Conference Conversations: Morris ventures into CDI for OB/GYN

Editor’s Note: Over the coming weeks, we’ll take some time to introduce members to a few of this year’s ACDIS conference speakers. The conference takes place May 9-12, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today, we talked with Jeff Morris, RN, BSN, CCDS, the supervisor of clinical documentation improvement (CDI) at University of South Alabama Health System in Mobile, Alabama, who is presenting “CDI in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Roadmap to Program Development and Success.” Morris has 20 years of nursing experience in adult critical care, medical-surgical/telemetry, and emergency department (ED). Morris was the first CDI specialist hired at USA Children’s and Women’s and now has five years of experience in CDI. He is an active member of ACDIS and is an Alabama ACDIS Chapter leader.

Q: Could you tell me a bit about the why your facility developed its CDI program?

A: Initially, our organization hired CDI specialists to be liaisons between our coding and provider staff to provide documentation education related to ICD-10 specificity. With numerous ICD-10 delays, we transformed from a non-traditional program to a traditional program and added additional staff members.

Q: What are three things attendees can expect from your session?

A: Let me give you a list:

• Determine the need for CDI reviews of OB-GYN records at an individual facility and begin implementation of such a program
• Become familiar with Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and AHA Coding Clinics specific to the OB-GYN patient population
• Identify strategies for program success, program maintenance, and metrics to monitor

Q: What is one tool a CDI professional cannot live without?

A: The CDI Pocket Guide, it’s an invaluable resource that all CDI specialists should have.

Q: In what ways does your session challenge CDI professionals to think outside the box?

A: I am happy to be co-presenting this session with Beverly Lambert, RN, BSN, our main CDI contact in the OB/GYN patient population at our organization. OB/GYN is a patient population most CDI programs do not review. There are many documentation nuances that are very specific to this patient population, but there are also commonalities.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s conference?

A: I am most looking forward to the networking and collaboration that occurs between CDI professionals during these few days. I always leave the conference refreshed and full of new ideas to bring back and implement at my facility.

Q: Fun question: What is your favorite breakfast food?

A: French toast. We have a place in town that has awesome bananas foster French toast!