Orientation/Training for Documentation Specialist

ginpinginpin
in CDI Talk Archive
I would like to know what type of training program and/or orientation you received as a Documentation Specialist?

I am curious to find out if we are ALL on the same page as far as training goes.. If you have an orientation packet to share that would be appreciated too.

Thank You
Regina McCroskey, BSN
Munroe Regional Medical Center
Ocala, Fl.

Comments

  • tpeytontpeyton
    edited May 2016
    My training was with JATA. They had a 1 month training session for us when we started the program. We still have the same staff that we began with.

    Tracy M Peyton RN, CCDS
    Case Management
    Bradford Regional Medical Center
    Upper Allegany Health Systems
    116 Interstate Parkway
    Bradford, PA 16701
    814-558-0406
  • katysuegood@gmail.comkatysuegood@gmail.com
    I was hired as the program coordinator for a program that had gone unstaffed for 2 years. It is now just me and one other RN. We are hoping to get another FTE with the new budget next year.
    Both the other CDI and I went to the HCPro bootcamp. Other than that, it was mainly a lot of research on my part. When I applied for the job, I had never even heard of an DRG (i was approached and asked to apply by a former co-worder who was mangaging the department we are under) and had no clue what I was getting into. I read the CDI handbook and probably everything on the ACDIS website. I did not start actually preforming reviews for over a month. I was new to the hospital as well so it was impartant that I "get a lay of the land" as well.
    The second CDS was hired 4 months after me. She went to the HCPro bootcamp as well and I trained her myself. There were a few orientation materials posted under "forms and tools" and I used that as a guide.
    For anyone who is thinking about sending new CDS' to the bootcamp,I recommend wating a few weeks to go. The bootcamp moves quickly and it is helpful to know a few basics and the theory behind CDI prior to attending.
  • evanspx@sutterhealth.orgevanspx@sutterhealth.org
    edited May 2016
    We all attended a week of Boot Camp sponsored by HcPro - I found it
    useful.
    Other than that, my B.S. as an RHIA and coding experience has been
    tremendously helpful and directly relevant.

    I find this blog and the articles and references available on this
    website (and AHIMA) also very pertinent and helpful.

    I would also like to mention that 2nd quarter, Coding Clinic, 1990, is
    probably the 'single most' relevant Coding Clinic one can read for
    topics relevant to documentation and coding, such as selection (and
    defense) of principal diagnosis, reporting of qualifying secondary
    conditions, etc.


    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P
    Supervisor, Clinical Documentation Integrity, Quality Department
    California Pacific Medical Center
    2351 Clay #243
    San Francisco, CA 94115
    Cell: 415.637.9002
    Fax: 415.600.1325
    Ofc: 415.600.3739
  • mdomineseymdominesey
    edited May 2016
    I went to a consultant's week long training session when hired for my first CDI job. It consisted mostly of poring through the DRG Assurance manual by MDC to teach which co-morbid conditions to look for. Some training was provided on what is a DRG and generalities of coding.

    That being said, I believe that a properly constructed training plan can be produced in-house, and this is exactly what I plan to do. I will use elements of the CCDS study guide (purchasing one for each new member's use) as well as the AHIMA briefs about Queries and CDI programs. Additionally, I will be sure to include coding guidelines, orientation to coding clinics as well as how to use the DRG Assurance manual and the encoder/grouper.

    The purchase of a CDI management application generally includes some training and that is probably the best course of action for new programs and inexperienced staff.

    Mark

    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital
    W: 202.660.6782
    http://www.sibley.org
  • cstukenbergcstukenberg
    edited May 2016
    I had some experience with DRGs and ICD 9s, transfer DRGs, CMS regulations, etc in prior roles. However, I also did a lot of reading and research on CDI, DRGs, CC, MCC, HAC, POA, CMS, etc. In addition I shadowed someone who had experience just to confirm what I had been learning and was applicable in my setting. After piloting a successful program, I wrote a book on it. It was exciting and challenging but well worth it. When you really want to learn something, read, research and write about it.

    Colleen Stukenberg
  • ginpinginpin
    Colleen,

    How exciting about writing a book. Has it been published? Where can I get a copy?
    Regina McCroskey
  • cstukenbergcstukenberg
    edited May 2016
    Send me your e mail and I will send you the information
  • annnd2009@gmail.comannnd2009@gmail.com
    edited May 2016
    me too
  • ginpinginpin
    Colleen,

    My e-mail is ginpin@bellsouth.net

    Thank You so much for the information.
  • cstukenbergcstukenberg
    edited May 2016
    Send me your e mail. thanks
  • annnd2009@gmail.comannnd2009@gmail.com
    edited May 2016
    Annnd2009@gmail.com
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