September 2024 Member Spotlight

Jacob Blalock, RHIA

Professional Shares

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I am the Director of Health Information Management at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.

How long have you been a member of ArHIMA?

2014 – Happy 10 Year Anniversary!

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive?

I have received my RHIA.

Which college/university did you attend?

Arkansas Tech University

What made you decide to pursue a career in HIM?

My father worked in Statistical Process Control and Quality Assurance, and my mother was an RN. HIM is the field that combines both data and healthcare.

What other jobs and/or titles have you held prior to the present one?

In healthcare I was a Revenue Integrity Analyst, and an OP/IP/Clinic Coder. Prior to healthcare I was an English teacher and soccer coach.

What are some of your responsibilities at your current position?

I am responsible for all aspects of HIM at our hospital, including completion and analysis, clinical documentation improvement, coding, and release of information. I am also a part of the revenue cycle team, and I am responsible for reporting and analyzing denials, doing my part to maintain a healthy DNFB, and providing any other information concerning medical records, physician performance, or coding data that supports revenue cycle leadership.

What is a typical day like for you?

I usually begin my day with running whatever reports I need whether it is for outstanding accounts, physician performance, medical necessity communication, or employee performance. I usually have meetings associated with these areas throughout the week. I try to get the information I am responsible for put together and analyzed first thing so that I can assist patients, my teammates, or leadership as those opportunities arise. I also try to make time to research opportunities for process improvements to make my teammates’ workflows as simple and efficient as possible.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy data analysis and finding ways to utilize our software and other tools to their full potential. I began my career at Jefferson Regional as an analyst, and I enjoy configuring and building tools and workflows that help my teammates. I really enjoy having the opportunity to solve problems creatively.

Personal Shares

What is your favorite food?

Grilled swordfish

What’s something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?

I composed music for this informational video when I was in high school using composition software, and I was listed in the credits. This means I am technically an accredited composer.

What’s your favorite family tradition?

Both sides of my family play dominoes. I really enjoy playing dominoes with them during the holidays.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?

Anyone, be it teacher, family member, or creative person who embodies Do-It-Yourself ethics. D.I.Y. to me means that we should do our best to appreciate and utilize our resources and view our limitations as strengths (and opportunities to collaborate and connect with others) rather than weaknesses.

What was the first concert you ever attended?

Aerosmith at the Pyramid in Memphis, TN.

What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?

I would like to see the northern lights at some point.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

I recently read that innovation happens when someone explores and utilizes their quirks. That is a very interesting idea.

Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?

I like to cook. I really like making chicken wings. I also really like eating chicken wings.

If you could get on a plane tonight and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go see my family in North Carolina.

Where is one place in Arkansas you would suggest people to visit?

War Memorial Stadium during Little Rock Rangers season. We are considered to have the best atmosphere and game experience in our league.

Any other personal tidbit(s) you want to include?

My wife is also in the HIM field. She is an analyst for UAMS. She was featured here last month!