ER team makes first impression; lasting impression

Three team members at IU Health West represent 30 years of combined commitment to IU Health. As the system patient access supervisor team, they oversee the emergency department and all outpatient areas and are often the first face patients see when they come to IU Health West.

“There are over 40,000 patients that visit our emergency department yearly and over 50,000 visiting our Main Admitting area. This team manages that 24/7 scope flawlessly because they have each other’s backs,” said their supervisor Laura Bowman, System Patient Access Manager Revenue Cycle Services, IU Health West.

 “There is great respect, trust and genuine care among this team. Not one is worried about getting the credit; they are all concerned about the best care for our patients, team and each other,” said Bowman.

Tiarra Battee has been with IU Health for more than 11 years and says she loves the face-to-face interactions with patients. “I absolutely love serving our patients and giving remarkable customer service,” said Battee. I also love working with our team, keeping them educated on new processes, systems and insurance updates to ensure our patients are receiving a complete and accurate registration to kick off the clinical flow. Giving our patient a peace of mind, knowing it was done right the first time.” 

Carissa Wiley has been with IU Health for almost 10 years and says her team members are some of the best peers she’s ever worked with. “I found my purpose at IU West. I come to work every day with a drive to make someone’s day better whether it is a patient or a coworker. My favorite moments are when we can come together as a team to accomplish a goal all while enjoying a good laugh or two,” said Wiley.

Patty Buchanan joined IU Health eight years ago. “After 25 years of working for another company I felt like I found my forever home with IU Health. When I came to West Hospital and had the privilege of working with our leadership team I knew for sure I found my place,” said Buchanan. “I feel rewarded every day helping our patient’s and their families and being part of such an amazing team. Working with Laura, Tiarra and Carissa is the best and I’ve learned so much from them every day.”

— By T.J. Banes, Journalist, IU Health.
   Reach Banes via email tfender1@iuhealth.org.