The chapter would like to congratulate Kristin Manzi on completing multiple HFMA certifications. We recently checked in with Mat to hear about his certification experience.
HFMA: Where do you work and what is your role?
Kristin: I am an Associate Principal at Chartis.
HFMA: When did you first join HFMA?
Kristin: I first joined in 2012 when I accepted ar ole as a CDM analyst with absolutely zero revenue cycle experience. As a newcomer in the revenue cycle world, I wanted to learn more about my area as well as other functions, so I started attending webinars and conferences, reading various white papers and publications, and trying to educate myself on the industry so that I could be successful in my new position.
HFMA: What certifications did you recently receive and why did you decide to pursue certification?
Kristin: I recently completed the CRCR and CSPPM certifications to strengthen and expand my knowledge in broader revenue cycle and practice management concepts. Over the last 13 years, I have held positions in both revenue cycle and operations, so I wanted to complement my practical hands-on experience with industry-backed best practices.
HFMA: Have you leveraged the knowledge you gained through the certification process in your job? If so, how?
Kristin: Absolutely! Both the CRCR and CSPPM certification content covers a wide range of topics, some of which I either had baseline or no familiarity. After completing the programs, I have been able to leverage the new knowledge I gained and apply it to scenarios I encounter daily as I help support clients with their own challenges.
HFMA: What is your favorite thing about being a member of HFMA?
Kristin: The networking! I have met so many great colleagues across many types of organizations that all work toward addressing healthcare finance challenges. HFMA provides great forums, both locally and nationally, for people to meet each other, discuss shared experiences, and learn about what others in the industry are doing to address the challenges in a complex landscape. I’ve made some great connections over the years, and always look forward to reconnecting at HFMA events.
HFMA: Any advice you would offer to someone considering pursuing a certification with HFMA?
Kristin: Do it! The certifications offer learning opportunities for anyone, regardless of years’ experience, career level, or specialty. As someone who did the certifications after several years in leadership positions across the healthcare spectrum, I still found the program content to be valuable and continue to apply what I learned to my day-to-day work.
HFMA: Anything else we should know about you?
Kristin: I have one hobby, with which I have a love-hate relationship: cooking. It’s one of those things that can sometimes feel like work, especially when doing Sunday afternoon weekly meal planning and prep or trying to think of a quick weeknight meal after a long workday. However, when I get to cook for fun or to host a large group, I LOVE it. I am always trying new recipes (which I use more for inspiration than direction) and working to better my technique (pro tip: learn what “your” pinch of salt is!). I recently returned from a celebrity chef-hosted/food-centric retreat in San Miguel de Allende and am looking forward to breaking in my brand-new kitchen to host my friends for an authentic Mexican dinner party before I tackle a turkey for Friendsgiving.
Congratulations, Kristin, and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
