LaShunda Rucker
Yazoo City,MS
Summary
Healthcare administrator with over 20 years of progressive leadership in healthcare management, specializing in strategic execution and operational optimization. Extensive experience as a Division Business Administrator for a high-volume GI division, adept at enhancing ambulatory operations and fostering physician partnerships to drive exceptional team performance. Recognized for elevating patient satisfaction and ensuring regulatory compliance, with a proven track record in budget management and strategic planning. Committed to advancing operational excellence and delivering quality patient care through innovative solutions and collaborative leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Division Business Administrator / Fellowship Program Administrator
University of Mississippi Medical Center – Department of Medicine
Jackson, MS
10.2022 - Current
- Lead operational, financial, and administrative functions for a high-volume GI division supporting 27 providers (physicians and APPs) and approximately 40,000 annual clinic visits.
- Partner closely with physician leadership to execute strategic initiatives, improve operational performance, and support clinical growth.
- Manage a $1.1M operating budget, including forecasting, expense management, and variance analysis, ensuring fiscal accountability.
- Standardized workflows across multiple clinic sites, resulting in a 20% reduction in referral processing time and improved patient access.
- Optimized provider scheduling templates, increasing utilization by 15% and enhancing clinic efficiency.
- Improved employee satisfaction scores by 15% through transparent communication, engagement initiatives, and staff support.
- Serve as primary liaison between senior leadership, providers, staff, patients, and external stakeholders to resolve operational and service issues.
- Additional Fellowship Program Administration Responsibilities
- Oversee administrative and logistical operations for fellowship programs, including classroom coordination, academic events, and training activities.
- Negotiate hotel, meeting space, and banquet contracts to support educational programming.
- Serve as liaison between fellowship programs, university departments, external organizations, and the public.
Practice Manager
Merit Health Wesley Medical Group
Hattiesburg, MS
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Directed daily operations for a multi-specialty cardiology practice, supporting interventional cardiologists, a CV surgeon, electrophysiology services, and nurse practitioners.
- Implemented workflow improvements aligned with STAR Quality Rating System and HEDIS measures, strengthening quality performance and compliance.
- Oversaw revenue cycle processes, including claims review, billing accuracy, and coding compliance (ICD-10, E/M, HCPCS).
- Developed and managed clinic budgets while ensuring compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and contractual requirements.
- Served as liaison between providers, senior leadership, staff, patients, and families to ensure efficient clinic operations and patient satisfaction.
- Led staff evaluations, coaching, and development to improve performance and engagement.
Manager
Sumrall Medical Center
Hattiesburg, MS
08.2013 - 10.2021
- Managed end-to-end clinic operations, including staffing, scheduling, billing oversight, compliance, and physician support.
- Maintained insurance denials below 3% for over seven years through effective revenue cycle management and claims oversight.
- Designed and implemented operational systems to improve efficiency, patient flow, and service delivery.
- Oversaw facility remodeling projects and managed vendor and contracted services.
- Ensured continuous compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and contract management requirements.
- Investigated and resolved patient complaints and grievances while maintaining a high standard of patient experience.
- Led employee evaluations, training, and coaching to support staff development and retention.
Registration Supervisor
Orthopedic Institute – Forrest Health System
Hattiesburg, MS
10.2012 - 08.2013
- Supervised daily operations of 25 registration areas, including staffing, scheduling, and front-end patient access.
- Implemented organizational strategies to improve efficiency and patient flow.
- Communicated effectively with physicians, staff, patients, and families to support a positive patient experience.
- Investigated and resolved patient complaints and service concerns.
- Conducted employee evaluations and provided training and coaching for staff development.
Patient Account Manager / Interim Registration Supervisor
Highland Community Hospital – Forrest Health
Picayune, MS
12.2010 - 10.2012
- Managed daily operations of outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department admissions and business office functions.
- Developed and implemented departmental policies for admissions and patient accounts.
- Led hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for staff.
- Oversaw charity assistance approvals, account auditing, and staff development initiatives.
- Monitored upfront collections and established quarterly departmental goals with action plans to achieve results.
- Improved patient satisfaction by 10% and reduced wait times by 7%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Health, Health Policy and Administration
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS05-2002
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Executive support
- Eye for detail
- Project management
- Effective communication
- Financial reporting
- Business plan development
- Team collaboration
- Team development
- Schedule management
- Staff supervision
- Analytical thinking
Accomplishments
- HFMA “Stepping Up” Award Recipient (2010)
- Created and implemented a centralized radiology scheduling initiative, significantly reducing patient wait times.
- Achieved a 47% reduction in medical necessity denials within the first year.
Affiliations
- Medical Group Management Association-Mississippi Chapter Member, 2016-current
- American College of Healthcare Executives-Mississippi Chapter Member, 2021-Current
Timeline
Division Business Administrator / Fellowship Program Administrator
University of Mississippi Medical Center – Department of Medicine
10.2022 - Current
Practice Manager
Merit Health Wesley Medical Group
10.2021 - 09.2022
Manager
Sumrall Medical Center
08.2013 - 10.2021
Registration Supervisor
Orthopedic Institute – Forrest Health System
10.2012 - 08.2013
Patient Account Manager / Interim Registration Supervisor
Highland Community Hospital – Forrest Health
12.2010 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Science - Public Health, Health Policy and Administration
University of Southern Mississippi