All Entries Tagged With: "New York"

More than a dozen opportunities to learn locally this spring

Texas: The state-wide TX ACDIS group holds its annual meeting Friday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at KPMG Building in Dallas. The agenda includes:

• Registration and networking
• Chapter Business Meeting
• The Importance of Capturing Shock in the ICU Setting, Cindy Pritchett
• Lunch
• IPPS and ICD 10: What the future holds, Beverly Cunningham
• Value Based Purchasing, Scott Robins, MD
• Networking, Q&A

For information, contact Joanne Dukes at 972/566-5526 or email joanne.dukes@hcahealthcare.com.

New Orleans: The NOLA ACDIS Chapter holds its next meeting on April 11, 4-6 p.m., at Semolina’s restaurant in Metairie, LA. For information, email Melissa Mayer melissamayer@ejgh.org.

Indiana: The Central Indiana Chapter is gearing up for its next meeting Wednesday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon, with featured speaker Nancy Ignatowicz presenting “CDI Success:  How Do You Measure It?”  For information, contact Susan Bradford at 317/776-7285 or by email at sbradford@riverview.org.

PHIMA: The Pennsylvania AHIMA group holds a CDI-related education session on Friday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Wesley Village Conference Area, in Pittston. The agenda includes:

• Continental Breakfast
• Physician Buy In for your CDI Program, David McCann, director, Berkeley Research Group, LLC
• Physician Leadership and CDI Initiatives, Herbert Weinman, MD, president, BCE Technology
• CDI Programs: Why you Need One, Make it Successful, and Justify It, Mario A. Perez, III, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P director, clinical consulting, J.A. Thomas & Associates
• Lunch
• Roundtable Discussion: CDI Programs Implementation and Use, AHIMA CDI Tool Kit
• Review of Documentation Requirements for Optimal Reimbursement, Caroline Rader Znaniec, manager, Health Care Advisory Services, Grant Thornton, LLP

For information, email Eve Ellen Mandler at Eve-Ellen.Mandler@stclair.org.

Nevada: The next Southern Nevada ACDIS meeting will be on Wednesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. Guest speaker Karen Zaninovich Parker, RHIT, 3M Health Information Services consulting, will discuss how CDI specialists can begin ICD-10 documentation improvement now. She is making a special trip from Utah to join the Nevada ACDIS Chapter group. Attendees are invited to bring a brown-bag dinner. Admission is free. RSVP to Ailsa Kompare by April 16 at 702/343-7232 or email ailsa.kompare@kindredhealthcare.com.

Tennessee: The TN ACDIS and the THIMA host a joint session Friday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., focused on ICD-10 and the CDI program development. The agenda includes:

• ICD-10 and Beyond: The changing world of classification systems, Kathy Hallock, RHIA
• CDI from a Physician’s Perspective, Drew Rothschild, MD
• Best Practices for CDI Programs: Practical advice for improving or creating a successful program, Kyra Brown, RHIA, CCS
• What you should be doing now to prepare for ICD-10: How you can help your physicians improve documentation practices now, James Kennedy, MD, CCS
• Working lunch: HCA’s Approach to CDI.
• Group work: groups will choose a diagnosis or procedure where documentation must drastically change to support ICD-10 coding. The groups will discuss ways to improve documentation practices relative to those situations. In the second half of the group work session participants will discuss how to propose and justify a CDI program to hospital administrations.
• Reports from group work and open forum

Registration is $120. Online registration closes at the end of the business day on Tuesday, April 17th.
Click here to register. For information contact, Wanda M. Johnson executive director, TN Health Information Management Association, Nashville, at 615/242-7275 or email wanda@thima.org.

Michigan: The MACDIS Chapter will hold its quarterly telephone conference call on Thursday, April 19, noon to 1 p.m. The guest speaker is ACDIS Advisory Board member Fran Jurcak, RN, MSN, CCDS, director of CDI Practice for Huron Healthcare in Chicago. She will discuss ICD-10, goals/objectives of a CDI program, CDI staff productivity standards, leading queries,and the benefits of the CCDS certification.

The July MACDIS conference call is in its planning stages. The October quarterly meeting will be a joint regional meeting in collaboration with the Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Northern Illinois, ACDIS associations.

For more information, contact Janet Gentle at 231/487-7509 or email jgentle@northernhealth.org.

New York: The next Albany, NY-regional ACDIS meeting will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2-4 p.m., at the Krause Center at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. For information, contact Lois Rubin at 518/525-1081 or email LRubin@sphcs.org.

Illinois: The next Northern Illinois ACDIS meeting will be held on Friday, April 27, 12:45 p.m., at Centegra Hospital, in McHenry. For information, contact Colleen Stukenberg at 815/599-6820, or email CStukenberg@fhn.org.

Maryland: The MDHIMA hosts its meeting 1-5 p.m., Thursday, May 3, at the Convention Center in Baltimore. The agenda features ACDIS Advisory Board member Robert S. Gold, MD, and discussion of CDI-related efforts including:

• Getting Medical Staff Interested in ICD-10”
• Metrics of CDI
• Writing Effective Queries

For information, visit http://www.mdhima.org/ContactUs.html.

West Virginia: The newly formed West Virginia ACDIS Chapter holds its first meeting Monday, May 14, at 1 p.m., at CAMC Hospital in Charleston. For information, contact Sheila Harrison at 304/389-0689 or email Sheila.Harrison@camc.org.

Kentucky/Illinois: The next session of the Kentucky/Illinois ACDIS Chapter will be Thursday, May 24, 1-4 p.m., at St. Mary’s and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, KY. For information, contact Rita Fields at or email rita.fields@BHSI.COM.

Georgia: The next meeting of the Southeast Chapter of the Association of Clinical Documentation Specialists will be Friday, June 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA. For information, contact Bonnie I. Epps at 404/712-4550 or email Bonnie.Epps@emoryhealthcare.org.  Visit the Southeast Regional ACDIS Chapter Facebook page for announcements and other information.

New groups, meetings promote CDI efforts in February

The Las Vegas, NV chapter at its first meeting in June 2011. Pictured above from left to right: Sharon Yens (Centennial Hills Hospital), Kathy Bird (Southern Hills Hospital), Karen Thorsteinson (St Rose Hospital – De Lima), Kathy Hurst (Kindred Hospital – Flamingo), Lori Mejia (Southwest Medical Associates), Sherry Siewers (DDCM Kindred Desert District), Sherry Shariff Hall (St Rose Hospital – Siena), and Marissa Schanbacher (Mountain View Hospital). Taking the photo: Ailsa Kompare (Kindred Las Vegas Market).

