Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Education

Careers in Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)

Clear documentation. Better care.

Every patient encounter tells a story—CDI professionals help make sure that story is complete, accurate, and easy to understand. Strong CDI supports quality care, proper reimbursement, and reliable health data for research and reporting.

By reviewing clinical records, CDI teams help ensure diagnoses and treatments are well-documented, painting a full picture of a patient’s condition and care. It's detailed work that drives better outcomes across healthcare.

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AHIMA ACDIS

CDI Guidelines You Can Trust

AHIMA and the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) publish the Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice—a trusted resource in CDI practice.

In 2023, ACDIS joined the AHIMA Enterprise, creating a powerful partnership committed to advancing CDI knowledge, training, and collaboration across disciplines.

Interested in a Career in CDI?

Many professionals are exploring CDI as a new path—and for good reason. It’s a field with impact, opportunity, and room to grow.

Here’s 6 simple steps to get started:

  1. Learn the Basics
    Build your knowledge by exploring free resources on the ACDIS website, including the ACDIS Podcast. Get familiar with topics like ICD-10, DRGs, chart reviews, and quality metrics. 

  2. Connect Locally
     Attend a local ACDIS chapter meeting to network, ask questions, and learn directly from working CDI specialists. Get involved locally.

  3. Shadow a CDI Professional
     Ask to observe a CDI team at your facility—or reach out to a nearby hospital to see the work in action. Investigate apprenticeship resources.

  4. Know Your Strengths
    CDI professionals often come from clinical or HIM backgrounds. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential.

  5. Train and Build Your Resume
     Many new CDI specialists begin with boot camps or online training. ACDIS offers a foundational program that leads to an ACDIS-Approved CDI Apprentice designation.
  6. Start Applying
    Even without direct CDI experience, many employers are open to strong candidates with related skills and training. Highlight your knowledge and interest in your resume and interviews.

 

Whether you're new to the field or growing your expertise, AHIMA and ACDIS offer the education and support you need:

  • Resources to support every stage of your CDI career

Explore CDI Training & Resources

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What job titles do CDI professionals have?

Typical job titles for roles related to coding include:

  • Clinical Data Specialist
  • Second-level reviewer
  • CDI auditor
  • CDI educator
  • CDI quality nurse/reviewer

View the Career Map

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Become a Trainer

Interested in sharing your knowledge of CDI?

If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge and enhancing the profession, why not become an AHIMA-Designated CDI Trainer! As a trainer, you’ll receive instruction, toolkits and the ability to issue AHIMA CEUs. Designated trainers are a valuable asset to their organizations. Many employers reimburse course fees as the in-service education provided by trainers is so valuable.

Learn more about how to become a Designated CDI Trainer and advance your career to the next level.

Become a CDI Trainer

Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Training and Resources

Whether you're just getting started or growing your expertise, AHIMA offers trusted education, certification, and resources to support your clinical documentation integrity (CDI) journey. 

Explore our CDI products and training resources. 


Ready to level up your knowledge?

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