Employee Spotlight: Ann Blume, Revenue Integrity Analyst
We’re proud to introduce our employee spotlight for the month of February. Meet Ann Blume, Revenue Integrity Analyst! Dive into her Q&A to learn more about her career journey and life outside of work.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work! What initially drew you to the healthcare industry, specifically medical coding?
I became interested in medical coding when my son was born. I learned quickly that it would require some knowledge and not just computer skills. I put it on hold for several years, then had another opportunity to consider it. I went back to school and earned an associate degree from Tulsa Community College and successfully changed careers.
Tell us about a proud moment in your career (or life!)
Learning the role of a CDM Analyst, then branching into other revenue integrity roles. I have learned more about HIM within both areas than coding alone.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Variety. I found early in my HIM career that I needed to have the ability to do more than just coding. I love the challenge of research, problem solving, and new challenges.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Right now, I’m working two part-time positions for hospitals on opposite sides of the country. I work for four hours Monday-Friday providing CPT codes for billing or 1-day surgeries, billing edits, injection/infusion coding reviews, E/M levels, etc. The other four hours were originally reviewing EBEW edits. I’m now helping with CDM updates and reviews, account charge reviews and other special projects. I enjoy the challenge of resolving problems. I also like the additional flexibility in my schedule with the second hospital.
What are some of your favorite resources (book, guide, podcast) to help you stay up to date in your profession?
Webinars are my favorite method to keep current. I also use multiple references in 3M and use the internet for research on specific topics.
What piece of advice would you go back and tell your younger self who had just entered the workforce?
Appreciate the resources you have available to you through your co-workers. Always keep learning.
Is there a professional skill or certificate you’re currently working on?
I am considering learning more about Outpatient Clinical Documentation Improvement. I’m also continuing to maintain my current RHIT and CCS credentials through AHIMA.
What do you like to do in your free time? What passions and/or hobbies do you enjoy?
Genealogy and crocheting. I’ve been researching four different family trees and currently crocheting a hat for a friend of mine.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
Traveling when I can.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m listening to a 6-hour audio book titled “I’ll Push You”. It is a true documentary.
Favorite meal?
Chicken Fettucine Alfredo. I have a homemade recipe for the alfredo sauce.
Best concert you’ve seen?
I’ve seen several. Neil Diamond, Moody Blues, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman. Wishing I would have gone to see James Taylor last year.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I was a premature baby with a heart defect that was never treated with surgery and later found to be healed in 2014. My mother was told I wouldn’t live. She made the decision to give me up for adoption. I met her and my younger siblings in 2018.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
I’m planning a trip to Finland with my aunt this summer for two weeks.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Don’t forget to check back each month to get to know our featured employee of the month! We love sharing the different stories and personalities behind OnPoint, and we hope you enjoy learning more about our team.