Lou Ann Schraffenberger, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, FAHIMA

Manager of Clinical Data, Center for Health Information Services of Advocate Health Care

Lou Ann’s role at Advocate Health Care includes responsibility for managing system-wide projects related to HIM and clinical coding functions for the nine Advocate hospitals. She also serves as a coding expert and resource person for any coding or coded-data related activities within Advocate Health Care.

Lou Ann is the author of the Basic ICD-9-CM Coding textbook, co-editor of Effective Management of Coding Services, Third Edition, and Basic ICD-9-Coding Exercises, Second Edition published by AHIMA. Lou Ann is a part-time coding courses instructor for Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. On a national level, Lou Ann is a former member on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services APC Advisory Panel for the hospital outpatient prospective payment system, and is a current member of the Editorial Advisory Panel for AHA Coding Clinic for HCPCS.

Lou Ann is an active volunteer for and an award recipient from AHIMA. She is currently serving on the CCA Exam Construction Committee and the Coding Credential Task Force. For her state association (ILHIMA), she is the chief delegate to the 2009 AHIMA House of Delegates and a former president.