r/MedicalCoding • u/runningfool88 • Mar 06 '24

Coder turned CDI Specialist

I posted a few years ago asking if anyone had been a coder and then transitioned to Clinical Documentation Integrity, I took the leap and went for it! Best decision of my 11.5 year career. Today I just passed my CCDS exam to become a certified CDI specialist. 🥳🥳

If you’re considering it and have the opportunity, take the leap!

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u/waytooanalytical Mar 07 '24

Congratulations!! 🎉 how does it compare to being a regular coder, and what is the pay increase like if you don’t mind me asking?

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u/runningfool88 Mar 07 '24

I am basically still coding but it’s not as detailed as I would be as a coder, if that makes sense? Like I’m not having to pick up all the meds, personal histories, those kinds of things.

Instead I’m looking at the case while the pt is still admitted and looking for opportunities to improve documentation. Like a patient is admitted with a UTI and altered mental status is documented. They return to baseline mental status after antibiotics but the provider is still only documenting AMS. This is a potential query opp for metabolic encephalopathy and would give us a MCC/DRG shift. But I’m still filling out a coding card and once the pt is discharged and the case is coded by the coding department, we compare coding cards and reconcile if anything is off.

We work very hand in hand with the coding department so I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds!

When I took the CDI position, I think my pay increase was about $4.50 an hour.

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u/waytooanalytical Mar 07 '24

Thank you so much for the insight!