Education/Background:

• Kirkwood Community College, Medical Terminology 1995
• Advanced Credentialing, El Centro College 2010
• Medical Staff Services Administration, El Centro College 2010

Responsibilities:

• Ensures adherence to accreditation standards such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), The Joint Commission (TJC),and the Center for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS).
• Advises regarding policies and procedures for the CSO and UIHC.
• Serves as liaison for Critical Access Hospitals and conducts on-site audits.
• Prepares budget projections; manages daily operating expenses; reviews/balances monthly statements.
• Develops, implements, and maintains delegated credentialing agreements with managed care payers.
• Spearheads special projects for the CSO that involve internal and external entities.

Achievements during UI Career:

I started in the CSO in January 1997, one month after the CSO opened. Credentialing was purely hands-on at that point, while the office crafted the first set of credentialing policies/procedures. The initial urgent effort was to process 900+ applications in 9 months! After that a more manageable rolling cycle was structured. The CSO has since assumed expanded duties, including the operation of a large tracking data system, the management of UIHC’s privileging process, and the contracting of external clients.

Other successes are:
• Iowa Association of Medical Staff Services (IAMSS) member since 1998
• National Association of Medical Staff Services(NAMSS) member 2002
• Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) since 2000
• Certified Professional in Medical Services Management (CPMSM) since 2011
• Institutional Leadership Development Program Graduate 2003
• Consultant for CCN for item writing and test assembly for CPCS and CPMSM certifications
• Iowa Credentialing Coalition (ICC) member

Special Interests & Activities:

• Enjoy friends and family, including our new granddaughter, golfing, cross stitch embroidery, and reading.

Contact:

Address: C123
Phone: 319-384-9292
Fax: 319-384-9293
deb-strabala@uiowa.edu

When asked, “What inspires you?”

“The quality of patient care by vetted practitioners, adherence to standards for continued Medicare/Medicaid funding,  lessening the risk for negligent credentialing by following protocols, and delegated credentialing contracts that expedite revenue 30-90 days faster than direct contracts.”