Kim Brummett: Stay focused and driven

Kim Brummett first realized she was driven at an early age. "The first day I was told to clear the table after dinner, I took everyone's plates before they were finished," she said. As a result, Brummett's parents recognized her potential, and she credits them with "encouraging me to stay focused and driven. I have lived my life that way." Advanced Home Care CEO Joel Mills also saw that quality in Brummett when he hired her as director of reimbursement in 1996. She has since become vice president of contracting and reimbursement and with that lofty title comes some heavy responsibilities, including negotiating and managing contracts for 19 HME locations and four--soon to be six--homecare agencies. Her daily schedule involves managing verification, qualification and authorization of all lines of business, along with overseeing revenue cycle and accounts receivable. Beyond that, she is actively involved in state and national associations and Medtrade seminar planning. Needless to say, Brummett's days are full to the brim. And while for some that is a recipe for burnout, she finds it invigorating. "It is a true statement to say 24 hours are not enough in a day, but that makes it all the more challenging, which keeps me here," she said. "I am very passionate about home health care and balancing the need to be successful in every patient encounter with the ever-changing regulations and influencing the regulations at the state and national level is tough." Tough perhaps, but immensely satisfying at the same time, Brummett contends. "I love influencing," she said. "It's great to see a process--something as simple as a wheelchair CMN being replaced by physician documentation and a detailed written order. Educating referral sources and staff is another avenue of influence. So is participating at the state association, AAHomecare Regulatory Committee and Medtrade Planning Committee." As a senior manager, Brummett says she is often the only female face at executive meetings. Though she doesn't believe intentional discrimination exists in the HME industry, she wonders why more women aren't in top positions. "Most of the time I don't think (gender) makes a difference if you are smart and part of the discussion and solution," she said. "However, I do think it closes some doors at the senior level--there are few women CEOs in the industry. So how do we rise to that next challenge? I need an answer to that one." --- KIM BRUMMETT Years in business: 19 Company/location: Advanced Home Care, High Point, N.C. Position: Vice president of reimbursement and contracting Professional associations: Chair, Region C Council DMERC/MAC;member AAHomecare Regulatory Committee; incoming president, NCAMES; member, National Uniform Claim Committee; member, National Supplier Clearinghouse Advisory Committee; member, Medtrade Planning Committee; member, MED Group Reimbursement Advisory Committee. Business philosophy: "Be passionate, have fun and ask a lot of questions."