A Note from the CCDS Coordinator: Congratulations to our 3,500th CCDS holder!
A couple of weeks ago, the 3,500th person to hold the CCDS certification passed the exam. We are delighted to introduce you to Jaime Brown, BSN, RN, CCDS, a CDI specialist at Ochsner Health System at Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Please join us in congratulating her on this tremendous accomplishment!
Before becoming a nurse, Brown had a career as a commercial loan underwriter for a major financial institution before obtaining her bachelor of science in nursing. She worked in oncology for seven years and has been in CDI for three years.
“CDI has been an awesome professional opportunity,” says Brown. “I have had the opportunity to increase my clinical knowledge, learn the financial side of healthcare, and be a part of the formative years of this unique profession all while having the flexibility to be there for my children when they need me.”
Brown has two children—daughter, Kaitlyn, age nine, and son Cody, age seven. She enjoys her free time trying new restaurants and catching up with family and friends.
ACDIS: Why did you get into this line of work?
Brown: I was looking for a change and saw the job posting. It peaked my curiosity because it was the "business" side of nursing.
ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge?
Brown: The biggest challenge for me is that there is usually not a straight answer to a question. Each admission is different and no two clinical scenarios are the same.
ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?
Brown: The biggest reward has been seeing the financial and quality impact I can have through my chart reviews. It's always nice to query for the only MCC on a record or clarify something with a provider so that their record is accurate. Although I am not at the bedside, I can still make a difference. I also feel like I have learned more from a clinical aspect in the last three years in CDI than I did in my seven years at the bedside.
ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Brown: When I started in CDI, we were still in ICD-9. Most people had not heard about CDI. We worked strictly with inpatient records. Today, we code in ICD-10. Other medical professionals have heard about our role and providers are looking to expand our role. My employer now has an additional program specifically for reviewing ambulatory records. (Click here to learn more about that program.) I can only imagine where CDI will be in another three years.
ACDIS: Can you mention a few of the “gold nuggets” of information you’ve received from colleagues on CDI Talk or through ACDIS?
Brown: One of our primary responsibilities as CDI professionals is to educate providers. When I started, I often wondered if we would ever educate them enough to the extent that we would be out of a job. I have learned rather quickly that CDI will always be in demand because the rules are so complex and there are always new providers to train. If you miss a query opportunity, it is a learning opportunity.
ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Brown: There is a learning curve in this job like none other. Just when you think you understand the concepts, you will be faced with a situation that makes you question your new found understanding. Confidence and understanding come with time. Be patient.
ACDIS: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Brown: I would love to be a personal financial advisor, managing everyday household finances. I love a spreadsheet and have serious organizational skills. I make a spreadsheet for just about everything, including vacations!
ACDIS: What was your first job (what you did while in high school)?
Brown: I was a store clerk at Afterthoughts Boutique in high school. I pierced ears and sold jewelry and hair accessories.
ACDIS: Can you tell us about a few of your favorite things:
- Vacation spots: Chicago and Florida beaches
- Hobby: Dining at new restaurants--there are always new places to try in New Orleans
- Non-alcoholic beverage: Diet Coke
- Foods: Boiled crawfish and steak
- Activity: Hanging out with my kids and friends