Are you interested in pursuing the Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) credential? With decades of experience in healthcare documentation and medical coding, the CDIP credential is a great way to establish yourself as an industry leader in the field. Becoming a CDIP is not an easy task and requires dedication, hard work, and commitment to the profession. The purpose of this blog post is to provide an overview of the qualification requirements for the CDIP credential, outline the benefits of pursuing the credential, and provide insight into the steps needed to become a CDIP. This post will provide the guidance and resources necessary to help you navigate the process and take the next step in your career as a Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner.
- Minimum of two (2) years of clinical documentation integrity experience.
- Associate’s degree or higher in a health care or allied health care discipline.
- Completion of coursework in the following topics: Medical terminology. Human anatomy and physiology. Pathology. Pharmacology.
What does a certified document improvement practitioner do?
Professionals with CDIP credentials strive to maintain the quality and accuracy of the documentation procedures used to manage patient health records. They frequently assume leadership positions and mentor clinical staff in integrating clinical documentation integrity (CDI) practices and health informatics. Several key responsibilities of professionals with CDIP certifications include:
What is a certified document improvement practitioner?
A medical or clinical professional who has earned the CDIP credential and offers advice on best practices for clinical documentation of patient medical records is referred to as a certified documentation improvement practitioner (CDIP). In order to support record keeping and clarify various clinical documentation standards, CDIPs collaborate with healthcare staff. They are also knowledgeable about assigning documentation improvement codes for clinical practices and developing policy.
The majority of CDIPs obtain their certifications after completing specialized training and have either professional experience as a licensed professional or medical credentials. The CDIP certification is something that nurses, doctors, clinical technicians, medical coders, and other health informatics professionals may pursue.
How to become a CDIP
The steps listed below should help you get your CDIP credential:
1. Fulfill the eligibility criteria
The CDIP exam is only open to professionals who meet certain requirements. Candidates for one option must possess an associate’s degree or higher, such as a degree in the medical or health sciences or a medical credential. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification is the other choice available to CDIP candidates.
The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-Based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certifications are among the credentials that satisfy this requirement. Clinical professionals who pursue specialization in documentation improvement can obtain these credentials. Candidates can also demonstrate two to three years of professional experience working in a clinical setting or in CDI in addition to these requirements.
2. Apply to take the CDIP exam
Complete the CDIP exam application and submit documentation of your eligibility, such as copies of your credentials or records of your clinical work experience. You are informed of your eligibility and the Authorization To Test (ATT) status after submitting your application. In order to avoid having to reapply for the exam, candidates must schedule their exam dates within four months of receiving their ATT approval.
3. Complete your exam
A timed exam with pre-test and scored exam questions makes up the CDIP. Clinical coding practices, record and document clarification, CDI metrics and statistics, leadership, research and education, and compliance standards are the six distinct competency domains that the exam’s questions fall under. Up to 150 questions may be on the test, and a passing score is 300. You can send your results to the AHIMA once you have them.
4. Consider certification with AHIMA
The completion of an AHIMA certification can also open up advancement opportunities in addition to the CDIP credential, even though credentials in the medical or health fields can assist you in meeting exam requirements. For those working in the medical industry, the AHIMA offers a number of certifications that attest to their proficiency in various facets of health documentation and medical record management. Medical coders can obtain the CCS and CCS-P credentials, and those working in health informatics and information administration can benefit from the RHIT and RHIA credentials.
5. Follow renewal requirements
Understanding the criteria for renewal is crucial after receiving your CDIP credential. However, in most cases, maintaining your certification necessitates earning continuing education credits, which you can do by attending recognized training or development workshops. Additionally, the AHIMA requires renewal every two years.
Benefits of earning the CDIP credential
Although the CDIP is a useful certification that can improve your credentials in several ways, it is not a requirement to work in the field of clinical documentation.
Tips to prepare for the exam
Consider the following tips to prepare for your exam:
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a certified documentation improvement practitioner?
You must first obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to be qualified for CDIP certification. Additionally, you need to have completed coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as have at least three years of clinical documentation integrity experience (CDI).
What does a CDEO do?
Professionals from CDEO offer providers feedback to enhance clinical documentation and facilitate ongoing documentation improvement to satisfy all medical record requirements.
