Employee Spotlight: Linda Poindexter
We’re shining the spotlight on our Director of Revenue Cycle, Linda Poindexter—the winner of our 2023 Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award!
On more than one occasion, Linda has been called Wonder Woman! She is known to always offer her assistance—no request is too big or too small. And while she has a wealth of knowledge about her field, she is also willing to learn and share her expertise with others. Linda consistently makes it a top priority to meet the unique needs of patients with warmth, understanding and compassion.
We were proud to recognize Linda for her incredible efforts at our Employee Choice Awards celebration in April, and we have no doubt that Linda will continue to excel in her role. We look forward to witnessing her future accomplishments!
In her own words
Name: Linda Poindexter
Position: Director of Revenue Cycle
How long have you worked at Artesia General Hospital? Almost 2 years, time flies!
What drew you to a career in healthcare?
I had great mentors. I previously worked for Frazer Clinics (in another state) as a receptionist and worked my way up to Director of Patient Services. I loved it. Finding that place doesn’t only provide contentment but makes you more motivated and better equipped to do the best job possible. Just working with the elderly was exceptional for me.
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from a mentor or experience?
That’s a hard one! I’ve learned titles are meaningless. Great ideas don’t just happen sitting behind a desk. Always pay it forward! Learn how to network and receive constructive criticism. Be consistent! Listening and maintaining eye contact is important. Don’t use words like “I disagree,” but instead choose words such as “let’s revisit that!”
What inspires and motivates you in your work at Artesia General Hospital?
Patients that are happy with their outcomes, solving problems, and going above and beyond to provide customer service. Mentoring my team. Making a difference and exceeding cash collections.
Is there anything you would like people to know about your job or department?
Customer service, for me, is #1. The key to good customer service is to meet your customer’s expectations. My department is a team of people who work together to accomplish a shared goal. They take care of me because I take care of them. My team wants to do a good job; however, they also want to see that their director and/or manager can do the same job! I register, bill, collect, and roll my sleeves up to assist in any way possible.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
I’m known as “the cleanup lady!” I have traveled throughout the United States to assist hospitals as they clean up their receivables. I am a catalyst! Dependable, considerate, intelligent, motivated, open-minded and optimistic. Sorry, you did say three words!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel and spend time with my husband, Terry, my two children and my grandchild.
In the words of her colleagues
“When an angry patient contacts the hospital about a problem in billing, I know immediately that I can get Linda on that issue, and it is resolved quickly and efficiently. She always remembers our mission and vision for our hospital and takes care of patients.”
“I’ve witnessed Linda with families of loved ones who are hospitalized and not doing well. Linda doesn’t make false promises, she comforts the family and spends time with them to see how she can help. Maybe getting them some water is what they need, but sometimes it is looking them in the eyes and explaining she understands the devastation they are feeling after losing a loved one—but not trying to fix it, just being there with them.”
“Linda always offers to assist any department with any issue! The woman never seems to sleep or be off! She is never too busy to help a coworker, an employee on her staff, or a person in the hospital parking lot looking for help. She ALWAYS helps, not just when it is convenient. While I’ve seen how much Linda “knows” about her job, she is always willing to learn something new or learn about something new. Being open and teachable is modeled excellently for her staff.”