Volume 2

Levels of Training: Who Gets What Training

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This chapter takes the basic training addressed previously to the next level by addressing who gets what clinical documentation training after the initial training is in place. The primary focus of this book is to establish, develop, and maintain a solid training program in clinical documentation. Within the first two years of implementing the program, all active physicians should be expected to have successfully completed the basic training program. Then, each year, new physicians and residents enroll in the program and complete it. In addition, follow up clinical documentation training should be provided for the physicians.  The amount and type of training will depend on the issues identified through the program as well as by the organization’s ultimate vision for clinical documentation.

Case studies of actual training are presented with resulting recommendations for do’s and don’ts when designing specific programs for medical and surgical specialists, hospitalists, physician leaders, and house staff. The role of residents and fellows is addressed as well. Specific recommendations for how to operationalize and sustain an educational program and incentivize physicians to participate in the training are included. Follow-up training as a necessary element in sustaining a program is also addressed in this chapter.

The chapter begins by addressing the training of all physicians. A higher priority for clinical documentation training will be assigned to certain groups of physicians. These groups are identified in the chapter.  Within each group of physicians, continuing education considerations will also be discussed.