Judy Anne Mostowy is a dedicated Medical Records Technician at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC) in Selkirk, Manitoba. A mother of two, Judy holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With a foundation rooted in Psychology, Judy initially explored a role in human resources, gaining experience in recruitment, training, and benefits administration.

In 2008, Judy and her family migrated to Canada, providing her the opportunity to align her skills with the Canadian job market and pursue further studies while working full-time. However, when presented with an opportunity to join SMHC, Judy seized it, realizing her dream of working in a mental health facility.

Starting as a casual service worker and progressing to the secretarial role in 2012, Judy describes her involvement in health information as her “foray into the dynamic field of health information management.” Encouraged by a supervisor, Judy enrolled in the Health Information Management program at CHA Learning, obtaining national certification in Health Information Management in 2017.

Join me as we spotlight Judy Anne Mostowy.

Kelly Wilson: Good evening, Judy. Thank you for sitting down with me today. I wonder if you could introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are and what you do?

Judy Mostowy: Thanks! I am a hardworking, determined, goal-driven mother of two, currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I work at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre as a Medical Records Technician, a role I have held for about seven years. In my spare time, I enjoy baking and crafting.

Kelly Wilson: Tell us more about your role as a Medical Records Technician.

Judy Mostowy: As a Medical Records Technician, I’m involved in various functions of health information management, including the release of information, coding, and providing statistical data. We serve as the go-to individuals for the electronic patient record, and anything related to health information.

Kelly Wilson: What do you love the most about your role, and why?

Judy Mostowy: I enjoy all aspects of my role, but if I have to choose one, it’s probably providing statistical data. Compiling data involves digging through jumbled information, analyzing it, and creating reports that people can understand. For me, that makes the function of this role extra special.

Kelly Wilson: Coding and completing assessments are crucial for the accuracy of patient records. Can you explain how advancements in coding standards have impacted the accuracy and efficiency of health records management?

Judy Mostowy: Coding standards have streamlined how we code health records, creating consistency. The current standards make it easier and faster for coders like me to choose the correct code.

Kelly Wilson: How do you ensure compliance with privacy regulations while fulfilling requests from the public or even internal requests for health information, and what impact do these requests have on families?

Judy Mostowy: At Selkirk Mental Health Centre, our records fall under the Mental Health Act of Manitoba, so we adhere to those strict guidelines when information requests occur. Fulfilling genealogy requests for families has been instrumental in helping them better understand their family’s medical history and learn more about their family’s past.

Kelly Wilson: That is fascinating, and it seems like a much-needed service that your organization offers. That leads me to my next question. Since health information is constantly changing, how do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments for health information management professionals?

Judy Mostowy: As part of our professional designation, we must complete 36 continuing professional development credits in a three-year cycle. I fulfill this by enrolling in courses offered by the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). I also attend chapter community meetings and the yearly Chapter Education days.

Kelly Wilson: Based on your experience, what improvements or innovations could further enhance the field of health information management, especially as it relates to mental health?

Judy Mostowy: We could improve how we share information among facilities in Manitoba. The goal is to create a platform where information is readily available province-wide.

At a certain juncture, SMHC participated in the Mental Health and Addictions Quality Initiative, wherein peer hospitals reported standardized performance indicators. The data encompassed client complexity, outcomes, access, and safety. In my capacity, I created a scorecard with statistical data and submitted this information to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This process enabled SMHC to assess its performance against other mental health facilities, utilizing the compiled data to inform decisions and instigate change.

Kelly Wilson: Last question. What advice would you give someone interested in a career in health information management?

Judy Mostowy: This field is diverse and has the potential to open doors to many possibilities. Don’t give up, don’t be afraid to build your career from the ground up, and learn everything you can.

Judy’s passion for her work is palpable. Beyond her technical and administrative skills, Judy finds fulfillment in helping families connect with their past, stating, “It brings families together and ties the missing pieces in their lives. This part of health information demonstrates that patients are not just numbers within the health care system but people we serve.”

Biography

Judy Anne Mostowy (she/her/hers), CHIM, is a Medical Records Technician at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre in Selkirk, Manitoba. When Judy is not supporting her organization in navigating health information requests or compiling data, she discovers new recipes online and bakes delectable treats for school bake sales.