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OkHIMA Newsletter - Winter 2000

OkHIMAOklahoma Health Information Management Association
Information Exchange

  January 2002

President's Message House of Delegates Reports Coping with the OIG Work Plan
What in the World are COPs Secretary's Report School News...
Outstanding Member    


President's Message

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sherry Barnes, OkHIMA PresidentIt is both an honor and my privilege to be permitted to serve as President of our state association. I want to begin my message by expressing my deepest sympathy to anyone who lost family or friends in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Your OkHIMA Board Members really pondered over whether to continue with the annual meeting in Tulsa on September 13th and 14th. We realize that all of our members have been unnerved by the current events. We did decide to go ahead with the meeting and only had two registered participants unable to attend. Two of our out-of-state speakers could not attend because of canceled flights. We were able to get replacements for some of the speaking time. We apologize for any inconvenience to our members.

I want to update you on information since the last newsletter. The new 2001/2002 OkHIMA board began its duties on July 1, 2001, even though these members were not formally installed until the annual meeting in September. The new board members would like to extend our thanks to the 2000/2001 OkHIMA board members for making this year's transition, an easy one. Scarlett Young, RHIA, (now Past President) and the entire board did an excellent job of fulfilling their board responsibilities and helping to move our state association into the future.

I would like to inform you of some of the already ongoing activities of this year's board. We held a strategic planning workshop on July 31st at OU Medical Center - University Hospital in Oklahoma City. Our goals were to determine and prioritize the most urgent state-wide needs of our members, and to develop goals to meet those identified needs. A brainstorming session produced multiple target areas which were then categorized into three major initiatives. These three are: recruitment, marketing, and web-based strategies.

Individual teams for each of the focal areas were then formed. Each board member serves on one team, with one team member from each team designated as a team leader. The board would like to share with you the goals developed for each of the three determined initiatives

The Recruitment team is being led by Scarlett Young, RHIA. The members of that team set the following as their goals:

  1. Update and reprint the recruitment brochure;
  2. Identify High School and Vo-Tech Counselors and set up meetings;
  3. Contact Cable Companies and investigate HIM advertising possibilities;
  4. Meet with college Freshman Classes for recruitment;
  5. Attend Career Days;
  6. Send flyers to physician's offices; and
  7. Increase Student participation on the OkHIMA Board.

Lou Ann Wiedemann, RHIA, is heading up the Marketing Team. Their goals are:

  1. Market and sell legal manuals to various groups;
  2. Develop a list of HIM skills and market them by advertisement to the Healthcare Community;
  3. Provide a current salary survey on positions within the HIM profession that HIM DEPT Managers and Directors can utilize for employment opportunities; and
  4. Increase attendance at OkHIMA sponsored seminars by 15%.

The last team is concerned with Web-based strategies, and the team leader is Melanie Moore, RHIA. The goals for this team are:

  1. Develop a current and complete list of email addresses for all OkHIMA members;
  2. Provide the OkHIMA quarterly newsletters in primarily an electronic format;
  3. Identify Postage Newsletter Recipients;
  4. Investigate options for providing web-based continuing education;
  5. Increase the quantity and quality of information available for visitors to our website;
  6. Beginning with the Board of Directors, develop an online Community of Practice at AHIMA's website; and
  7. Sell website advertising space to appropriate vendors.

As one can see, there is much work ahead for us this year. Each team set quarterly progress goals, and we review our progress at each board meeting. The board members and chairs are very enthusiastic about accomplishing our stated team goals, which will in turn meet the overall goal of meeting the needs of our state association members. At this half-way point, many of the goals have been accomplished. I will give you an update of our progress in the next newsletter.

On September 13, the OkHIMA Annual Business Meeting was held during the Fall Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the meeting the OkHIMA voting board members were formally installed. The Outstanding Member award was also presented. This award went to Darnell Powell, RHIA. She is the Executive Director of Rolling Hills Hospital in Ada, Oklahoma. A representative from Travis Business Systems also presented scholarships to four students from the four HIM/HIT educational programs in the state. In addition, the OkHIMA delegates gave presentations of the issues that were to be discussed and/or voted on during the House of Delegates at the AHIMA National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida, on October 14th. The OkHIMA delegates are: Debbie Robinson, Marion Prichard, Teri Stubbs, Rhonda Falconer and me. The delegates' reports concerning convention issues are presented in this newsletter.

