Get ready for the CCDS exam The 2012 study guide has been updated to prepare candidates for the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) exam. It follows the content outline established by the advisory board that created the exam. Each chapter reviews clinical documentation improvement program principles and contains sample questions for self-testing. The CCDS Exam Study Guide will: Help candidates determine whether they are ready to take the CCDS exam Give qualified candidates the confidence they need for success Provide sample questions for self-assessment Deliver proven test-taking strategies Table of Contents Chapter 1 IPPS Payment System MS- DRGs Complication/comorbidities (CCs) and major CCs Case mix index implications for CDI Chapter 2 Coding Guidelines and Coding Clinics International Classification of Diseases Code identification and sequencing ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines, compliance, and CDI Chapter 3 The Query Process Retrospective/concurrent queries AHIMA Physician Query Practice Brief Leading/non-leading queries Chapter 4 Identification of Clinical Indicators Query opportunities in Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC) Test result interpretation for query opportunities Common clinical documentation improvement scenarios Chapter 5 Program Metrics Baseline statistics Scope/goals of CDI program Data mining/data tracking Analysis of public quality data Chapter 6 RAC Preparedness RAC target areas CDI on the RAC prep team Self-audits Appendices Determining the MS-DRG Glossary Core Measures