Do you know what is expected of you? Do you have clearly communicated goals for how to grow professionally? Sitting for the ) exam can be pretty daunting. I can’t think of better people to give you pre-exam advice than a few who have taken it, so what follows are questions answered by four previous examinees. What references can you bring into the exam?

• Ccds Exam Study Guide 2017 Pdf

You may two references during your exam:. DRG Expert, published by Ingenix.

Also, this year the CCDS Exam Study Guide comes with an online practice exam. Find great deals for The CCDS Exam Study Guide, Third Edition by Fran Jurcak and Laurie Prescott (2015, Paperback). Shop with confidence on eBay!

One of the following standard drug reference guides:. Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference. Nurse’s Pocket Drug Guide. Physicians’ Desk Reference. PDR Nurse’s Drug Handbook.

Nursing Drug Handbook/Lippincott’s The exam proctor may tell you that you can also use the DRG Update. This information is incorrect. Ingenix published an update several years ago that reflected some mid-year code changes. The update is no longer published or valid. We have asked the exam company to delete that language from the onsite pre-exam instructions and it has been; however if this advice crops up at a testing center please ignore it. Otherwise, the books listed above are permitted resource—use them!

One woman, a nurse, did not think she really needed the drug book but later regretted her decision not to bring it. Also remember that your books may include your handwritten notes in the margins of the books, but you cannot add pages of notes. Proctors will remove additional pages. What study references were helpful for exam prep? “Review the information provided in the DRG Expert book ‘Glossary of DRG Terms’. You can use the book during the exam, but having reviewed the material prior to the exam really helped.” “Use the to prepare. As I read through each chapter I created my own notes.

Once I finished the guide I then used my notes to review.” “I reviewed the CCDS Exam Study Guide practice questions multiple times to examine how the questions would be formatted, and what type of questions would be asked. This really helped to reduce the anxiety I felt in the beginning of the test. I was seeing a format that I was already familiar with when the test started.” “I purchased and studied the CCDS Exam Study Guide. I thought it was well done, and I learned a lot in the study process.” “The CCDS Exam Study Guide kept me focused.

I learned a lot and read it more than once. It is one thing to ‘memorize’ rules, but to apply the material to real situations is the challenge.” Note: The CCDS Exam Study Guide is just that, a guide—not an exam blueprint. One person wished it had more practice questions, but still found it helpful overall. Find a study buddy The Central Indiana ADCIS Chapter recently formed an exam study group.

And the North Carolina ACDIS Chapter is in the process of implementing a CDI mentoring program. Look to see if you have a local chapter in your state and ask around to see if anyone would be interested in studying with you. If you don’t have a local chapter, try networking with other CDI professionals in your area.

If you are an ACDIS member, reach out through CDI Talk. There is power in working with a team. “If it’s possible study with someone, and talk through different scenarios.” Can you ‘wing’ it or do you have to study?

One person admitted she didn’t study at all; however she had more than two years of experience. “To be quite honest, I did not study for the exam. I am working on an accelerated BSN/MSN program and time got away from me. So, I completed the test from my knowledge working as a CDI specialist. I did take the in September, but I did not feel like I learned a significant amount of additional information.

CDI Boot Camp is an excellent program for new CDIs, but I would recommend the classroom format vs. Online as the instructor/student interaction and spontaneity of questions and real life scenarios can provide a great learning experience. She went on to say: “I work very closely with the coding supervisor and have tried to learn coding rules and guidelines. Over the past few years I have become very familiar with diagnosis codes, coding clinics and DRGs. This was very helpful as I was taking the test.

I would however, suggest that those anticipating taking the exam, familiarize themselves with background information regarding the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and the American Hospital Association’s Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM, and understand how healthcare regulation and MS-DRGs have evolved.” When is the best time to take the exam? No time will be absolutely perfect. We lead busy lives, between work and home, and carving out the time to prepare and take the exam may add to your stress level. If you can, plan to take the exam at a time when you do not have other distractions such as work-related events or projects, deadlines, family gatherings, or holidays. Do you have enough experience?

