Hollis Cobb Associates requires all employees to meet continuing education requirements quarterly in areas of compliance, technology and department specific topics. Management and staff are required to log 12-16 hours of continuing education pertinent to their job duties, but some of the staff have gone the extra mile and earned certifications in their areas of expertise. Hollis Cobb is celebrating employees becoming certified this year including Josh Best, Director of Operations at the Norcross office; Wendy Kukla, Director of Training and Quality Assurance in Norcross; and Sandrea Brooks, Compliance Officer in the Chicago Office.
Josh Best passed the Certified Patient Account Representative (CPAR) exam administered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) of which Hollis Cobb is a sponsor. The CPAR manual and study tools cover the entire hospital revenue cycle from start to finish, with extra focus on payer sources and government regulations. Josh says studying for and passing the CPAR exam has definitely given him additional knowledge that he uses in his work every day. He said his next goal is to pass the HFMA administered Certified Financial Counselor exam to earn his CFC designation. Josh said he believes the CFC certification will provide him with additional skills that will help him locate funding sources for patients, and determine the best financial solution for the uninsured and under insured patients he talks to every day.
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS VITAL IN HEALTHCARE FINANCE TODAY
Wendy Kukla and Sandrea Brooks have worked exceptionally hard to earn their Credit and Collection Compliance Officer (CCCO) Designations through ACA International (American Collectors’ Association).
The CCCO Designation requires workshop attendance, and online study as well as a test at the conclusion of the courses. Individuals studying these courses learn about ethical and professional collections, advanced FDCPA issues, collection industry compliance and writing effective policies and procedures.
Wendy and Sandrea have both found their advanced knowledge in areas of compliance a tremendous benefit to their jobs now that they have earned their certifications. Wendy pointed out that, “Achieving this designation further recognizes my understanding of the compliance landscape that is rapidly evolving, and will help Hollis Cobb to continue to be an industry leader in compliance strategy and policies. I believe this designation signifies to clients that both HCA and I are committed to being professional, ethical and compliant.” Hollis Cobb Associates continues to encourage and support employees’ efforts to increase their knowledge and expertise through professional certifications.