New networking groups

Philadelphia: The Philadelphia CDI network has new energy and is planning its first meeting for 2012. For information, contact Judi Bates at Lourdes Health System at 856/757-3161 or e-mail at BatesJ@lourdesnet.org. Or call Debby Dallen at Albert Einstein Medical Center at 856/786-0897 or e-mail dallend@einstein.edu.

Rochester, NY: Ruth Pfrengle, BSN, RN, director of utilization management at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has volunteered to help facilitate networking opportunities in the region. For information, contact 585/273-3816 or e-mail ruth_pfrengle@urmc.rochester.edu.

Texas: Barbara Presley, RN, CDI specialist at the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin has volunteered to help professionals from the San Antonio/Austin area to network. For information, contact her at 512/324-7679 or e-mail baPresley@seton.org.

Vermont: Suzanne Schultz, RN, BSN, CCM, CCDS, CDI specialist at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, has volunteered to connect CDI professionals in the state. For information, contact her at 802/847-2140 or e-mail suzanne.schultz@vtmednet.org.

Washington: The Evergreen ACDIS Chapter of Northwest Washington seeks new volunteers to help lead the group in 2012. For information, contact Jennifer Woodworth, RN, BSN, CCDS, director of CDI at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle by phone at 206/215-2073 or e-mail Jennifer.Woodworth@swedish.org. Or contact Cathie Murphree, LPN, CCDS, Documentation Improvement Specialist/HIM, at St. Joseph Medical Center, in Bellingham, at 360/788-6300 ext. 3429 or e-mail CMurphree@peacehealth.org.

West Virginia: Sheila Harrison, RN, BSN, CDI specialist at the Charleston Area Medical Center, Teays Valley Division, has volunteered to help get networking efforts started in the state. For information, contact 304/389-0689 or e-mail Sheila.Harrison@camc.org.

February meetings

New Hampshire: The next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 8, 1-2:30 p.m., at Elliot Hospital in Manchester. For information, contact Carla A. Heyn at 603/663-3452 or by e-mail at cheyn@Elliot-HS.org

Albany, NY: The Albany (NY) ACDIS Regional Chapter holds its next meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2-4 p.m., at St. Peter’s Hospital. The group will discuss documentation regarding acute renal failure. For information, contact Lois Rubin at 518/525-1081 or e-mail lrubin@sphcs.org.

Virginia: The next Virginia ACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1222 Jefferson Park Ave., in Charlottesville. Each attending facility will present/discuss what works well in their facility and what needs improvements. There will also be a teleconference/webinar presentation by ACDIS Advisory Board member Glenn Krauss.

Continuing its “ACDIS gives back” tradition, UVA has decided to donate to The HAVEN, a safe and welcoming place for the homeless in our community. Donations can range from warm items such as gloves, hats, or scarves to nonperishable food. A complete list can be obtained at www.thehavenatfirstandmarket.org/give/. For information, contact Sequana Webb 434/760-4491 or e-mail sck8u@virginia.edu.

Wisconsin: Will hold its winter meeting Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, in Wauwatosa. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. CCDS and AHIMA credits will be offered. The meeting agenda includes:

• “A Clinical Perspective on Chart Review and Diagnoses Assignment: A QIO Reviewer’s Perspective,” by Jessica Whitley, MD, MBA, hospitalist and QIO reviewer.
• “CDI’s Impact on the Recovery Audit Contractor Initiative: Capitalizing on our Strengths to Minimize Hospital Financial Exposure,” by Diane Draize, RN, CPUR, CCDS, CDI specialist at Ministry Health, and Joan Korn, BSN, RN, CDI specialist at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care.
• “What You Don’t Know About Principles of Multiple Significant Trauma is What You Don’t Know!,” by Kathy Thomas, RN, CDI specialist at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, and Renee Hedtcke, RN, CCDS, at Aurora Summit Medical Center
• Open Discussion/Roundtable: Opportunities for CDI Initiatives in the Ambulatory Care environment as well as inpatient setting beyond reimbursement

Deadline to register is Sunday, February 12. Registration is $25 for WI ACDIS members; $50 non-members.

For information, contact Kathy Thomas, RN, at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, kathleen.Thomas@wfhc.org; Renee Hedtcke, RN, CCDS, at Aurora Health Care, renee.hedtcke@aurora.org; Diane Draize from Ministry Door County Medical Center Sturgeon Bay  at diane.draize@ministryhealth.org, Joan Korn from Wheaton Franciscan St. Francis in Milwaukee at joan.korn@wfhc.org, or Glenn Krauss, independent consultant, glennkrauss@earthlink.net.

N. Illinois: The next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 16, from noon to 3:30 p.m., at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. The agenda includes:

• Participation in the ACDIS Quarterly Conference Call
• Presentation by Maralee Gray, BSN, CDI specialist at Rockford Memorial Hospital regarding “CDIS and ICD-10 Crossing Over: How to Safely Make it to the Other Side”
• Presentation by Karolee Fill, MSN, APN-CNP, at Northwest Community Hospital regarding “Basic Review of Echocardiography in the Heart Failure population”

For information, contact Nancy R. Ignatowicz at 815/806-2322 or e-mail nancy.ignatowicz@provena.org. Or contact Colleen Stukenberg MSN, RN, CMSRN, CCDS, at 815/599-6820, or e-mail CStukenberg@fhn.org.

California: The California ACDIS Chapter holds its regular meeting the fourth Wednesday of the month, February 22, 9-10 a.m. Those interested in volunteering to help lead the chapter are invited to step forward at this time. For information, contact Dexter D’Costa at 573/529-1791 or e-mail dr_dexterdcosta@yahoo.com.

Maine: The next meeting will be held Thursday, February 23, noon to 4 p.m., at Mid-Coast Hospital in Brunswick. For information, contact Cathy Seluke at 207/872-1796 or e-mail Cathy.Seluke@mainegeneral.org.

New England: The next New England Regional ACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2-4 p.m., at Tufts Medical Center, Stearns Auditorium. Janet Cavagnac from Baystate will review ICD-10 coding in 3M software. Participants should bring a 3M equipped laptop if possible. Volunteers are needed to schedule future meeting and help lead the group. For information, contact Kelley Sears at 508/954-7432 or e-mail Kelley.Sears@steward.org.

Georgia (Southeast): The next Southeast ACDIS meeting will be Wednesday, February 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN. For information, contact Bonnie I. Epps at 404/712-4550 or e-mail Bonnie.Epps@emoryhealthcare.org.  Or visit the Southeast Regional ACDIS Chapter Facebook page for meeting announcements and other information.

