Meet a Member: CDI specialist loves to educate and teach best—whether it’s music or CDI

Jera Van Damme, BSN, RN, CCDS, is a senior clinical documentation educator at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota, a member of the Minnesota ACDIS Chapter, and a member of the ACDIS Forms & Tools Library Committee.

ACDIS Blog: How long have you been in the CDI field?
Van Damme: I have been working in CDI for almost four years. I started as a CDI specialist in October 2014. In April 2018, I was hired as the senior clinical documentation educator for our department.

ACDIS Blog: What did you do before entering CDI?
Van Damme: Before CDI, I worked as a registered nurse on a post-op cardiovascular surgery unit for four years. Prior to becoming a nurse, I was a professional music teacher. Educating is near and dear to my heart, so moving into the CDI educator role feels like a perfect fit.

ACDIS Blog: Why did you get into this line of work?
Van Damme: My mother-in-law is a manager of a coding department. She informed me of what CDI is and the potential for career growth in the field. She encouraged me to apply once the CDI position became available.

Also, I can’t lie, the schedule (straight days) was appealing. In 2014 when I started in CDI, I had a 12-month-old son and another child coming soon. Coordinating daycare and shift work was challenging.

ACDIS Blog: What has been your biggest challenge?
Van Damme: The biggest challenge so far was when our organization was restructuring. At the same time, we were transitioning our CDI/coding software. It was a “bumpy road” for a while, but now things seem better than ever.

ACDIS Blog: What has been your biggest reward?
Van Damme: I have really enjoyed researching topics and presenting for our Minnesota ACDIS Chapter and the Minnesota Health Information Management Association.

ACDIS Blog: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Van Damme: The biggest changes have been the transition to computer assisted coding software, a shift of focus to hierarchical condition categories (HCC)/risk adjustment/outpatient, and recently implementing a clinical validation process.

ACDIS Blog: Can you mention a few of the "gold nuggets" of information you've received from colleagues on the Forum or through ACDIS?
Van Damme: Be proficient at using the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and Tabular List. Be careful not to become too dependent on the logic of the encoder.

Also, the CDI Pocket Guide is one of my favorite resources.

ACDIS Blog: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Van Damme: There is a steep learning curve; stick with it. Seek opportunities to get involved and learn more.

ACDIS Blog: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Van Damme: I would love to be an archeologist.

ACDIS Blog: What was your first job?
Van Damme: My first paying job was being an extra is the movie Mighty Ducks 3. Shortly after, I was also an extra in Grumpier Old Men. Both movies were filmed in Minnesota.

ACDIS Blog: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI.
Van Damme: I have been married to my husband Zach for almost 10 years. We have two boys, Leo (age 4) and Emmett (age 2) and a Jack Russell Terrier named Scout. We have several local camping trips planned this summer, so I am looking forward to more family adventures!

ACDIS Blog: Can you tell us about a few of your favorite things?

• Vacation spots: The Badlands of South Dakota, Arches National Park in Utah, and Steamboat Springs in Colorado
• Hobby: Book club, cooking, concerts, playing violin in the Duluth Civic Orchestra
• Non-alcoholic beverage: My new favorite is a twist on the Arnold Palmer made with peppermint tea, lemonade, fresh berries, and fresh mint
• Foods: I love a variety of food—fresh, local, and organic, if possible
• Activities: Meditation, walking, kayaking, hiking, camping