Meet an ACDIS Scholarship Recipient: ‘Every day is a new opportunity'

Ekta Sharma, MD, MHA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, a CDI specialist, has been in the CDI field for six years and was the recipient of the 2022 ACDIS Conference Scholarship. Those interested in applying for the 2022/2023 scholarship program (covered in today’s CDI Strategies edition) can find all the details by clicking here.

ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI and why did you get into this line of work?

Sharma: I studied medicine and worked as a pediatrics resident in India before I got into CDI, which was based on the recommendation of a senior colleague. I approached him to get to know the company I was applying to at the time of finishing my masters, and he informed me about the CDI program and how they require MDs for CDI roles.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge?

Sharma: My biggest challenge has been getting the providers on board with CDI. I can relate to providers' focus being patient care, and that CDI is extra work for them. There are different mindsets and personalities, and on top of provider burnout, keeping CDI in their priorities is a challenge.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?

Sharma: My biggest reward has been being able to build that rapport and relationship with providers, to help them understand the impact their documentation has on overall patient care, and therefore contribute my small part in overall healthcare quality improvement. That has been extremely rewarding.

ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?

Sharma: The field has changed quite significantly. There has been a massive shift from hunting CC/MCCs to a focus on compliance, clinical validations, and the overall performance and success of care providers.

ACDIS: What was your experience applying to and receiving the 2022 ACDIS Conference Scholarship? What are your favorite memories from the conference?

Sharma: That was unbelievable! I remember submitting my application very close to the deadline. I didn't have much time to prepare, but I wanted to give it a shot and just be myself. This was my first ACDIS conference and it was amazing to get to know some folks I encountered. The sessions were outstanding. And the best part was meeting Brian Murphy, the CDI king!

ACDIS: What advice would you give someone applying for an ACDIS scholarship?

Sharma: Go for it! Be true to yourself, speak your passion out.

ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?

Sharma: Take it easy, one step at a time! One cannot become a CDI specialist overnight. It takes time and patience to season yourself. Get help if needed. Get involved. Learn—every day is a new opportunity. Good luck!

ACDIS: Can you tell us about a few of your favorite things?

• Vacation spots: Florida beaches are my favorite (send me on vacation anywhere, I’ll be happy)
• Hobby: Photography
• Non-alcoholic beverage: Ginger tea
• Foods: Desserts are my favorite food
• Activity: Dance and yoga

ACDIS: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI.

Sharma: I have my husband and our daughter in my family. Outside of work, I am all about being a kid with my child. We enjoy eating out and going for weekend getaways (staying in the hotel as my daughter calls it, ha!).

ACDIS: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Sharma: I strongly believe in the need for an initiative to redesign CDI to be more provider-friendly and help improve their efficiency, rather than hanging on to the traditional standards and following tedious workflows with little to no positive outcome.