CCDS-O (ACDIS) - Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist-Outpatient

The CCDS-O certification is designed for healthcare professionals specializing in clinical documentation in outpatient settings. This certification validates expertise in reviewing outpatient medical records for accuracy, ensuring documentation reflects the scope of services provided, and supporting coding, billing, and quality standards.

Completion Time: Preparation time varies depending on prior experience and knowledge in clinical documentation, outpatient care, and healthcare coding and billing.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• An RN, RHIA, RHIT, or CCS credential, or equivalent experience in clinical documentation.

• Experience in outpatient clinical documentation, coding, or auditing, often quantified by a minimum number of years.

• Completion of specific educational programs or training in clinical documentation for outpatient services.

• Passing the CCDS-O certification examination.

Cost: $280 for ACDIS members and $380 for non-members.

Exam Format

The examination typically includes 140 multiple-choice questions (20 unscored) covering outpatient clinical documentation, healthcare coding and billing, compliance, and quality measures.

The exam is conducted through Prometric testing, which offers computer-based examinations at over 14,000 test centers throughout North America and abroad. In addition, remote proctored examinations are also available, which allow applicants to take the exam from any location.

Certification Process

Gain experience in clinical documentation in an outpatient setting and meet the eligibility criteria.

Apply for the CCDS-O certification through a certifying organization like ACDIS.

Passing the CCDS-O certification exam requires correctly answering at least 85 out of the possible 120 test questions while meeting the eligibility criteria.

CCDS-O certification requires renewal every two years.

Renewal involves completing continuing education credits related to clinical documentation, outpatient care, coding, and compliance, and paying a recertification fee.

Continuing education for the CCDS-O may include updates in outpatient documentation requirements, coding and billing changes, healthcare regulations, and best practices in clinical documentation integrity.

For specific information regarding Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist-Outpatient certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with professional organizations such as the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS). These organizations provide resources, training, and certification standards for professionals specializing in clinical documentation in outpatient healthcare settings.

Career Opportunities

CCDS-O certified professionals work in outpatient facilities, hospitals, healthcare consulting firms, and other settings that offer outpatient services.

Their roles include ensuring accurate and complete clinical documentation, supporting billing and coding activities, and enhancing communication among healthcare providers.

The ACDIS also offers the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS).

Other related certifications include:

• Home Care Clinical Specialist (HCS-O)

• Homecare Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D)

• Certificate for OASIS Specialist - Clinical (COS-C)