At the AHIMA National Convention in Florida, the new Communities of Practice format was introduced. As a member, you will be able to access these communities and the resources available there. In order to do this, you will need to go to the AHIMA web site (www.ahima.org) and update your member profile. Please be sure to do this. You may also update your information at our state website. This will help us to have current email addresses and be able to provide you information in the future. See Marion Prichard's delegate report for more information on Communities of Practice.

Again, let me say that I am very excited to be serving this state membership. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to write me at sbarnes@cableone.net or give me a call at (580) 310-5406. Best wishes for a wonderful, productive year!

- Sherry Barnes, MPH, RHIA

 

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House of Delegates Reports

President's Report

OkHIMA DelegatesThe OkHIMA Delegates attended the AHIMA House of Delegates in Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, October 14, 2001. OkHIMA's delegates attending were Rhonda Falconer, RHIA, Marion Prichard, RHIA, Teri Stubbs, RHIA and myself. Debbie Robinson, RHIA, also a delegate, was unable to attend. In the morning, delegates attended small Issue Forums with topics such as: 1) Where Will New Members Come From, 2) Joint Commission Revisions to Information Management Standards, 3) Public Policy: Reducing Medical Errors, and several others. Delegates brainstormed, discussed and gave ideas for long- and short-term strategies. After lunch, AHIMA Coordinators presented these ideas to all delegates. AHIMA will continue to refine these ideas and keep members posted on new initiatives.

The exciting time of the day was when delegates actually discussed and voted on House proposals and resolutions. Going into this session, I did not feel that there would be much discussion or controversy. However, it proved to be a very stimulating time. There were two coding-related proposals aimed at strengthening the pool of available coders. One proposal was for the creation of a new coding credential for entry-level professionals. It is designed to give the coder immediate marketability after completing a qualified training program or after completing on-the-job training. There was quite a bit of deliberation on this proposal. Many delegates felt that there had not been enough time spent researching this concept. Others felt that our field should have a credential available to compete with another entry-level credential (non AHIMA) already out in the workforce. Also, those for the proposal, felt that it would position the CCS and the CCS-P as the only advanced coding credentials. The proposal was approved by a vote of 128 to 60. Oklahoma delegates voted for this proposal. However, we could understand both sides of the issue and had much discussion among ourselves.

AHIMA will be creating this new credential within the next year, but will give attention to issues such as the name of the credential, educational requirements, and relationships to other credentials. The new credential specifies that candidates wishing to sit for the entry-level coder certification examination must have a diploma from a United States high school or equivalent. In addition, it is recommended that the candidate complete either: six months of experience in hospital inpatient (ICD-9-CM) and ambulatory care (ICD-9-CM and CPT) medical record coding or an AHIMA-approved certificate program in coding. The first examination will be offered in late 2002.

The second coding-related proposal was also approved by the House. This proposal was in regard to credential maintenance requirements. This requirement will take effect on January 1, 2002, or at the beginning of each member's new CE cycle. Those persons holding the CCS or CCS-P credential must complete a self-assessment every year along with 10 additional CE credits every two years for a total of 20 credits. If you hold the CCS or CCS-P credential and the RHIA or RHIT, you will not be required to earn any more CE units to maintain your credentials. However, you will need to complete annual self-assessments developed by AHIMA. If you would like more information, please go to the AHIMA website at www.ahima.org and refer to the article titled "Proposed CCS, CCS-P CE Changes" in the August 2001 issue of AHIMA Advantage. Oklahoma delegates voted for this proposal.

The House of Delegates did approve the resolution by Tennessee. This resolution was designed to address inconsistencies within the Conditions of Participation published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services for hospitals that accept Medicare patients. Some of the Conditions conflict with the existing standards published by JCAHO and recognized HIM practice standards. AHIMA will develop a strategic initiative to revise and update the regulations and work for the acceptance of the revised Conditions of Participation. Oklahoma delegates voted for this resolution.

Being a member of the House of Delegates is like being a part of the history of our profession. We were given the opportunity to participate in making decisions that affect the future of our HIM profession. It was so exciting to me and I know it was to the other delegates as well. Thank you, OkHIMA members, for giving me this unique opportunity to represent your state. Thank you, also for permitting me to attend the National Convention educational sessions and the vendor show. It was a wonderful, enlightening experience.

