JENNIFER W LATHRAM
Orem,Utah
Summary
Dynamic healthcare executive with a proven track record at Allen Parish Community Healthcare, driving strategic development and revenue cycle optimization. Expert in regulatory compliance and team leadership, achieving a 32% increase in patient visits. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and quality improvement through innovative population health strategies.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Physician Services
Allen Parish Community Healthcare
Kinder, LA
09.2024 - 11.2025
- As part of the Executive Leadership Team, develops and implements strategic plans for physician services, supporting both organizational growth and the evolving healthcare needs of the community.
- Collaborates closely with executive leadership to ensure that physician services are consistent with the hospital’s mission and vision.
- Leads initiatives focused on recruiting, retaining, and engaging high-performing providers.
- Manages daily operations of physician practices, promoting efficiency, regulatory compliance, and excellence in service delivery.
- Standardizes workflows and practices across multiple sites to improve patient care and ensure operational consistency.
- Oversees scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet both patient demand and provider needs.
- Monitors and enhances revenue cycle processes, including billing, collections, and negotiations with payers.
- Analyzes financial metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement.
- Implement strategies to reduce claim denials, increase cash flow, and maximize net collections.
- Utilizes a working knowledge of revenue cycle functions to build credibility with both providers and staff.
- Leads the organization’s population health team, monitoring and addressing disparities in patient care.
- Focuses on closing care gaps and ensuring that patients receive necessary preventative screenings.
- Works collaboratively with the Chief Nursing Officer and other clinical leaders to decrease emergency department admissions and reduce unnecessary or repeat hospitalizations.
- Schedules regular meetings with all payers, including ACO representatives, to share data, develop strategies for care coordination, and improve patient outcomes.
- Drives quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient satisfaction, safety, and clinical outcomes.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements.
- Conducts regular audits and implements corrective actions as needed.
- Acts as a liaison between physicians and hospital leadership, fostering open communication and collaboration.
- Supports provider development through mentorship, performance evaluations, and opportunities for continuing education.
- Addresses provider concerns and facilitates the resolution of operational challenges.
- Represents physician services in community outreach and engagement initiatives.
- Collaborates with community organizations to address healthcare disparities and improve access to care.
- Leads the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) systems and other technology solutions to streamline operations.
- Explores and adopts innovative care delivery models, including telemedicine and value-based care initiatives.
- Increased patient visits at the Rural Health Clinic by 32% year over year.
- Led the design, build, and installation of the Athena EMR system.
- Managed the design and successful opening of a new satellite clinic.
- Onboarded new service lines, including four general surgeons, two orthopedic surgeons, one gynecologist, one ENT, one pediatrician, and one chiropractor.
- Serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Director of Operations
Galen Medical Group
Chattanooga, TN
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Directed and supervised overall operations at multiple sites of Galen Medical Group, implementing efficient and patient-centered practices to ensure exceptional business and clinical services.
- Established standardized procedures and protocols, resulting in an exceptional patient experience and improved revenue cycle metrics.
- Coordinated back-end operations to address and resolve rejections and denials in a timely manner, minimizing billing issues and ensuring accurate claims processing.
- Implemented systematic quality control measures and routine audits, promptly identifying areas for enhancement and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Utilized advanced technology and software systems to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and minimize errors in revenue cycle management.
- Formulated and executed approaches to foster positive relationships among staff members, patients, and medical practitioners, cohesive operational framework.
- Continuously evaluated processes and procedures, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary modifications to maximize efficiency and coordination.
- Collaborated with administrative leaders and stakeholders to formulate policies and protocols that enhance quality and patient-centered care.
- Conducted regular evaluations and audits to monitor adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring the delivery of exceptional healthcare services.
- Oversaw site administrators, providing guidance and support to meet budgetary requirements and achieve practice-specific objectives.
- Mentored site administrators and practice managers, fostering a culture of accountability, encouragement, and ongoing education.
- Promoted a proactive culture, enabling practice managers to anticipate challenges and devise proactive strategies for financial optimization and practice success.
- Achieved significant improvements in key performance indicators, including a 34% increase in gross charges, 41% increase in gross payments, 4.8% increase in gross collection percentage, 38% increase in wRVUs, and 3% increase in payments per wRVU.
- Provided oversight for various specialties, including family practice, dermatology, pelvic floor physical therapy, walk-in clinics, endocrinology, and vascular surgery.
- Demonstrated expertise in revenue cycle management, utilizing skills in working rejections, denials, and filing appeals, as well as navigating payer websites and utilizing payer-specific LCDs for medical necessity determination.
- Highly motivated by metrics and committed to delivering success in the revenue cycle space.
Business Manager
Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Chattanooga, TN
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Managed all business processes, including revenue cycle management, accounts payable, and purchasing, ensuring efficient and streamlined operations.
- Led the implementation of a new practice management (PM) and electronic medical records (EMR) system, resulting in improved data accuracy and increased productivity.
- Assisted in negotiating and maintaining vendor contracts, optimizing cost savings and ensuring high-quality services.
