Member Spotlight: Keri Kae Semrau RN, BSN, MSN

This month the Member Spotlight is on Keri Kae Semrau RN, BSN, MSN, Director, Patient Access Center at University of Iowa Health Care. Learn more about Keri below. Want to be a part of our PAC Member Spotlight? Fill out the form here or click here and e-mail completed form to admin@patientaccesscollaborative.net.

How long have you been a member of the Patient Access Collaborative?: Since 2017

What do you like about being a member?: This group has brought validity to the critical work of patient access teams and the essential role we play in the overall success of an organization. I sincerely appreciate the camaraderie and transparency of this group.  It is priceless to be able to reach out with a question or concern about your operations and learn from so many others that are living the same experiences.

How has your career benefited from being a member?: The knowledge I have gained from this group has not only impacted the operations within our center in many aspects, but it has also changed my approach to leadership as well as my career. I advocate for access and optimization at every single table I am invited to sit at. The benchmarking within the Collaborative has made a positive impact on change within our organization and it is recognized as a key tool in our access strategy.  

What tips or advice would you give new members?: Find time to read the listserv. Get to know your colleagues and network for new ideas! You will find we are all working on the same problems and can share solutions.

What do you love most about your job?: My team and my organization. I have worked at UI Health Care for 30 years and I am still excited to walk into this organization every day. I love change, and access in healthcare is the place to be if you also love change!  

What meaningful project are you working on right now?: Where do I start? We are currently in the process of going from a large academic institution to a system. We are focused on integration of our newest acquisition, and we are looking forward to the opening of our newest hospital in Spring of 2025. 

Our main areas of focus currently are: volume growth, integration of the new hospital(s), data and appointment conversions, 24/7 triage expansions, changes to our appointment request reminders (eliminating the use of recalls), optimizing our F/U workflows for INPT - OUTPT and ED - OUTPT, completion of decision trees for all services, ticket scheduling, self-scheduling automations, while also working toward a new phone system and a physical move of those still on-site to a new campus building.

What career advice do you live by?: I believe that to be successful, one must be decisive, nimble, work hard, and have fun. I also believe that access teams need to be like a river continuously flowing over the rocks; eventually, the water will wear down the rocks! Lastly, keep doing the right thing. Nothing else matters if you are trying to do the right thing. 

What are your hobbies?: I am an outdoor lover and spend as much time as possible at our lake cabin in Northern WI. Boating, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, etc.

Where is your favorite place you've travelled?: Like most of us born and raised in the Midwest, anywhere with a sandy beach or a nice lake is good to me!

What is a fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I can out fish my husband any day 

Who inspires you and why?: My husband who manages to always stay kind, no matter the situation.  He has taught me more than I could imagine regarding patience, love and to always try to “do the right thing.”