CCDS Exam Prep Class

Course Overview

The CCDS Exam Prep Class prepares you to take the CCDS exam and advance in your professional career. By equipping you with test-taking skills and CDI knowledge, the class will allow you to tackle the exam with confidence.

Who is the class for?
The CCDS Exam Prep Class is for students who meet the prerequisites to take the CCDS exam—including a minimum of two years’ work experience as a CDI specialist—and who intend to sit for the CCDS exam within the next six months. It does not provide general CDI education.

Class overview
The CCDS Exam Prep Class is an intense two-day course covering 10 modules that will prepare candidates to take the CCDS certification exam, plus a short introduction.

In two days, our instructors cover the main focus areas of the CCDS exam as outlined in the examination content outline (see the CCDS Exam Candidate Handbook):

• Healthcare regulations, reimbursement, and documentation requirements related to the inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS)
• Anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology
• Medical record documentation
• Healthcare facility CDI program analysis
• Communication skills
• Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
• Professionalism, ethics, and compliance
• Impact of reportable diagnoses on quality of care

Our instructors cover real-world study strategies for adult learners and test-taking skills, to help students who have mastery of the subject matter but do not excel in the stress of a test-taking situation.

You will also receive access to the CCDS Exam Study Guide practice exam.

If you have attempted to gain CCDS certification before, this class will break down the material covered in the exam to ensure you feel confident and competent when you next sit for it. The program also covers test-taking skills, which helps students who have mastery of the subject matter but do not excel in the stress of a test-taking situation.

Who should attend with the required experience as a clinical documentation specialist?

• CDI specialists: RNs/MDs
• CDI managers/directors
• Case management directors/managers
• HIM directors/coding managers
• Revenue cycle directors
• DRG coordinators
• Physician advisors/champions
• Quality integrity personnel

Need CDI education?
For best-in-class CDI education, find out more about our Clinical Documentation Integrity Boot Camp. This four-day program provides comprehensive CDI education and teaches best practices for medical record review and compliant physician querying. It is also available as an online class.

For more detailed information about HCPro's Boot Camps, contact us at 800-650-6787 or email sales@hcpro.com.

CCDS Exam Prep Class

Outline/Agenda

• Introduction: Examining the CCDS Exam 
• Module 1: Healthcare Regulation and the IPPS 
• Module 2: Medical Record Documentation 
• Module 3: The Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting 
• Module 4: Anatomy/Physiology/Pharmacology 
• Module 5: Communication, Physician Education, and Query 
• Module 6: Professionalism, Ethics, and Compliance 
• Module 7: Impact of Reportable Diagnoses on Quality Care Measures 
• Module 8: CDI Program Analysis 
• Module 9: The Exam Experience and Test-Taking Tips 

*Agenda is subject to change.

CCDS Exam Prep Class

Learning Objectives

Introduction: Examining the CCDS Exam 
This introduction looks at the outline of the exam and the types of questions asked. It discusses recall, application, and analysis as well as the domains and objectives covered in the exam. 
  
Module 1: Healthcare Regulation and the IPPS 
Learning objectives: 

• Define the IPPS and the process by which it is updated and revised 
• Demonstrate a knowledge of MS-DRGs 
• Define and recognize a complication/comorbidity under the MS-DRG system 
• Explain the impact of documentation on reimbursement through diagnosis and procedure code assignment 
• Discuss the relationship between documentation, principal diagnosis selection, and medical necessity of setting 
• Define case-mix index and its relevance to CDI programs 

Module 2: Medical Record Documentation 
Learning objectives: 

• Explain what elements of the health record can be used for diagnosis and/or procedure code assignment 
• Explain how the provider’s role in relation to the patient affects diagnosis code assignment 
• Identify documentation that must be clarified for accurate code assignment 
• Explain the types of physician queries (concurrent, retrospective, verbal) 
• Demonstrate an understanding of different query formats (open-ended, multiple choice, yes/no) and their proper application 
• Define the concept of clinical indicators 
• Demonstrate the formation of a compliant query 
• Demonstrate an understanding of current professional guidance related to querying 
• Explain the proper mechanism to address diagnoses that appear to lack clinical support 

Module 3: The Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting 
Learning objectives: 

