Featured Member: From oncology to coding to CDI
Kay Kolb RN, MSN, CCDS, a CDI specialist at Kettering Health Network in Ohio has done a little bit of everything before entering CDI in 2003. As an oncology nurse, and later a chemotherapy and radiation nurse, Kolb gained experience in both inpatient and outpatient clinics. She’s even worked in case management and physician E/M coding in a radiation therapy practice. When her case management director asked her to join her facility’s CDI department, Kolb called it an easy decision.
“I loved the investigative aspect of the role,” she says. “I have remained in CDI because I still love the challenges, learning, and feel it is a great field with expanding roles and opportunities.”
Kolb previously served on her local chapter board as president and vice president. When she’s not working, she spends most of her time with her family, who she visits as often as she can. She has two grown kids—her son is a chef and her daughter works in marketing and IT securities. She has her time and hands full there since both are getting married in 2017!
“I am fortunate to have family all in the same state so we can visit often,” she says. “Family and relationships are what life is all about.”
ACDIS Blog: Why did you join ACDIS?
Kolb: I am a firm believer in continuing education and support of one’s professional organizations. It is my belief that we should always strive to be abreast of the most current literature and policies that affect our profession. With the changing culture and regulations in this industry, participation in ACDIS is crucial. Networking across the state and country is also valuable, as we can see the trends and be forward-thinking of new ways to expand our roles and departments. I have met numerous people through the annual conference and on the Forum, which have contributed to my ability to educate myself and others at the local level. Being involved has also helped my facility as we develop new policies and change metrics and benchmarks for our teams in order to bridge gaps with senior leaders, physicians, and other service lines
ACDIS Blog: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Kolb: I always share with new CDI that this role has many challenges, that it takes time to gain the insight to discuss and or challenge coding disputes, and that it is always evolving and changing. I share when I interview prospective new candidates that it is realistic to expect six months to feel competent in this role. One of the greatest challenges for new nurses is to leave the hospital floor where they were perceived as an expert and begin their CDI position as a novice. I let them know that it is an awesome field and that I became a better nurse from my experience, as I had a broader understanding of the entire healthcare picture.
ACDIS Blog: A few of your favorite things:
Vacation spots: North Carolina beaches, Norris Lake, and the Colorado mountains for skiing/hiking with family. I also love to travel to southern states with friends and experience the different cuisines and cultures.
Hobby: I’m an avid cook, I love to decorate my home, and I spend downtime sewing or crafting items for myself or for gifts.
Non-alcoholic beverage: Unsweetened iced tea
Foods: I enjoy all food types yet favor Mexican, Greek, and Lebanese foods. Seafood is always a top choice when I travel to southern coastal towns.
Activity: With my kids grown, I am enjoying travels within the US and abroad. In September, I am off to the Italian Coast and to Rome to see the Pope!