Note from the ACDIS Editor: Join the Regulatory Committee and be a CDI advocate in public policy

by Jess Fluegel

CDI work never gets comfortable. While my work as an editor only gives me second-hand knowledge on all this profession requires, I’ve quickly become aware of this truth, and even experienced it in my own work. Just when I felt I had a basic understanding of record reviewing, querying, and engaging providers, I was asked to join as coordinator for something called the ACDIS Regulatory Committee. My very first question: “Is this the CDI police?”

No, as I’m sure most of you could have told me, the Regulatory Committee isn’t the regulation police! In fact, its members have been some of the CDI profession’s biggest advocates with participation in and promotion of needed changes in ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, severity levels, and DRG reassignments. And now, starting today, you have the chance to apply to be a part of this committee’s important work.

In the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with this group of CDI professionals and learning all about the expertise and guidance they provide the CDI profession in the sphere of government regulation and public policy.

Along with promoting better coding and clinical accuracy within the commentary period of the CMS IPPS rule-making process, the Regulatory Committee has provided guidance to ACDIS membership with background statements and papers regarding regulatory initiatives that impact CDI strategies and operations. These are posted on the Regulatory Committee Insight page of the ACDIS website for our membership to access, such as the overview on electronic clinical quality measures (eCQM) updates published in February of this year.

But behind these impactful contributions are diligent work and collaboration, requiring the combined efforts of committee members from a multitude of backgrounds and expertise. With three focus groups making up the committee that address the IPPS, coding, and quality regulations and policies, we are in search of CDI professionals with experience as providers, HIM professionals, coders, and nurses alike to advocate for changes that better promote CDI efforts. For a more detailed description of the committee and subcommittee responsibilities, read the Regulatory Committee Scope of Work here.

If you are interested in joining the Regulatory Committee and making a difference at the national level for CDI work, applications are open from now until Friday, June 30! You can apply here with your bio, resume, and thoughtful answers to the following questions:

• Why do you want to serve on the Regulatory Committee?
• What three regulatory issues would you like to see the Regulatory Committee tackle in the coming year?

After applications close, the ACDIS national team and current Regulatory Committee members will review all submissions and inform applicants of their decision by the end of July.

Change is never comfortable, but it’s the most guaranteed method for growth. I have greatly enjoyed working with our current committee members and supporting their efforts, and I look forward to adding to our numbers in future months as we strive to advocate for CDI work in current and future regulatory processes. Please reach out to me if you have any questions!

Note: Applications for the Events Committee, Furthering Education Committee, and Diversity and Inclusion Committee will open on Thursday, June 1 and close with Regulatory Committee applications on Friday, June 30.

Editor’s note: Fluegel is an editor for ACDIS. Contact her at jfluegel@acdis.org. Click here to apply for an ACDIS Regulatory Committee volunteer position (or by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X9838HV).