Upcoming events

New Jersey: The next NJ meeting will take place Friday, March 2. For information, contact Deborah Gardner-Brown at 732/238-4511, or e-mail Deborah@RRA-INC.com.

Tennessee: The next TN-ACDIS meeting will be held at Baptist Hospital in Nashville on Friday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information, contact Sherri Clark at 865/804-6561 or e-mail SClark@mc.utmck.edu.

Long Island, NY: St. Francis Hospital hosts the next networking meeting on Tuesday, March 6, 3-5 p.m. For information, contact Adelaide M. La Rosa at 516/562-6229 or e-mail Adelaide.LaRosa@chsli.org.

Mid-West Regional: The Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota state ACDIS networks’  mid-west regional conference, has been postponed.

Meeting minutes

The following minutes and/or presentations have been made available from the following chapters:

• Southwest Ohio January newsletter
• Minnesota January meeting minutes and presentation regarding shock
• Northeastern Ohio December 2011 newsletter
• Florida November 2011 newsletter

Local networking meetings feature all-day educational events

Central Indiana

The Central Indiana ACDIS networking group meets Wednesday, October 12, at 10 a.m., at IU Health in Indianapolis, for a presentation by Danita Forgey, an independent Consultant with the Indiana HIMA Task Force regarding the “Impact of ICD-10 on Clinical Documentation Improvement.” For information, contact meeting host Susan Bradford at sbradford@riverview.org, or by phone at 317/776-7285.

New York

The Capital (Albany) Region ACDIS group has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2-4 p.m. For information, contact Lois Rubin RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS, supervisor of clinical documentation at St. Peter’s Hospital, at 518/525-1081 or by e-mail at LRubin@sphcs.org.

Tri-State (WI, MI, MN)

ACDIS Chapter leaders from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota invite CDI specialists and related professionals to join them for the first Tri-State Regional Meeting Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The agenda includes:

• Registration
• Strategies for dealing with difficult physicians
• Physician query process: The ins and outs
• Lunch
• Continually educating physicians to avoid staleness in your program
• Over documentation: Challenges and solutions
• Collaboration between coders and CDI professionals to break down the silos
• Roundtable discussion

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participants can earn five CEs for the CCDS credential. A block of rooms has been reserved for October 14 and 15 at $129 per night including taxes. Reservations can be made by calling the Kalahari directly at 877/253-5466; request the WI-ACDIS room block. Note: As the reduced reservation rate has passed, the hotel may charge the the prevailing hotel room rate at its discretion.

Registration is $50. For information, contact Heidi Hillstrom at HHillstrom@slhduluth.com or call 218/249-5461.

Florida

The quarterly FL ACDIS meeting will be held Friday, October 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. The agenda includes:

• 11-11:30 a.m.: Registration
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Election of officers. Opening comments, survey results; most outrageous convention costume parade with prize winners. Prizes and raffles throughout the day (bring cash).
• 12:30-1:15 p.m.: Lunch and networking
• 1:15-3:15 p.m.: Presentation by Dr. Michaela Dragut, “ICD-10-CM/PCS Clinical Documentation Improvement Hot Topics.” CEUs for CCDS and coding.
• 3:15-4 p.m.: Discussion and closing comments

For information, contact chapter president Virginia Bailey by phone at 727/859-4880; vice-president Charringon (Charlie) Morell at 727/819-2929 ext.2252; or secretary/treasurer Kimberly Richert, at kimberly.richert@baycare.org or by phone 727/725-6248.

Oregon

The Oregon/SW Washington ACDIS Chapter meets Friday, October 21, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland. The agenda includes:

• 8:15-8:45: Registration and networking

  
  

  

  Providence Portland Medical Center in Oregon hosts the next networking meeting there.

  
  

• 8:45-9 a.m.: Welcome and housekeeping
• 9-10 a.m.: Presentation by Cesar Limjoco, VP of clinical services for DCBA, Inc., “Where do I document the diagnosis?” (Live webinar.)
• 10-10:15 a.m.: Break
• 10:15-11:15 a.m.:Presentation by Hoa Ly, MD, utilization management physician advisor at Salmon Creek Medical Center, “Heart failure, coronary artery disease, and encephalopathy.”
• 11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: Presentation by Teresa Bensen, RHIT, regional coding supervisor at Providence Health & Services, “ICD-9 changes for 2012.”
• 12:20-1:20 p.m.: Lunch on your own/networking
• 1:20-2 p.m.: Business meeting including financial and officers’ reports and election of officers for 2012.
• 2-3:30 p.m.: Presentation by Nancy Seebert, RN, BS, MA, CDI specialist at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, “Change & transition: How do I make it through so many changes and how do I help others?”
• 3:30-3:45 p.m.: Break
• 3:45-4:15 p.m.: Panel discussion regarding on CCDS Certification
• 4:15-4:45 p.m.: Wrap-up

Admission is free to members. Annual membership (valid through 12/31/12) is $30. Admission is $10 for non-members. For additional information visit the Chapter Blog at  http://oregonswwashingtonacdischapter.blogspot.com/ or contact chapter president Nancy R. Seebert, 503/674-1820 or by e-mail at nseebert@lhs.org; or chapter vice president Janet Barber by phone at 503/215-0642 or by e-mail at Janet.Barber@providence.org.

Virginia

The fifth quarterly ACDIS Virginia Chapter meeting will be Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. The agenda includes a presentation by Robert Gold, MD, CEO of DCBA, Inc., “CDI Initiatives: Start now for ICD-10.” For information/to RSVP, contact meeting host Linda Steinhoff by phone at 757/312-5154 or e-mail Linda.Steinhoff@chesapeakeregional.com.

California

The next California ACDIS teleconference will be held Wednesday, October 26, 9-10 a.m. The group will discuss the role of clinical documentation improvement program in Recovery Audit Contractor defense. For information, contact chapter leader Dexter D’Costa by phone: 573/529-1791, or by e-mail: dr_dexterdcosta@yahoo.com.

Minnesota

The next MN ACDIS meeting will be held Wednesday, October 26, 1-2 p.m. (Download the meeting minutes from August, or the meeting minutes from June.) For information, contact chapter leader Mark LeBlanc by phone at 952/993-5692 or by e-mail at mark.leblanc@parknicollet.com.

