Ellie Dawson - University of Iowa Healthcare: Finance and Accounting Services (MHA '27)

Hello from Iowa City!

This summer, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be one of two interns with the Finance and Accounting Services (FAS). The Health Case Support Services Building (HSSB), where I have worked these past few weeks, is located in Coralville, Iowa, and houses many of UIHC's support services. Beth Jaggers is my main preceptor, but I also report to Cameron Doolady, Megan Yilek, and Kate Klefstad. They have all been great mentors who have helped me further my learning this summer. 

I have been able to work on projects spanning a wide variety of topics, but my two main focus areas are in value-based care and professional billing. One of the projects I worked on (and will continue) was keeping quality metrics up to date that support the Medicaid Directed Payments. These metrics determine the reimbursement UIHC receives for providing care linked to them. Keeping these metrics at or above the set goals is one way the organization works to better care for patients. 

Another project I had the chance to work on focused on the financial analysis of data pulled from EMRs. I looked at the charges that are $1M or more and the types of diagnoses associated with them. Using Excel knowledge and pivot tables, I worked to identify a cutoff where the charges were not solely based on expensive medications. I built skills in Excel, economics, and analytics through this process. 

In addition to these projects and several others, some other Iowa City interns and I have worked on a project called the Space Survey. This project allows us to explore areas of the organization that we would otherwise not see. At the same time, we seek to verify the spaces within departments and their use to better allocate funds in the future. Although straightforward, this project will last most of the summer for us and is a good way to get a break from the office. 

Outside the internship, I work every other weekend at a doggy daycare. The dogs are always a great way to de-stress and make a little extra money without it feeling like work. I have made many connections there that will make leaving it in August feel very bittersweet. 

Outside of work altogether, I have spent time with some of the cohort and other friends. We have been making the most of events that took place in downtown Iowa City, including the farmers' market and the annual block party. It has been a busy and fun summer!

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