Just passed the CDIP!

I crossed over to the dark side. I thought it was much harder than the CCDS, but I still finished in 45 minutes. A lot of theoretical questions that didn't seem to have much relation to practice.

Renee

Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS, CDIP
Senior Consultant, CDI/Nursing
Jacobus Consulting, Inc.

Comments

  • edited May 2016

    Congratulations!

    The Dark Side, huh...? (We have chocolate :) )

    NBrunson, RHIA,CDIP,CCDS

  • Congratulations!! I don't know about AHIMA being the dark side . I feel there's room for all of us the table. Maybe we should consider CDIP as the other side of a round table. King Arthur was onto something with the round table....
    Sandy Beatty
  • Congrats! I'm still in recovery mode after taking the CCS and the CCDS this spring. Maybe someday.....

    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 May 2016
    Congratulations are in order! Having both certifications makes us "dual certified"! (for triple certification, I haven't yet determined if the C-CDI is appropriate for me)

    Taking both certifications within about 6 months of each other, I can agree that there were theoretical questions; while they may seem to have little relation at first to actual practice, I have been able to use some of the principles as I build a program where there was none.

    Kindest Regards,

    Mark



    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Clinical Documentation Excellence
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695

    W: 202.660.6782
    F: 202.537.4477
    mdominesey@sibley.org

    http://www.sibley.org

  • edited May 2016
    Congratulations Renee :)

    Robert
     
    VA Core Values:  Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)
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    "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens
     
  • I am curious if the group has a consensus of opinion regarding the
    practical need for 'dual-certification' - CCDS AND CDIP?

    There are an 'awful lot' of apparently worthy credentials one can test
    for and hold that are seem to be relevant for anyone working in coding,
    compliance, and documentation integrity.

    My employer did not, and will not, pay me to test for any of the four
    credentials I have earned - nor will my employer pay me to keep my CE
    current for any of my credentials.

    My HR states the CCDS or CDIP is 'preferred', but not mandatory - my HR
    does not offer any bonus if one holds the CCDS or CDIP, but does require
    a BS in a related field, such as RN or RHIA. Having cited all of
    these factors, I have decided I have 'enough' credentials for the market
    place. It is $$ to keep current with any credential.

    It will be interesting to see how the advent of the new CDI credential
    now offered by AHIMA affects the market place?


    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS

    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
    evanspx@sutterhealth.org
  • edited May 2016
    I am with you Paul.

    I have my RN license plus the CPC and CCDS certification. With my job role some CEU's are mandatory for me thru the corporation. I do not receive 100% of CEU's needed this way. There is no assistance ($) offered in maintaining the certifications.

    I now feel qualified for the position (when I started did not feel this qualified) and do not feel inclined to pursue more certifications in the same lines. I started as a nurse, I had taken the AAPC coding class and was preparing to sit for the certification at the time of hire. That was the reason I was chosen - RN and some coding knowledge. Just through the years my knowledge base has greatly increased thru daily working.

    The coders are allotted 'education' time and all the CEU's they needed are obtained this way. They do have to pay the AHIMA fees themselves though.




    Charlene Thiry RN, BSN, CPC, CCDS
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Quality Resources
    Menorah Medical Center


  • I agree that as some point, we have to stop adding initials.

    In my case, the hospital does offer a small raise (&0.75/hr) for certain certifications (like CCRN and such). My Director had me write up a little blurb about the CCDS and went to the ed-department to ask if it qualified. They approved it. One of the reasons I was able to justify it is that the CCDS now qualifies to be submitted in application for Magnet status. We have not decided if we will pursue Magnet status or not, but it was just another little something I brought to the conversation that they liked. I feel like it added a little cred to my request.
    Anyways, because it was accepted by the ed dept, they paid for the exam and the small raise. I will be responsible for CEU's and such. Also, they do pay for my ACDIS membership (but not my co-workers).

    However, the CCS was all on me. I doubt I will pursue more credentials. Never say never though....

    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 May 2016

    Honestly it would be wonderful if credentials were not be required- it
    should be based on experience and knowledge. However, credentialing
    provides that initial basis that satisfies the experience and knowledge
    requirements- in most circumstances. It does indicate you have gone an
    extra inch or two beyond the necessary requirements.

    I'm in the same boat w/you Paul- no one helps me maintain my CEUs or
    certifications. Its ALL out - of- pocket for me. (I added it up a month
    ago and since January I have spent $1475 on CEUs.) No bonus is offered, or
    certification pay - really no incentive other than my own professional
    goals. And being an HIM professional it is more difficult to obtain those
    CEU's because some are only recognized by one governing body or the other.
    Thank goodness AHIMA and ACDIS are trying to work together by recognizing
    each other's CEUs.

