November 2023 Newsletter
Presidents Message
As we draw closer to the end of the 2023 year and my term as President of the great Tennessee Music City Chapter, it is important to take a look back from a 30,000-foot view. I was inspired to do this while flying out from the East Coast to Los Angeles for the AAHAM Annual National Institute (ANI) held in Hollywood. The idea came to me while staring out the window of the Southwest jet. From such an amazing height, the earth below looks small and quite quiet. It struck me that when our feet are firmly on the ground, we sometimes are consumed, and perhaps overwhelmed, at what comes charging at us each day in work and our personal lives.
However, from a further view, we can often look back, and even ahead, with a better perspective. Stepping into the role of Tennessee Music City Chapter’s Presidential shoes appeared to be daunting in the early spring of 2022. COVID put the chapter on hold for nearly two years. But I was blessed to have past President George Buck offering to be my chapter consultant as well as a Board Member. Before I knew it, the chapter had assembled a Board of Directors with a great mix of past and new members. Our treasurer and Board member Jeff Foster and Board Member Ross Kurtz gladly stayed on board (pun intended). Within a short period, Celia Allen, Robin King, Christine Bianchino, Erica Copeland, Laura Winger Pittman, David Carr, and Renee Lamborn joined the Board. This year we have been blessed to add two Board members from the Provider sector in Alex Margraf and Dr. Crystal Bowler, our first Board Member from Mississippi.
Our chapter has expanded to include AAHAM folks from Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi as well as the Volunteer state. Our chapter has also initiated a campaign to add more Student Members to the headcount as many represent the future of healthcare.
To be more visible, the Music City Chapter re-launched its website to be much more user-friendly and informative. The hope is this internet feature will continue to grow with the chapter by offering more content as well as education.
Our chapter also held its first in-person event this past spring in Brentwood, Tennessee, at the Envision Center with a remarkable group of speakers that provided education on everything from Artificial Intelligence to Healthcare Law, as well as a leadership session that provided insight into the likelihood of Nashville’s future Major League Baseball team, the Nashville Stars.
My goals for the chapter may have been daunting, but our chapter leaders should be proud of what we have accomplished. With the remarkable talents of Robin King, our chapter has produced a monthly newsletter. This communication far exceeds what many healthcare chapters offer on a quarterly basis. In addition, the chapter has offered a free monthly Webinar to all its members that has provided incredible education during lunch hours.
Hopefully, you as a chapter member have been able to witness the growth the Music City Chapter is making and our plans to keep the momentum going in 2024. As always, I would love to hear from you, the member, with any thoughts, ideas, or criticisms. I welcome all to share as I may be reached at cacquisto@sacfirm.com.
~Chuck
AAHAM ANI 2023
The Annual National Institute conference in Los Angeles was a huge success! There were many great sessions and fantastic presenters in three separate healthcare tracks; Revenue Cycle, Leadership Engagement, and Operational, all designed with our members’ continuing education in mind. As an added benefit, there will be a panel discussion, where our panelists will share best practices from the operational side.
The AAHAM ANI is the only industry event dedicated to patient financial service professionals. The AAHAM ANI enables you to learn from diverse perspectives, exchange ideas, and foster connections and collaborations. Get the targeted strategies and practical takeaways to achieve your goals.
If you were not able to attend, ANI helps you become a more valuable resource to your facility and your colleagues and helps you forge vital industry connections. The sessions equip you with real solutions and new ideas you can use immediately. And we had some fun, too!
AAHAM Team Spotlight: Leslie Steele, MBA
Leslie provides overall executive leadership in collaboration with the AAHAM Board of Directors and staff. She is responsible for the implementation of policies set by the board of directors and the Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan, as well as the financial and programmatic management of the association. Leslie has over ten years of association management leadership experience.
AAHAM Journal
Published a book? Send your information for the new “Members in Print” section of The
Journal. Send your news to Leslie Steele at lsteele@aaham.org.
Don’t forget to give us your information for the Movers and Shakers section. This section includes job announcements (changes or promotions), birth and death announcements, and wedding announcements. Send your “news” to Leslie Steele at lsteele@aaham.org.
If you are interested in submitting an article for the Journal, download the article submission guidelines by clicking here.
AAHAM Legislative Currents
Interested in learning about the Legislative Currents? A full list can be downloaded here.
Certification
Thinking about getting your AAHAM certification? Do you know any colleagues or staff that are ready to become certified?
If you need assistance with the CRCE, CRCP, or CRIP examinations, please contact Matthew Hundley at 703.281.4043 x 3.
If you need assistance with the CRCS or CCT examinations, your study guide order, or recertification, please contact Kristen Reamy at 703.281.4043 x 7.
Call for Committee Chairs
Our chapter is still looking for those interested in chairing committees. Chairs and co-chair spots for our committees are now open. Please reach out to Chuck at (843) 325-2447 or cacquito@sacfirm.com if interested. He will be more than happy to discuss the possibilities with you. If looking to make a mark and improve your resume, AAHAM leadership positions are a fast track to achieving those goals.
AAHAM Job Board
Looking for your next role? Visit the AAHAM Career Center.
Volunteer Opportunities
Learn more about our chapter’s leadership positions and volunteer opportunities by reaching out to Chuck at cacquisto@sacfirm.com. After all, Tennessee is the Volunteer State.
Our Mission
To be the premier professional organization in healthcare administrative services. Through a national organization and local chapters, we provide quality member services and leadership in the areas of education, communication, representation, professional standards and certification.
