January 2023 Member Spotlight
Mary Bowlan, RHIA, CDIP, CCS
Professional Shares
Where do you work and what is your job title?
University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS) in Little Rock as the Regulatory Audit Manager
How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
Since 2005
What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
RHIA, CDIP, CCS
Which college/university did you attend?
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
Phillips Community College of University of Arkansas
What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
I have always been interested in the medical field. In 2002, I took a medical coding class and was intrigued how codes paints the picture of a patients care journey and I knew then this would be my profession.
What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
Auditor/Coder Consultant
Clinical Documentation Specialist I
Clinical Billing Auditor
Regulatory Audit Manager (present job title)
What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
I process and manage audit requests from Governmental payers and from Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) for facility billed services to ensure compliance with Medicare/Medicaid laws and regulations. I conduct appeals regarding correct coding standards, clinical documentation, DRG validation, APC validation, and medical necessity.
What is a typical day like for you?
Typical, not sure I ever have those.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy learning something new every day that deepens my knowledge. I also enjoying serving as a resource to others throughout my organization.
Any other professional tidbit(s) you want to include?
With the ever-changing nature of healthcare compliance rules and regulations, I feel like it is always important to continue learning and growing. It is important to adapt to change as the healthcare organization continually evolves.
Personal Shares
What is your favorite food?
Grill chicken salad with strawberries, blueberries, & pecans.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
I used to be a jockey and race thoroughbreds when I was a teenager. Although I no longer have a jockey physique, I still enjoy riding and teaching my niece horsemanship.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is making Christmas candy with my husband, our boys, and all our nieces and nephews.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My mother had the most influence on me because she raised me with Christian values. She taught me to work hard and always treat others the way you want to be treated.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
The Judd’s
What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
Travel to Europe
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Do not ever forget where you came from and everyone who helped you in any small way because each person was instrumental in shaping you into who you are today.
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?
I am not the best cook, but I have been told my roast is pretty good.
If you could get on a plane tonight and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy
Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
Horseback riding at the Buffalo National River