Employee Spotlight: Stacy Hartstine, RHIT, CCS, CDIP, Auditor & Educator
We’re so excited to introduce this month’s spotlight employee, Stacy Hartsine! We hope you enjoy learning about her role as an Auditor and Educator and the wonderful life she has built!
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How long have you been in your role as an Auditor/Educator? I have been an auditor/educator for over 15 years but I have been in my current role with OnPoint for just over 4 months.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Honestly, I would probably have to say it is the team I am working with. I am also enjoying the reduction of stress. I served in a management role for 17+ years, and at a Director level for over 6 years. I needed a break and this position has given me that ability to actually disconnect when I log off from my daily shift.
Career moment you’re most proud? There are so many but probably having a former boss that pushed me into speaking at HIM conferences. From that exposure I gained confidence and gained recognition that led me into running for several volunteer positions. I am currently serving as President of the Houston Area Health Information Management Association (HAHIMA). I also served 2 terms as Secretary and two years as President-elect. I was also elected to serve as a Commissioner for the AHIMA CCHIIM Commission.
Who or what inspires you the most? I would have to say my husband. When I have a negative attitude or feel like I cannot accomplish something, he is always there to push me. He reminds me all the time that life is full of choices and we are responsible for the future we create. Together we can handle anything. My husband had a rough childhood and spent many of his young years in a group home for foster youth. Because of that we have been fostering for over 5 years. And at the ripe old age of 53, we adopted a 4 year old girl this past June that had been with us since she was 18 months.
What are some of your favorite resources (book, guide, podcast) to help you stay up to date in your profession? I love attending in-person meetings and conferences, such as HAHIMA, TxHIMA, and AHIMA. Coding Clinic of course is my go-to reference book so I try to keep up to date with each new edition.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position? I think most people feel it is easy and if you take a little 6 month online program you will know everything there is to know about coding and you can immediately be a coder and work from home.
What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on? I just passed the CDIP exam and I am also working on my bachelor’s degree which I hope to finish by next May so I can sit for the RHIA exam.
What occupation (other than your own) would you like to try and why? None. I took a year of nursing school before I went into HIM. That was the same year I started coding for a small hospital (20 beds). Back then you didn’t need credentials or education to work in HIM, especially in rural areas. I did clerical work, transcription, and coding. I dropped out of the nursing program after my second semester because I realized I wanted to pursue HIM. This is just my passion. I love what I do and really cannot see myself doing anything else.
Favorite meal? Boiled shrimp or crawfish. Although I do make an amazing gumbo with chicken, sausage, and shrimp!
Favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I absolutely love to fish and pretty much anything I can do outdoors. I have a large laser engraver that my husband bought me for my birthday so I spend some time working on designs and engraving wood or leather. As I get better I will try glass and the metal tumblers. I’m just not ready to ruin a Yeti cup yet.
Do you have any pets? We have a 5 year old white German Shepherd (Deuce) and a 6 month old Pomeranian (Ranger). I also have 7 Nigerian dwarf goats and a host of chickens.
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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.