str.
Columbus, IN 47201
(O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997


"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through
argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can
understand."

General Colin Powell

pfowler

Congrats!

Patsy Fowler RN, MSN, CCDS
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
Marion Regional Hospital
PO Box 1150
Marion, SC 29571
Office 843-431-2044
Cell 843-431-2863
Fax 843-431-2475

judithbates

Congrats!!! It feels good to have that CCDS...

Judi Bates RN, BSN, CCDS
CDI Specialist
856-757-3161
Beeper 66x2906

ddraize

Great Job
I took my test and also passed

Diane Draize RN, CPUR,CCDS
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Door County Memorial Hospital diane.draize@ministryhealth.org
920-743-5555 ex 3143

robert.hodges2

Congratulations to you too Diane!

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Aleda E. Lutz VAMC
Mail Code 136
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw MI 48602

sbeatty

Ditto-congrats of all of our colleagues who have joined the ranks of the certified. I hope to take the test as soon as my passport arrives. Who knows, maybe I'll actually go somewhere that requires a passport!!!

Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI
Columbus Regional Hospital
2400 E. 17th Str.
Columbus, IN 47201
(O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997


"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand."

General Colin Powell

Unknown

Sandy,

Why do you need a passport? I just used my drivers license.

Charlene

sbeatty

Two IDs required and I don't have military ID and can't get a state ID in IN since I have a valid license to drive. That leaves only one other accepted option for the second ID. Did you not have to have two pieces of ID that are "official" and have your picture on them? That's why I didn't take it in Chicago despite being registered. I didn't realize it took so long to get a passport, and I didn't realize I couldn't get and IN state ID card.

Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI
Columbus Regional Hospital
2400 E. 17th Str.
Columbus, IN 47201
(O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997


"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand."

General Colin Powell

Unknown

Sandy,
My second ID was my nursing license with signature. Only one ID requires a picture. See pg 22 of the candidate handbook.

Charlene

robert.hodges2

That's interesting. I'm interested in taking the test but don't have two ID's unless they count my VA issued ID as "official".

I'm surprised they require two photo ID's since most people don't have that. I know I don't want to go to the expense of a passport. I'm planning on getting an enhanced MI drivers license which is the same as a passport for driving in and out of Canada.

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Aleda E. Lutz VAMC
Mail Code 136
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw MI 48602

Unknown

I don't believe two photo's are required. I only had one plus my signed nursing license. You could probably use a signed social security card also.

Charlene

leanne.sterling

I was wondering how difficult you thought the test was.

Leanne Sterling, RHIT
Clinical Documentation Specialist
CRMC
Ext: 2508

fentona@bronsonhg.org

Hi Everyone,
I too have been hesitant to take the exam. I feel I do my job very well, but my background is 20 years in nursing. I worry about having to use the coding book to locate DRGs. I currently use 3m's codefinder and have never used the book. Help:)
Amy

Amy Fenton, RN
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Clinical Operations Improvement
Bronson Methodist Hospital
601 John Street - Box 59
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Office: (269) 341-8442
Fax: (269) 341-8330
Pager: (269) 513-3131
E-Mail: fentona@bronsonhg.org

Unknown

I made myself a study guide using the exam content section of Candidate Handbook as a guideline. I took a drug book and the DRG Expert. The exam covered most of what was in the handbook. A fair test with adequate time to complete.
HCPro has a ready made study guide available now.

Charlene

robert.hodges2

I share some of your concerns Amy. I use the ICD-9 book, not the DRG
expert and I don't have access to an electronic system for checking. I
also have the joy/challenge of being in a RAC exempt facility so I don't
really have to deal with that, but I know its part of the test. Things
are just a bit different here in the VA system.

I wonder if consideration may be given for the exam to allow a coding
book instead of DRG expert.

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN

Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist

Aleda E. Lutz VAMC

Mail Code 136

1500 Weiss Street

Saginaw MI 48602



P: 989-497-2500 x13101

F: 989-321-4912

E: Robert.Hodges2@va.gov



"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
-Albert Einstein



"This email is intended only for the use of the person or office to
which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged,
confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that
the receipt of this email does not waive any applicable privilege or
exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or
copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this
email in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone
number listed above."

janrumdavis

You only need one photo ID (drivers license) & then another form of ID that also has your signature (SS card, credit card, etc.). I took the exam in June before the new test but during my test only used the DRG expert book 3 times & the drug book 2 times. The CCDS study guide didn't help much with the exam then but sounds like it is very beneficial for the new exam. Congratulations to all who have passed & good luck to those planning to take the exam.

sbeatty

Thank you all very much for the replies. I could have taken the test in
Chicago as I had my signed nursing license on me and the drug book and
DRG expert with me. I spoke to an HCPro person on arrival and explained
that I didn't have two photo IDs and nothing was mentioned about only
needing one. That's unfortunate. I expressed amazement that it would be
this difficult to sit for the exam with such limited ID options. Nothing
was said. I guess I misread the confirmation notice. I'll go ahead and
schedule it. WOW!!!!

Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI
Columbus Regional Hospital
2400 E. 17th Str.
Columbus, IN 47201
(O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997


"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through
argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can
understand."

General Colin Powell

judithbates

I took the test in March after being a CDI just over 18 months. I had some knowledge of coding from a former position so that part was not too foreign.
I thought the hardest part of the test was interpreting the statistical questions.
I think that anyone who has been competent in their daily practice should have no problem with the test.
Good Luck to all!!!

Judi Bates RN, BSN, CCDS
CDI Specialist
856-757-3161
Beeper 66x2906

pfowler

Amy,

I took the exam and passed in February 2010 and my background is nursing
also. The exam is fair, the DRG expert was great during the exam and a
lot of the answers to scenarios I felt came from everyday reviewing. You
will be fine to take the test using the knowledge base that you have
with the nursing background and work experience. The hardest part for me
was the statistical data and benchmarking because I don't do that part.



Patsy Fowler RN, MSN, CCDS

Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist

Marion Regional Hospital

PO Box 1150

Marion, SC 29571

Office 843-431-2044

Cell 843-431-2863

Fax 843-431-2475

NormaB

Congratulations Dianne!!!

davisd2

Where can I find the study guide?
Congrats for all those who have passed and thank you paving the road for the newbies.

Denise Davis RN
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Quality Management
Sonora Regional Medical Center
1000 Greenley RD Sonora Ca 95370
209-536-3290
davisd2@ah.org

NormaB

I studied using the CCDS Exam Workbook, the CCDS Boot Camp Workbook and our consultant company's pocket guide I use daily.

To familiarize myself with the DRG Expert book (because I use an encoder everyday!) - I ordered my own from Amazon.com Read in the front of the book and it tells you the steps on how to use. Then take your CCDS Exam Workbook and practice answering the DRG questions with the DRG Expert. It really helped me get the feel of it. Maybe practice using it with some cases you review in your facility.

I felt good about the exam after it was over - more positive than negative. It definately made me "think". There were around 8 questions that I saved to go over again in the last 15 minutes of the test. I used all the exam time available to me.

And for ID I used my driver's license and Social Security Card.

NormaB

You can order it from HCPro - it's $89:

http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-8231/The-CCDS-Exam-Study-Guide.html

davisd2

Thanks for the study tips, where can I purchase the CCDS Exam Workbook and the CCDS boot Camp Workbook?

Denise Davis RN
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Quality Management
Sonora Regional Medical Center
1000 Greenley RD Sonora Ca 95370
209-536-3290
davisd2@ah.org

ddraize

I uses this to study also and recently was notified that there were some errors, you might want to check before ordering.

Diane Draize RN, CPUR
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Door County Memorial Hospital diane.draize@ministryhealth.org
920-743-5555 ex 3143

fentona@bronsonhg.org

Thank you for the heads up
Amy

NormaB

Congratulations Angela!!

CDI Talk wrote:

paula.sonn

I used my bank debit card.

dog

Congratulations to everyone who has passed. Anyone know what progress is being made toward having CCDS nurses recognized by ANCC?

I didn't need any special ID, just a DL and I don't even remember if they asked for something else. Who else would take this test but me?

Test wasn't especially hard, I didn't think. I didn't understand why there were questions about coding prefixes (U and W, IIRC). That has nothing to do with what a CDS does. But I passed anyway, with 14 months' experience at the time. I'll be interested to hear what people say about the new version.

Renee

Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

thicks

The CCDS has been recognized by ANCC.

Thanks,

Tamara

robert.hodges2

Way to cool. I hadn't heard that and am surprised it didn't hit the blog here.

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Aleda E. Lutz VAMC
Mail Code 136
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw MI 48602

Unknown

I do not think there were significant changes between the years. I continue to use my 2012 book for work.

Just make sure your notes are not on sticky's but actually written in the book.

Charlene

vanessa.falkoff

When you say DRG expert--- will my DRG book from FTI Consulting be ok or do I need a certain brand?

Vanessa Falkoff RN
Clinical Documentation Coordinator
University Medical Center
Las Vegas, NV
vanessa.falkoff@umcsn.com
office 702-383-7322
cell 702-204-0054

paxneros

michelleclyne

The outline for the test states specifically Ingenix DRG Expert.

