November 2022 Member Spotlight
Theresa Rogers, RHIA
Professional Shares
Where do you work and what is your job title?
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?
41 years
What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?
RHIA
Which college/university did you attend?
Arkansas Tech University
What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?
I started in Nursing and decided that was not for me. I changed majors several times. During one of the transitions, I took Medical Terminology, and learned about HIM, and decided that was where I belonged. HIM is in the middle of Revenue Cycle, so has a bit of knowledge about many areas of healthcare. I find we are often the translators for other teams who do not speak each other’s language.
What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?
- Associate Director, Medical Records
- Director, Medical Records
- Senior Project Manager
- Supervisor, Billing, Claims, HIM (present job title)
What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?
Managing a team of very smart, talented staff who are responsible for the system that supports all the professional billing, hospital billing and HIM parts of the Revenue Cycle. I also do a good amount of project managing.
What is a typical day like for you?
I work in the IS Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. I work from home, which I love. The majority of my time is spent in meetings. Microsoft Viva tells me that I have 57% collaboration time, and I think that is accurate. In the last two years, the work environment has changed so much. I do miss the coffee station chat, and the chance encounters with others in the hospital. I do not miss the commute, traffic, or weather. I do enjoy the extra time I get back in the day, and my window office.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My window office, and the collaboration with others to make things better. I appreciate the knowledge provided by the HIM degree. It provides us a unique perspective to see the big picture. I have the wonderful privilege of working with Nicole Martin Schrader who is also a graduate of the HIM program at Arkansas Tech University.
Personal Shares
What is your favorite food?
If there is one food left on earth, I want it to be a potato. I think you can live on that for a long time. Also, I really love lobster!
What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
I am the oldest of 9 children.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Spending time with family, and cooking together.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My siblings. We worked together, played together and learned from each other. They tell me I am bossy. J
What was the first concert you ever attended?
I think it was Styx in my hometown of Paris, AR
What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
Take a sabbatical
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Be kind and merciful. Most people are dealing with difficult things
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?
I do enjoy cooking. I am a bit of a recipe junkie, and am always looking for the best recipe. I love to bake cookies, scones and of course Christmas Sugar Cookies!
If you could get on a plane tonight and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
San Diego, CA, to see my son.
Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?
Mt. Magazine is a must.