Local chapter update: Foster professional growth through CCDS study groups, CEU offerings

The Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) credential is a mark of distinction and an important step in a CDI specialist’s maturation. Local chapters can help foster their members’ professional growth as they pursue certification in a number of ways.

To help chapter members gain their CCDS credentials for the first time, some chapter leaders have organized exam study groups using a copy of the CCDS Exam Study Guide. The leader can split the Study Guide up into “lessons” and then hold classes via conference call. Try holding one call on a weekday evening and one on a Saturday or Sunday morning to ensure everyone who wants to attend can do so.

The chapter members who attend the exam prep lessons would be responsible for reviewing the materials outside of the meetings. Then, during the meeting, the group can discuss what they read and talk through any questions as they arise.

This model will take some of the pressure off the chapter leader as the sessions will be discussion-based and collaborative rather than lecture-based. Think of it like going to the gym with a friend.

To serve chapter members who have already gained their certifications, chapter leaders can also apply to offer CCDS continuing education units (CEUs) at their educational events free of charge.

The CEU application and supporting materials need to be submitted to CCDS Coordinator Penny Richards (prichards@acdis.org) at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled meeting. Click here to download the application.

The following is a list of upcoming events for ACDIS local chapters. If you have an upcoming event you would like to include, please email Melissa Varnavas (mvarnavas@acdis.org) and Linnea Archibald (larchibald@acdis.org).

October:

• The Maryland ACDIS chapter meets Friday, October 19, 12-2 p.m., at the Maryland Hospital Association in Elkridge. For information, contact Candace Blankenship (cblanke4@jhmi.edu).
• The California ACDIS chapter meets for their fourth annual conference on Friday, October 19, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the San Diego Liberty Station Conference Center. Click here to download the save-the-date flyer. Note this event is at registration capacity. For information, contact Rani Stoddard (stoddarddrv@henrymayo.com).
• The Oregon ACDIS chapter meets Friday, October 19, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Center, conference rooms A & B, in Bend. Click here to download the chapter newsletter, which includes the details of the event and registration form. For information, contact Linda Dawson (linda.dawson@providence.org).
• Missouri's three ACDIS chapters meet Saturday, October 20, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the third annual Show Me State conference at SSM DePaul in St. Louis. Click here to register. For information, contact Mariann Dinello (mariann.dinello@ssmhealth.com).
• The CDI Educator ACDIS networking group meets Wednesday, October 24, 3-4 p.m. eastern. Click here to download the save-the-date. For information, contact M.E. VanGelder (me.vangelder@honorhealth.com).
• The Alabama ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, October 26, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Brookwood Baptist Health-Shelby in Alabaster. For information, contact Jeff Morris (jwmorris@health.southalabama.edu), Lauren Shivers (lauren.shivers@childrensal.org), and Marquetta Barron (mothompson@uabmc.edu).

November:

• The Philadelphia/New Jersey/Delaware ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, November 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cooper University Hospital, Room P1014 (main hospital), in Camden, New Jersey. To register, click here. For information, contact Gina Stewart (gstewart@e4-services.com).
• The Central New York ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, November 9, 2-4 p.m., in the Coyne Conference Room at Pomeroy College of Nursing in Syracuse. Please RSVP by November 6. Click here to download the flyer. For information, contact Pamela Shapely (pamela.shapely@ascension.org), Bobbie Massena (massenab@upstate.edu), or Dawn Burr (dawnburr@crouse.org).
• The New Orleans ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, November 14, 4-5 p.m., at Semolina’s Restaurant in Clearview. For information, contact Judith Dowling (Judith.dowling@ochsner.org).
• The North Carolina ACDIS chapter meets Friday, November 16, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., at East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU in Greenville. Click here to register. For information, contact the chapter leadership team (ncacdis@gmail.com).

December:

• The Suffolk County Long Island ACDIS chapter meets Monday, December 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook. For information, contact the chapter leadership team (scacdis@gmail.com).
• The Maryland ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, December 7, 12-2 p.m., at the Maryland Hospital Association in Elkridge. For information, contact Candace Blankenship (cblanke4@jhmi.edu).

Save-the-date:

• Missouri's three ACDIS chapters already have their 2019 event scheduled for  Saturday, October 19, 2019, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the fourth annual Show Me State Conference at Boone Hospital in Columbia. Click here to download the save-the-date. More information to follow. For information, contact Karen Elmore (kelmore@bjc.org).