Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
* Engaging communicator, innovative problem-solver and multi-discipline team builder implementing clinical documentation integrity initiatives * Institute culture change founded on The Clinical Truth™ (#clinicaltruth) * Proficient at aligning stakeholders into a cohesive team * Worked for a regional hospital association, a big 4 consulting firm, and a quality improvement organization * Prolific author on clinical documentation and coding * Presented at AHIMA, ACDIS, HFMA and HCCA local, state and national conferences * Guest speaker at national and international webinars and podcasts * Top 100 Filipinos to Follow on Linkedin 2024 ***Disclaimer: None of the ideas expressed in this LinkedIn page are shared, supported, or endorsed in any manner by my employer or affiliated organizations.
In the summer of 2014, I led the Clinical Documentation Improvement Program implementation at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, where I met with the Medical Executive Committee to introduce the project. After the meeting, the CEO and CMO expressed a desire to discuss a few items further. The CMO, Dr. Michael Citak asked who would have the final authority regarding the authenticity of a diagnosis. "Who's to say whether what I documented, such as sepsis, in the record is right or wrong?" he inquired. I explained that the narrative must support the diagnosis. Before I could finish my response, Mike exclaimed, "That's it!" I was unsure what had excited him, so I asked what was it I said that resonated. He replied, "You said it all boils down to the Clinical Truth!" And that's how the Clinical Truth™ was born...
For more than 30 years, I have focused on assisting hospitals with improvement of clinical documentation. I delivered clinical documentation improvement services to critical access hospitals, small community hospitals, regional referral centers, large academic medical centers and multi-facility health systems throughout the United States. Built a solid reputation of integrity and accuracy through my commitment to documentation and coding excellence that leads to accurate reporting of patient data. My philosophy is to provide the most accurate documentation of the patient encounter based on solid clinical foundation. This is accomplished through peer-to-peer physician education with the principal focus on the underlying clinical truth. Coupled with the collaborative team building approach with all the stakeholders, this philosophy results in the most accurate morbidity and mortality statistics as well as accurate data that ultimately improve health care. This has incidentally led to maximum effect not just on the middle revenue cycle, but on the entire revenue cycle (including utilization and appeals management).
The CDI MasterClass is designed to ensure that everyone—clinicians, CDI specialists, coders, quality and care managers, compliance/denials and appeals /revenue cycle professionals and other key stakeholders within your organization—is on the same page. Here's what you can expect: ✅ **Deep Insights**: Understand the foundational principles that govern CDI and why they matter in patient care and compliance. ✅ **Practical Applications**: Learn how to implement effective CDI strategies that drive quality improvements and enhance documentation accuracy. ✅ **Expert Guidance**: Benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals who will share their knowledge and experiences, equipping you with the tools you need to succeed. ✅ **Patient-Centric Focus**: Discover the importance of placing patients at the center of the CDI process, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
Work with hospital leadership, medical staff, clinical documentation integrity teams, coders, quality and utilization management, appeals management, radiology, clinical dietitians, wound care, laboratory and physical/occupational therapy to level the playing field and promote a collaborative environment directed at capturing the CLINICAL TRUTH™. Develop professional development workshops and webinars, engaging targeted audiences in facilitating culture change. Discover underlying issues and concerns and work to find creative solutions for their unique situations.