Save the date

South Carolina

The next SC ACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Friday, November 11, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Providence Hospital in Columbia. The agenda includes:

• Presentation by Laura Nardone, RHIA, CCS, Senior Coding Manager and educator at AnMed Health, “The CDI Role in ICD-10-CM/PCS Transition.”
• Angela Worden, RN, BA/BS, Managing Director with FTI Consulting, “CDI Metrics: Making your program a success.”
• Connie Calvert, RHIA, CCS, CCDS, Palmetto Health, “Preparing for the CCDS Exam.”

Admission is free. To RSVP contact Dawn Oman by e-mail at Dawn.Oman@RoperSaintFrancis.com; include your name and the name of your facility. For information about the SC ACDIS Chapter, contact Rebecca “Ali” Williams, e-mail rawilliams@srhs.com or call 864/560-5701.

Connecticut

The CT ACDIS Chapter meets Thursday, November 10, 9-10:30 a.m., at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradely Memorial Campus in Southington. The group will discuss “Principal Diagnosis: What Does It Really Mean?” CE credits for CCDS will be provided. For information, contact chapter leader MaryAnn Shanley at 860/714-1261 or e-mail mshanley@stfranciscare.org. Or call co-leader Alison Yazmer at 860/358-6224 or contact her by e-mail at alison.yazmer@midhosp.org.

Kentucky

The next Kentucky/S. Indiana ACDIS networking meeting will be held Thursday, November 17, 1-4 p.m. The agenda includes:

• Acute and chronic respiratory failure
• UTI
• Business meeting

CEUs will be offered. To RSVP, contact meeting host Rita Fields at rita.fields@BHSI.COM. For information or to join the networking group, contact chapter leader Dee Schad at 502/550-0911or contact her by e-mail at Dee.schad@clarkmemorial.org.

September meetings include CDI Week after-hours events

Connecticut

The CT CDI networking group meets Thursday, September 8, 9-10:30  a.m., at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Memorial Campus in Southington. For information, contact MaryAnn Shanley at mshanley24@yahoo.com.

Georgia

The next Southeast ACDIS meeting will take place Friday, September 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. RSVPs are requested to Jamie Doster at james.doster@emoryhealthcare.org or by phone at 404/578-0262.

Plan to arrive by 9:20 a.m. to allow time for parking, registration, morning refreshments, and networking. Save time by submitting your membership application (see below) and pay dues to the treasurer prior to the meeting date. Attached are:

• Membership application if you wish to join the chapter. Annual dues are $25 with check made payable to “SECACDIS.” All quarterly meetings are included in the membership dues.
• Meeting attendance application: Application to attend just one meeting for non-chapter members. Cost is $10 per meeting.
• Agenda: Note the meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be an optional Facebook crash course following the meeting for those wishing to learn how to interact on the chapter’s Facebook site.
• Minutes from the last meeting in June to be voted on.
• Bylaws to be voted on at next meeting.

New York

A CDI round table discussion will be held on Thursday, September 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. For information, contact Than Than Lee at 212/824-8180 or email ThanThan.Lee@mountsinai.org.

CDI Week Meetings

(Editor’s Note: Meeting locations listed in italic denote special, after-hours events associated with CDI Week not necessarily formal “chapter” events.)

San Francisco Bay, CA

Is organizing a happy hour meet-and-greet for CDI and related professionals on Wednesday, September 21, 5-8 p.m. at the Clement Street Bar and Grill. All CDI-related professionals are welcome to drop by for drinks and/or appetizers and dinner. RSVP to dexter.g.dcosta@kp.org or call 573/529-1791.

N. Illinois

The next Northern Illinois CDI chapter meeting will be at Delnor in Geneva, on Thursday, September 22, 1-3:30 p.m. For information, contact Colleen M. Stukenberg by phone at 815/599-6820 or by e-mail at CStukenberg@fhn.org.

Las Vegas, NV

The Nevada ACDIS Chapter will host a CDI Week happy hour Friday, September 23, 5-8 p.m., at the Fire Fly, 3900 Paradise

Take a peek at the Fire Fly menu. Those Vegas CDI professionals sure know how to celebrate CDI Week. Want to host an after-hours event for CDI in your area? Post the information below or email mvarnavas@ cdiassociation.com

Road, Las Vegas. The event is a “buy your own” but because it is a tapas bar, items are typically under $10. It should be a bunch of fun and a great networking opportunity! Here is a link to their website if you want to see what they have.

RSVP to Alisa Kompare at Ailsa.Kompare@kindredhealthcare.com or call 702/343-7232.

Los Angeles, CA

A gathering of  CDI-colleagues from the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley areas are invited to attend a happy hour event in honor of CDI Week Friday, September, 23, 5-8 p.m., at the Yard House – Paseo Colorado in Pasadena. For information and to RSVP contact, Cris Gumayagay at cris.gumayagay@ahmchealth.com.

California

Our next ACDIS-CA Chapter meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 9-10 a.m. The speaker will be Wendy DeVreugd from Kindred Healthcare who will be presenting on Kindred’s model of CDI. For information, contact Dexter D’Costa at dexter.g.dcosta@kp.org or by phone at 573/529-1791.

Save-the-date

New England

The NE Regional CDI  network meets Wednesday, October 5, 1-3:30 p.m., at Lowell General Hospital’s Clark Auditorium. The meeting will feature a presentation by Richard Birkhead, MD, FACC, Chief of Cardiology regarding documentation for fluid overload vs CHF, Cor Pulmonale, pericarditis, and tamonade, among other topics. For information, contact Kelley Sears at Kelley.Sears@steward.org or call 508/954-7432.

Tri-State (WI, MI, MN)

The ACDIS Chapter leaders from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota invite CDI specialists and related professionals to join them for the first Tri-State Regional Meeting Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The agenda includes:

• Registration
• Strategies for dealing with difficult physicians
• Physician query process: The ins and outs
• Lunch
• Continually educating physicians to avoid staleness in your program
• Over documentation: Challenges and Solutions
• Collaboration between coders and CDI professionals to break down the silos
• Roundtable discussion

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Five CEs will be provided for those who need CEs for the CCDS credentials. For those needing lodging a block of rooms has been reserved for October 14 and 15 at $129 per night inclusive of taxes. Reservations can be made by calling the Kalahari directly at 877/253-5466 by Wednesday, September 14 and request the WI-ACDIS room block. After this date, the prevailing hotel room rate may be charged at the discretion of the hotel.

Registration is $50 and the deadline is October 1. For information, contact Heidi Hillstrom at HHillstrom@slhduluth.com or call 218/249-5461.

