Lori Custer Spotlight

What led you to Health Information Management as a career?
My niece was an IP coder and she told me how wonderful she felt HIM was and encouraged me to start taking coding classes.

Why did you choose UC’s HIM program?
I knew someone who was attending and she gave the program very high marks. It worked within my schedule and allowed me to continue working while attending school.

What were some of the perks of being a UC HIM student?
Along with getting to know the instructors, who were so wonderful, I got to know many of the students. Many people think that you never meet the other online students, but there are several opportunities to get together, if you so chose.

What made you successful in this program?
Keeping your nose to the grind stone and never loosing site of my goal of getting my BS degree. Also, having good family and friends for support.

What do you hope to do with your degree in the future?
I actually have been accepted to law school and will begin in September 2010.

What do you hope to accomplish in HIM throughout your career?
I would like to keep working in privacy and security within my health system.

How do you see the HIM industry changing in the next 5 years?
There will be more and more demand for HIM professional with the continual oversight of the federal government.

What piece of advice do you have for future and current students?
Work hard and don’t lose sight of your goal.