Hi Debbie I took the exam on 6/15/17 and passed on the first try. My background is bedside CCU nursing and have only worked in CDI for 3 years. I obtained the CCDS study book and started with the practice exam first-this helped me identify areas of need within my own practice.
I utilized my results to study from the CCDS exam book-so I got the most out of my study time. I then also took time to review ICD-10 Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. I implemented using a DRG Expert book during concurrent reviews since my facility utilizes a 3rd party software vendor in the generation of DRGs/PDxs, etc. Though the CCDS study book does provide some official coding guidelines, I wanted to be sure given Coding Clinic changes that influence DRG selection now. Since the Coding Clinics are coming out quarterly, the exam isn't modified quarterly, I just wanted to be sure I was up to date in my practice. I also recommend really studying how to evaluate an effective CDI team-reading reports from your facility to see if you can pick up on trends (i.e. The Cardiothoracic department had 2 surgeons on vacation this month so there was a dip in the surgical CMI) and also evaluating Provider engagement.
This definitely helps when it comes time to take the exam. Best of luck!
I also recently took and passed the CCDS certification examination. I prepared in a manner very similar to Courtney: I purchased the CCDS Study Guide, took the practice examination first to identify areas where I needed more focused studying, and went from there. I also reviewed the Official Coding Guidelines especially sequencing rules and definitions for principal and secondary dx. The CDI Handbook was also helpful.
Like Courtney stated, spending time studying various reports and methods of evaluating CDI impact is critical. Familiarize yourself with CMI, HACs, PSIs, VBP, and PEPPER reports. I felt the exam was true to the objectives in the exam candidate handbook, so definitely review the handbook to guide your studies. Best of luck to you!! Jackie touch.
The Study guide is a great place to start, Fran Jurcak did a great job in writing that reference. Statspin vt manual. Assure you are comfortable with the DRG Expert as a resource. I also suggest candidates read resources such as ACDIS white papers, Official Guidelines for Coding & Reporting, AHIMA/ACDIS Query practice Brief etc. Also I hear many candidates find questions related to analytics, CDI Metrics, PEPPER, Quality monitors difficult. If these are areas for which you are not exposed to on a regular basis- I suggest you seek out a mentor who does work with this to identify how metrics are interpreted and used to evaluate program success and needed areas of growth. Lastly, if you come from the clinical side and your experience was very narrow to a specific area- for example cardiovascular- take some time to review areas in which you may not feel as secure- for example neuro or GI. Or if you come from an HIM background take time to consider those areas clinically in which you have the least experience in record review and add them to your study plan.
We also have a CCDS Prep Bootcamp which many have found helpful. Review techniques for test taking as well. Read the entire question thoroughly, think what your answer would be, then look at the multiple choice suggestions. Don't over analyze the question with 'what ifs' take it face value. Then relax, sleep well, eat a good breakfast- just like your mom always told you- arrive early and take a deep breath.' You've Got This'.
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CCDS Exam Study Guide by Penny Richards As the coordinator for the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) exam program, lots of folks ask me for CCDS exam prep tips. But I’m not a CDI professional—I don’t even play one on television—so I asked our CDI Education Director and Boot Camp instructor, Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN, CCDS, CDIP, CRC, for her expert advice. “Some of getting ready for the exam is mental,” she told me. “If you’ve been working as a clinical documentation specialist for the minimum two years required to sit for the exam, and you understand the role, you likely have the skills you need to pass.” Prescott also provided me with a list of great tips that I thought I’d share with you:. Use the, which comes with an online practice test. If you are an ACDIS member, take advantage of the great information on the website and the to talk to other members about their preparation and exam experiences. Read the to help you understand compliant query practices.
You must know how to use the DRG Expert. If you are encoder dependent and don’t know how to use the book, you’re going to have a difficult time. Find someone who can show you how to use the book, perhaps a member of your CDI or coding department.
It’s not easily self-taught. Read the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and be aware of the importance of the AHA’s Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS. I am always amazed by the number of people working in CDI who have never picked up a coding book or read coding guidelines. Understand sequencing rules. Sokkia service manual.
Assist in the completion of all necessary paperwork to re-house inmates in Administrative Segregation. Complete Crime/Incident Reports CDC 837-C, Rules Violation Report (CDCR 115), and custodial or informational chronos (CDC-128) when necessary. Correctional councelor study guide california. Processed evidence and ran crime scenes for MCSP as necessary. Attended Institutional Classification Committees weekly to assist the Facility Captain and Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU) Counselors by ensuring all necessary reports are completed in a timely manner. Conducted file reviews to assist in the completion of Inmate Segregation Profiles as well as Confidential Memorandums.
A would be helpful if you have the time and resources. Think about how you perform the role of CDI, how you review a record, and prioritize patient care. Metrics and analytics measure department success and some CDI specialists may not be familiar with this aspect of the program. Sit with your manager and ask him or her how to develop and interpret the data. Learn how to define and calculate the case mix index. Know what a query response rate is.
Think about areas you may not have a lot of experience in, such as a specific clinical subject, procedures, etc., and study up on this area. Remember, this exam tests the overall function of CDI practice, meaning it may cover information not currently pertinent to your role due to the limitations of your facility. Finally, while it’s important to study and prepare, don’t try to do it all the night before. Eat a good dinner and get a solid night of sleep.
Thank you, Laurie, for providing these tips! For more information on CCDS certification, Entry Information.
The Ccds Exam Study Guide, Third Edition
CCDS Exam Prep Class (BLR) Course Overview The CCDS Exam Prep Class prepares you to take the CCDS exam and advance in your professional career. By equipping you with test-taking skills and CDI knowledge, the class will allow you to tackle the exam with confidence.