• Explain when the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are updated and where to obtain them 
• Explain the role of AHA Coding Clinic® in code assignment 
• Define and apply the principles of principal diagnosis selection 
• Define and apply the principles of secondary diagnosis selection 
• Define the basics of the present on admission indicator assignment and explain its impact on payment 
• Explain how to assign a working DRG when multiple diagnoses are in play 
• Identify conditions considered HACs by CMS 

Module 4: Anatomy/Physiology/Pharmacology 
Learning objectives: 

• Demonstrate how to interpret medications as a clinical indicator to support query opportunities 
• Identify diagnostic tests as possible clinical indicators to support query opportunities 
• Identify and apply clinical indicators and query opportunities typically targeted by CDI professionals related to common medical conditions, such as: 
• CVA 
• Encephalopathy 
• Seizures 
• Respiratory failure 
• Ventilation support 
• Acute MI 
• Heart failure 
• Neoplasms 
• Acute kidney injury 
• Anemia 
• Infectious disease 
• Injuries 
• Poisonings/adverse reactions 
• HIV infections 

Module 5: Communication, Physician Education, and Query 
Learning objectives: 

• Describe the traditional role of the clinical documentation specialist 
• Define the role of a query in CDI/coding 
• Demonstrate what constitutes a leading query 
• Identify and discuss the resources that detail when and how to query based on professional industry standards 
• Incorporate industry guidance in the construction of simple queries 
• Identify situations in which verbal, personal communication with physicians is more favorable than written communication 

Module 6: Professionalism, Ethics, and Compliance 
Learning objectives: 

• Maintain confidentiality of the medical record and of information relevant to CDI 
• Identify initiatives that ensure DRG compliance 
• Identify areas of potential DRG creep as identified by the OIG 
• Explain the goals and objectives of a clinical documentation department beyond reimbursement 
• Identify potential compliance risk as identified by PEPPER data 

Module 7: Impact of Reportable Diagnoses on Quality Care Measures 
Learning objectives: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of the significance of documentation and code assignment upon the mortality index 
• Demonstrate knowledge of mortality reviews and interpreting observed to expected ratios 
• Define how quality data are acquired through record abstraction and claims data 
• Explain the significance of these CMS quality metrics: 
• Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program 
• Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program 
• Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program 
• 30-day mortality measures 
• Analyze the financial impact of the Hospital Quality Reporting Program on an organization and the role of CDI regarding CMS quality initiatives 
• Identify the components of PSI 90 and its impact on quality measures 

Module 8: CDI Program Analysis 
Learning objectives: 

• Demonstrate the ability to analyze data and evaluate a CDI program’s trends: 
• CDI productivity metrics 
• Provider response rates 
• Case-mix index 
• Recognize the importance of the following CDI program performance metrics: 
• CMI 
• CC/MCC capture 
• Severity of illness/risk of mortality 
• Hospital value-based purchasing measures 
• Patient Safety Indicators 
• High-frequency DRGs 
• Identify methods for measuring physician performance related to documentation 
• Demonstrate an ability to track and trend data to measure individual physician performance over time 
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of PEPPER 

Module 9: The Exam Experience and Test-Taking Tips 
This module discusses the experience of sitting for the exam and includes test-taking tips and strategies. 

CCDS Exam Prep Class

Questions/Answers

What is the focus of the CCDS Exam Prep Class?
The focus of the CCDS Exam Prep Class is on preparing students who wish to sit for the CCDS examination.

Will this class guarantee a passing score for the CCDS?
No. This class will assist you in your exam preparation. During the comprehensive review conducted in this class, you are likely to identify areas in which you need further study due to your experience level or the type of organization in which you work.

How does this class complement the exam?
The class follows the content outline of the exam, touching on the specific domains of learning that the exam assesses. It provides an overview of the topics relevant to CDI practice and CDI competency.

Does the class provide a practice exam?
Yes! Class attendees will receive access to the CCDS Exam Study Guide practice exam.

What is the focus of this class?
This class highlights the core skills of a practicing CDI professional, including reimbursement, coding practices, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, CMS quality measures, CDI metrics and professionalism.

Are continuing education credits provided?
This class does not offer continuing education credits.

Who should attend?

• CDI specialists: RNs/MDs
• CDI managers/directors
• Case management directors/managers
• HIM directors/coding managers
• Revenue cycle directors
• DRG coordinators
• Physician advisors/champions
• Quality integrity personnel

How long does the course last?
Two days. Typically, class runs from 8:00 a.m. until at least 5:00 p.m. on both days.
Call 800-650-6787 or email customer@simplifycompliance.com for more information.