- Sherry Barnes, MPH, RHIA

 

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Coping with the OIG Work Plan
Getting Your Compliance Priorities in Order

Because there is no shortage of compliance risk, HIM professionals need to prioritize the issues they plan to address. Sheryl Vacca, director in the National Health Care Regulatory Practice division of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, offered tips to healthcare organizations on setting priorities for their compliance programs.

Vacca first noted that while the Office of Inspector General (OIG) annual Work Plan is an excellent resource for identifying areas of focus, it should not be the sole source document. The Work Plan should be considered in conjunction with other resources, the current enforcement environment and the organization's culture.

The Work Plan identifies projects that the OIG plans to address in a given fiscal year. However, it may be altered over time and can evolve in response to new information, new issues, and a shift in the federal government's priorities. The OIG does not have to carry out every project in the Work Plan.

Some target areas for 2002 Work Plan

  • Hospital discharges and readmissions
  • One day stays
  • Matching of procedure coding of outpatient and physician services
  • Outlier payment under the outpatient PPS
  • Payment Error Prevention Program
  • Consolidated billing requirements in nursing facilities
  • Home Health compliance programs
  • Coding of Home Health resource groups
  • Physician E&M coding
Additionally, the Work Plan indicates a focus on quality of care issues and Medicaid a closer look at clinical trials.

When developing next year's compliance program for your facility, Vacca recommended comparing and contrasting the target areas in recent Work Plans. Areas that have been focused on in the past plans will more than likely appear again in 2002.

Public perception should play an important role when prioritizing compliance activities. Vacca advised considering whether a target area involves a concept that is easy to understand, the easier ones are the most likely to be targeted.

There are many resources available to assist organizations in assessing compliance programs priorities, but it is HIM professionals' responsibility to become educated on their usage. The OIG provides resources in addition to the Work Plan to assist organizations in establishing compliance focus areas. The OIG's Red Book lists recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) that result in financial savings. The Orange Book provides recommendations to CMS that would result in efficiencies, economics, and performance improvements. The OIG Semi-Annual Report describes the OIG's accomplishments.

When setting priorities for compliance programs, keep the number of activities in line with available resources, abilities, and the facility's environment. Areas at risk should be assessed with a multi-functional group. Then, the next steps, such as education, ongoing reviews, and development of policies and procedures should be established.

- Teri Stubbs, RHIA, M.ed.

 

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What in the World are COPs
(or where were you on 10/15/01 at 10:33 am?)

If you are a criminal then a Cop is a policemen.

If you are the president of Mu Rho Alpha at SWOSU, then you would belong to the COP's. (Council of Organization Presidents)

Since we are not criminals (hopefully), and since Amber Barnett is the only Mu Rho Alpha (HIM Student Organization) President at SWOSU, what in the world are COP's?

The AHIMA national convention was once again an exciting event. Last year in my delegate report I chose to discuss technology. This year, technology was again an education track along with data quality management, HIPAA, APC's, Compliance, and Emerging Issues. Our name tags were barcoded so vendors could easily get our name and address. (Supposedly to send us that prize we were all sure we would win, however I suspect it was to add us to another mailing list!) We had access to several computers to send email home as well as communicate with other attendees. We could print off the handouts we wanted rather than have to cart around all of them. (Which some people did not like because it's hard to give up that paper!)

At 10:33 a.m. on 10/15/01 Linda Kloss pressed the "send" button in front of all conference attendees. AHIMA members now have the opportunity to participate in another technological milestone by joining one (or several) Communities of Practice (COP's).

COP is an opportunity for AHIMA members to network, share best practices, search for other AHIMA members who you have lost track of or find someone who works at a similar institution, access resources, and references, find links to useful sites, access e-mail, chat, electronic calendars, discussion forums, electronic libraries........and the list goes on.

The 2000 House of Delegates approved the concept of Communities of Practice. There is no longer an Ambulatory Care Section, or a Society of Clinical Coding. However there are Ambulatory Care and Clinical Coding Communities of Practice. There are also Communities of Practice in Outpatient coding, Physical Medicine and Rehab coding, Charge Masters, Corrections, HIPAA, Directors of Integrated Delivery Systems, as well as a myriad of other communities reflecting the diverse membership of AHIMA and the unique qualifications of the HIM professional.

Communities of Practice may be accessed by using your browser to go to www.ahima.org then click on the "Communities of Practice" link to go to the log-in page. The "Member Log-in" box is on the left side of the page. Enter your member ID and password. Your last name will be your password until you change it. Once you have logged in, click on the "Update Profile" icon on your personal page to update your member profile. Then click on the "AHIMA" link under "My Communities" or the "AHIMA Community" icon to find information on AHIMA and communities. Once you have found what communities exist you can click on the "Join Communities" icon on your personal page, then select the communities you want to join. Or, you can suggest your own community. You can be sure that if you have a particular need someone else will as well.