- Prepared monthly financial packages, conducting comprehensive reviews of facility finances and compiling accurate expense accruals.
- Built and maintained strong physician relationships, developing effective marketing strategies and directly engaging with surgeons and their offices to foster positive partnerships.
- Played a key role in monitoring and reducing supply costs, implementing cost-saving initiatives and achieving significant savings for the facility.
- Consistently achieved accounts receivable (AR) days that met and exceeded industry standards and company goals, ensuring timely and accurate financial management.
- Directed business operations with a focus on efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Administrator
Chattanooga Ear Nose and Throat Associates
Chattanooga, TN
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Successfully rehabilitated a practice that lacked management for a significant period, implementing strategic initiatives to optimize performance and achieve practice goals.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by motivating and guiding all staff members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Utilized excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to address complaints, resolve problems, and ensure effective communication across all departments.
- Collaborated closely with an external accountant to report practice performance, identify issues, and implement solutions for financial success.
- Led strategic planning initiatives, prioritizing and implementing improvements across all departments to enhance workflow and efficiency.
- Effectively managed all aspects of practice operations, working closely with employees and physician owners to achieve goals and maintain high standards.
- Developed and updated HR policies and procedures, guiding new hires, facilitating staff development, and addressing various staff issues.
- Oversaw facilities and technology management, including directing office construction, selecting and implementing voice and data systems, and laying the groundwork for technology platform selection and migration.
- Maintained compliance with rules and regulations related to employees, safety, and bio-hazard waste management.
- Successfully recruited, hired, and onboarded staff, including providers, ensuring a qualified and cohesive team.
- Conducted annual reviews of employee benefits packages, monitored payroll processes, and ensured the correctness of benefits and deductions.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills in resolving payer contract, referral, and billing issues.
- Managed payor and provider credentialing, ensuring compliance and smooth operations.
- Effectively handled problem escalation and resolution with patient families and staff, maintaining professionalism and resolving conflicts diplomatically.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills in addressing various practice-related challenges and implementing effective solutions.
Operations Manager
Providence Hospital
Mobile, AL
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Collaborated with internal departments to plan, organize, and set up clinics and physician practices, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
- Worked closely with building/construction managers, architects, and contractors to review and monitor building plans and processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Led marketing efforts, designing and executing marketing plans to increase brand awareness and attract new patients.
- Implemented optimized business functions and processes, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.
- Set goals for offices and monitored progress, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and exceeding performance targets.
- Developed and monitored metrics to measure performance and track progress towards goals, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Prioritized patient safety and quality of care, ensuring staff adherence to best practices and protocols.
- Maintained clear and concise documentation, facilitating effective communication and knowledge transfer among team members.
Director of Operations
American Family Care
Mobile, AL
08.2015 - 01.2016
- Collaborated with internal departments to plan, organize, and set up clinics and physician practices, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflow.
- Worked closely with building/construction managers, architects, and contractors to review and monitor building plans and processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Increased patient volume and brand awareness.
- Implemented optimized business functions and processes, improving efficiency and productivity across the organization.
- Set goals for offices and monitored performance metrics to ensure they aligned with organizational objectives and exceeded expectations.
- Prioritized patient safety and quality of care, providing staff with opportunities for learning and professional development.
- Implemented supply chain initiatives and maintained inventory control, minimizing waste and optimizing cost management.
- Conducted interviews and made hiring decisions, ensuring the selection of qualified candidates who aligned with the organization's values and goals.
Administrator
Surgery Center of Decatur / Service Line Director Employed Physician Network Decatur Morgan Hospital
Decatur, AL
01.2013 - 08.2015
- Achieved a 3-year AAAHC Accreditation at the Surgery Center of Decatur, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing patient safety and satisfaction.
- Successfully conducted a State CMS survey of the Surgery Center with no clinical deficiencies, demonstrating strong operational management and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Led the Surgery Center of Decatur to receive the Apex Quality Award for Patient Satisfaction in 2014, recognizing the center's commitment to delivering exceptional patient experiences.
- Doubled year-over-year cash distributions at the Surgery Center, increasing revenue from $900,000 to $1,800,000, through effective financial management and operational improvements.
- Implemented a new Ophthalmology service line at the Surgery Center in 2014, resulting in an annual increase of over 1000 cases and expanding the center's scope of services.
- Conducted a comprehensive operational analysis of the ASC and implemented process improvements, enhancing efficiency and optimizing resource utilization.
- Collaborated with the Decatur Morgan Hospital Chief Medical Officer to change the employed physician model and culture, reducing annual subsidies by almost $1.5 million and fostering a commitment to practice growth and success.
- Consolidated multiple EMR systems into one platform within the physician network, streamlining operations and improving data management.
- Revised physician employment contracts to establish a mutual commitment to practice growth and success, aligning incentives and promoting collaboration.
- Assisted the Chief Medical Officer in changing the Hospitalist staffing model, with a projected annual cost saving of $350,000, while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Provided leadership, budget management, and P&L responsibility for the Surgery Center of Decatur, Employed Physician Network, and Hospitalist Program.
