The System Health Information Management (HIM) team at Baptist is helping Kevin Chappell, quality coding services director, celebrate his upcoming retirement on Friday, May 23. Kevin has been with Baptist since 1988.
“Kevin has been an integral presence among daily operations, team celebrations and challenges alike, bringing inspiration and memorable moments for all,” commented System Director of HIM/Coding Carol Ingram. “His unique style, clever wit and quick smile have endeared him to many. I’m personally thankful for his leadership, friendship and all I’ve learned from him.”
He began his career at the former Baptist Memorial Hospital on Union Avenue in Memphis, working first as a chart analyst, and then within the same year as Emergency department (ED) coder and an outpatient surgery coder. He transferred to Baptist Memorial Hospital-East (now known as Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis) in 1990 and performed ancillary, ED, outpatient surgical and observation coding before shifting to inpatient coding five years later. Kevin earned Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification through the American Health Information Management Association in 1998 and was among the first group of senior Baptist coding professionals to pursue the designation.
“Beyond supporting his immediate team, he’s cultivated close partnerships with clinical documentation improvement and quality communities, Revenue Cycle, clinicians and more,” said Carol. “Whether performing or overseeing countless coding chart audits or delivering thoughtful educational material, Kevin’s uplifting approach has personified Baptist’s mission, vision and values.”
Kevin joined Baptist Corporate office in 2000 as a quality coding auditor, developing several coder cross-training and advancement programs, including preparatory coursework for the CCS credential. He was promoted to quality coding lead in 2010, coding quality manager in 2020 and then his current role in 2021.
“I’ve just been so blessed with all the folks I’ve worked with over the years in our department and others. I’ll miss collaborating to better our organization and the many amazing relationships I’ve built over the years,” said Kevin.
During his retirement, Kevin plans to spend more time with his family, including his granddaughter, going camping and seeing more of the United States.
