There are some events you attend because they’re in the calendar… and then there’s the CDI Conference — the one I count down to every single year.
Hands down, this is the event I look forward to most.
There’s something truly special about walking into a room filled with people who genuinely *get it* — people who are passionate about Clinical Documentation Improvement, driven by purpose, and always eager to learn, share, and connect.
From the moment the conference began, the energy in the room was unmistakable. The conversations started early, the ideas started flowing, and within minutes it felt less like a conference and more like a reunion of some of the brightest minds in the CDI space.
Being part of CDIA made the experience even more meaningful.
Seeing months of planning come to life, watching delegates arrive, sessions begin, and the whole event unfold so seamlessly is always such a proud moment. There’s a unique kind of joy in seeing all the behind-the-scenes work transform into something that inspires so many people.
The two-day program was thoughtfully designed and beautifully reflected how far CDI has come as a profession.
From foundational principles and the evolution of documentation practices, to digital transformation, innovation, data quality, and system-wide impact, every session built on the next like chapters in a story — the story of how CDI continues to grow, adapt, and lead change in healthcare.
The conference opened with CDIA’s own, Nicole Draper, taking us through the journey from the very first conference to where we are now in the fifth edition.
It was the perfect way to begin.
There was something incredibly powerful about reflecting on how much this community has grown. What started as an emerging field has now become a thriving, highly respected profession that continues to shape better outcomes across the healthcare system.
Then came one of the most unforgettable moments of the conference.
Hearing Chris Blowes share his story following the shark attack that changed his life left the entire room completely still.
It was one of those rare moments where time seems to pause.
Suddenly, everyone stopped thinking about documentation, audits, and data — and started thinking about life.
His story was filled with resilience, courage, perspective, and gratitude. More than anything, it was a moving reminder of how quickly life can change and how important family, friends, and support systems truly are.
There may also have been a few suspiciously watery eyes around the room.
Mine included.
As the conference continued, the sessions explored everything from real-world CDI case studies and building modern CDS programs, to teams’ journeys transitioning from paper-based records to DMRs.
We also heard thought-provoking discussions on documentation versus coding in mental health, innovative ways to engage clinicians, and the evolving challenges of clinical documentation.
Other sessions focused on leveraging technology within CDI processes, reframing Hospital Acquired Complications (HACs) from perceived “penalties” into vital safety and quality tools, and even introducing a registrar role within the coding and documentation liaison team.
We also got a glimpse of the not too distant future with a session on an AI-based discharge summary evaluation and scoring tool.
A number of sessions looked closely at the evolving role of the CDS, including plans to formally recognise and strengthen the profession through a competency framework and further exploration of how the scope of the role continues to grow.
The AI panel discussion, in particular, was a real standout.
It highlighted just how rapidly the landscape is changing and reminded us that staying agile is no longer optional — it’s essential. The opportunity to use AI to work smarter, improve efficiency, and support better clinical communication is exciting, but the message remained clear: patient safety and quality care must always remain at the heart of what we do.
And then, because no memorable conference is complete without a truly iconic networking event, the evening took us to Adelaide Zoo’s Bamboo Forest.
Honestly, what a setting.
Meaningful professional conversations surrounded by great company, and — of course — two pandas who completely stole the spotlight.
I’m fairly certain half the room turned into wildlife photographers within minutes.
For many of us, it was our first time seeing pandas in person, which made the evening feel even more special. Somewhere between the networking, the laughter, and the collective excitement over panda sightings, it became one of the most memorable conference evenings yet.
Day two somehow managed to keep the momentum going.
Kicking off with a look into CDI in 2026 and beyond, we then explored how clinical documentation and quality shape the data that drives AR-DRG development and hospital pricing within Australia’s activity-based funding system.
This flowed seamlessly into a session on ACS 0002 additional diagnoses and why some conditions are not coded even when the “due to” is clearly there.
The answer?
Because it doesn’t meet ACS 0002.
Or, in slightly less official terms… it’s just not exciting enough.
A line I’m sure many of us will be repeating for quite some time.
Dr Adam Fraser’s session on *The Third Space* was exactly the reset we all needed.
The concept of creating a mental transition between tasks, meetings, and even between work and home life really resonated. It was such a simple idea, yet incredibly powerful.
How often do we carry the stress of one moment straight into the next?
His message was a timely reminder that performance isn’t always about doing more — sometimes it’s about learning how to transition better.
And honestly, after conference season, life, emails, and approximately seventeen open tabs in my brain, that message hit home.
The conference concluded with an insightful clinical simulation session that perfectly brought everything back to the heart of CDI.
It demonstrated how small but intentional improvements in documentation can significantly strengthen communication, enhance clarity, and ultimately support better patient care.
A perfect reminder of why this work matters.
More than anything, this conference reminded me how proud I am to be part of this profession and this community.
Catching up with CDI peers, hearing their journeys, sharing ideas, and learning from one another was exactly the recharge I needed.
I left feeling inspired, energised, incredibly proud, and already counting down to the next one.
Because somehow, every year, it just keeps getting better.