College of Public Health Spotlights
Christopher Klitgaard doesn't hesitate when asked for advice by those entering the field of public health, offering: "Remember where you came from, and give back to your community in any way you can." As a life-long Iowan and Department of Health Management and Policy (HMP) alumnus, these are words he exemplifies in practice with his dedication to the College of Public Health and the local community.
Klitgaard is the founder and president of MediRevv (formerly Precision Revenue Strategies), a health care revenue cycle management company specializing in helping hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, and physician groups improve their cash flow and grow their revenue. Opened in May 2007 in Coralville, Iowa, MediRevv employs nearly 80 area residents. The company was recently recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the "Best Places to Work in Healthcare" and by the Corridor Business Journal as the top company on its "Fast Growing Companies" list for this year.
The key to the company's overwhelming success, according to Klitgaard, isn't a secret. "We focus on putting the patient at the center, rather than simply collecting (on a bill)," says Klitgaard. "Educating the patient is key. We believe an educated patient will make every attempt to fulfill their obligations."
Education, however, isn't simply for the patient. At MediRevv, over 90% of its employees have college degrees. According to Klitgaard, an educated employee can better explain the intricacies of insurance billing and benefits to their patients and clients. The company also has a rigorous training program, with input from advisory boards that draw on faculty and staff from the area's many top academic institutions.
Klitgaard's dedication to education doesn't stop with MediRevv, as he is an extremely engaged alumnus of the college. In addition to serving on the HMP Alumni Board and participating in events such as the UI Witt Kieffer Career Seminar, the department's capstone course, and speed networking, his company has hosted a number of MHA students as MediRevv summer interns, graduate assistants, and employees.
"For me, the best part of the Iowa program is the alumni base. It's the best in the nation," says Klitgaard. "When I was a student, I was amazed by the lengths to which alumni would go to help graduates, and I knew that continuing this tradition was the best way I could give back to the college."
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