SUSAN BITTNER
Fox Lake
Summary
Accomplished coding and health information director with extensive experience in leading diverse teams across hospital and physician office environments. Demonstrated success in enhancing training programs, managing budgets, and implementing AI solutions to drive operational efficiency. Proven ability to improve performance metrics through strategic initiatives and effective team leadership.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Enterprise Director Coding Operations Education
Advocate Health
04.2024 - 06.2026
- Directed a team of 30 managers and educators to enhance training for HB/PB coders.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop hospital policies and procedures.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for operational efficiency.
- Mentored department leaders to improve team performance and leadership skills.
- Analyzed healthcare trends to inform decision-making and future planning.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Executed strategic planning initiatives, including successful implementation of AI solutions.
- Oversaw education programs, ensuring effective delivery of training content for coders.
Coding Quality Manager, Training & Education
Advocate Aurora Health-Midwest
12.2020 - 04.2024
- Managed a team of 13 educators and 1 lead to enhance training effectiveness.
- Oversaw onboarding and course creation for approximately 200 coding and quality teammates.
- Developed educational documents in Workday and SharePoint to support training initiatives.
- Coordinated clinical rotations for coding students, ensuring practical learning experiences.
- Analyzed data trends to drive informed decision-making and improve quality performance metrics.
Mgr. Enterprise Coding Knowledge
Advocate Health Care-Oakbrook
Oakbrook
07.2019 - 12.2020
- Manages team of 10 trainers and revenue cycle analysts.
- Responsible for coder onboarding and continuing education for 130 plus coders.
- CRCR lead for the EPIC implementation.
- Provided training and elbow to elbow support to all coders and analysts during EPIC go-lives.
- Participates and tests all 3M updates.
- Works closely with Coding Quality Manager to develop Coding Education.
- Oversaw budget management for departmental resources and expenditures.
- Coordinated training programs to develop staff skills and improve performance.
HIM Performance Analyst
Advocate Health Care-Oakbrook
Oakbrook
01.2018 - 07.2019
- Supported HIM operations and coding initiatives to enhance departmental efficiency.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement.
- Utilized statistical software to interpret complex healthcare data sets.
- Prepared, analyzed, communicated, and distributed operational reports and dashboards.
- Participated in testing all 3M updates to ensure accuracy and functionality.
- Completed productivity assessments for clinical data analysts to optimize performance.
Clinical Data Manager
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Libertyville
08.2000 - 12.2018
- Managed team of 30 HIM professionals, achieving a 99th percentile leadership score in associate satisfaction.
- Consistently exceeded revenue goals through strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with management to surpass all corporate objectives.
- Mentored HIM students, fostering professional development and growth.
- Delivered educational presentations to staff and physicians to enhance knowledge.
- Participated in corporate HIM and CDI committees to drive organizational improvements.
- Co-led hospital culture and diversity committee to promote inclusivity.
- Served on various committees including AHRQ mortality, clinical informatics, and cancer committee.
Inpatient Auditor
Laguna Medical Systems
Laguna Beach
02.1999 - 08.2000
- Conducted audits of records at academic and community hospitals for accurate code and DRG assignment.
- Provided training sessions on audit procedures and best practices.
- Maintained accurate documentation of audit findings and methodologies.
- Educated coding teams on audit findings to enhance compliance and accuracy.
- Assisted sites with denial resolutions to improve reimbursement outcomes.
Coding Supervisor
Advocate Good Shepherd
Barrington
01.1989 - 01.1999
- Managed staff development and training programs to elevate team effectiveness and align with organizational goals.
- Trained all HIM and hospital staff on Allegra implementation for improved efficiency.
- Provided backup coding support to maintain operational continuity.
- Participated in hospital committees to advocate for and implement policy and procedure enhancements.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure adherence to DNFC standards and maintain service quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management and Accounting
Columbia College
Crystal Lake, IL01-2015
Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Technology
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL01-1984
Skills
- ICD-10 and CPT knowledge
- E/M coding proficiency
- Coding education
- Clinical education
- Training development
- Epic and Cerner proficiency
- Computerized charting
- Medical terminology expertise
- Data analysis
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Policy development
- Team leadership
Certification
- Registered Health Information Certification
- Certified Coding Specialist Certification
- EPIC certified Coding Revenue Cycle Readiness
Degrees
- Bachelor of science in general studies with a minor in accounting and management
- Associate degree of applied sciences
Timeline
Enterprise Director Coding Operations Education
Advocate Health
04.2024 - 06.2026
Coding Quality Manager, Training & Education
Advocate Aurora Health-Midwest
12.2020 - 04.2024
Mgr. Enterprise Coding Knowledge
Advocate Health Care-Oakbrook
07.2019 - 12.2020
HIM Performance Analyst
Advocate Health Care-Oakbrook
01.2018 - 07.2019
Clinical Data Manager
Advocate Condell Medical Center
08.2000 - 12.2018
Inpatient Auditor
Laguna Medical Systems
02.1999 - 08.2000
Coding Supervisor
Advocate Good Shepherd
01.1989 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Management and Accounting
Columbia College
Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Technology
College of Lake County