The Certified Documentation Expert Inpatient (CDEI) credential validates expertise in reviewing inpatient documentation for accuracy to support coding and clinical requirements. CDEI professionals provide feedback to providers to improve clinical documentation and facilitate ongoing documentation improvement to meet all requirements of the medical record. To become a CDEI, documentation professionals must demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology, inpatient coding and billing guidelines, and healthcare payment models.
Exam format
100 multiple-choice questions
Two ways to take the exam
Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor, or on a computer at a testing center. Learn more about your exam options and how to prepare.
Time allowed
Exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.
Equipment required for exam
Our live remote proctored exam requires a closed room free from distraction with window coverings, a reliable, high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches).
Exams taken at a testing center do not require any special equipment from the test-taker.
Experience requirements
Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the proper application of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and quality measures. Examinees must also demonstrate knowledge of proper query procedures and effective communication for documentation improvement.
Clinical documentation improvement involves compliance to documentation requirements and effective communication with providers to improve documentation. CDEI candidates should undergo certification training and/or have experience in clinical documentation improvement.
Please be aware that this is a difficult, high-level examination and not intended for individuals with limited clinical documentation improvement background.
Approved code books
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
ICD-10-PCS (current year) any publisher
Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually. You may choose to utilize books from the preceding year, the current year, or a combination of both; however, only one copy of each book is allowed.
Pricing
An exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $499.
A trained CDEI will demonstrate:
Expertise in reviewing medical documentation for accuracy
The ability to identify and communicate documentation deficiencies to providers to improve documentation for accurate coding
A sound knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations, including those specific to inpatient settings
A grasp of compliance and reimbursement concepts impacting the inpatient revenue cycle
A thorough understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, and medical terminology necessary to correctly code using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS