April 2025 Member Spotlight
Lee Ann Barton, MPH, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS
Professional Shares
Where do you work and what is your job title?
Northwest Arkansas Community College, Full-Time Faculty Health Information Management
How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
Since 2008. Prior to that, I was a member of KHIMA (Kentucky).
What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
I hold the following: RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS
Which college/university did you attend?
Associate Health Information Technology – Western Kentucky University, Bachelors Health Information Management – The University of Cincinnati, Masters Public Health – Columbia Southern University
What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
I entered the HIT program right out of high school. My older sister was already in the program a year ahead of me and she told me what a great program it was. I knew as soon as I started I would be in HIM for many years. I wanted to be in healthcare, but was not interested in hands-on care, so HIM was the perfect choice!
What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
Inpatient Coding Specialist, Coding Manager, Asst HIM Director, HIM Director, Field Director Compliance
What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
Develop courses and teach students the concepts and applications of Health Information Management. Serve on the Academic Standards Committee.
What is a typical day like for you?
I am in the office 8-4 Monday–Thursday and work remotely on Friday. I come in, check email, communicate with students as needed, attend scheduled meetings, discuss any issues with my fellow faculty members, grade assignments and give feedback, and work on developing content for upcoming courses.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The absolute best part is sharing my prior experiences working in HIM with new students, with the hope they can use that information to start successful careers in HIM.
Any other professional tidbit(s) you want to include?
Not that I can think of!
Personal Shares
What is your favorite food?
Seafood
What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
It may come as a surprise to some that I obtained a Real Estate License last year.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Having a big family get-together Christmas morning with a lot of good food, followed by opening presents.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My three sisters.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
Alabama (country group)
What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
Write a mystery novel
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
We learn through our mistakes, so don’t see it as failure, see it as an opportunity.
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?
I don’t love to cook, but my husband is a great cook and does most of it in our house. When I cook, I love to make breakfast foods, especially banana pancakes.
If you could get on a plane tonight and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
In the US, Maine, worldwide, I would go to Ireland.
Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
Beaver Lake
Any other personal tidbit(s) you want to include?
I am a proud mom of two children and two step-children.