Communities of Practice is more than an elaborate web page. It's an opportunity for AHIMA members to network and share best practices and at the same time contribute to the continuing growth of the HIM profession. The opportunities are endless just as the opportunities for the HIM professional is endless.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to attend the 2001 House of Delegates and the National Convention!

- Marion Prichard, RHIA, MPH

 

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Secretary's Report

For someone who had never been to the National Convention, let alone Miami, this year's convention was very thrilling for me. On Sunday, October 15th we attended the House of Delegates. This was exciting to see. If you ever go to Nationals I highly advise you to set in on this part. I was so proud to be a part of the Oklahoma Delegation and help make decisions that will bring some exciting changes to our profession.

On Monday morning, we set in on the General Session and heard Tipper Gore speak on her life in the public eye. We attended the Exhibit hall and saw all the new and exciting technologies that are available for use in HIM.

Tuesday brought another hot day in Miami! We started the day by seeing Benjamin Zander, the conductor for the Boston Philharmonic. He was a very dynamic speaker. In the afternoon, I attended the HIPAA Track of the session. I also attended this track on Wednesday morning. I learned some very interesting things about how to do a HIPAA Privacy Risk Assessment by Jill Callahan-Dennis, JD, RHIA, of Health Risk Advantage. I actually recommend that if you are just starting to do the Privacy Risk Assessment, without a consultant, that you purchase the AudioTape of her seminar. If you are interested please contact me and I will send you the information on how to order the tape. (rfalconer@okmulgeehospital.com) HIPAA seemed to be the hot topic at this year's convention. I am glad I set in on this and learned a few things to bring back to my hospital and apply.

Tuesday night brought the President's Premiere Celebration at the Miami Seaquarium. This was a lot of fun. We saw a Whale show, Flipper Dolphin Island show and Top-Deck Dolphin Show. They had food from around the world. We had a great time, but it was REALLY hot.

I really don't know what else to say about my first AHIMA National Convention. We had a good time. If you ever go to Miami, just remember it is hot every day and eat some Stone Crab.

- Rhonda Falconer, RHIA

 

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School ReportsSchool News...

 

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The Division of Allied Health hired SWOSU graduate Teri Stubbs to direct the Health Care Administration Program and provide extra support to Marion and Faye in the HIM program. Teri is replacing Lynda Starbuck who decided against the drive from Elk City to Weatherford every day.

Several Junior and Senior students attended the OkHIMA Fall meeting in Tulsa. Winner of the Travis Voice and Data Scholarship was Senior Myrna Cobb. Congratulations Myrna!! We would like to send a special thank you to Travis Voice and Data for making this scholarship possible and for being such a good corporate sponsor of HIM education in Oklahoma.

We would also like to thank OkHIMA for their $500.00 donation to the program. The Board also approved the addition of a student on the Board for the 00-01 year. SWOSU had the honor of appointing the first student as the plan was for this to rotate to the program who faculty served as the current Director of Education and Student Affairs which was Marion. Tangie Dorsey served until she left for her management practicum in the spring. Myrna Cobb was her replacement for the remainder of the term. At the last meeting the Board decided to allow a student representative from each of the four schools to serve on the Board each year. We would like to thank the OKHIMA Board of Directors for making this possible and for recognizing that today's students are tomorrows leaders. THANK YOU OKHIMA!

Seniors are into their final fall semester and have begun clinical practice in full swing. Thank you to all clinical sites who agreed to accept students. Agreement to take students is of particular importance as we transition the profession for the 21st century and address all those regulatory requirements that impact the HIM profession, i.e. HIPAA, Compliance, etc. It says a lot of facilities who are committed to taking students during such a busy time in their own work setting. THANK YOU!

We are also in the process of establishing clinical facilities for the 5 week management practicum in the spring. We have tried to make this experience more "project oriented" in that a student completes a project or projects that will help them transition from education to the workforce and also help the facility. Positive evaluations from sites have been received with comments on how helpful they actually found the students to be. So if you need a little extra help or need a special project completed please consider taking a student if you receive such a request.

