Patient Access Week 2019

UT Southwestern Patient Access Services for University Hospitals will celebrate Patient Access Week, sponsored by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM), March 31-April 6. Patient Access Week provides the perfect opportunity to enhance skills and to recognize the 200-plus Patient Access Services team members at UTSW. This year's theme, "Patient Access: Shaping Our Future," complements the UTSW department’s mission statement: "Patient Access Services: Inspired by compassion and driven to initiate the best possible patient experience for ease of access to the best possible patient care."

"In order to fulfill our mission statement, we must continue to develop an educated, properly supported, and accountable access staff,” said Kim Huffman, Director of Patient Access Services, University Hospitals. This year marks the first time that UTSW Patient Access Services will celebrate its professional week as part of the larger nationally recognized event. Ms. Huffman, who is a Certified Healthcare Access Manager through NAHAM, has required membership in NAHAM for her six Patient Access Services managers and is also mentoring them to obtain certification through the organization during this fiscal year. 

"In the past, some of our roles in Patient Access Services have been considered 'accidental' career choices," Ms. Huffman said. "However, given the complexities of today’s health care reimbursement environment as well as increased patient demand for price transparency and an exceptional experience, our roles have evolved to require business professionals who are knowledgeable in areas such as insurance requirements and regulatory issues, yet who can still engage customers with care and compassion.

“NAHAM gives us a wealth of resources to support our mission and, just as importantly, to measure our success against our peers in other organizations across the United States,” Ms. Huffman said.

The week’s activities are listed as follows: 

  • Sunday: Activities for weekend Emergency Department staff
  • Monday: Employee rewards and recognition
  • Tuesday: Campus Customer Appreciation Reception, Clements University Hospital Education and Conference Center (CUH 2.318), 1:30-3 p.m. All hospital and hospital-based departments/clinics are welcome!
  • Wednesday/Thursday: Educational skills fairs at CUH, WCB3, and Brookriver
  • Friday: Staff appreciation lunch
  • Saturday: Activities for weekend Emergency Department staff