Until about 6-7 years ago A.J. Hegg had little idea what the acronyms CDI or UM were, much less what they did or how they helped hospitals.  

Today the Essentia Health hospitalist is leading a new physician advisor program and making a big impact on his organization. Both from a quality and financial perspective, but also on the personal lives of a diverse team of physician advisors who have managed to incorporate life balance into their work. 

Listen in as we cover: 

• Hegg’s origin story into CDI, fueled (or perhaps pushed) by director Tracy Boldt  

• His role today—CDI vs. medicine, and division of responsibilities 

• Essentia Health’s physician advisor program—services covered, scope of work, and core responsibilities including UM and CDI simultaneously 

• Bringing back old-school CDI as it was once practiced (and still is in some corners)—at the elbow clarifications, conversations, provider education. And how it all meshes with Essentia’s existing CDI team. 

• Metrics, assistive technologies, and high-level dashboard

• Who the team is and how it functions—shift work and task based, structured for work-life balance and an emphasis on positive culture 

• Obtaining organizational buy-in and high-level ROI 

• A favorite hazy memory from the Encore casino in Boston, September 2021 ACDIS physician advisor exchange...