Virginia

The fifth quarterly ACDIS Virginia Chapter will meet Saturday, October 22, with Robert Gold, MD, CEO of DCBA, Inc.,  as the guest speaker. Gold will discuss “CDI Initiatives: Start now for ICD-10.” For information, contact Linda Steinhoff by phone at 757/312-5154 or email Linda.Steinhoff@chesapeakeregional.com.

August meetings have agendas full of education and enrichment

North Carolina

The NC ACDIS Chapter meets Friday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sapona Country Club, in Lexington. The agenda includes:

• 8-9 a.m.: Registration and reception with continental breakfast
• 9-10:30 a.m.: Keynote Speaker-Steve Robinson, MS, RN, PA, CPUR, Sr. Director, Clinical Documentation Improvement Solutions at Maxim Health Information Services “Current/Upcoming CMS Mandates and Concurrent Review.” Robinson will discuss:
  • Appropriate MS-DRG assignment
  • RAC preparedness
  • POA coding
  • Core Measures Coordination
  • 2012 IPPS proposal and pending final rule
  • ICD-10 impact on CDI
• 10:45-11:30 a.m.: NC ACDIS business meeting
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
• 12:30-2 p.m.: Closing Speaker-Nicole Greer, PPCC, founder of Vibrant Coaching and lead trainer for Laurie Beth Jones Inc. National Training Team “Engaging the Elements of Success: A Highly Intuitive Tool for Communication, Growth, and Success!”

Attendees are asked to register by Friday, July 29. Cost is $25 per person and includes breakfast, lunch, CEUs, and door prizes. For information, contact Leah Taylor via e-mail at Leah.Taylor@iredellmemorial.org or by phone at 704/878-7436; or Brenda Harris via e-mail at Brenda.Harris@carolinashealthcare.org or by phone at 704/863-6378; or visit http://ncacdis.org/

NC ACDIS members are asked to participate in a short, three question survey prior to the meeting.

Central Ohio

The ACDIS Central Ohio Chapter meets Thursday, Aug. 18, 1:30-3 p.m., at the James Cancer Hospital. The topic for discussion will be ICD-10 and CDI. RSVP to sheri.blanchard@osumc.edu.

NY/PA

NY/PA Regional Network meets at The Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, in its Patterson Auditorium, Friday, Aug. 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We also have video conferencing available for seven more facilities, so sign up soon. (Please allow time to complete a video trial before the conference day.)

We have been approved by ACDIS for four credits towards the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) certification. We will have four guest presentations including:

1. Jonathan Elion, MD: Dr. Elion has 40 years of experience in computing and more than 25 years of experience in medical computing and information standards, and is the founder of ChartWise Medical Systems. He will be speaking about ethical practices in CDI and the importance of quality documentation.
2. Mario A. Perez, III, RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P: Perez is the Director, Coding and Documentation Compliance for J.A. Thomas & Associates, Inc. He will be speaking about why facilities need CDI programs, how to makes them successful, and how justify CDI efforts to the larger facility stakeholders.
3. Glenn Krauss, BBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, C-CDIS, CCDS, independent consultant based in Madison, WI, will discuss the future of CDI.
4. Jean Elsener, RN CPUR, CRN-C, CRN-A CCDS, CDI specialist, Quality Management, will discuss writing concise, standardized, and non-leading queries.

For information, contact Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS, supervisor CDI, Guthrie Healthcare System, Robert Packer & Corning Hospitals at 570/887-6094 or by e-mail at tiffany_susan@guthrie.org

New Jersey

The NJ ACDIS Chapter holds a “summer outing” Friday, Aug. 19, 1:30-4 p.m., at RRA, Inc., Meeting Annex, 385 West Ferris St., East Brunswick. The meeting will include tasty frozen drinks and yummy appetizers and door prizes. It also features an opportunity to share CDI best practices and trouble areas, explore ways to achieve physician compliance, and preview of Quadrameds ICD-10 Simulator and CDI Tracking software. For information contact, Deborah Gardner-Brown at 732/238-4511, or e-mail Deborah@RRA-INC.com

Florida

FLACDIS Quarterly Meeting is set for Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Sacred Heart Medical Center, 5151 N Ninth Ave., Pensacola. The agenda has changed slightly:

• Three CEU’s awarded for CCDS renewal including:
  • Virginia Bailey/Dr. Dragut – Coding Quiz
  • Trivia Contest-Kimberly Richert
  • Dr. Michelle Dragut (E-mail topic requests to Virginia.bailey@baycare.org)
  • Katherine (Kitty) Novak, Director FTI Consulting presenting on principal diagnosis selection
• Raffles, even a 50/50 one this time!
• Corn dogs, candy apples, cotton candy!
• Opportunity to network with your peers
• Blue Ribbon Pie Contest

RSVP by August 10 to pcassady@csg-hs.com. For more information, visit the FLACDIS website or the Florida ACDIS Chapter’s Facebook page.

California

ACDIS-CA chapter meets via teleconference Wednesday, Aug. 24, 9-10 a.m. For information, contact Dexter D’Costa by e-mail at dr_dexterdcosta@yahoo.com.

Multiple meetings being held across the US help CDI professionals chill out the summer season with educational offerings.

Planning ahead

Georgia

The next meeting of the Southeast Chapter will be at Medical Center Central Georgia in Macon, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP to james.doster@emoryhealthcare.org. Attendance is $10 for non-members; annual membership dues are $25.

Maine

The next Maine ACDIS meeting is scheduled for Sept. 20. For information, contact Theresa Davis BSN, RN, CCDS, by e-mail at tdavis@emh.org.

Michigan

The MI ACDIS Chapter has postponed its July meeting and will hold its next teleconference on Thursday, Oct. 20, noon to 1 p.m. The meeting features an in-depth look at how ICD-10 affects CDI program practices with MI member Sue Haley. For information contact, Janet Gentle, at 231/487-3564 or by e-mail at jgentle@northernhealth.org.

South Carolina

The first SC ACDIS Chapter kickoff was a huge success, so save-the-date for the next meeting slated for Friday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Providence Hospital, in Columbia. For information, contact Rebecca “Ali” Williams at 864/560-5701 or by e-mail at rawilliams@srhs.com.

New York, Pennsylvania CDI specialists welcome to attend day-long networking event

Head over to Sayer, PA, located on the NY/PA border for an all-day conference sponsored by the local chapter there.

by Susan Tiffany

We are one month away from our Pennsylvania/New York networking event. Thank you to all 50 of you who have registered, we have room for more!