Speaking of projects, the Junior HIM students have been doing group projects as a part of clinical practice in the spring. These have included, file conversion, purging, filing, and loose filing. Contact Marion if you need something like this done in the spring.

Mu Rho Alpha is very active this year. Officers are; Amber Barnett, President; Kara Whittern, Vice President; Anna McIntosh, Secretary and Miranda Unruh, Treasurer. (If anyone needs any pampered chef merchandise please let us know!) Applications for the 2002-2003 junior class are currently being distributed and are due in January.

If you would like more information about our program visit our web site at http://www.swosu.edu/academic/alliedh/HIM/index.html or contact us at:

HIM Program
SWOSU
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096

Marion Prichard, RHIA, MPH
(580) 774-3287 pricham@swosu.edu

Faye Henson, RHIA
(580) 774-3078 hensonf@swosu.edu

Teri Stubbs, RHIA
(580) 774-3067 starbul@swosu.edu

 

East Central University

The ECU HIM Program began the fall semester with one less full time faculty member. Our director, Sandra Dixon, had to have back surgery. Sandra was not able to return until close to the middle of November. Two ECU HIM graduates, Lorraine Hooker, RHIA and Kim Hoppe, RHIA taught classes for her while she was recuperating. Thanks so much Lorraine and Kim. You both did a great job! Sandra, it is so nice to have you back at work!

Ms. Tiffany Grignon was presented the Travis Business System's Scholarship at the OkHIMA Annual Meeting during the Fall Conference in Tulsa. CONGRATULATIONS Tiffany and THANK YOU Larry Travis. Also, during the annual meeting, our HIM program was presented a $500 check from OkHIMA. Thank you to all OkHIMA members.

The HIM Club was very active last spring. Some of their activities included: a) Cotton candy fundraiser at MayFest; b) Free lunches to new HIM Club Members; and c) Coordination of Senior Banquet. The HIM Club also participated in a major group project for Shawnee Regional Hospital. The Health Information Department decided to convert their straight numerical filing method to terminal digit. Students worked all day reordering and filing medical records. Thanks Shawnee for the invaluable experience.

The first HIM Club meeting for the fall semester featured a presentation by guest speaker, Lorraine Hooker, MPH, RHIA. She gave the group suggestions on how to be successful in the HIM field. Thanks, Lorraine for the outstanding advice. Pizza was provided for all. The HIM Club members decided to sell Home Interior candles for their fundraiser for the fall semester. 2000-2001 Him Club Officers were: Kim Garbutt, President, Amanda Leslie, Vice President, Amanda Moran, Treasurer, Tiffany Grignon, Secretary, and Tonya Sweeden, Reporter. New officers will take over with the Spring, 2002 semester. Those officers are: Julie Stringfellow, President, Angelia Farrell, Vice President, Julie Kiker, Treasurer, Stacy Jordan, Secretary, and Annie Doss, Reporter. At the September OkHIMA board meeting, members voted to include a student from each of the four educational HIA/HIT programs in the state. Our program certainly appreciates this opportunity. The ECU HIM student representative for this school year is Darlene Grandstaff.

Seniors just completed their second semester of professional practice. Sincere thanks to all of the facility sites and individuals who that have assisted in the educational process by accepting students for professional practice experience.

We continue to accept applicants for admission to the program for the fall of 2002. If you would like more information about the Health Information Management Program at ECU, please visit our web site at www.ecok.edu/dept/him and contact Sandra Dixon or Sherry Barnes at the following address:

Department of HIM
East Central University
Ada, OK 74820
(580) 310-5606 (fax)

Sandra Dixon, M.Ed., MCE, RHIA
(580) 310-5555 (voice) sdixon@mailclerk.ecok.edu

Sherry Barnes, MPH, RHIA
(580) 310-5406 (voice) sbarnes@mailclerk.ecok.edu

Please be aware that the ECU Foundation has a HIM Student Scholarship Fund. Donations to this scholarship fund are not limited to ECU graduates and will be accepted from anyone wishing to participate in the education of future HIM professionals.

- Sherry Barnes, MPH, RHIA

 

Tulsa Community College

The faculty at Tulsa Community College's Health Information Technology Program would like to extend their congratulations to the following students who graduated in May 2001with an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology: Allison Burkes, Ginger Durham, Barbara Glenn, Vicki Hembree, Beth Henry, Ginger Nichols, Barbara Plumlee, and Sandy White.

