Often when people think of any medical facility, the first people that come to mind are the doctors and nurses providing care there. It makes sense as these staff often have the most contact with the patients. However, there are so many “behind the scenes” people that are involved in your healthcare. That is true at BSMC too. This week, we feature the staff of the business office. This team handles all the billing, deals with insurance, manages the phone, and keeps the facility operational!
Along with Ron Wiens, CEO and Karma Hale, HR Director, the business office is home to Brittany Sherburn and Sarah Schlepp.
Brittany is a familiar aface at BSMC as she worked in medical records for four years prior to working at the school the last few years. She returned to the facility in June of this year to become the Accounts Payable Clerk. She does a great job making sure the bills are paid and the lights stay on. A Big Sandy native, Brittany loves to run, and she enjoys listening to music or podcasts. Otherwise, she is spending time with her family and friends.
The Director of Finance is Sarah Schlepp. Sarah lives in White Sulpher Springs and has been working here, whether in person or remotely, for 11 months. She has also worked as a CPA at a firm in Bozeman (She says, “Go Cats!”) for two years prior to starting in her role here. How did Sarah get here from White Sulpher? She heard about the job through her local hospital and felt the call to contribute to a community, much like the one she grew up in. Her time in the office doesn’t prevent her from still enjoying the outdoors. She likes to golf and ski, has two dogs to walk with and gets back to help on the ranch when she is able. She also enjoys reading and board games if the weather outside is not enjoyable. Sarah has a true passion for numbers and says, “The thing I enjoy most about my job is that I can spend all day working with numbers while helping behind the scenes to support all of the great staff at BSMC.”
No office staff is complete without an HR Director. Karma Hale wears that hat these days. She handed over her role as the Accounts Payable Clerk and became the HR Director just a little over a year ago, though she has over 15 years HR experience. She has worked at BSMC for seven years and continues to do payroll and is the Credentialing Officer for the facility. Karma has lived in Big Sandy for more than a decade and enjoys crafting and creating Karma’s Kandies on her days off. She also enjoys time with her grandbabies.
The facility is currently in “outbreak status.” To qualify for outbreak status, there must be one positive case of Covid amongst one resident OR one employee that is involved in direct patient care. To get off outbreak status, there must be 14 consecutive days without a positive Covid test among the residents AND employees. During outbreak, visitation is still allowed, but visitors are asked to wear an N95 mask while in the building. One will be provided for you if needed. As always, if you do not feel well, we ask that you stay home. The Clinic and Emergency Room continue with normal operations. The clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8-5; appointments can be made by calling 406.378.2189. The Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As planning continues for the kitchen remodel and the new clinic building you will continue to get updated here at “The Tea.” As always, thanks for being the heart of BSMC.
