May 2023 Member Spotlight
Julie Lonon, RHIT, CCS
Professional Shares
Where do you work and what is your job title?
I work in Fayetteville at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Washington Regional. My job title is Quality/Risk Management Director.
How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
2/9/2015
What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
RHIT – 8/13/2022 and CCS – 4/27/2018
Which college/university did you attend?
Northwest Arkansas Community College
What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
I have always been fascinated with medical coding and the concept of protecting patient health information.
What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
Administrative Assistant, Real Estate Agent, Certified Nurse’s Assistant, HIM Clerk, and HIM Supervisor
What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
I am responsible to help our staff meet or exceed goals, promote staff accountability for performance and motivate staff to improve processes and performance. I oversee the hospital-wide quality management program by working with administration, all clinical/non-clinical staff, and medical staff to monitor and evaluate the delivery of quality patient care. I am responsible to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies, our Home Office, and policies and procedures. I also develop, implement and maintain quality assessments and improvement programs that are within our hospital.
What is a typical day like for you?
Oh, my goodness, no two days are alike, but meetings, meetings, and more meetings. Try to tackle my to-do list that carried over from the previous day. I round on staff members and patients, report MTD KCI stats in leadership, answer questions, check in on my four staff members, help them solve problems, and advocate for them.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Solving problems that require collaboration and seeing staff improve processes that meet or exceed our goals.
Any other professional tidbit(s) you want to include?
Be kind to yourself, stay focused, keep your promises, and promote excellence.
Personal Shares
What is your favorite food?
My Mamaw’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. I sure do miss those Sunday meals at her house.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
I delivered two of my three children at home. I am a hippie at heart.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
My husband and I watch “White Christmas” every year and I love to play board games during the holidays.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My sweet Mommy who is the epitome of unconditional love.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
Black Oak Arkansas in Panama City, Florida. I was fourteen!
What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
Visit Ireland – that country fascinates me!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
When I first started my role as QRD, I was terrified because I am responsible to facilitate and run Quality Council, MEC, and Governing Body meetings. My CEO told me “It’s just a conversation.” That was the best advice ever … I use it constantly.
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?
Baking is my favorite type of cooking, and my grandkids tell me my banana bread is the best!
If you could get on a plane tonight and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go back to Italy! (“Under the Tuscan Sun” is one of my favorite movies.)
Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
Mount Magazine
Any other personal tidbit(s) you want to include?
You are never too old to make your dreams and goals a reality! “Just Do It” as Nike says.