Meet a Member: Using her knowledge to find a new take on patient care
Keri Miller, BSN, RN, CCDS, is the CDI lead at Navigant Consulting and a member of the Michigan ACDIS local chapter. She has been in the CDI field for four years.
ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI? Why did you get into this line of work?
Miller: I worked in inpatient oncology and then as a float nurse in acute care setting.
Four years ago, the CDI program at my facility was expanding and I saw a couple positions posted. I was curious as to what CDI was, so I started researching. I liked the idea of using my knowledge in a completely different way than I had while doing direct patient care.
After I shadowed a CDI specialist, I knew I wanted to be a part of this specialty. I was challenged to think differently and use my clinical knowledge more than ever. I knew CDI would make me a stronger nurse, and I could still help my organization by capturing the quality care the hospital was providing.
ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge?
Miller: It’s always a challenge staying on top of the new Coding Clinics and updates to the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Once you think you know what’s what in CDI, things change.
ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?
Miller: Professional growth. CDI has made me more confident in my clinical knowledge. I know the “why” of treatments and I have a greater understanding of the complications that can arise from an individual diagnosis.
Also, the friendships I’ve formed. I have made numerous friends through CDI, which really makes my job that much greater.
ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Miller: Since I started in CDI, the focus has shifted from payment, to quality. Clarifying complications, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, and validating diagnoses have become just as important as CC/MCC capture.
ACDIS: Can you mention a few of the “gold nuggets” of information you’ve received from colleagues on The Forum or through ACDIS?
Miller: Definitely the CCDS Exam Study Guide. Also, the white papers posted on the ACDIS site are a great resource. They’re a great way to see the landscape of the industry. Some of my favorites are:
- “How to conduct a medical record review”
- “CDI and the evolution from finance to quality”
- “Clinical validation and the role of the CDI professional”
ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Miller: The Guidelines and Coding Clinics are always the most important guides, but I think the CCDS Exam Study Guide is also a good resource for new CDI professionals. The book itself helps train one to think like a CDI specialist, then also gives access to a very helpful online practice test.
ACDIS: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Miller: Veterinarian. To combine my love of animals with my love of nursing would be a dream.
ACDIS: What was your first job?
Miller: My first job was as an administrative assistant for the local chief of police. It was through a co-op program at school and I definitely learned a lot as a 16-year-old.
ACDIS: Can you tell us about a few of your favorite things?
- Vacation spots: Australia and Toronto
- Hobby: Taxi driver for my kid
- Non-alcoholic beverage: Crème soda
- Foods: Gnocchi, ravioli—pretty much any pasta in tomato sauce
- Activities: Riding ATV, spending time at the family lake house
ACDIS: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI.
Miller: I have a nine-year-old son and a wonderful husband. Away from CDI, I spend my time supervising neighborhood football games, playing with our dog, and enjoying the company of family and friends.