    I suppose it is up to the individual and the professional climate where they
    work and live (And whether or not they can continue to fund these
    endeavors) as to how many letters they need behind their name.

    NBrunson, RHIA, CDIP, CCDS



  • Katy - please expand a bit on the advantage of achieving magnet status -
    perhaps I could employ this strategy with my HR department? They are
    very tight with our funds, and this makes it difficult to recruit
    qualified people. As I work in San Francisco, this places me at a
    disadvantage.

    Thanks..Paul

    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS

    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
    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • NBrunson - thanks - my only comment is that I do believe credentials
    should be a requirement for CDI activity - we can quibble about which is
    'best', but I do believe credentials of some type are a basic
    requirement in any profession - I would not even think about apply for
    a coding job w/o my coding credentials, for instance.







    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS



    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

    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • edited May 2016
    Paul,

    Do you think credentialing should be a requirement for hire OR a requirement within a span of time after hire?
    Currently there are not an over abundance of 'CCDS' specialists available for hire.




    Charlene Thiry RN, BSN, CPC, CCDS
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Quality Resources
    Menorah Medical Center



  • edited May 2016

    Magnet status? Really? Very interesting as our facility is "all about"
    this right now!

    NBrunson, RHIA, CDIP, CCDS

  • edited May 2016
    I agree with Paul. I believe credentials are important for a person seeking a CDI position. I do not necessarily feel that they have to be a CCDS or CDIP credential but some form of education RN or other HIM degree/credential.

    Dorie Douthit, RHIT,CCS

  • edited May 2016
    Hi Charlene,
    I know I'm not Paul, but thought I'd throw my answer in:). We have not found anyone already with the CCDs credential so make it a requirement to achieve this after the first year or two. We require nurses to have at least 5 years' experience in the inpatient setting and prefer a BSN; and for coding professionals RHIT, CCS, or RHIA. The coders are much harder to find than nurses.

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    Providence Health Center
    Case Management Dept
    254.751.4256
    srcole@phn-waco.org

  • Charlene: If we stated CCDS was a requirement at my site, I don't
    think we would be able to recruit - at least not currently. Despite
    the fact we have over 1,200 beds, we only have 3 authorized CDI
    positions, and that includes me.



    At the onset of the program, none of us held the CCDS credential, but
    now all of us hold the CCDS credential.





    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS



    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

    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • edited May 2016

    I will amend my comment w/an agreement that Credentials should be a
    prerequisite for obtaining a job a job w/in the profession. My point was
    sometimes additional credentialing becomes too much of the focus (and
    divisive) and knowledge/experience falls by the wayside.

    We require RHIA, RHIT, CCS, RN, LPN to acquire the position. At the time of
    interview we tell potential candidates a certification will be required in
    due time. Due time depending on their hiring credential and the
    requirements that need to be met to sit for an exam.

    - Norma




  • At this time, we are making the CCDS a requirement AFTER one year of
    employment. I imagine we now may make the same statement regarding
    the CDIP credential.



    As a supervisor, my quibble is making either a 'requirement', but NOT
    offering to pay the employee for the acquisition and maintenance - this
    does not seem fair, and I am losing this battle with management. (I am
    sure we help our MD staff immensely regarding credentials, and the CDI
    professionals deserve the same, as does any professional).







    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS



    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

    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • Norma - Thanks for the clarification...makes sense to me.



    Paul



    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS



    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

    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • edited May 2016
    In one post it was mentioned 1-2 years was given to obtain the certification.
    If you have a good clinical documentation specialist and for whatever reason does not get a certification, then what?

    This scenario probably has not happened - as I have observed, an individual either loves the job and goes all out or does not even like it and leaves within 1-2 years.

    And Paul, it sounds like your administrative support is thin, just like a lot of us.



    Charlene Thiry RN, BSN, CPC, CCDS
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Quality Resources



  • edited May 2016
    We have had 1 person absolutely hate it and leave, the others (myself included) are happy to take the exam and thus far everyone has passed. My VP has stated they will pay for the initial exam, but we are then responsible for obtaining CEUs. Some CEUs are offered by the facility through AHIMA/ACDIS teleconferences/webinars/ACDIS website. I have one employee who states she cannot afford to get the CEUs. But she has also not taken advantage of free CEUs offered by the above (and there have been 7-9). Said she forgot to go online to do the surveys. If she had made every effort to get the CEUs, and still couldn't afford the last few, not sure what management would have done to help out, but since she has taken little responsibility, I don't know how that will be perceived if she doesn't/isn't able to renew.

