Employee Spotlight on: Mendy Koscinski, MSHCA, RHIA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ, CPHRM

We recently spoke with one of Team VerityStream’s newest members, Privilege Content Consultant, Mendy Koscinski. It’s a new year, and she’s diving into lots of new things – like a new home and new job! Mendy has over 20 years' experience in the healthcare field, with deep expertise in the area of privileging.

Mendy Koscinski, MSHCA, RHIA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ, CPHRM
Privilege Content Consultant
VerityStream

How she got here…

Mendy grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. There were just 30 people in her graduating class. She has always been very close with her family, and sadly lost multiple family members to health issues during her teenage years, including her paternal grandmother. Ever since, disparities in health and healthcare have been a top priority for Mendy. She always felt her family could benefit from better healthcare, and she wanted to be a resource for them.

Her interest in healthcare led her to a career in credentialing, privileging, quality, and risk management. At one point, Mendy recalls seeing a commercial for INTEGRIS Health and saying out loud to her husband, “That’s where I want to be!” Five years later, she was there!

Mendy spent five years at INTEGRIS overseeing Medical Staff Services and leading the implementation of standardized privileges, but in her heart, she knew she wanted to work for an organization that was focused on making privileging more efficient industry wide. She joined VerityStream in late 2020.

What do you like best about your current position?

First off, I am just so excited to be working for VerityStream. It is such a positive environment to work in! I admire the company leaders so much and I believe strongly in our mission to ensure patients receive competent care from qualified people.

I’m still getting a handle on my current role, but I am really looking forward to working side by side with our clients to improve their privileging processes. I’ll be doing that by tracking what’s happening in the industry from a privileging standpoint and being sure that clients have access to this information. I’m also here to help clients work more efficiently with their medical staff office, CVO, physicians, etc.

I’m passionate about serving the people who do this work. I’ve been in their shoes. I know the struggle, and I know how process and knowledge can help fill the gaps. Privileging is hard work, if there is a better way to do it – I want to help people find it.

Have you set any big goals?

In my former position, I worked with a team of 13, and I was one of the only people with the skills and experience to lead an initiative to standardize privileges. It’s a really heavy lift, and our industry needs more professionals who can lead these projects. We need education to enable more people to do this important work. My hope is that I can play a part in building out educational opportunities – maybe something like a privileging certification!

What are you most proud of career-wise?

The path this career has taken me down has been so rewarding. From a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s Degree, from working in a small town hospital to a large statewide healthcare System to now working for an industry leading company with clients all across the United States. I would say I am more grateful than proud.

Why do you think that you have been successful in this profession?

Healthcare is important to me and I’ve always been determined to serve and make a difference! I have been persistent in that pursuit and haven’t given up, even on the most difficult of days. And, some days have been especially challenging. We just have to remember to stay strong and keep our end goals in mind.

What do you wish someone had told you about this profession before you got into it?

How rewarding it is! Working with physicians can be scary and intimidating, but I’ve come to realize they are people like you and me. Successful privileging projects rely on good relationships with your physicians. You have to build trust and be able to reassure providers that things can and will go smoothly. My advice is to listen to and talk to your physicians like you would talk to a friend. Let them know you are there to be of service to them. Focus on being understanding when they have issues, but don’t be afraid to challenge them – they love to be challenged and they like teaching and sharing opinions. I’ve been fortunate to make great lasting friendships with the physicians I have served, and I look forward to getting to meet many more in my new role.

Working remotely or in the office – which is better?

I’m currently fully remote and I love it! In my former role, my 20-mile commute could take an hour. I didn’t realize how exhausting it was till I didn’t have to do it anymore. I’m in a new home, and I really enjoying spending time here. But I do look forward to the ability to travel and meet with clients soon.

What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?

I wanted to be a professional tennis player. I was never great at it, but I liked to pretend I was the winner of the U.S. Open.

What is your favorite book?

Any book by John Grisham, especially the Rainmaker. Although, The Innocent Man is a story that unraveled in my hometown. I know all the characters and places personally and remember the events happening when I was growing up.

What's your next big adventure?

Right before I started this position, I went to Cabo with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. It was a great way to relax and recharge for what lies ahead. Our next big adventure was supposed to be a three-week trip to Europe, but I’m holding off on that so I can focus on my new role. That itself will be a big adventure!

Why Mendy loves VerityStream…

VerityStream wants to make a difference, and I’ve always wanted to do the same. As a former client, I’ve already made some great friendships with the team, and I look forward to getting to know more team members and clients and doing great work together.