The Mississippi Chapter of Healthcare Financial Management Association (MSHFMA) recently honored five members with a 2012 Making It Count Award. Making it Count Awards recognize leadership and those who are willing to take an extra step, take a chance, speak up, or make a difficult choice because they believe that their actions will help a loved one, better their community, improve an organization, or bring about a needed change.
The awards were presented in Biloxi, MS, during the chapter’s annual institute, April 18-20.
Jim Blackwood of Tallahatchie General Hospital was honored.
In September of 2010, the Board of Trustees at Tallahatchie General Hospital approached Billy Marlow, CEO of North Sunflower Medical Center, to help them develop a plan to improve the hospital’s processes and financial stability. Thereafter, Mr. Marlow consulted Mr. Blackwood, a successful Jackson attorney, about the formation of a management company for the Tallahatchie project, whereupon Mr. Blackwood was presented with the opportunity to partner with Mr. Marlow in the operation of the management group. Mr. Blackwood joined the management company in February 2011 as TGH’s Administrator.
Mr. Blackwood’s legal background - coupled with the business model proven successful by Mr. Marlow and North Sunflower Medical Center and his wealth of knowledge in health law - has allowed him to quietly lead the hospital in new and exciting directions.
Chris Brown, Director of Patient Financial Services at St. Dominic – Jackson Memorial Hospital, was also honored with Making It Count Award. Ms. Brown’s 21 years of experience at St. Dominic’s and her expertise in many different areas of the revenue cycle is a valuable asset as she is often called upon for insight on issues not specifically related to the business office. She is known among her peers as someone who will provide candid, honest feedback and has high expectations of herself and those with whom she works.
Since assuming the Director position in 2008, days in net accounts receivable have declined from 68 days to 54 days at the end of 2011. In addition, Chris’ focus on reducing days in net accounts receivable has helped improve the organization’s days cash on hand from 45 in 2007 to 72 days at the end of 2011. Chris plays an integral role on the revenue cycle committee, whose focus is to reduce accounts receivable, improve the efficiency of the patient registration process, and optimize reimbursement to the organization.
Mark Lafontaine of Singing River Health System was honored with a 2012 Making It Count Award. As Revenue Integrity Manager, Mark Lafontaine is responsible for many tasks within the revenue cycle including the AR management of 12 family practice clinics, five specialty clinics and a rural health clinic. He also oversees hospital Denial Management, Underpayment Recovery, Pricing Defensibility and the creation of any revenue enhancement opportunities. Mark is also currently the Revenue Cycle Project Manager for Singing River’s health information systems conversion.
Eddy Mahaffey of Magee General Hospital received an award. He currently serves a vital role in the organization as the Administrative Director of Clinical Services. With a professional background in radiological services he has been the cornerstone to lead this area by being seventh in the State of Mississippi to have a pictorial archival computerized system (PACS).
Magee General Hospital was the first small rural facility in the state to have this advanced technology. Although radiology is where his career began he has also shared his talent with other clinical service areas. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of five revenue producing departments within the hospital as well as the patient access department.
Suzanne Young of Magee General Hospital was also recognized. She currently serves a key role at Magee General Hospital as Administrative Director of Non-Clinical Services.
Suzanne is a cum laude graduate of the University Mississippi Medical Center where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Record Administration. She has accepted various challenges in areas of compliance, charge master, customer service and revenue cycle management.
In addition to her hospital obligations, she provides Independent Consultation for several healthcare facilities and legal firms. Suzanne also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Meridian Community College. In addition to her administrative duties, she manages six hospital departments. She is responsible for the strategic direction of various areas and strives to reach the goal of making Magee General Hospital a “Center of Excellence”.
