Welcome to the McMahon-Illini Chapter HFMA Website!

         It is an honor to serve as your McMahon-Illini Chapter President for the 2010 – 2011 year. The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act guaranteed the Healthcare Industry is in for a year of major changes. It is my hope that this Chapter will be the vehicle that will allow us to navigate these changes with confidence and success.

         The healthcare industry is facing the daunting challenge of interpreting and implementing National Healthcare Reform Legislation. This legislation is proving to be the most controversial and industry altering in the history of healthcare. It guarantees that the status quo methods of yesterday will not prove successful tomorrow. But, let’s be optimistic! When Medicare began in 1965, and DRG’s were introduced in the early 1980’s, they seemed like insurmountable challenges, but when we viewed them as opportunities we were able to adjust and adapt to these major initiatives – we were able to “Step Up” before, and we will do so again.

         To embrace these opportunities the 2010-2011 HFMA National Chair, Debora Kuchka-Craig, has selected the theme “Step Up”. Debora is requesting for all chapters to embrace this theme, which she feels will: evoke passion to solve challenges; provide a sense of urgency and eagerness to accept responsibility; provide a positive force for change; and a forum to engage individuals across traditional boundaries. For the McMahon-Illini Chapter, I am adding the team building subtheme “Get in the Game”. HFMA leadership intends to provide the tools to “Step Up’ to meet Healthcare’s ever changing challenges. Our membership, your healthcare colleagues, needs your help. We invite you to “Step Up and Get in the Game”.

         The officers and board of the McMahon-Illini Chapter are excited about preparations to “Step Up”. Continuously we will work on fine tuning our already successful programs, and on devising new techniques to provide our membership with the tools and education you need to prepare for the changes and challenges that confront us. Our goal is to use your input of ideas, speakers, formats, and topics to continue our quality education programs. At our Chapter education meeting we would love to hold more break-out sessions. Please consider leading one, “Step Up – Get in the Game!”

         In keeping with the National HFMA focus, we encourage you to become HFMA Certified. To support you, our Chapter will be participating in an on line study group. This will streamline the learning process and provide a network of people to assist you in preparing for the certification exams. Professional certification credentials behind your name could provide important assistance in your career advancement. Contact our Certification Co-Chairs for reimbursement information concerning the costs associated with the books and testing.

         McMahon-Illini Chapter members, I ask that you support us by contributing in two ways. First, please supply your input so we can evaluate how we are serving your needs, which will allow us to make any necessary adjustments. Second, consider volunteering in an area of personal strength. We all are extremely busy, but our Chapter needs you. Volunteering provides the Chapter with new ideas, new outlooks and creates growth. It provides you with new experiences and networking opportunities. A strong team is made up of strong players working together towards a common goal, so “Step Up – Get in the Game”, and make our Chapter effective, positive, and vibrant.

         Our Chapter looks forward to “Stepping Up” this year, and helping each of us meet the challenges that lie ahead. I hope you will find this website helpful and will return often.

Michelle A. Carrothers CPA MBA
2010/2011 Chapter President