NY/PA Regional Network meets at The Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, in its Patterson Auditorium, Friday, August 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We also have video conferencing available for seven more facilities, so sign up soon. (Please allow time to complete a video trial before the conference day.)

We have been approved by ACDIS for four credits towards the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) certification. We will have four guest presentations including:

1. Jonathan Elion, MD: Dr. Elion has 40 years of experience in computing and more than 25 years of experience in medical computing and information standards, and is the founder of ChartWise Medical Systems. He will be speaking about ethical practices in CDI and the importance of quality documentation.
2. Mario A. Perez, III, RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P: Perez is the Director, Coding and Documentation Compliance for J.A. Thomas & Associates, Inc. He will be speaking about why facilities need CDI programs, how to makes them successful, and how justify CDI efforts to the larger facility stakeholders.
3. Glenn Krauss, BBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, C-CDIS, CCDS, independent consultant based in Madison, WI, will discuss the future of CDI.
4. Jean Elsener, RN CPUR, CRN-C, CRN-A CCDS, CDI specialist, Quality Management, will discuss writing concise, standardized, and non-leading queries.

The schedule is as follows:

• 8-9 a.m.: Registration, networking, exhibits
• 9-10 a.m.: Speaker presentation
• 10-11 a.m.: Networking, exhibits
• 11-noon: Speaker presentation
• Noon-1 p.m.: Lunch/raffles
• 1-2 p.m.: Speaker presentation
• 2-3 p.m.: Speaker presentation
• 3-4 p.m.: Closing program, networking, exhibits

It is extremely difficult to obtain lodging, so contact me if you cannot find space. The following are some lodging options:

• Hampton Inn Sayre: 570/882-1166
• Best Western Grand Victorian Inn: 570/888-7711. Our facility offers a shuttle service from here, we can pick you up and return you to the hotel. I will need number of people in your party if you opt for this.
• The Brimarie Bed and Breakfast: 570-888-8800, www.thebrimarieinn.com. The inn is offering us a 10% discount off room rate. It is located a short walk from the hospital, across a small park.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, or wish to RSVP, please feel free to contact me, Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS, Supervisor Clinical Documentation Program, Guthrie Healthcare System,   Robert Packer & Corning Hospitals at 570/887-6094 or by e-mail at tiffany_susan@guthrie.org

Mark your calendars and let ACDIS Chapters meetings fill up your summer schedule

Don't let your summer schedule fill up without making time for local CDI networking events.

July

New Orleans

The New Orleans ACDIS Chapter meets Tuesday, July 12, 4-6 p.m., at Semolinas Restaurant at Clearview Mall in Metairie. For information, contact Royceann Brechtel Fugler by phone at 504/456-5186 or by e-mail at rfugler@ejgh.org.

Indiana

The Central Indiana ACDIS Chapter meets tomorrow Wednesday, July 13, at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The agenda features a presentation by ACDIS Advisory Board member Glenn Krauss regarding strategies to communicate with difficult physicians.

The Central Indiana Chapter recently named new Advisory Board members including:

• Kathy Wilson, first year member, Community Hospital North, e-mail her at KWilson4@ecommunity.com.
• Wendy Wilson, first year member, IU Health, Bloomington Hospital, e-mail her at WWilson4@iuhealth.org.
• Lena Wilson, second year member, IU Health Network/HIM, e-mail her at lwilson9@iuhealth.org.
• Susan Bradford, second year member, Riverview Hospital, e-mail her at sbradford@riverview.org.

For more information, contact Susan Bradford by phone 317/776-7285 or by e-mail at sbradford@riverview.org

Kansas City, Missouri

The KC MO ACDIS Chapter holds its next meeting, Wednesday, July 27, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, in Shawnee Mission, KS. The meeting agenda will include topics as determined by members of the group.  Those interested in attending should contact Joann Agin at jagin@carondelet.com.

To read the minutes of the April KC MO ACDIS meeting click here.

Virginia

The next Virginia ACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at August Health in Fisherville. To RSVP, contact Bea Benson, RN, BSN at bbenson@augustahealth.com.

August

So. Nevada

The Southern Nevada ACDIS Chapter meets the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. (August’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3) at Kindred Hospital Flamingo Campus (Classroom), 2250 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. For information, contact ailsa.kompare@kindredhealthcare.com.

North Carolina

The NC ACDIS Chapter meets Friday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sapona Country Club, in Lexington. The agenda includes:

• 8-9 a.m.: Registration and reception with continental breakfast
• 9-10:30 a.m.: Keynote Speaker-Steve Robinson, MS, RN, PA, CPUR, Sr. Director, Clinical Documentation Improvement Solutions at Maxim Health Information Services “Current/Upcoming CMS Mandates and Concurrent Review.” Robinson will discuss:
  • Appropriate MS-DRG assignment
  • RAC preparedness
  • POA coding
  • Core Measures Coordination
  • 2012 IPPS proposal and pending final rule
  • ICD-10 impact on CDI
• 10:45-11:30 a.m.: NC ACDIS business meeting
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
• 12:30-2 p.m.: Closing Speaker-Nicole Greer, PPCC, founder of Vibrant Coaching and lead trainer for Laurie Beth Jones Inc. National Training Team “Engaging the Elements of Success: A Highly Intuitive Tool for Communication, Growth, and Success!”

Attendees are asked to register by Friday, July 29. Cost is $25 per person and includes breakfast, lunch, CEUs, and door prizes. For information, contact Leah Taylor via e-mail at Leah.Taylor@iredellmemorial.org or by phone at 704/878-7436; or Brenda Harris via e-mail at Brenda.Harris@carolinashealthcare.org or by phone at 704/863-6378; or visit http://ncacdis.org/

NC ACDIS members are asked to participate in a short, three question survey prior to the meeting.

NY/PA 
The NY/PA Regional ACDIS Network holds its next meeting Friday, August 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. The event is free. Video conferencing is available to the first 10 registrants who require it. The agenda includes guest speakers:

• Jonathan Elion, MD, founder of ChartWise Medical Systems, who will discuss ethical practices in CDI and the importance of quality documentation.
• Mario A. Perez, III, RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, director of coding and documentation compliance at J.A. Thomas & Associates, Inc., who will discuss CDI programs, why they are needed, how to make them successful and how to justify implementation.
• Glenn Krauss, BBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, C-CDIS, CCDS, independent consultant who will discuss the future of CDI programs, understanding the value of CDI beyond financial reimbursement.
• Jean Elsener, RN CPUR, CRN-C, CRN-A CCDS, who will discuss how to craft concise, standardized, and non-leading queries.

