Journal excerpt: Overwhelmed? Seven steps to manage challenges

By Allen Frady, RN, CCDS, CCS

These last several months have seen a dizzying array of changes, controversies, and regulations along with an equally dizzying array of discussion, advice, and opinions. Some are straightforward progress, while some result in confusing and sometimes contradictory approaches.

Times like these are exciting for us CDI nerds. Every new piece of information brings us an opportunity to update our education; every new controversy yields opportunity for professional exploration and discovery.

Personally, the harder a topic is to grasp, the better. The more controversial an issue becomes, the more interesting it is. As an educator, I would say it is not the destination that matters but the journey. If I teach a difficult topic, I become more informed on it just by having taught it. If I enter into a controversial debate and get proven wrong, I am not upset, because I have genuinely learned something—I have experienced growth even in the process of being incorrect. As a “subject matter expert,” I can tell you that this process never stops. Every day I learn something new. I hope that never ceases to happen.

Recently it has come to my attention that not all of my colleagues in the CDI and coding world see things through such a “rosy” lens. ICD-10, new codes, the sheer number and depth of guideline changes, coding and recovery audits, controversial clinical concerns that are difficult if not impossible to fully understand and comply with—it can all leave an otherwise positive and productive person feeling overwhelmed.

That apprehension can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, loss of productivity, loss of motivation, and finally burnout.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re struggling, read this issue of the CDI Journal for a few tips on getting your forward momentum back.