ACDIS update: Recertifying your CCDS credential? Review this critical information!

Do you hold a Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) credential, but it needs to be renewed?

The recertification process for the CCDS ensures that CDI professionals stay abreast of changing government and private-payer regulations, documentation and coding requirements, and important developments in the field of CDI.

Here’s some of the most critical information regarding your CCDS recertification:

• When do I need to recertify? Individuals who hold the CCDS must apply for recertification every two years. It is due on the anniversary of the date on which they passed the CCDS exam. That date is printed on the individual’s certificate and can also be looked up via our online credential holder database. Recertification applications may be submitted no more than 60 days before the due date. Although ACDIS strongly recommends submitting 30 CEUs by the two-year exam anniversary date, CCDS certification holders are extended a 45-day grace period to submit their CEUs.
• What if I submit my recertification late? Effective July 1, 2016, ACDIS instituted a policy and penalty fee for late CCDS recertification. A successful recertification application is one that includes the completed recertification application, proof of continuing education credits (copies of all CEU certificates), and accepted payment, plus a $150 late fee.
• Where and what do I need to recertify? CCDS certification holders must recertify online, supplying proof of having earned 30 CEUs relevant to the CDI field since their last recertification date (or the date they passed the exam, if it is their first recertification cycle). Click here to learn some of the ways to achieve 30 CEUs.
• What fees are involved? ACDIS members pay a $125 recertification fee when submitting their CCDS Recertification Application. The fee for non-ACDIS members is $225. Please note that if you log into the certification site with your ACDIS membership credentials, your discount will automatically be applied during checkout.

For more information, visit our ACDIS recertification page here.

Still looking for answers? Please email questions to the Certification Office (certifications@hcpro.com).