One person commented that she doesn’t think the minimum of one year experience is enough. “I’ve been a CDI specialist for a little over a year and a half and feel like the concepts which fuel CDI efforts just started jelling in my head at about the twelfth month.” If there is no urgent reason for you to take the exam, such as an expectation from your manager, you may do well to wait a little longer until you feel more comfortable in the role Are there questions related to Recovery Auditors and CDI metrics on the exam? Yes, there are. “I have advocated to my co-workers to read everything they could find on Recovery Auditor issues and to study the metrics section of the study guide. Most CDI specialists do not analyze metrics as much as the managers and administrative team, so it is a bit of a stretch to put so much emphasis on interpreting those grids on the exam. I’ve been in nursing management before, and I must say that I felt I was guessing on some of those answers.” And finally, as you approach exam day. Rest well the night before.

Eat a healthy meal just prior to the test. Sit alone in a quiet area at least 5 minutes before going into the testing center. Let us know how it goes. What advice do you have to share? Editor’s Note: A number of people continued to this article, including Marthe Smith, RN, CCDIS, Clinical Documentation Specialist at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Cali., and Shellie Pack, RN, BSN, CCDS, Clinical Documentation Specialist at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston. Entry Information.

Comments: 2. Norma B.

I studied “how” to use my DRG Expert book. I use an Encoder at work and my DRG is calculated for me. However, during the test there will be times (or there was for in 2010)you must arrive at your DRG on your own.

Studying the front of the DRG Expert and using the practice questions within the CCDS Study Guide (again, 2010 Edition)I was able to answer those questions with confidence. Use your time wisely. Do not waste time on questions – make your best guess, flag for review, & come back to it if/when you have the time. Know your ICD-9 Coding Guidelines – 2011 – is the last year published.

Good luck to everyone!!. Pam I am seeking a used CCDS examination prep book. Any suggestions?

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From the info on the ACDIS site - check out certification - you have to apply, then wait to be sure you are accepted, go to testing center (usually @ H&R block centers?). You can only take in the DRG Expert and One drug book - no other papers, only your driver's license (I think).

They seem very tightly controlled, understandably, and you have 3 hours to complete, I believe. For those of you planning to take the exam soon, please post for all of us your experiences - as many of us are thinking of testing. Good luck & kudos to those who have passed & those who are taking soon! I will repeat what I wrote in an earlier thread and add some more. I am not a coder. I've been a CDS for 16 months. I did not study at all for this test-what would I have used as a study guide?

I finished the 3-hour test in 45 minutes. I didn't think it was all that hard. Also remember that 20 of the 120 questions are unscored, so you can probably miss more than you think you can and still pass.

A few of the questions seemed irrelevant to the role of a CDS and more to an inpatient coder. But the sequencing and diagnosis questions were not difficult. If you don't know anything about RAC foci (but of course you do), you need to brush up. Most of the clinical questions seemed cardiopulmonary-based, which worked out well for me.

You have to be able to read a simple spreadsheet and understand what you are seeing as it relates to this job, even if you don't use spreadsheets in your program. If some of you are remembering the 'Final Competency' test you had to take after training with your consultant company, you can relax. This test is much, much easier.

Good luck to everyone taking it. Renee Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS Clinical Documentation Specialist Arizona Heart Hospital. Ditto-congrats of all of our colleagues who have joined the ranks of the certified. I hope to take the test as soon as my passport arrives.

Who knows, maybe I'll actually go somewhere that requires a passport!!! Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI Columbus Regional Hospital 2400 E. Columbus, IN 47201 (O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997 'Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.'

General Colin Powell. Two IDs required and I don't have military ID and can't get a state ID in IN since I have a valid license to drive.

That leaves only one other accepted option for the second ID. Did you not have to have two pieces of ID that are 'official' and have your picture on them? That's why I didn't take it in Chicago despite being registered. I didn't realize it took so long to get a passport, and I didn't realize I couldn't get and IN state ID card. Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI Columbus Regional Hospital 2400 E.

