ACDIS update: Resources for breaking into the CDI profession

You’ve been in nursing or coding for a long time now and you’re ready to take the next step in your career. After perusing the job openings one catches your eye: clinical documentation improvement specialist. The more you read, the more you get excited about your potential new role, but you’ve no idea how to break in.

This week, the ACDIS team assembled some resources to help you break into the CDI profession:

• Sign up for the ACDIS CDI Apprenticeship program: The apprenticeship program provides lessons the CDI foundations along with information about core compliance and ethical principles. At the conclusion of the program, candidates who pass the final exam receive a certificate proving their foundational training and are allowed to designate themselves as an ACDIS-Approved CDI Apprentice.
• Read tips about getting started on the ACDIS Blog: The ACDIS Blog content is free and open to both ACDIS members and non-members alike. ACDIS recommends you peruse the posts to get a snapshot of the CDI profession. In particular, read this article filled with tips from ACDIS members about getting into CDI for the first time.
• Read a free edition of the CDI Journal: The January/February 2018 edition of ACDIS’ bi-monthly members-only publication, the CDI Journal, is open to the public. The edition focuses on what’s to come in the CDI profession, but there’s also an article focused on getting up to speed in your new CDI role.
• Subscribe to ACDIS Radio: Every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. EST, ACDIS Director Brian Murphy interviews a CDI industry leader or someone with an innovative program or process. The show is free to both members and non-members and provides a great snapshot of the CDI world. You can also listen to all the previous episodes on the ACDIS website for free.
• Peruse ACDIS’ position papers: ACDIS’ position papers represent the association’s official stance on CDI concerns and offer industry guidance. The papers are free to access by members and non-members and will give newcomers a glimpse into CDI best practices.
• Join your ACDIS local chapter: There are more than 40 ACDIS local chapters and topic-based networking groups nationwide. For those looking to join the CDI ranks, a local chapter is a great way to connect with those who have gone before you and get answers to your tough questions. Each chapter’s page includes the contact information of the chapter’s leaders.