    Sharon Cole, RN, CCDS
    Providence Health Center
    Case Management Dept
    254.751.4256
    srcole@phn-waco.org

  • edited May 2016

    That depends on your HR Dept. Policies and Procs. I know w/Coding
    credentials (if required) if a candidate fails it can result in termination.

    NBrunson, RHIA,CDIP,CCDS

  • edited May 2016
    As CDI is still relatively new, most (all of us) started a CDI job without credentials, and both CCDS and CDIP require on the job experience as part of the qualification to sit for the exams.

    I also echo what Paul wrote that a credential is essential for the job, does not mean that someone cannot start a job without one, get trained and then get the credential, because in our field, that's the way it works.

    But the expectation that a CDI person have one or the other credential at 2 years is certainly appropriate.

    Mark

    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Clinical Documentation Excellence
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695

    W: 202.660.6782
    F: 202.537.4477
    mdominesey@sibley.org
    [cid:image001.gif@01CD47CF.783FEC70]
    http://www.sibley.org

  • edited May 2016
    To sit for the CDIP requires 2 years experience, So I suspect that most in a credential-to-be employed scenario will probably opt for the CCDS which requires 1 year experience.

    For those who are not already CDI credentialed, I envision setting up my own policy this way:


    · At hire: have at least an associates AND a credential of CCS, RN, RHIT, RHIA, LPN, RRT etc


    · At 1 year: have at least 10 demonstrable CEUs related to CDI, or have earned the CCDS,


    · At 2 years: have earned CCDS or CDIP.


    · If failed to get CDI certification at 2 years, then they get the “unadvertised grace period”, essentially a 6 month performance improvement plan, with a 3 month progress review. They are put on notice that at the end of that 6 months with no certification earned, they are terminated for cause.


    Some will not like it, but if the expectations are detailed at the beginning, then should have no problem with buy in and the generous 2 year certification path. We have to remember that other career fields have similar requirements, so an expectation to be certified is not out of the norm.

    Mark




    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Clinical Documentation Excellence
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695

    W: 202.660.6782
    F: 202.537.4477
    mdominesey@sibley.org
    [cid:image001.gif@01CD47D9.65282EE0]
    http://www.sibley.org


  • I have my CCDS. I am not planning on obtaining any other certification credentials. Certification is not mandated at this time.
    Debby Dallen,RN
    Clinical Documentation Coordinator
    Albert Einstein Medical Center
    Phila PA 19141

  • I certainly don't pretend to know a ton about magnet status. When I worked for Mass General several years ago we were working on getting Magnet Status but I was not involved in the process. What I do know is that it is recognition of hospitals who provide high level nursing care. There are many criteria the facility must meet in order to qualify and it often takes years to meet the qualifications. It is a well recognized designation, one that I am sure that your administrative staff are familiar with, even if you are not considering attempting to achieve Magnet status. The vast majority of the top rated hospitals in the nation hold Magnet Status.

    One of the criteria has to do with nursing holding specialized certificates. They only accept certain certificates for this portion. The CCDS was recently added and can be reported as part of this.

    Like I said, my hospital is not currently working toward Magnet status. However, the fact that it is accepted by Magnet I think gives the credential a little more weight. As we are discussing, there are a million credentialing options out there. The people I took this to have no clue about CDI or the CCDS so I think it made it more "legit" to them.

    This HcPRo link states that it is now included and has the link to the Magnet website.

    http://www.hcpro.com/acdis/certification.cfm



    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

  • Katy - excellent explanation - one more reason why earning the CCDS credential benefits the individual and facility.

    Much appreciated. Paul Evans, RHIA, CCDS, CCS, CCS-P

  • edited May 2016
    I did not receive a raise for achieving CCDS. I took the first one
    given. However, my facility was very happy to include it in RNs
    certified. We were awarded Magnet Status December 2011. Glad it helps.
    However, while my place will reimburse for the ACDIS conference, they
    will not reimburse for CEU's. Not sure what happens with the coders.
    I'll find out.
    Donna

    Donna Kent, RN, BSN, CCDS
    Manager, Clinical Documentation Integrity Program
    Clinical Quality and Accreditation
    Torrance Memorial Medical Center
    ph.:310 784-6884 fax:310 784-6899
    donna.kent@tmmc.com
  • Based upon the comments that I have read, I believe I am one of the lucky ones! My facility paid all my certification & recertification fees (currently at 5). They also paid for me to become an ICD-10 Trainer & Ambassador. They do not pay for CEU's - however, there are so many free ones out there (if you search) & the hospital offers many within house, that I have not had to pay for any thus far.

