Skip to main content

We've detected that you're visiting from United States of America. Would you like to switch languages for tailored content?

->

Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist Program

Course outline Cost Requirements FAQs Apply
On this page...
Course outline
Cost
Requirements
FAQs
Apply
Ready to expand your CDI expertise?

The Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist Program is emerging in Canada as organizations identify the need to better reflect the complexity, acuity and resources used for patients, thus impacting quality measures, data, development of best standards, and funding.

This comprehensive, online program will provide an advanced level of competency for those working in, or wishing to work in, clinical documentation improvement positions.

Apply for enrollment

Course outline

This program has 12 modules. The time it takes to complete this program varies based on a student’s previous clinical and/or coding experience and experience in clinical documentation improvement as well as their learning style. Individuals will have a maximum of 12 months to complete the program.

Module 1

Describes what clinical documentation improvement is, the importance and the challenges, medical record review and requirements, stages of a CDI program and the role of a CDI specialist.

Module 2

Focuses on coding, classification, general coding standards, and common guidelines.

Module 3–11

Provides a clinical review of common disorders and diseases, various coding standards and how they pertain to each system and a review of query indicators and opportunities. Specific guidelines and medical record documentation requirements are reviewed to support appropriate code assignment.

  • Module 3 – Respiratory System
  • Module 4 – Circulatory System
  • Module 5 – Nervous System
  • Module 6 – Digestive System
  • Module 7 – Hepatobiliary System
  • Module 8 – Endocrine System
  • Module 9 – Renal System
  • Module 10 – Infectious Diseases
  • Module 11 – Musculoskeletal System

Module 12

Focuses on factors affecting or affected by code assignment, how to select charts for review, reviewing a chart, the query process and how to analyze the data.

Tuition cost

$3900.00 + applicable tax (once registration is complete, there are no refunds)

Use the form below to apply for enrollment. Once admission eligibility has been confirmed, you will be contacted for providing payment, following which you will be provided access to the course.

CPE credits

CHIMA’s professional members who enrol in this program will earn 30 CPE credits upon completion.

Admission requirements

The following requirements are mandatory for admission into the CDI program.

Applicants must be one of the following:

  1. Nurse or physician with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in a health care setting; or
  2. Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in classification and coding or decision support; or
  3. Regulated health professionals who have 3-5 years of extensive clinical experience and have completed course work in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and clinical pathology.

“I felt the content was well designed. The review of health records and requirements was well done and relevant even to those of us who have been HIMs for many years. The CDI component was very informative and helps those of us beginning CDI programs with some pertinent information for successfully launching our CDI initiatives. Well done!”

Karelyn Van Wynen
Manager Health Records and Patient Registration, Bluewater Health

FAQs