Congratulations is also extended to those completing the requirements for the Certificate for Coding & Reimbursement Specialist Option. Those students are Linda Ball, Allison Burkes, Ginger Durham, Staci Franks, Barbara Glenn, Vicki Hembree, Barbara Plumlee, and Sandy White. We also want to congratulate Cindy Fuller, our Travis Voice & Data Scholarship recipient for the academic year 2001-2002.

Our thanks again, to all facility sites and individuals that have assisted in the educational process by accepting students for directed practice, hosting departmental tours and/or serving as guest speakers. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Sandra Smith, RHIA, Director
Health Information Technology Program
Tulsa Community College
909 S. Boston Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74119
(918) 595-7201
(918) 595-7091 (fax)
ssmith@tulsa.cc.ok.us

 

Rose State College

Our program classroom(s) and faculty offices have moved to the "new" Health Sciences Annex building (immediately east of the Health & Environmental Sciences building). (The former Midwest City Sun Newspaper building was completely renovated.) We are now fully operational in the new building with faculty offices, a lecture room and a separate dedicated computer laboratory.

First, we wish to congratulate the graduates of 2000 who passed their RHIT exam: Rebecca Buckley; Tracy Dennis; Vicki Hollandsworth; Tonya (Moldenhauer) Jasper; and Tara Satawake.

We also wish to congratulate the graduates of 2001: Karen Alden; Fredric Bassett; Marti Brooks; Kathy Fleming; Noami Horner; Gregory Jones; and Stephanie Plants. Since the RHIT exam now can be taken throughout the year after graduation, we know that at least two of the 2001 graduates have taken and passed the RHIT exam from July through September.

A special thank you to our program advisory committee members and all those who have served and continue to serve at directed practice sites. There is an ongoing need for directed practice activities in hospitals and non-traditional settings. If you would like to volunteer to become a directed practice site, please contact Cecil Brooks.

This fall, we have thirteen sophomores, and thirteen freshmen in our A.A.S. degree Health Information Technology program, and fourteen in our evening Coding Specialist program.

During 2002, we anticipate graduating our tenth group of Associates in Applied Sciences degree Health Information Technology students. We are hoping to plan some sort of open house etc. during the Spring 2002.

Our college website is: www.rose.cc.ok.us

If you need any further information, please contact:

Cecil Brooks, RHIA, CCS
Director, Health Information Technology Program
Rose State College
6420 Southeast 15th St.
Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 733-7578

cbrooks@ms.rose.cc.ok.us

 

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Outstanding Member Award

Darnell Powell, RHIA, graduated from ECU in 1986 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Medical Record Administration. That same year she passed the registration exam and became an RRA. She worked at Memorial Hospital of Southern Oklahoma in Ardmore, in the medical record department for two and a half years. In 1988, she became the Director of the Medical Record Department at Rolling Hills Hospital, a psychiatric facility, in Ada, Oklahoma. In 1996, she was promoted to the Associate Executive Director of Rolling Hills Hospital.

Then in September of 1997, she became the Executive Director of Rolling Hills Hospital. This is currently her position. Darnell is married and has two children.

William J. Hartigan, President and CEO of Liberty Management Group, Inc, which currently owns Rolling Hills Hospital, had this to say about Mrs. Powell:

"I am pleased to hear that your association has decided to honor Darnell Powell. In her role as Executive Director, she has transformed the facility along with her fellow professionals. The facility is a model for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. As you know, her background is in health information and while most hospital systems do not look to that profession to find its most senior executives, we at Liberty are glad that we did. She is a strong dynamic leader and a great communicator. She is systems oriented and is able to focus on both the details and the "big picture". We are proud to know her and to have her on our team. We share you positive regard."

 

Don't Forget...Updates for Legal Manuals are available by contacting
Paula McIntosh, RHIA , CMSC
Woodward Regional Hospital
900 17th Street
Woodward, OK 73801
Or you can visit this page on our site to complete a form to be mailed to Paula for your update.
Recruitment Notice:
Assistant Director of Medical Records at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus

Qualifications:
Required
  • Degree as a Registered Health Information Admistrator or Accredited Health Information Technician.
  • Three or more years experience in all aspects of HIM functions in a hospital setting.
  • Knowledge of JCAHO and state regulations for both acute and skilled nursing facilities.
  • Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality.
Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Contact Barbara Sweatt at (580) 481-2312 or by email.
CONGRATULATIONS
to OU Medical Center HIM Department who was selected as ADVANCE's 2001 HIM Team of the Year!

 

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