Marsha Abbey
Patient Financial Services Manager, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Professional Overview
Marsha Abbey is an experienced Patient Financial Services Manager with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and streamlining financial processes in the healthcare industry. With over 30 years of expertise, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of patient accounting, revenue cycle management, and financial regulations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Patient Financial Services Manager at Barnes-Jewish Hospital since 1989, Marsha is responsible for overseeing the hospital's patient financial operations, including billing, collections, and insurance claims processing. Under her leadership, the department has consistently exceeded revenue targets, achieving a 98% first-pass claims acceptance rate and reducing the days in accounts receivable by 12% over the past 5 years.
Marsha's strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and collaborative approach have enabled her to identify and implement process improvements that have enhanced the patient financial experience and improved the hospital's overall financial performance. She has played a pivotal role in implementing new revenue cycle technologies, which have resulted in a 25% increase in electronic claims submissions and a 15% reduction in claim denials.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Marsha held various positions within the patient financial services department at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, starting as a Patient Account Representative in 1985 and gradually assuming increased responsibilities and leadership roles. Her deep understanding of the hospital's operations and commitment to continuous improvement have been instrumental in her career advancement.
Academic Background
Marsha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she graduated with honors. She also maintains certifications in Healthcare Financial Management and Patient Accounting from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Areas of Expertise
- Patient financial services management
- Revenue cycle optimization
- Billing and collections processes
- Insurance claims management
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Team leadership and employee development
Professional Impact
Marsha's contributions have been recognized both within the hospital and the broader healthcare community. She has presented at several HFMA conferences, sharing her insights on best practices in patient financial services and revenue cycle management. Additionally, she has served on the board of the St. Louis chapter of HFMA, providing strategic guidance and mentorship to industry peers.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven leadership skills, Marsha Abbey is a valuable asset to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital team. She is committed to driving continuous improvement in patient financial services and contributing to the overall financial health and sustainability of the organization.
