CDI Week Spotlight: Theresa Kirylych
September 17, 2026
This CDI Week, we're proud to recognize Theresa Kirylych, a Clinical Documentation Integrity professional known for her professionalism, dependability, and commitment to documentation excellence. A trusted mentor and resource to colleagues, Theresa is known for her collaborative approach and extensive clinical expertise.
As much as I loved direct care, it was time for something new.
Why CDI
What Theresa enjoys most about CDI is its investigative nature.
Every chart is like a mystery that I get to solve. Why are they admitted? What caused the problem? Every patient is different, and so every chart is different.
For Theresa, CDI is an opportunity to look beyond the surface and ensure that a patient's medical record accurately reflects their clinical story. Each review presents a unique challenge, requiring critical thinking, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the care being provided.
Building Strong Partnerships
One experience from early in her CDI career remains especially memorable.
After transitioning from nursing into CDI, she noticed that some of her relationships with physicians changed. While they had always been friendly and approachable when she worked at the bedside, some providers initially viewed CDI inquiries differently when she began reviewing documentation and identifying missing details within the medical record.
Rather than allowing that disconnect to persist, Theresa created a weekly meeting where providers could ask questions, discuss documentation challenges, and gain a better understanding of CDI's role.
The conversations helped strengthen teamwork and improve chart accuracy, while reinforcing a shared goal: ensuring that each patient's record accurately reflected their hospitalization and the resources required for their care.
More Than Documentation
Although CDI is often associated with reimbursement and compliance, Theresa believes the true focus should always be the integrity of the medical record.
Chart integrity is most important.
For Theresa, every review is an opportunity to help ensure the medical record accurately reflects a patient's condition, treatment, and overall care journey. While accurate documentation supports healthcare organizations operationally, its greatest value lies in preserving the integrity of the patient's clinical story.
Advice for Future CDI Professionals
When asked what advice she would give someone entering the field, Theresa emphasizes the importance of staying curious and embracing lifelong learning.
It's nearly impossible to learn everything, and what we know today might change tomorrow. The key isn't knowing everything. It's knowing where to find the answers and asking the right questions.
Her advice reflects a lesson learned throughout both her nursing and CDI careers: healthcare is constantly evolving, and success often comes from knowing how to keep learning.
The Flexibility of a Remote Career
One of the unexpected benefits of Theresa's CDI career has been the flexibility that comes with working remotely.
With her children now grown, she has enjoyed the opportunity to live in three different states while continuing the work she loves. The flexibility of remote CDI has allowed her to visit family, explore new places, and spend more time in the communities that matter most to her.
Theresa also credits the support of those around her, including the GHR Healthcare team and the colleagues she works alongside each day, whose collaboration has played an important role in the success of the programs she supports.
Life Outside of Work
When she isn't reviewing charts, you'll often find Theresa near the water. Whether she's walking on the beach, kayaking, or spending time on a boat, being outdoors is one of her favorite ways to recharge.
She also enjoys spending time with family and traveling, especially visiting Boston, one of her favorite cities, where her daughter lives.
Celebrating CDI Week
As we celebrate CDI Week, we're grateful for professionals like Theresa whose knowledge, dedication, and experience help support healthcare organizations across the country.
From nursing to Clinical Documentation Integrity, Theresa's journey reflects the value of adaptability, lifelong learning, and a commitment to ensuring every patient's story is accurately told.
Thank you, Theresa, for your contributions and for being an important part of the GHR Healthcare team.
Every chart is like a mystery that I get to solve. Why are they admitted? What caused the problem? Every patient is different, and so every chart is different.
For Theresa, CDI is an opportunity to look beyond the surface and ensure that a patient's medical record accurately reflects their clinical story. Each review presents a unique challenge, requiring critical thinking, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the care being provided.
Building Strong Partnerships
After transitioning from nursing into CDI, she noticed that some of her relationships with physicians changed. While they had always been friendly and approachable when she worked at the bedside, some providers initially viewed CDI inquiries differently when she began reviewing documentation and identifying missing details within the medical record.
Rather than allowing that disconnect to persist, Theresa created a weekly meeting where providers could ask questions, discuss documentation challenges, and gain a better understanding of CDI's role.
The conversations helped strengthen teamwork and improve chart accuracy, while reinforcing a shared goal: ensuring that each patient's record accurately reflected their hospitalization and the resources required for their care.
Although CDI is often associated with reimbursement and compliance, Theresa believes the true focus should always be the integrity of the medical record.
Chart integrity is most important.
Advice for Future CDI Professionals
It's nearly impossible to learn everything, and what we know today might change tomorrow. The key isn't knowing everything. It's knowing where to find the answers and asking the right questions.
Her advice reflects a lesson learned throughout both her nursing and CDI careers: healthcare is constantly evolving, and success often comes from knowing how to keep learning.
The Flexibility of a Remote Career
One of the unexpected benefits of Theresa's CDI career has been the flexibility that comes with working remotely.
With her children now grown, she has enjoyed the opportunity to live in three different states while continuing the work she loves. The flexibility of remote CDI has allowed her to visit family, explore new places, and spend more time in the communities that matter most to her.
When she isn't reviewing charts, you'll often find Theresa near the water. Whether she's walking on the beach, kayaking, or spending time on a boat, being outdoors is one of her favorite ways to recharge.
She also enjoys spending time with family and traveling, especially visiting Boston, one of her favorite cities, where her daughter lives.
As we celebrate CDI Week, we're grateful for professionals like Theresa whose knowledge, dedication, and experience help support healthcare organizations across the country.
Thank you, Theresa, for your contributions and for being an important part of the GHR Healthcare team.
Search, manage, and apply to healthcare jobs across the US.
With GHRLive!, your career is in your hands. Literally.
Subscribe to GHR's Blog Newsletter
Your submission was successful.
Thank you for subscribing — we'll be in touch!