Conference corner: Q&A with the 2024 5K giveaway winner—plus, how to enter this year
Each year, the ACDIS conference hosts a giveaway: One lucky attendee is randomly selected to win $5,000 in ACDIS educational resources for their organization’s CDI education, development, and growth. All conference attendees are automatically entered to win, and the recipient is announced at the Presentation of the ACDIS Achievement Awards session.
As we gear up for this year’s conference, we took an opportunity to catch up with last year’s winner, Deanna Allen, MHA, CHC, CHPC, RHIA, compliance, privacy, and security officer and HIM director at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming. Read on to hear about her experience at the 2024 ACDIS conference as well as how she and her team made the most of the giveaway.
ACDIS: What was your 2024 ACDIS Conference experience like overall, and what were a few of your favorite aspects of the conference?
Allen: My 2024 ACDIS Conference experience was truly inspiring and enriching! The event was filled with valuable learning opportunities, engaging discussions, and incredible networking moments. One of the most impactful aspects was the chance to connect with passionate professionals who are driving innovation in CDI. The keynote speakers were especially motivating, offering fresh perspectives and practical strategies that I can bring back to my work. I also loved the breakout sessions, which provided deep dives into key topics and fostered meaningful collaboration. This experience left me feeling more knowledgeable, connected, and excited for the future of CDI.
ACDIS: How was it hearing your name and organization announced as the winner of the 5K giveaway at the 2024 ACDIS Conference?
Allen: Hearing my name announced as the winner of the 5K giveaway at the 2024 ACDIS Conference was an absolutely thrilling and unforgettable moment! The excitement in the room was contagious, and it felt incredible to be recognized in such a big way. Winning this giveaway not only added to the joy of the conference but also reinforced the sense of community and support that ACDIS fosters. It was an amazing surprise that made an already fantastic event even more special.
ACDIS: What was the process like to redeem the 5K giveaway and determine which ACDIS resources best fit your team’s and organization’s needs?
Allen: Redeeming the 5K giveaway and selecting the best ACDIS resources for my team and organization was a very simple process. The ACDIS team took time to walk me through the available products and helped me make the selections. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the vast array of educational tools, training programs, and CDI resources available. The experience allowed me to assess our team’s specific needs and strategically invest in educational resources that would have the greatest impact on our growth and success. ACDIS provided excellent guidance throughout the process, making it seamless and ensuring we maximized the value of this incredible opportunity. It was truly a game changer for expanding our CDI knowledge and strengthening our team’s expertise!
ACDIS: What ACDIS educational products or resources did you redeem the giveaway for?
Allen: We were thrilled to use the 5K giveaway to invest in valuable ACDIS educational resources that will strengthen our team’s expertise! We selected the Clinical Documentation Integrity Boot Camp® Online for our coders to enhance their CDI knowledge and ensure accurate, comprehensive documentation. Additionally, we chose the CDI and Quality Care Measures Boot Camp Online for our quality department to deepen their understanding of CDI’s impact on quality metrics and patient outcomes. These resources are an incredible opportunity to support professional growth, improve collaboration, and elevate our organization’s CDI and quality initiatives.
ACDIS: How has attending the ACDIS conference and winning the 5K giveaway impacted you, your team, or your organization?
Allen: Attending the ACDIS Conference and winning the 5K giveaway had an incredible impact on our small rural hospital, which has a very young CDI program.
The immediate impacts included gaining fresh insights and best practices that we could start applying right away. The networking opportunities allowed me to connect with experienced CDI professionals, giving us valuable guidance and support as we continue to build and strengthen our program. Winning the 5K giveaway was a tremendous boost, enabling us to invest in high-quality ACDIS education that we might not have otherwise had access to.
The long-term impact will be even more significant. The Clinical Documentation Integrity Boot Camp Online has prepared our coders with the knowledge to improve documentation accuracy, while the CDI and Quality Care Measures Boot Camp is helping our quality department better align CDI efforts with quality initiatives. These trainings have enhanced our team’s confidence and expertise, ultimately leading to improved documentation, better patient care, and stronger financial and regulatory outcomes for our hospital. As a growing CDI program in a small rural setting, this experience has been a game changer, setting us on a path for sustainable success and continued professional development.
Editor’s note: Who will be the winner of this year’s 5K giveaway? Join us at the 2025 ACDIS conference in Orlando, Florida, on May 4–7 to find out—It could be you! Click here to register and you’ll automatically be entered into the drawing!