Michelle Clyne, R.N. MSN/MHA CCDS
Clinical Documentation Improvement
Conifer Health Solutions
Good Samaritan Hospital
10 E. 31st Street
Kearney, NE 68847
Office: 308-865-7951
michelleclyne@catholichealth.net

vanessa.falkoff

Thank you all very much …guess I need to get one and start making notes.

Have a great weekend!



Vanessa Falkoff RN

Clinical Documentation Coordinator

University Medical Center

Las Vegas, NV

vanessa.falkoff@umcsn.com

office 702-383-7322

cell 702-204-0054

ginpin

Charlene, When are you scheduled to take the exam? I am taking it 12/13/2013, (Friday the 13th?? Yikes!!!) anyway, I have studied the CDI study guide from cover to cover and reviewed the questions in the handbook.. What I have found out is that there is so much more to a CDI program than chart review and impacts. One section I am not familiar with is the 'key metrics' used to measure the program's success,and/or needs. I hope the test does not dwell too long in that area.
Gina McCroskey

annnd2009@gmail.com

I have heard it does but studying that section well will be good.

I think scenarios asking what these stats infer about your program.

I take mine 1 day before- NOT Friday the 13th!

Best wishes to you!

Ann
Annnd2009@gmail.com

cbarnes

There are 2 of us taking the test and the day we picked is 12-30. We thought we would end the year w/ a challenge. It's something we have talked about doing FOREVER. I plan to put many, many notes in my book. AND study, study study !!!! It's so much information. I am hoping over 10 years of experience will help us have successful results. Wishing you both the best of LUCK !!!!

ginpin

Thank you for your input, it is greatly appreciated. Gina

cbarnes

Hopefully !!

cbarnes

Thank you

mark.dominesey

Wow, great news! Great present for the new year!

Congratulations!

Mark


Mark N. Dominesey, MBA, RN, CCDS, CDIP, CHTS-CP
Director, Auditing & CDI Services
Office: 202.489.4662
Fax: 888.661.7790
Mark.Dominesey@TrustHCS.com
www.TrustHCS.com

renmeyer@sbcglobal.net

Congratulations! I took mine on the 27th and passed too.

Renee Meyer

kerryseekircher

Congratulations Amy and Charlene! That is a great way to start the New Year!
Kerry

Kerry Seekircher, RN, CCDS
Documentation Specialist Supervisor
Northern Westchester Hospital
400 East Main Street
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Email: kseekircher@nwhc.net
Phone: 914-666-1243
Fax: 914-666-1013

Unknown

Congratulations!


Charlene Thiry

From: CDI Talk [mailto:cdi_talk@hcprotalk.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2014 10:47 AM
To: Thiry Charlene
Subject: [cdi_talk] CCDS Exam

Hello All- I am proud to say my coworker ( Amy Board Thomas) and I took our exam, January 30th, and passed !!! Thanks Charlene Barnes

tcoffey

Congratulations to you all- quite an accomplishment!

Theresa A. Coffey RN, BSN, CCM / CDI Specialist
HealthAlliance Hospital - A Member of UMass Memorial Health Care
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453 | www.healthalliance.com
phone: 978-466-2824
fax: 978-466-4159
email: tcoffey@healthalliance.com

lindenbm@bellsouth.net

Congratulations!!!!!!!

cbarnes

I did mean December !!! I have been off work for a week and it doesn't take much to confuse me when I am out of my routine !! Thx LOL Charlene Barnes

renmeyer@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!

ginpin

Congratulations girls!!!

lsipos@monument.health

Gina

Glad you are going to try again! wishing you luck!


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......"
[CCDS_pin_1inch]

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens

Unknown

Gina,

Don't be discouraged! You can do it!!! I usually make really high
scores and I passed but it was not with a really high score!!! It is not
easy, but can be done..







Jamie Dugan RN

Baptist Health System

Jacksonville, Florida 32207

904=202-4345

sharon.cole

Congratulations Amy and Charlene! Gina - glad you are going to try again!

Sharon Cole, BSN, RN, CCDS
CDI Specialist Team Leader
Case Management Dept
254-751-4256

sabullock

Great - Congrats to both of you.
Shelia

cbarnes

Gina- It was challenging !! I will cross my fingers, send positive thoughts your way and say a prayer. Best of luck Charlene Barnes

From: CDI Talk [mailto:cdi_talk@hcprotalk.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2014 2:31 PM
To: Barnes, Charlene
Subject: RE: [cdi_talk] CCDS Exam

Gina

Glad you are going to try again! wishing you luck!


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......"
[CCDS_pin_1inch]

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."- Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens

redjay2

Did the review book help? Any specific direction ? Thank you
Judy Valitutto

cbarnes

Judy-The review book was very helpful. No specific direction, I can think of, that isn’t already mentioned on the ACDIS website. Good Luck !!!

redjay2

Thank You

Judy

michelleclyne

Written so it can be shown it is not a leading question.


