Kim Bruno
Associate Vice President of Revenue Cycle
I’m Kim Bruno, associate vice president of revenue cycle at Phelps Health. I joined Phelps Health in 2015 and spent my first 6 years in clinic operations and the next 2 years in revenue cycle, assuming my current position in 2022.
The revenue cycle starts when a patient schedules an appointment and ends when that patient closes the account. My areas of responsibility include Patient Access, coding, billing, prior authorization, financial navigation, EnrollU, payor contracting and provider enrollment. Simply put, my job is to ensure that Phelps Health is reimbursed for the work that our physicians and clinical staff do each and every day.
A day in my life typically includes setting strategic direction for the revenue cycle, attending a leadership meeting, talking with an insurance company and ensuring that my leadership team has the tools needed to meet their goals. I meet weekly with all of my directors. I’m passionate about removing challenges and barriers, cutting down on waste and discovering ways to become more efficient.
My education includes a bachelor’s degree in technical management with a concentration in health services management from DeVry University. I also hold a Master of Science in Leadership from Walden University. I’ve worked in healthcare for over 20 years in many different capacities.
Growing up, I wanted to be an accountant as I love organization and was often called bossy. (I call these “leadership skills!”) While earning my undergrad degree, I worked as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) at a long-term care facility. While I enjoyed helping people and being patient-facing, I became frustrated by decisions made beyond my control. I wanted a seat at the table where decisions were made and a way to combine my love for business and healthcare. My current position fits this bill.
I am an army brat, born in Germany. Shortly after I was born, we moved to Kentucky and eventually to St. Louis. My dad, who is a Vietnam veteran and my hero, served overseas for 9 of my 18 adolescent years.
After living in Ohio for 16 years, my husband and I now call Rolla home and enjoy living closer to family. In 2023, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and are the proud, empty-nester parents of a son and daughter. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, jigsaw puzzles, reading and traveling. A trip to Italy is on our bucket list, as I love history.
The healthcare industry faces several challenges today, including the nursing shortage. Phelps Health, however, is finding creative ways to attract and retain top talent, and to make our organization a destination employer.