Lea M. Ledford
Coeur D'Alene
Summary
Health information management leader with strong expertise in data governance, compliance, and electronic health records. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, adapt to evolving healthcare regulations, and drive operational efficiencies. Strong communicator known for fostering collaboration and maintaining high standards to achieve impactful results. Skilled in project management, health informatics, and strategic planning.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Information Privacy Manager
Marimn Health
11.2024 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement health initiatives improving patient outcomes.
- Streamlined operational processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs across multiple departments.
- Mentored team leaders on best practices in healthcare management and staff development strategies.
- Spearheaded strategic planning sessions to align organizational goals with community health needs.
- Analyzed performance data to identify improvement areas, driving accountability and results-oriented actions.
- Developed training programs for staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, ensuring resource allocation aligns with strategic priorities and operational needs.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Developed and implemented privacy policies ensuring compliance with legal regulations.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify and mitigate data protection vulnerabilities.
- Led training sessions on privacy best practices for staff across all departments.
- Managed incident response plans, addressing data breaches effectively and promptly.
- Audited internal processes to ensure adherence to privacy standards and protocols.
- Spearheaded training initiatives to educate employees on privacy laws and best practices, promoting a culture of data protection awareness.
- Enhanced privacy compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Oversaw incident response efforts, conducting investigations and reporting breaches as necessary to regulatory authorities.
- Developed robust audit programs to assess internal controls for protecting sensitive information, mitigating risks across the organization.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
- Identified gaps in existing compliance processes and recommended updates.
- Conducted periodic compliance audits and reviews to identify areas of improvement.
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT MANAGER
Cancer Care Northwest
02.2022 - Current
- Supervised and lead HIM department staff at multiple locations, providing guidance and mentorship.
- Conducted recruitment, hiring and training of all HIM personnel.
- Conducted performance evaluations and performance counseling.
- Managed all aspects of HIM health record processing including chart prep, HEDIS/quality prep, scanning, indexing, ROI requests and QA to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and security of health data.
- Created, reviewed and updated HIM policies and procedures to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Monitored adherence to federal, state and location regulations and HIPAA and other privacy laws.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance and addressed any discrepancies or breaches.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance the accuracy and reliability of health information.
- Analyzed data for quality metrics, reporting findings to leadership.
- Involved in preparing and managing the HIM department budget.
- Oversaw revenue cycle process including coding and billing, to optimize financial performance.
- Maintained interdepartmental coordination to facilitate communication and collaborations between HIM and other departments within the organization.
- Directed implementation of electronic health record systems, enhancing data accessibility and patient care workflows.
- Led strategic initiatives to optimize health information processes, improving compliance with regulatory standards.
- Mentored staff on best practices in health information management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Analyzed data quality metrics, identifying areas for process enhancement and driving operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with clinical teams to ensure accurate documentation and coding practices across departments.
- Developed training programs for new health information technologies, increasing team proficiency and adaptability.
- Oversaw audits of health records to maintain accuracy, consistency, and alignment with industry benchmarks.
- Collaborated closely with physicians and nursing staff to improve quality of patient records documentation.
- Participated in committees to discuss electronic health records and methods to improve overall workflows.
- Conducted education and training activities for physicians, nursing staff and administrative personnel.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with state, federal, and industry standards through meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Optimized resource allocation by analyzing departmental needs and reallocating resources accordingly.
- Ensured timely access to accurate health information for healthcare providers by maintaining a well-organized records system.
- Championed patient privacy and security by establishing stringent policies and procedures for handling sensitive information.
- Monitored performance metrics for continuous process improvements within the Health Information Management Department.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize workflow processes and enhance overall efficiency.
- Developed comprehensive training programs, ensuring staff proficiency in electronic health record systems.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, contributing to organizational success in healthcare initiatives.
- Created an environment conducive to collaboration between HIM professionals, physicians, nurses, administrators which resulted in improved workflow processes.
- Conducted regular audits on health information systems to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
- Facilitated seamless communication between various departments, resulting in better coordination of patient care activities.
- Played an instrumental role in achieving successful accreditation through diligent adherence to industry best practices.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
DEFICIENCY ANALYSIS SPECIALIST
Kootenai Health
08.2018 - 02.2022
- Analyzed medical records for completeness and compliance in accordance with federal and state regulatory guidelines, Joint Commission standards, Medical staff By-Laws, as well as HIM policies and procedures.
- Verified accuracy of medical record documentation and resolved medical record discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.
- Apply ICD and CPT codes to medical records.
- Monitor work queues and perform problem resolution/corrective action where needed, including reassigning deficiencies if necessary.
- Processed weekly provider suspension.
- Worked with the CDI and Coding departments in assigning provider queries and getting these answered in a timely manner.
- Processed birth certificates.
- Adhered to HIPAA confidentiality practices regarding access to and release of patient health information.
MEDICAL LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Remote
08.2002 - 08.2018
- Converted dictated materials or rough notes to written form.
- Prioritized and handled stat dictation and diagnostic studies from several physicians.
- Built and maintained knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology.
- Adhered to transcription quality assurance standards.
- Edited, revised, and clarified dictation without altering meaning or changing style.
- Utilized resources and reference materials to proofread transcribed reports for dictation inconsistencies, discrepancies, or inaccuracies.
- Reviewed and edited transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar and proper medical terminology.
- Identified mistakes in reports and checked with doctors to obtain correct information.
- Performed data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT02.2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Health Information Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UTAssociate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Health Information Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UTSkills
- Leadership
- Training and Development
- Organizational Skills
- Data Management
- Communication Skills
- Regulatory Knowledge
- Multiple EMR experience
- Financial Acumen
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Clinical documentation
- Training and mentoring
- Team building
- HIPAA
- Operational planning
- Quality improvement
- Healthcare compliance
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Data privacy
- Medical coding
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Employee supervision
Certification
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
- Medical Transcription Certification, Pierce College (January 2005)
Timeline
Information Privacy Manager
Marimn Health
11.2024 - Current
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT MANAGER
Cancer Care Northwest
02.2022 - Current
DEFICIENCY ANALYSIS SPECIALIST
Kootenai Health
08.2018 - 02.2022
MEDICAL LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Remote
08.2002 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Health Information Management
Western Governors University
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Health Information Management
Western Governors University
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) -
Western Governors University