By Brian Murphy

You’ve probably heard the mantra that, in order to grow personally and professionally, you need to “continually improve.” This is often accompanied by the advice, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” These pat aphorisms are often presented as memes on LinkedIn or other social media sites, and generate several “likes” and comments of encouragement.

I often read these, and nod my head in agreement. But are they actually true?

ACDIS is currently seeking speakers to present at the 2018 ACDIS Symposium: Outpatient CDI, to be held November 8-9 in Orlando, Florida. Click here to view and complete the speaker application.

Q: If the patient comes in with a high blood alcohol level and the provider documents that number in their note, do they also need to specifically write “patient with intoxication?”

EHR records may not be able to accurately determine case mix, according to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care, Revenue Cycle Advisor reported.

As of January 14, Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health, both based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, merged medical records.

“I was truly speechless for the first time in my life,” said 2017 CDI Professional of the Year winner Rita Fields, BSN, RN, CCDS. “I couldn’t believe that I was going to be receiving this wonderful honor. Every time I tried to speak, it came out as a squeak from trying to hold back the tears. It took me several days to really comprehend the magnitude of the news.”

For years, providers have complained that federal statutes known as the Stark laws have impeded their ability to improve the quality and efficiency of their healthcare delivery, according to HealthLeaders Media.

The deadline for submitting your ACDIS Local Chapter Agreement Form has officially past. The agreement forms must be signed by three volunteers from three different organizations annually by January 31.

CDI programs are under pressure to ensure documentation supports medical necessity and accurately captures each patient’s clinical picture.