- Oversaw all day-to-day operations of the Surgery Center of Decatur, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of the facility.
- Advocated for patients across all assigned service lines, ensuring their needs and concerns were addressed and resolved effectively.
- Led a team of over 100 employees, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to foster a positive and high-performing work environment.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives in collaboration with the hospital senior leadership team and surgery center board, aligning operations with organizational goals.
- Managed revenue cycle operations for all service lines, optimizing billing and collections processes to maximize financial performance.
- Ensured compliance with contracts and corporate regulations for all assigned service lines, mitigating legal and financial risks.
- Played a key role in the recruitment of new providers, collaborating with the HR team to attract and onboard physicians and nurse practitioners.
- Oversaw supply chain management, including inventory control and product selection, to ensure cost-effective and efficient operations.
- Led the accreditation preparation and survey process for the Surgery Center of Decatur, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
Various Roles
Surgical Care Affiliates
Florence, AL
05.1998 - 12.2012
- Achieved a 3-year AAAHC facility accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and compliance with industry regulations.
- Successfully achieved an infection rate of 0.001% in a multi-specialty ASC with a case volume of 6,304 in 2011, ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of infections.
- Consistently achieved patient satisfaction scores averaging 98% or higher, reflecting a focus on delivering exceptional patient experiences.
- Maintained teammate satisfaction scores consistently above the company average, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
- Attained facility physician satisfaction scores 9% higher than the company average (92%), indicating strong relationships and effective collaboration with medical staff.
- Mentored administrators and business office managers in the region, sharing expertise and best practices to drive improvement across facilities.
- Led operational and gap analysis deep dives for facilities in the region with budget deficits, uncovering $500K in opportunities for improvement.
- Conducted regional administrator meetings and biweekly conference calls, facilitating communication and collaboration among administrators.
- Provided leadership to a team of clinical and business professionals, focusing on clinical quality outcomes, labor efficiencies, supply chain management, volume growth drivers, and revenue cycle optimization.
- Managed the Center's P&L, ensuring financial controls and reporting were in place and effectively managed operational strategies.
- Developed and maintained an effective marketing program targeting physicians, patients, medical groups, and third-party payers, resulting in case volume growth.
- Ensured efficient business office operations, including revenue cycle management, accounts payable, and purchasing.
- Safeguarded the Center's assets and ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding building maintenance and equipment.
- Created a fair and open environment for all teammates, ensuring consistency in treatment and policy application.
- Promoted an environment of service excellence for patients and physicians, fostering positive relationships and enhancing the overall experience.
- Maintained center operations in compliance with regulatory requirements and accrediting body standards at all times.
- Fostered positive relationships with physician partners and medical staff members, promoting collaboration and effective communication.
- Managed all business processes, including revenue cycle management, accounts payable, and purchasing.
- Assisted in the negotiation and maintenance of vendor contracts, ensuring favorable terms and cost-effective solutions.
- Prepared monthly financial packages, conducted comprehensive monthly reviews of facility financials, and compiled expense accruals.
- Calculated and entered all payroll information into the Ceridian payroll system, serving as the point of contact for human resources, payroll, and benefits.
- Built and maintained physician relationships, developed marketing strategies, and directly engaged with surgeons and their offices to maintain strong partnerships.
- Served as a consulting resource to other SCA facilities in Alabama and Florida, providing expertise in business processes and AR cycle review.
- Acted as an interim Business Office Manager for other SCA facilities when required, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining financial performance.
- Conducted reviews of other SCA facilities to enhance revenue and operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective strategies.
- Played a key role in monitoring and reducing supply costs for the facility, contributing to cost savings and financial efficiency.
- Consistently achieved accounts receivable (AR) days that met and exceeded industry standards and company goals, ensuring timely and efficient collection of payments.
- Directed business office activities that consistently met and exceeded company cash collection goals, contributing to the financial success of the facility.
Education
Masters of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL01.2001
Skills
- Strategic development
- Revenue cycle optimization
- Regulatory compliance
- EHR management
- Population health strategies
- Operational efficiency
- Financial analysis
- Quality improvement
- Change management
- Vendor management
- Team leadership
- Budget oversight
- Process improvement
Affiliations
Medical Group Management Association
Timeline
Director of Physician Services
Allen Parish Community Healthcare
09.2024 - 11.2025
Director of Operations
Galen Medical Group
01.2022 - 06.2024
Business Manager
Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
08.2021 - 10.2021
Administrator
Chattanooga Ear Nose and Throat Associates
06.2018 - 08.2021
Operations Manager
Providence Hospital
01.2017 - 05.2018
Director of Operations
American Family Care
08.2015 - 01.2016
Administrator
Surgery Center of Decatur / Service Line Director Employed Physician Network Decatur Morgan Hospital
01.2013 - 08.2015
Various Roles
Surgical Care Affiliates
05.1998 - 12.2012
Masters of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
University of North Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Alabama