Meet a member: Don’t ever stop exploring

Vaughn Matacale, MD, CCDS, is the director of the clinical documentation advisor program at ECU Health and a current member of the ACDIS Advisory Board.

ACDIS: How long have you been in the CDI field?  

Matacale: I began learning about DRG management, CDI, and coding in 2008, and took a full-time role in 2013.

ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI?

Matacale: I was a practicing hospitalist and associate medical director at our flagship, and later I was a medical director for one of our regional programs.

ACDIS: Why did you get into this line of work? 

Matacale: A number of events and factors brought me to a full-time career in CDI and physician advisor work. I became interested because of some denials on my cases, it made me curious about the process. I had the opportunity to receive education about coding and CDI and I took it. I worked part time in the field and really enjoyed the subject matter. After several years as a medical director and working clinical medicine, I was getting a little burned out. I had children enter into the equation at that time as well. I didn’t see them much because of the pulls of my position and work responsibilities. Out of the blue, I was offered a full-time role in 2013. My interests in the field and a need for change spurred me to make the jump. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I have never had any regrets. I love the CDI profession.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge? 

Matacale: Until recently, engagement has always been the biggest challenge. Whenever we approached a department about CDI work, they turned off the lights, closed the door, locked it, barred it, and hid under the desk. Times have changed and over the years we’ve built a reputation as being a useful resource and have a rapport with the medical staff, as well as the administrative areas of our system.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?

Matacale: Program growth has always been the thing that has excited me the most. Being given “the green light” to add staff, resources, and programs has been the best reward in my book.

ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?

Matacale: Other than the shift in attitude toward the CDI profession from medical staff (a more engaged and interested environment), the breadth of topics that CDI is involved in has been the most notable change for me. All things impacted by documentation and accurate administrative data have now been embraced as items CDI plays a role in. 

ACDIS: Can you mention a few of the “gold nuggets” of information you’ve received from colleagues on The Forum or through ACDIS?

Matacale: I would have to say applied knowledge has been the biggest gold nugget for me. Learning the rules or systems that CDI impacts is the easy part. Applying a novel idea on how to leverage resources and make improvements in a certain area is always gold. The personal stories and journeys CDI professionals have shared are always inspiring. We don’t all have to reinvent the wheel, there are folks throughout the CDI community all contributing to our field’s growth by sharing their approaches and ideas. All of these are gold nuggets to me.

ACDIS: If you have attended, how many ACDIS conferences have you been to? What are your favorite memories?

Matacale: I’ve been to all of the national conferences (including virtual) since my first one in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013. I’ve been to some state ACDIS conferences, and the Outpatient Symposium as well. My favorite memories over the years are the connections with peers and professionals from all over the country at the conference. I’ve made so many friends through ACDIS and make more each year.

ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?

Matacale: Maintain a hunger for knowledge and learning and continue to grow. Don’t ever stop exploring.

ACDIS: If you could have any other job, what would it be? 

Matacale: I would be a farmer. I love working with my hands, being outdoors, and growing things. A good day of manual labor feels great and is so rewarding, it always brings peace of mind for me.

ACDIS: What was your first job? 

Matacale: I worked maintenance in a dairy plant every summer starting at age 13. It was hard work, but an invaluable experience.

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

• Vacation spots: Anywhere in the woods; fresh air and sounds of nature…
• Hobby: Gardening and rare beer collecting
• Non-alcoholic beverage: Fresca!
• Foods: Anything Italian
• Activity: Camping and gardening

ACDIS: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI.

Matacale: I have a wife and three children; a boy (16), a girl (14), and another boy (12). We travel together, sometimes on short trips and sometimes long ones. We also do scouting as a family with lots of outdoor activities and community service. We want to give our children as many good memories and exciting adventures as we can before they’re off becoming adults.

ACDIS: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Matacale: My career in CDI has given me personal and professional satisfaction that I didn’t think was possible. I love my work and have passion for our profession, and I enjoy every moment of it. It also has allowed me to have the flexibility to maximize my family time and personal life as well. I can’t wait to see what the upcoming years will bring.