Clinical Documentation Specialist

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A Clinical Documentation Specialist is the person that makes sure all the records are accurate and updates the documentation as needed to maintain the required level of accuracy in the medical records. A CDS resolves documentation issues as they arise, and must have a solid working knowledge of multiple forms of medical coding, and is the professional that follow-ups with physicians and informs medical staff members of updated documentation methods. A CDSS has a wide base of knowledge, as indicated by the CDS certification website www.hcpro.com; “Clinical documentation specialists possess knowledge of a wide range of specialized disciplines, including education in anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology; knowledge of official …show more content…

They ensure accuracy and quality among medical coders, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff. They maintain charts, medical records, and reports and solve any issues involving documentation. Clinical documentation specialists like other types of medical records and health information technicians, work full-time. Such specialists work primarily during regular business hours, with some exceptions possible. The majority work in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories where medical clinical trials are taking …show more content…

For an RN to become a CDS, one must have spent time as a staff nurse at either community health settings or hospitals, obtaining medical histories, assessing patients, and running tests. (Bureau)
A Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) has an Associate’s Degree and has become certified through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). To acquire the necessary experience to become a CDS, should work as medical coder or record technician in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics or other healthcare settings. RHITs are the keepers of the records, maintaining patient record security, coding their medical information, and keeping the database organized.
Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) hold a Bachelor’s Degree and are also certified. RHIAs work in any number of different healthcare settings as well, overseeing all patient records, and tracking and implementing all updated documentation methods.
The final method also takes several years; one can earn a certification through the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists. To qualify for the CCDS exam, applicants need 1-2 years of professional documentation experience combined with college level

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