Is this course available as on-site training?
If you have a group to train, holding this class at your organization is easy and cost-effective. Eliminate travel costs and enjoy a group discount while ensuring your staff is up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines. For more information, call 877-233-8734 or click on “Train Groups On-Site” above.

Does HCPro ever share contact information (e.g., name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) with other companies?
Historically, we have not shared contact information with anyone outside of our company. However, it is possible that at some point we might share contact information with other companies that offer products and services that we think would be of interest to our customers. If you would like us to keep your contact information confidential, please let us know so that we can flag your information in our customer database as "Do Not Share."

What if I need to cancel or transfer my registration?
Cancellation Policy
Please click here to view our cancellation policy.

How do I get more information?
Contact our sales team at 800-650-6787 or email sales@hcpro.com

CCDS Exam Prep Class

Things to Know Before Attending Class

Directions and Hotel Information

The hotel address, phone number, URL, room rate and room rate cut-off date are posted on the Locations/Dates tab. The hotel websites give detailed directions to the hotel as well as information about the location.  Please call the hotel directly to make a room reservation.  Be sure to identify yourself as an HCPro Boot Camp participant.  Please be sure to make your reservation before the cut-off date.  After the cut-off date, contact the hotel to determine room availability and rates.

Course Materials

When you arrive at class, you will receive class materials utilized throughout the boot camp. These will be yours to keep

Classroom Time

Other than short breaks and lunch, we will be in class from 8:00 a.m. to at least 5:00 p.m. each day. In order to focus all attention on the course and to not distract other participants or the instructor, cell phone use during class is strictly prohibited. We will take short breaks (up to 10 minutes each) throughout the day that will give participants an opportunity to make calls, use the restroom, etc., in addition to an hour lunch break for lunch on your own.

Lunch

We will take about an hour break for lunch each day. We typically provide coffee in the morning and drinks and a light snack in the afternoon; everyone is on their own for lunch. Note that many hotels do not have restaurants on-site. If you are flying to the course, we generally recommend renting a car, or investigating availability of hotel shuttle or ride share.

What to Bring to Class

Please bring the following to all classes:

• Highlighter

• Notepaper

• Sticky Notes/flags

• Pen/Pencil

• Layered clothing e.g., light sweater, light jacket, etc.

Dress

Business attire is not necessary. Please dress comfortably. Sometimes classrooms are on the cool side, even during the warmer months. You may be more comfortable if you bring a sweater or sweatshirt in case you get cold.

Will this class guarantee a passing score for the CCDS?

No. This class will assist you in your exam preparation. During the comprehensive review conducted in this class, you are likely to identify areas in which you need further study due to your experience level or the type of organization in which you work.

How does this class complement the exam?

The class follows the content outline of the exam, touching on the specific domains of learning that the exam assesses. It provides an overview of the topics relevant to CDI practice and CDI competency.

Does the class provide a practice exam?

Yes! Class attendees will receive access to the CCDS Exam Study Guide practice exam.

CCDS examination information

The Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS) offers a certification for CDI specialists, the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS). The certification requires experience performing the duties of a CDI specialist so attending this class may not qualify you to sit for the exam if you are new to the field of CDI.

Consequently, depending on your background and experience, additional independent study and/or training may be required to pass the CCDS examination. To download the CCDS Candidate Handbook and Application and view the prerequisites, visit the ACDIS website at https://acdis.org/certification.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

For our cancellation and transfer policy, visit our website: http://hcmarketplace.com/cancellations

COVID Safety

Simplify Compliance and HCPro place the highest priority on the safety of our guests. In preparation for attendance at our events, we want to share the following measures to promote health and well-being:

• If the region where our event is located is deemed by the CDC to be within the substantial or high-risk category, we will require all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks when indoors except while actively eating or drinking. 

• Meeting rooms will be set to support social distancing when necessary.

• Food service will follow the safety guidelines implemented by the hotel.

 To view all the safety measures that a specific hotel has implemented, please see the information listed on their website. 

Simplify Compliance and HCPro will continue to monitor the COVID-19 environment and the recommended guidelines, and will communicate adjustments to the onsite policies and procedures as necessary.

Contact Information

For more information about our Boot Camps, contact us at 800-650-6787 or email sales@hcpro.com,

We Look Forward to Having You In Class!