Deborah Schaffhauser Email and Phone Number

With 13 years of experience as a clinical documentation improvement specialist (CDI), I am passionate about ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and quality of medical records and coding. As a registered nurse and a past lead clinical documentation integrity specialist (CDI), I possess a deep understanding of the clinical and administrative aspects of oncology & non-oncology care as it relates to the CDI role, and I strive to enhance the communication and collaboration between physicians, coders, and payers. I am motivated by the mission and vision of CDI programs, and I value the opportunity to contribute to research, education, quality, and patient care goals. I bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, as I have worked in various settings and specialties, such as level I trauma centers and world-known academic teaching hospitals.In my prior role as a lead CDI at Moffitt Cancer Center, with a team of 8 CDIs, I provided new & seasoned CDI training, mentoring, and feedback. I also performed concurrent and retrospective reviews & quality audits of CDI queries, identified and resolved documentation and coding discrepancies, and assisted CDIs to query physicians for clarification and specificity. I used my skills in customer satisfaction, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel to prepare and present reports, audits, and metrics to the management and stakeholders. I authored/maintained a master file of query templates for both CDI and coder use. Changing gears and working as a Retro Query Writer at Accuity Healthcare has given me an additional perspective on impacting cases at the post-code/pre-bill part of the revenue cycle. I am searching for a CDI position where I can use my skills and continue to support the accuracy and completeness of medical records. I prefer remote work but would consider a hybrid model if the right CDI position in the Tampa Bay area comes along!