February 2023 Member Spotlight

Rebecca McDade, RHIA

Professional Shares

Where do you work and what is your job title?
Washington Regional in Fayetteville, AR as the Director of Revenue Integrity

How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
13 years

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
I have my RHIA and this year I will be working towards a CCDS and CCDS-O

Which college/university did you attend?
Arkansas Tech University

What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
After an attempt to make it through the prerequisite classes to go to Pharmacy School, I started to look for other career options. While looking through the Arkansas Tech degree programs, I came across the Health Information Management program. I honestly didn’t know there was a degree for working in medical records. My mom has worked in medical records since before I was born, having started out as a clerk then working as a Cancer Registrar. I would volunteer at the hospital and assist with filing records after school. It just felt natural for me to take that path.

What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
Outpatient Coder
Director of Health Information Management
Inpatient Coder
Supervisor of Inpatient Coding
Manager of Inpatient Coding

What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
I oversee all the middle revenue cycle functions, including Health Information Services, Coding, Clinical Documentation Improvement and Revenue Integrity.
I’m responsible for ensuring timely and accurate documentation, processing, and coding of all patient encounters for both the hospital as well as the 33 primary and specialty care clinics. I also work closely with the quality department to review outcomes as they relate to claims data.

Personal Shares

What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
I played clarinet from middle school through high school and attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 2006 with my High School band.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My mom. She taught me to never give up and reach for the stars. Growing up I would see how hard she worked to ensure we had everything we needed. My work ethic is a direct reflection of her influence.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” – Mary Tyler Moore

Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
If you enjoy hiking, Whitaker Point is gorgeous in the fall just as the leaves begin to change colors.