Each presenter will speak for an hour, with time for questions and discussion. There will also be time to network, visit with exhibitors, and sign up for raffles.

For information, contact Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS, at 570/882-6094, pager #465; or by e-mail at tiffany_susan@guthrie.org.

New Jersey

The NJ ACDIS Chapter holds a “summer outing” Friday, Aug. 19, 1:30-4 p.m., at RRA, Inc., Meeting Annex, 385 West Ferris St., East Brunswick. The meeting will include tasty frozen drinks and yummy appetizers and door prizes. It also features an opportunity to share CDI best practices and trouble areas, explore ways to achieve physician compliance, and preview of Quadrameds ICD-10 Simulator and CDI Tracking software. For information contact, Deborah Gardner-Brown at 732/238-4511, or e-mail Deborah@RRA-INC.com

Florida

The next FLACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Sacred Heart in Pensacola. Although the meeting agenda is still under construction the theme for the first meeting of the “panhandle” region is “Meet Me at the ClinDoc Fair.” The event will feature state-fair corn dogs, sausages and peppers, cotton candy, and even a best-pie contest. Non-FLACDIS members can attend for free for the first time, with a $10 charge to receive CEUs. Visit the FLACDIS Chapter on Facebook, at the web site www.flacdis.org, or download the latest newsletter. To attend the upcoming meeting, RSVP to pcassady@csg-hs.com.

Planning ahead

Michigan

The MI ACDIS Chapter has postponed its July meeting and will hold its next teleconference on Thursday, Oct. 20, noon to 1 p.m. The meeting features an in-depth look at how ICD-10 affects CDI program practices with MI member Sue Haley. For information contact, Janet Gentle, at 231/487-3564 or by e-mail at jgentle@northernhealth.org.

South Carolina

The first SC ACDIS Chapter kickoff was a huge success, so save-the-date for the next meeting slated for Friday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Providence Hospital, in Columbia. For information, contact Rebecca “Ali” Williams at 864/560-5701 or by e-mail at rawilliams@srhs.com.

Local meetings heat up in June and July

Georgia

Beat the heat with these CDI educational opportunities in June and July

The spring meeting of the Southeast Chapter of ACDIS meets Friday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA. The event includes: networking, educational sessions with CEs, door-prizes, and more. To RSVP, e-mail james.doster@emoryhealthcare.org.

California

The next ACDIS-California chapter teleconference will be held Wednesday, June 22, 9-10 a.m. For information, call Dexter D’Costa at 573/529-1791 or e-mail dr_dexterdcosta@yahoo.com.

Minnesota

The next MN CDI networking meeting will be held Wednesday, June 22, 1-2 p.m., featuring guest speaker A. Robert Tucker III, MD, chief medical officer/medical director of utilization management, at a 400-bed tertiary hospital in Northern Virginia. Dr. Tucker will discuss encephalopathy with CABGs.

For information, contact Heidi Hillstrom MS, MBA, RN, CCDS, by phone at 218/249-5461 or by e-mail at hhillstrom@slhduluth.com

Wisconsin

The next Wisconsin ACDIS Chapter teleconference will be held Thursday, June 23, 1-2 p.m. Agenda items include:

• Lessons learned from the ACDIS audio conference Physician Query Workshop
• Results of WI chapter member survey
• Creation of bylaws, formation of a meeting events committee
• Update on the development of a state chapter website

For information, contact Glenn Krauss at glennkrauss@earthlink.net.

New England

The next NE Regional CDS meeting will be held Wednesday, June 29, 12:30-3 p.m., at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA. Please feel free to bring a lunch. The agenda includes a presentation by Ann Wallace, geriatric nurse practioner on the topic “Delirium: Underappreciated and over treated.” The presentation has been approved for 2.0 nursing CE contact hours. For information, contact Kelley Sears, RN, CCDS at Kelley.Sears@CaritasChristi.org.

Tennessee

The Tennessee ACDIS Chapter meets Friday, July 1, 9 a.m. to noon, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, in Knoxville. The agenda includes:

• A presentation by James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, managing director of FTI Healthcare in Brentwood titled “CDI in an APR-DRG environment: bridging the gap between coders and providers.”
• Discussion of the foundational requirements for establishing the chapter.
• Discussion of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s impending transition to APR-DRGs and its impact on quality measurement and reimbursement.
• Discussion of a pathophysiologic approach to common conditions (e.g., sepsis, chest pain, heart failure, altered mental status, chronic kidney disease) pertinent to APR-DRGs.
• Networking

For information, contact Jennifer Turner, RN, CCDS by phone at 423/778-9225 or by e-mail at jennifer.turner@erlanger.org.

New Orleans

The New Orleans ACDIS Chapter meets Tuesday, July 12, 4-6 p.m., at Semolinas Restaurant at Clearview Mall in Metairie. For information, contact Royceann Brechtel Fugler, RN, BC, MHA by phone at 504/ 456-5186 or by e-mail at rfugler@ejgh.org.

Indiana

The Central Indiana ACDIS Chapter meets Wednesday, July 13, at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The agenda features a presentation by Glenn Krauss, ACDIS Advisory Board member and independent consultant regarding strategies to communicate with difficult physicians.

RSVP by Wednesday, July 6 to Wendy Wilson by e-mail at WWilson4@iuhealth.org. For more information, contact Susan Bradford, RN, BSN by phone 317/776-7285 or by e-mail at sbradford@riverview.org

Virginia

The next Virginia ACDIS Chapter meeting will be held Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at August Health in Fisherville. To RSVP, contact Bea Benson, RN, BSN at bbenson@augustahealth.com.

NY/PA 
The NY/PA Regional ACDIS Network holds its next meeting Friday, August 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. The event is free. Video conferencing is available to the first 10 registrants who require it. The agenda includes guest speakers:

• Jonathan Elion, MD, founder of ChartWise Medical Systems, who will discuss ethical practices in CDI and the importance of quality documentation.
• Mario A. Perez, III, RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, director of coding and documentation compliance at J.A. Thomas & Associates, Inc., who will discuss CDI programs, why they are needed, how to make them successful and how to justify implementation.
• Glenn Krauss, BBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, C-CDIS, CCDS, independent consultant who will discuss the future of CDI programs, understanding the value of CDI beyond financial reimbursement.
• Jean Elsener, RN CPUR, CRN-C, CRN-A CCDS, who will discuss how to craft concise, standardized, and non-leading queries.

Each presenter will speak for an hour, with time for questions and discussion. There will also be time to network, visit with exhibitors, and sign up for raffles.

