Download the January edition of the Journal

FEATURES
Productivity problems: p. 10
Determining appropriate staffing ratios can be an ongoing process.

CDI collaboration: p. 18
Concurrent query efforts shouldn’t cloud a CDI program’s focus.

Continuing education: p. 20
New York University Langone Medical Center’s CDI-focused certificate program.

Physician queries: p. 22
Don’t fall victim to these common query misconceptions; review a few samples to see how your queries fare.

DEPARTMENTS
Associate director’s note: p. 4
At the turn of the New Year, return to basics and take another look at program opportunities.

Note from the advisory board: p. 5
Mark LeBlanc discusses the importance of getting CDI basics right from the start.

Physician advisor’s corner: p. 9
Sam Antonios, MD, provides quick tips to engage physicians.

In the news: p. 14
Despite rumors, the ICD-10-CM/PCS 2015 implementation date remains in place for now.

Ask ACDIS: p. 15
Wondering if ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation will affect CDI program productivity levels?

Outpatient efforts: p. 16
Lori-Lynne Webb discusses easy wellness exam documentation tips for physician practices.

Ask ACDIS: p. 21
Need some simple steps to win over difficult physicians? Laurie Prescott provides assistance.

Meet a member: p. 32
Angelisa Romanello talks about her transition to CDI and the changes/challenges she’s seen in the profession.

Coding Clinic CDI update: p. 33
The focus of Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS remains on procedures, but additional insight provided for use of laboratory and radiological test result use.

OPINIONS & INSIGHTS
Recasting the CDI financial discussion: p. 27
Dee Banet discusses how new quality-focused reimbursement measures can help CDI managers
leverage program expansion.

Clinical quality: p. 28
Glenn Krauss and Jeffrey Epstein, MD, explain how CDI focus on overall medical record quality can
improve program outcomes. Read a related congestive heart failure case study and review a sample verbal educational exchange to adapt to your own efforts.

Fond farewell: p. 34
Outgoing ACDIS advisory board members provide their thoughts on industry growth and forthcoming challenges.