    My AHIMA & ACDIS membership dues are also paid - but only because I am a Manager & utilize these resources to educate others.

    The hospital will pay for the Coders to obtain certification, but they do not pay for recertification. They only pay recertification fees if you are Clinical (RN, Resp Therapy, PT, etc.). None of our Coders have CCDS or CDIP because they do not want the additional cost of recertifying, which is out of their own pocket.

    As far as requiring certifications, it is expected that new CDS will obtain certification (CCDS, CDIP, CCA, or CCS) within 2 years of hire date. Currently we have 7 CDS's, 5 of which have their CCDS (4 just recertified & one just took exam last week & passed). 2 CDS's are not yet eligible to sit for exams. I don't really have anything specific in place to address what happens if they do not obtain (& thankfully it hasn't happened).

    Sharon


    Sharon Cooper, RN-BC, CCS, CCDS, CDIP
    AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer

    Owensboro Medical Health System
    Manager Clinical Documentation & Appeals
    P.O. Box 20007
    Owensboro, KY 42304-0007
    (270) 688-1277 Office
    (270) 316-9088 Cell
    (270) 688-2737 Fax
    sharon.cooper@omhs.org

    TEAM = Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

  • I had not planned on taking the CDIP, but my supervisor requested that I take it, and my company paid for it.

    I've held the CCRN credential for 23 years, and I've always paid for my own recertifications and my own CEUs. Although I have become a master of finding free CEU sites. I get and maintain my certifications for my own personal satisfaction, not because anyone's required it. When I first earned the CCDS, I didn't even get a "congratulations" from my (then) boss. Ever.

    To echo what was said above, my previous hospital did take credit for the CCDS credential when they were recertifying their magnet status.

    Renee

    Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS, CDIP
    Senior Consultant, CDI/Nursing
    Jacobus Consulting, Inc.
  • I just passed CCDS, I'm about to take CCS. Is CCS or CCDS harder? what about compared to CDIP?
  • My opinion is that the CCDS and CDIP are both treated as a Clinical Documentation Improvment credential, so it is redundant to get both.  That's just my opinion so don't crucify me.  Plus, I am a RN and CDS so ACDIS is my choice of professional affiliation --I do not have an HIM background.  So for me, CCDS is the more appropriate certification for my primary role.  I do belong to AHIMA and do have a CCS from them because they offered it, but if ACDIS offered it I would have used them.   We require CCDS and a coding certification for our CDSs, when eligible to sit.  Any remote I hire must be a CCDS and sit for coding credential within a few months. All of our CDSs must be dual certified with the CCDS and a coding credential (CCS or CRC (preferred).   We have multiple CDSs who are triple certified as CCDS, CCS, and CRC.  That said, I'm done with credentials---I can tell you that.  Too expensive to maintain and complying with all the CE requirements is nutso.  Our hospital paid for the entire staff to take the 3 day CRC course (yaaay!) because we expanded to ambulatory CDI, but we were responsible for the certification.  We are given $500 a year for education, CE's, certification, etc., so most of the maintenance expense falls on us.  
  • Good points...I am curious to know if the CDIP is as ‘clinical’ as the CCDS?   Some say it is not, I have no idea.
  • This is a great discussion. for you above Paul- the CDIP in my mind had very little clinical components.  I would like to add that I think credentials are very important to demonstrate one's competence and scope of knowledge. But I agree that that doesn't mean everyone needs every credential. I sat for the CDIP more so out of curiosity to see what/how AHIMA defined a documentation improvement professional. And found after taking the exam that I felt it did not exactly meet the mark to evaluate a CDI professional's abilities. (But then I might be a bit biased!). that said I can see how this credential might be useful for someone who may not work in the role of CDI but is associated with that function. 

    I am a strong believer in the integrity of our credential and see the CCDS as one that demonstrates rigorous knowledge and experience in the profession of CDI. many candidates are disappointed that they must wait 2 years to sit for our exam but we must recognize that the prerequisite contributes to the value of the credential- it demonstrates the candidate is not just a good test taker but is competent and knowledgeable in the role with a scope of knowledge and experience. I try to stay away form exams that do not require any experience or pre-existing knowledge to obtain. 
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