Tip: Take seven steps to maintain CDI program success

In thinking about all the initiatives swirling around the industry, I realize that CDI specialists can become quite confused as they attempt to juggle the increased workload. Core measures, present on admission, patient safety indicators, hospital acquired conditions, and quality improvement are some of the initiatives that, while necessary, are nonetheless time intensive. Even with the added tasks, it is imperative to remember that the goal is a complete and consistent record that precisely reflects the patient encounter.

 

So, how does the CDI specialist handle everything? With apologies to Stephen Covey, here is my take on seven strategies to help you balance the work day and maintain maxim productivity.

 

1.      Abide by ethical standards outlined in ACDIS and AHIMA guidances.

2.      Engage providers and develop those congruent relationships.

3.      Organize your daily workflow.

4.      Renew your chart review processes.

5.      Balance query requirements against query fatigue.

6.      Keep queries simple and succinct.

7.      Stay current.

 

Editor’s Note: Newhauser is a CDI consultant with MedPartners HIM. This article originally published on the ACDIS Blog.