Columbus, IN 47201 (O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997 'Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.' General Colin Powell. That's interesting. I'm interested in taking the test but don't have two ID's unless they count my VA issued ID as 'official'. I'm surprised they require two photo ID's since most people don't have that. I know I don't want to go to the expense of a passport.

Ccds Exam Study Guide 2017 Pdf

I'm planning on getting an enhanced MI drivers license which is the same as a passport for driving in and out of Canada. Robert Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist Aleda E. Lutz VAMC Mail Code 136 1500 Weiss Street Saginaw MI 48602. Hi Everyone, I too have been hesitant to take the exam.

I feel I do my job very well, but my background is 20 years in nursing. I worry about having to use the coding book to locate DRGs. I currently use 3m's codefinder and have never used the book. Help:) Amy Amy Fenton, RN Clinical Documentation Specialist Clinical Operations Improvement Bronson Methodist Hospital 601 John Street - Box 59 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Office: (269) 341-8442 Fax: (269) 341-8330 Pager: (269) 513-3131 E-Mail: fentona@bronsonhg.org. I share some of your concerns Amy. I use the ICD-9 book, not the DRG expert and I don't have access to an electronic system for checking. I also have the joy/challenge of being in a RAC exempt facility so I don't really have to deal with that, but I know its part of the test.

Things are just a bit different here in the VA system. I wonder if consideration may be given for the exam to allow a coding book instead of DRG expert. Robert Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist Aleda E.

Lutz VAMC Mail Code 136 1500 Weiss Street Saginaw MI 48602 P: 989-497-2500 x13101 F: 989-321-4912 E: Robert.Hodges2@va.gov 'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.' -Albert Einstein 'This email is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this email does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.' Thank you all very much for the replies.

I could have taken the test in Chicago as I had my signed nursing license on me and the drug book and DRG expert with me. I spoke to an HCPro person on arrival and explained that I didn't have two photo IDs and nothing was mentioned about only needing one. That's unfortunate. I expressed amazement that it would be this difficult to sit for the exam with such limited ID options. Nothing was said. I guess I misread the confirmation notice. I'll go ahead and schedule it.

Sandy Beatty, RN, BSN, C-CDI Columbus Regional Hospital 2400 E. Columbus, IN 47201 (O) 812-376-5652 (M) 812-552-6997 'Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.' General Colin Powell.

Amy, I took the exam and passed in February 2010 and my background is nursing also. The exam is fair, the DRG expert was great during the exam and a lot of the answers to scenarios I felt came from everyday reviewing. You will be fine to take the test using the knowledge base that you have with the nursing background and work experience. The hardest part for me was the statistical data and benchmarking because I don't do that part. Patsy Fowler RN, MSN, CCDS Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist Marion Regional Hospital PO Box 1150 Marion, SC 29571 Office 843-431-2044 Cell 843-431-2863 Fax 843-431-2475.

I studied using the CCDS Exam Workbook, the CCDS Boot Camp Workbook and our consultant company's pocket guide I use daily. To familiarize myself with the DRG Expert book (because I use an encoder everyday!) - I ordered my own from Amazon.com Read in the front of the book and it tells you the steps on how to use. Then take your CCDS Exam Workbook and practice answering the DRG questions with the DRG Expert. It really helped me get the feel of it. Maybe practice using it with some cases you review in your facility.

I felt good about the exam after it was over - more positive than negative. It definately made me 'think'. There were around 8 questions that I saved to go over again in the last 15 minutes of the test. I used all the exam time available to me.

And for ID I used my driver's license and Social Security Card. Congratulations to everyone who has passed. Anyone know what progress is being made toward having CCDS nurses recognized by ANCC?

I didn't need any special ID, just a DL and I don't even remember if they asked for something else. Who else would take this test but me? Test wasn't especially hard, I didn't think.

I didn't understand why there were questions about coding prefixes (U and W, IIRC). That has nothing to do with what a CDS does. But I passed anyway, with 14 months' experience at the time. I'll be interested to hear what people say about the new version. Renee Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.