Meet a Member: 17 years later CDI and the same challenges face CDI professionals

Former ACDIS Advisory Board member Dee Banet, RN, MSN, CCDS, CDIP, director of CDI at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky, is also the founder and past president of the southern Indiana/Kentucky local ACDIS chapter. A 17-year veteran on the CDI field, she joined the ranks from a career in critical care bedside nursing.

CDI Journal: Why did you get into this line of work?

Banet: At the time no one knew what CDI was, so I was just eager to learn a new role that everyone seemed excited about. After 17 years the real question is why have I stayed in CDI? I have found CDI to be both rewarding and challenging.

CDI Journal: What has been your biggest challenge?

Banet: Engaging physicians to understand the effect of their documentation.

CDI Journal: What has been your biggest reward?

Banet: Educating others about the effect documentation can have on reimbursement and outcomes data.

CDI Journal: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Banet: For so many years, CDI was bound by the four walls of an acute care hospital. Today, the opportunity for growth seems limitless. The other big change is the relentlessness of the auditors. If we could only all get on the same page and just play fair.

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

Banet: I love to network and share challenges. It is often refreshing to hear others struggle with similar issues. I have had some good takeaways for physician engagement and team member accountability from networking through ACDIS.

CDI Journal: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDS?

Banet: How about three?

• Never stop learning!
• Stay positive!
• Be persistent!

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

Banet: This summer we were at the beach and there was some type of a large pipe sticking into the ocean. A guy was sitting there ensuring people obeyed the sign that said “keep off.” I asked him about it and his job. I think I would like that job of sitting on a beach day in and day out.

CDI Journal: What was your first job (what you did while in high school)?

Banet: Serving burgers in a fast food restaurant. I think it taught me hard work and created a strong work ethic in me.

A few of Banet’s favorite things:

• Vacation spots: Any beach
• Hobby: Boating and spending time at the lake
• Non-alcoholic beverage: Diet Dr. Pepper
• Foods: Carbs, carbs and more carbs. Mashed potatoes. Mac ‘n cheese and all that.
• Getting away: We have a house at the lake (Rough River, Kentucky) and love to spend time there hanging out with our four kiddos and two basset hounds. This is my happy place.