Conference Update: Speaker Q&A

As we head in to the final few weeks before the conference begins, we’re continuing to preview some of our speakers, to help you get a feel for the sessions we’ll be offering and put the final touches on your itinerary. This week, we spoke with Karen Chase, RNC, BSN, CCDS, assistant CDI director at Stony Brook Medicine, who will present “Revitalizing a CDI Program for Physician Engagement.”

Q: Why is physician engagement so critical for CDI programs?

A: Physician engagement is important on so many different levels. Whether you’re a new CDI program, or an established one, my session will cover a variety of techniques. I’ll go over how to build a platform to help achieve buy-in from administration, as well as how to engage the physicians in your program. I’ll also be looking at how to monitor and showcase a program’s progress, and keep administration aware of its achievements. This lecture can also help established programs that might feel stagnant in their current mission and vision. I’ll be talking about the need to go beyond traditional CC/MCC capture, and engage physicians to improve both revenue and quality metrics.

Q: How is your topic important for everyone in the CDI role, regardless of professional background?

A: This session applies to just about everyone. I will address some of the key issues that can lead to a successful implementation of new CDI program, or revitalize an old program.

Q: As an RN, how does your perspective differ from other professionals performing the CDI role?

A: As a nurse, I have clinical expertise to support the analysis of the medical record. This allows me to draw from my nursing background to help predict the diagnoses being treated, so I can help the medical team to support them in the chart. I also have a strong quality and data background, which allows me to have a good grasp on how administrative data affects the perceived quality outcomes, and what can be done to change it.

Q: What do you think is the most important quality for a CDI professional to have?

A: The ability to work independently. They should be detail-oriented, while understanding the big picture. Most importantly, they should be comfortable with change and be able to adapt to any situation.

Q: Why do you think attending the ACDIS conference is important?

A: I think that attending the ACDIS conference is very important. Along with networking, it gives CDI specialists a chance to establish best practices for the profession. I am looking forward to networking with professionals all over the nation, and incorporating some of their ideas and practices in to mine.