KIMBERLY WISE, CMM, CPC, HITCM-PP
Compliance Auditor
West Penn Allegheny Health System
Pittsburgh, PA

I had aspired to be a graphic artist until my high school principle informed me it was an unacceptable profession for women and that I could even not register for the drafting class. My career in Healthcare began quite unexpectedly in 1980. A General Practitioner in my home town had an immediate need for an assistant in her office and by chance my friend, a unit receptionist at the local hospital recommended me for the position. During the twenty-one years that followed, the Practice of Medicine changed significantly as did my responsibilities. An influx of Federal Mandates such as the E/M Documentation Guidelines, OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Standards and CLIA ’88 were the driving force that sparked my 34 year journey of professional development.

I had obtained several certifications which included coding, billing and office management. However, it was not until I attended my first PAHCOM conference that I walked away with a sense of completeness and confidence that for any issue that may arise there is a national network of experts in Physician Practice Management. The tools, resources, knowledge, guidance and networking opportunities are invaluable. The comfort afforded me by my PAHCOM affiliation enabled me to pursue my passion which is the area of Healthcare Compliance and in 2002 I was offered my current position of Physician Compliance Auditor for a large Healthcare System of approximately 1000 physicians and extenders.

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the PAHCOM National Advisory Board. I would ask each of you to embrace the message of our founder to share knowledge and join with us so we may all excel in our chosen area of Physician Practice Management.

I would like to leave you with a quote that both inspires and challenges me.

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” - Margaret Fuller