Kathy Simmons
Director of Patient Financial Services
Professional Overview
Kathy Simmons is an experienced healthcare finance professional with a strong track record of driving operational excellence and financial performance. As the Director of Patient Financial Services at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, she oversees all aspects of patient billing, collections, and revenue cycle management for the organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Patient Financial Services, Kathy is responsible for managing a team of 35 professionals and ensuring the efficient and compliant processing of patient financial transactions. Under her leadership, the department has achieved significant improvements in first-pass claims resolution, reduced accounts receivable days, and increased patient satisfaction with the billing experience. Kathy's expertise in process optimization and her dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement have been instrumental in enhancing the healthcare system's financial health and patient-centric focus.
Career Progression
Kathy joined Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in 1989 as a Telemetry Tech, and over the course of her 30-year career, she has steadily progressed through various roles within the organization. She served as a Payroll Coordinator from 1990 to 1995, and then transitioned into the Patient Account Representative position, where she honed her skills in patient financial services. In 2010, Kathy's demonstrated leadership and strategic vision led to her promotion to the Director of Patient Financial Services role, where she has been instrumental in driving transformational change within the department.
Academic Background
Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she graduated with honors. She also maintains certifications in Revenue Cycle Management and Healthcare Financial Management, reflecting her commitment to professional development and staying at the forefront of industry best practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Revenue cycle management
- Patient financial services operations
- Accounts receivable optimization
- Process improvement and workflow design
- Team leadership and talent development
- Compliance and regulatory oversight
Professional Impact
Under Kathy's leadership, the Patient Financial Services department has consistently exceeded key performance targets, including a 95% first-pass claims resolution rate and a reduction in accounts receivable days from 55 to 42 over the past three years. Kathy has also been instrumental in implementing innovative patient-centric initiatives, such as an online self-service portal and a dedicated financial counseling program, which have significantly improved the patient experience and financial literacy within the community.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and deep understanding of the healthcare finance landscape, Kathy Simmons is a valuable asset to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. Driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for driving positive change, she continues to make a meaningful impact on the organization's financial performance and patient satisfaction.
