Kara Kaefring
Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Kara Kaefring is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 15 years of experience in patient access, communication center management, and financial counseling. As the Director of Patient Access, Communication Center and Financial Counseling at Sky Lakes Medical Center, she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational efficiency of these critical patient-facing functions.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as Director, Kara leads a team of over 50 professionals, ensuring seamless patient experiences and optimal financial outcomes for the organization. Under her leadership, the patient access and communication center teams have achieved consistently high patient satisfaction scores, while the financial counseling program has successfully secured millions of dollars in financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients.
Career Progression
Kara's career in healthcare administration began as a Pricing Clerk at Midwest Beverage Company, where she developed a strong foundation in data analysis and customer service. She then served as a Corps member with Americorps *NCCC, gaining valuable experience in community engagement and project management. Kara joined Sky Lakes Medical Center in 2005, quickly progressing from Supervisor of Emergency Department Registration to Supervisor of Patient Access, and ultimately to her current role as Director.
Academic Background
Kara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Oregon, where she graduated cum laude. Her academic achievements, combined with her extensive practical experience, have empowered her to drive innovative solutions and continuous improvement within the patient access and financial counseling domains.
Areas of Expertise
- Patient access and registration management
- Communication center operations and optimization
- Financial counseling and patient financial assistance
- Process improvement and operational efficiency
- Team leadership and change management
- Data analysis and performance management
Professional Impact
Under Kara's leadership, the patient access and communication center teams have consistently exceeded industry benchmarks for key performance indicators, such as average call answer time and first-call resolution. Additionally, the financial counseling program has secured over $8 million in financial assistance for patients, helping to alleviate the burden of healthcare costs and improve access to care.
Conclusion
With her deep industry expertise, proven track record of success, and commitment to patient-centered care, Kara Kaefring is a valuable asset to Sky Lakes Medical Center and the broader healthcare community. As she continues to drive innovation and excellence in her current role, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the patient experience and financial well-being of the communities she serves.
