CDI Answers Monthly NewsLetter

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, professionals are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve and demonstrate their expertise. Two prominent certifications currently in the field are the Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) and the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS). These acronyms may seem like just another pair of letters in the alphabet soup of healthcare credentials, but they carry significant distinctions and benefits for those who hold them. In this article, we'll dive into the details of CDIP and CCDS certifications, helping you understand the differences and which one might be right for you.

The Basics: What are CDIP and CCDS Certifications?

Before delving into the differences, let's get a grasp of what CDIP and CCDS certifications entail:

CDIP (Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner):

 The CDIP certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed for professionals who work in health information management, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and coding. CDIP holders are experts in medical coding, health information management, and clinical documentation practices.

CCDS (Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist):

 CCDS certification, on the other hand, is granted by the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS). This certification is primarily for healthcare professionals who specialize in clinical documentation improvement. CCDS-certified individuals focus on enhancing the accuracy and completeness of medical records.

Both CDIP and CCDS certifications can open doors to rewarding career opportunities and professional growth.

We have been working with HR departments nationally during our CDI placement process and we know the requirements they look for.  Currently the two nationally recognized certifications (CDIP and CCDS) are seen equally in the market,  and can be used in multitudes of CDI professional roles.

For example, CDIP professionals are well-equipped to pursue careers in health information management, coding, revenue cycle management, and data analytics. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings and are valuable assets to organizations seeking to optimize documentation practices.

On the other hand, CCDS-certified specialists are highly sought after for their expertise in clinical documentation. They are often employed in roles such as Clinical Documentation Specialist, CDI Manager, or CDI Program Director. CCDS certification can lead to leadership positions in CDI programs and greater influence in clinical care settings.

CCDS Certification Details - ACDIS

• Passing Score:** 88 correct out of 120 scored questions.
• Approximately 77% of first-time examinees pass the CCDS.
• Requirements include documentation specialist experience, which may be audited for verification.
• Candidates must have at least two years of experience as a documentation specialist, and this experience does not expire.

Learn more about the certification process through ACDIS' website.

CDIP Certification Details - AHIMA

• CDIP holders demonstrate expertise in clinical documentation within patient health records.
• Highly regarded as role models within the health information community.
• Eligibility requirements for the CDIP examination:
• Hold an associate’s degree or higher; or
• Hold a CCS®, CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential.
• RHIA represents a management position, while RHIT is a technical position.
• RHIAs focus on analytics, health record security, privacy, HIPAA compliance, and data governance.

For more information please view Ahima's website for more details.

Additional Healthcare Acronyms Clarified

• CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) & CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-Based):**
•  CCS: Specialists in coding for hospital services.
•  CCS-P: Coding professionals in physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers.
•  CCS-P certification assesses mastery-level proficiency in coding beyond the hospital setting.

Breaking down the CDI Acronym Barrier… one string of letters at a time.

One of the questions we receive regarding starting a CDI Career is: How do I know where to start? Do I get the CDIP or the CCDS Certification? What is RHIT vs. RHIA? Is a CCS the same as a coder? It can become overwhelming very fast for anyone trying to start a career within the CDI (Clinical Documentation Improvement) industry. Our goal with this article is to simplify and clarify popular CDI Acronyms, providing a clearer view of the path you may pursue! Starting with the differences between the CCDS and the CDIP certification.

**We'd like to clarify that there was a recent acquisition by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). On October 3, 2023, AHIMA successfully acquired HCPro and its affiliated brands from Simplify Compliance. This strategic move is in line with AHIMA's mission to create a world where trusted information transforms health and healthcare through the connection of people, systems, and ideas. As of October 5th, 2023 the information in this article is up to date. We will post an updated article when new information is released regarding the process, and any further changes.

*Please note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available as of October 2023, and certification requirements may have changed since then. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the respective certification organizations' official websites.*

As a longstanding advocate and industry expert in Clinical Documentation Integrity, our team at CDI Answers believes in an all encompassing approach to CDI education. Our strength comes from knowing that CDI is an important cornerstone of healthcare, ensuring that patient records accurately reflect the care provided and supports optimal patient and hospital outcomes. We recognize that a fantastic CDI professional requires a unique blend of clinical knowledge, coding expertise, critical thinking skills- and the tools to use this knowledge.

Over the last year we have been creating and expanding our CDI Academy.

Our goal in creating CDI Academy was to create a learning platform that would create and foster career and learning opportunities within the CDI online space. CDI Academy is intended to be used to create a transformative learning experience that equips you with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry. Take a look at what makes our CDI Academy exceptional:

1. Expert-Led Training: At the heart of CDI Academy's success is our commitment to providing top-tier education. Our courses are led by industry experts with extensive experience in CDI, ensuring that our candidates receive the most up-to-date and relevant training.

2. Practical Real-Time Experiences: CDI is a hands-on profession, and our training reflects that reality. Students are paired up during live courses, assigned cases to review, and collaborate using state-of-the-art encoding software. This practical approach prepares them for the complexities of the CDI profession.

3. Community Engagement: Our CDI community space is a virtual platform designed to foster collaboration, networking, and learning among students of clinical documentation integrity practices. It serves as a centralized hub for course discussions, resource sharing, and engagement with peers and instructors.

4. Job Placement Success: One of our proudest achievements is the successful placement of our graduates in permanent CDI positions across the country. Institutions such as Ascension Healthcare, UCLA, and Advent Health have recognized the value our graduates bring to the field.

5. Ongoing Education: CDI Academy is not just a training program; it's a lifelong learning partner. Graduates enjoy one year of access to our online portal, providing additional courses for continuing education at no additional cost. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that our alumni stay at the forefront of their profession.

6. A Glimpse into CDI Academy Courses: Our courses cover a wide range of topics, including ICD-10-CM/PCS Conventions, Guidelines, and Official Advice, MS-DRG Fundamentals, Clinical and Coding Critical Thinking Skills, Provider Engagement Principles, and more. Graduates emerge from CDI Academy equipped to navigate the complex world of CDI with confidence.

7. Strong Industry Network: CDI Academy fosters connections with renowned healthcare professionals, creating a vast network of CDI specialists. This network provides invaluable support and mentorship opportunities for our graduates.

8. Navigating the Future: As the healthcare landscape evolves, so does the role of CDI. CDI Academy stays ahead of the curve by regularly updating course content based on changing industry practices and updated coding guidelines.

The journey through CDI Academy is an immersive experience that transforms individuals into competent and confident CDI professionals. Whether you're starting from scratch or seeking to enhance your existing CDI knowledge, CDI Academy is your pathway to success. From expert-led training to ongoing support and a thriving community, we provide a comprehensive foundation for a fulfilling career in Clinical Documentation Integrity.

Prepare to embark on a transformative journey with CDI Academy, where excellence is nurtured, knowledge is shared, and the future of healthcare documentation integrity is in your hands. Register today and take your first step toward a rewarding CDI career. Your future in healthcare awaits!