Message From Your Region 7 Representatives | Pam Books and Robert Kiesecker

I am thrilled and honored to be able to introduce myself to all the AAPC members in Region 7.  Although I’m physically many miles from all of you, I’m just a quick email away!

About me:  I’ve been in healthcare since 1991, when after working in the fashion industry and in a manufacturing plant, I found myself with two babies and a need to find something a bit more conducive to family life.  I originally thought it might be rewarding to become a medical assistant, but decided that the hands-off approach in the back office was more appealing to me.  After some quick healthcare business courses, I started my career in mental health, where I oversaw collections.  I eventually moved on to manage an eating disorders practice in New Hampshire.  From there, I took a break from this role, by working in both commercial construction and investment finance, but found that I missed the healthcare industry.  While trying to figure out what to do, I landed a temporary job as a biller for a physician corporation in a NH community hospital, and eventually moved into their coding department.    Over time, I came to manage both the professional and technical coding departments, where I led a team of coders, auditors/educators and documentation improvement specialists.  It was here that my career took off—and I believe I can attribute this to the education provided and connections I have made over the years through AAPC.  I finished my undergraduate degree in Adult Education from Granite State College, and earned my Master’s in Health Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine.  I frequently write in HBM, and have spoken both nationally and locally on a variety of topics.  I’m particularly interested in helping healthcare business professionals with career development.  Recently, my employer’s affiliation and merger with a large Boston healthcare organization has changed my role, and as of this writing, I am currently looking for my next healthcare adventure—stay tuned to find out where I end up!

On a more personal level, I live in southern Maine with my husband and two obnoxious cats.  I have two grown sons and daughters-in-law who live nearby.  When I’m not busy with all things coding, I am a stained-glass artist, a knitter, and I love to walk or hike—in the mountains, on the beach or anywhere it’s quiet and peaceful.

Now that you know all about me, and as your National Advisory Board representative, I want to hear from you.  You can reach me by email at Pamela.Brooks@aapcnab.com.  Tell me what’s happening in your area, and let me know how I can assist.  I’m interested in your ideas as well as your challenges, and am committed to making a difference.  Bobby Kiesecker and I have already begun working as a team to make sure you are well represented.  I couldn’t be more proud to have been asked to serve on the NAB, and I look forward to hearing from you.