For information, contact Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS, at 570/882-6094, pager #465; or by e-mail at tiffany_susan@guthrie.org.

Local chapters announce March meetings

Visit the Albany area for a New York networking experience.

New York

The Albany, NY ACDIS Chapter meets Thursday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. For information, contact Lois Rubin, RN, BSN, CPUR, CCDS, CCS, supervisor of clinical documentation improvement at St. Peters Hospital in Albany, by phone at 518/525-1081 or e-mail at LRubin@sphcs.org.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Chapter meeting was postponed because of bad weather. The next “regularly” scheduled meeting will be Thursday, March 10, 9-10:30 a.m., at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Memorial Campus, in Southington. The agenda includes discussions of present-on-admission, various report types used by CT hospitals, RAC information, and ACDIS National Conference attendance. For information, phone MaryAnn Shanley at 860/714-1261 or e-mail mshanley@stfranciscare.org. Or call Alison Yazmer, RN, BSN, Clinical Documentation Specialist, Middlesex Hospital, in Middletown at 860/358-6224 or contact her by e-mail at alison.yazmer@midhosp.org.

Ohio

The Southwestern Ohio Chapter hosts a St. Patrick’s Day ACDIS Chapter party on Thursday, March 17, 2-4 p.m., at

Spend much time in the south western portion of Ohio? Stop by the next CDI networking meeting there.

Kettering Medical Center in Kettering.  The event features door prizes, CDI jeopardy, and plenty of green food.  We will also be collecting 2011 dues of $40 per member. For information, contact Teri Sholder, RN, BSN, CPC, manager of documentation specialists in the clinical quality department at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, at Teri.Sholder@khnetwork.org or 937/395-8462.

Maryland

The Maryland CDI group meeting takes place Friday, March 18, 1:30 p.m., at the Maryland Hospital Association in Elkridge, MD. Contact Christine Mobley, RN, director of clinical documentation at Prince George’s Hospital Center, at christine.Mobley@dimensionshealth.org or 301/618-6507.

New England

The next New England CDI networking meeting will be held at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston Tuesday, March 22, 1-3 p.m. For information, contact Patty Spry and Kelley Sears, co-chairs at pattyspry2@yahoo.com or sears.kelley@yahoo.com.

California

The next California CDI conference call will be held Wednesday, March 23, 9-10 a.m. Presentations are sought. Contact Dexter D’Costa, MD, manager, clinical documentation program, quality improvement & patient safety, by phone at 650/723-5343 or e-mail at dr_dexterdcosta@yahoo.com.

Don't miss the first South Carolina CDI chapter meeting this month

South Carolina

SC ACDIS local chapter holds its kickoff meeting at Spartanburg Regional, Spartanburg, on Friday, April 29, featuring Robert S. Gold, MD. For information, contact Rebecca “Ali” Williams, RN, BSN, Manager – Documentation Integrity, at 864/560-5701 or rawilliams@srhs.com.

February meetings feature detailed agendas

Indiana

The Central Indiana ACDIS Chapter meeting was re-scheduled from January to Wednesday, February 2, 10 a.m. to noon, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville, IN.  The agenda includes:

• Review and discussion of local member survey
  • Meeting topic and speakers suggestions for 2011

    
    

    

    Don't miss a chance to network with CDI from your state!

    
    

  • Vendor participation
  • Chapter dues
  • Chapter leadership
  • Term service of executive team
  • Nominations for leadership positions/officers
• ICD-10 Education, with Indiana Health Information Management Association Task Force leader Danita Forgey

For information, contact Susan Bradford, RN, BSN, Clinical Documentation Specialist at Riverview Hospital by phone at 317/776-7285 or by e-mail at sbradford@riverview.org.

Kentucky

The Kentucky ACDIS Chapter will meet Thursday, February 10, 1-4 p.m., at the be Jewish Hospital downtown campus. For information, contact Dee Schad, RN, BSN, CCDS, by phone at 502/361-6492 or by e-mail deanna.schad@jhsmh.org.

Georgia

The Southeast Regional ACDIS meets Thursday, February 24, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Redmond Regional Medical Center, in Rome, GA. For information, and to reserve your spot, contact Melanie Thompson at melanie.thompson@hcahealthcare.com or call 706/802-3803 by February 16.

Ohio

Sheri Blanchard, RN, CDI specialist at Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is set to start a networking group in the Columbus, Ohio area. Those interested are welcome to attend a meeting Thursday, February 17, 1-3 p.m., at OSUMC/The James Cancer Hospital. Contact her by phone at 614/ 366-4197 or e-mail Sheri.Blanchard@osumc.edu.

Wisconsin

The next Wisconsin CDI Chapter meets Thursday, February 17, 1-2 p.m., featuring Gamal Eskander, MD, speaking on several different clinical disease processes. For information, contact Glenn Krauss director, Clinical Documentation Improvement Services for YPRO Corporation at glennkrauss@earthlink.net.

Oregon

The Oregon/SW Washington Chapter of ACDIS meets Friday, February 18, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin. The agenda includes:

• Continental breakfast
• Business meeting:
  • President Report
  • Secretary/Treasurer Report
  • Officers‘ presentation
  • Survey results
• Presentations:
  • “Physician Best practices and CDI involvement,” Hoa Ly, MD, CDI Physician Advisor
  • “How to attain “buy-in” and compliance from physicians,” Elise Fulsang, MD, CDI Physician Advisor
  • Audio conference: Surgical Complications

For information, contact Nancy R. Seebert, RN, BS, MA , Clinical Documentation Specialist at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center 503/674-1820 or by e-mail at nseebert@lhs.org; or contact  Janet Barber, BSN, RN, MBA, Clinical Documentation Specialist by phone at 503/215-0642 or by e-mail at Janet.Barber@providence.org.

California

The California ACDIS Chapter hosts its monthly conference call Wednesday, February 23, 9-10 a.m. For information contact Dexter D’Costa, MD, by phone at 650/723-5343, or by e-mail at DD’Costa@stanfordmed.org.

Minnesota

Minnesota CDI holds its next meeting Wednesday, February 23, 1-2:30 p.m. Contact Mark LeBlanc, RN, MBA, CCDS, at Park Nicollet Health Services by phone at 952/993-5692 or by e-mail at mark.leblanc@parknicollet.comfor dial-in instructions.

New York

The Albany, NY, ACDIS Chapter meets Thursday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. For information, contact Lois Rubin, RN, BSN, CPUR, CCDS, lead clinical documentation specialist in the case management department at St. Peters Hospital in Albany, at LRubin@sphcs.org.