Get the word out about CDI

Seasoned association members know the vital role such groups play in both policy and politics. One need look no further than the American Health Information Management  Association (AHIMA) and its role as one of the four cooperating parties which determines annual changes to the ICD-9-CM.

I recently noticed the Case Management Society of America’s (CMSA) call to action via the blog Case Management Mentor. CMSA drafted a proposal for legislation which would set standards for case management services. The proposal includes provisions covering staff qualifications, case management functions, authorized scope of services, payment of services, training requirements, quality management programs, and anti fraud and consumer protection practices.

Part of me (the independent, you can’t tell me what do, part) thinks legislating job descriptions might be a bit heavy handed. In the mix of all our congressional delegates must shove against that enormous stone wall of theirs I wonder how much momentum such efforts might add to the overall healthcare debate.

However, I concede the point that certain professional guidelines are well warranted. And, maybe more to the point of my blog post here is CMSA’s fairly straightforward encouragement for its members to reach out to their elected officials. To this point, I couldn’t agree more.

A newspaper friend drew this of me with the title "Varnavas for Something."

Now, I’m not one to make large contributions to candidates’ coffers. And I am not one, truth be told, to even post a sign on my lawn for my mayoral pick (Go Mayor Bill Scanlon!). However, I wholeheartedly enjoy ongoing dialogue with my elected officials. Maybe that makes me slightly geeky, but I think it is a total gas to listen to Congressman John Tierney’s open forums at the local library, to chat with him over coffee, and weigh in on a variety of interests and worries I share with my friends and neighbors.

As a CDI professional, you really have a unique perspective and insight into the current status of healthcare in America. When a teacher from the next town complains bitterly about her hospital bills you can explain how your documentation improvement efforts help reduce billing mistakes and improve patient care. When a physician complains about government interference in his practice of patient care you can explain all the ways simple documentation mistakes make such oversight necessary.

Just as you incorporate documentation improvement education into your healthcare community you can carry it outwards to the larger community—to your elected officials and neighbors, too. It would be a shame not to share your CDI insight with those who could benefit from it.

Okay, time to get off my soap box. Let me know what you think.