Michelle Clyne, R.N. MSN/MHA CCDS
Clinical Documentation Improvement
Conifer Health Solutions
Good Samaritan Hospital
10 E. 31st Street
Kearney, NE 68847
Office: 308-865-7951
michelleclyne@catholichealth.net

kerryseekircher

I'm not sure if there is a review course, but there is a CCDS study guide that I found extremely helpful in prepping for the exam. You should be comfortable with navigating the DRG expert as well.

Kerry Seekircher, RN, BS, CCDS, CDIP

Clinical Documentation Specialist Supervisor

Northern Westchester Hospital

400 East Main Street

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

Email: kseekircher@nwhc.net

Phone: 914-666-1243

Fax: 914-666-1013

cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org

I need to get more familiar with the DRG expert. Using the endcoder is great, but it can put you at a disadvantage somewhat.

Syndi Hudson, RN, CCM

CDI Specialist

Christus Santa Rosa New Braunfels

600 North Union

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org

830-643-6116 (Office)

830-643-5139 (Fax)

lsipos@monument.health

Steve

I took the CCDS exam right after year 2 of my being a CDI (I have now been a CDI over 5 years). I thought at that time, it was an appropriate assessment / test for what a CDI should know. It wasn’t "tricky" like the NCLEX (good, better, best answers). It was fair yet challenging.

I don’t know if it is the same test for everyone or if it changes annually, or if there is a question "bank" they pull from-but overall, if you studied the CCDDS study guide at all, and use the skills and foundational knowledge you use every day-you will do fine!

Good luck! Let us know!

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......"

ggoodman@virginiahospitalcenter.com

Steve,

I took the test about two years ago.
I agree it was challenging but not overly difficult if you study!
I used the CCDS study guide and the ACDIS CDI pocket guide as resources and had no problems with the exam.

Best of luck!
Greta

lconaway@altoonaregional.org

Hi Steve, I took it in 2011 and thought it was difficult. I had been a CDI since 2005 and figured I had a ton of experience and thought it would be a breeze. I didn't study. I did pass but only by the small margin. STUDY and you will be fine!

LeeAnn

cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org

Use the CCDS exam study guide and you will be fine. Know how to use the DRG Expert. I took a Drug book also and was glad I did because I was not familiar with one of the drugs they asked about. It was a psych drug, and we don't do that at our facility. It is a fair test. The study questions at the back of the book were very helpful.

Syndi Hudson, RN, CCDS,CCM
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels
CDI Specialist
cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org
830-643-6116 (Office)
830-643-5139 (Fax)
 
“We are His hands”. Isaiah 64:8

evanspx@sutterhealth.org

I concur that the ACDIS Study Guide is helpful...read every chapter. Be sure to study the sections reviewing various clinical indicators and the subsequent query decisions, to include impact of query responses upon quality metrics and compliant billing.

Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS
 
Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
Sutter West Bay
633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
San Francisco, CA 94107
Cell:  415.412.9421

evanspx@sutterhealth.org

LPeel

Also most recently my colleague mentioned there was a lot on RACs, IPPS and HACs. I'm taking it in a couple weeks

Lori E Peel RN-BC, MSN
RN Quality Documentation Specialist
Phelps Memorial Hospital
Quality Assurance/Risk Management
914-366-3995
lpeel@pmhc.us


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evanspx@sutterhealth.org

The author did a good job of covering some topics pertaining to metrics and quality that may not be part of the day-to-day knowledge base of all performing CDI...it would advised to cover all of those chapters for familiarity. The exam is more than just knowing indicators, query practice, and some coding rules.

Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS
 
Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
Sutter West Bay
633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
San Francisco, CA 94107
Cell:  415.412.9421

evanspx@sutterhealth.org

srecor@cvph.org

Thanks Juli

srecor@cvph.org

Thank you everyone for the responses to the CCDS exam, very helpful.

Steve

Steve Recor RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist HIM Dept
The University of Vermont Health Network
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
Srecor@CVPH.org

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ssalinas

Congrats to whoever sent this!?!?

Sharon Salinas, CCS
Health Information Management
Barlow Respiratory Hospital
2000 Stadium Way, Los Angeles CA 90026
Tel: 213-250-4200 ext 3336
FAX: 213-202-6490
ssalinas@barlow2000.org

jmonty

Yes, congrats!
Planning to take my CCDS test in the first week or two of December. I have gone through the study guide and am now looking at my ACDIS boot camp books. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Julie Monty

RN, CDIS

HIM Dept.

(518) 314-3476

JMonty@cvph.org

The University of Vermont Health Network

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

UVMHealth.org/CVPH