Helene Beilman-Werner
President & CEO

“I’m a problem solver – the bigger or more complex the problem, the more fun I have solving it.”

Helene Beilman-Werner brings over 20 years as an accomplished senior executive and healthcare leader. Prior to leading Zymeda Provider Solutions, Ms. Beilman-Werner provided consulting services including the establishment of a start-up infrastructure for a hospital system administration in support of existing managed care business, identifying key performance metrics to monitor and project financial and utilization trends with supporting data requirements and reporting these metrics. She has also been responsible for the creation of hospital/physician integration strategy in anticipation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) and Health Care Reform for various physician groups and hospitals.

Ms. Beilman-Werner served as President of Arcadian Management Services where she was responsible for the strategic direction and management of the MSO operation with annual revenue of $180M. This included management of the claims administration, health services, business development and contracting departments as well as providing overall leadership, growth, and administration for all aspects of MSO operations to achieve the organization goals and objectives around client retention, profitability and growth. Prior to her role at Arcadian, Ms. Beilman-Werner spent ten years as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Primary Provider Management Company where she was distinguished by a history of success in delivering exceptional operational and financial results for this $65 million MSO while growing the organization from 25,000 members to over 240,000 during her tenure.

Additionally, Beilman-Werner has been involved in several start-up and turn-around companies including CalOptima, PruCare Senior Plan, FHP Senior Plan and Blue Cross government programs and was successful in delivering high functioning teams and creating efficiencies resulting in strong financial performance throughout the organizations. She is recognized as an industry leader and has testified before state regulatory, senate and assembly committees for positive changes in pending legislation and policy implementation. Beilman-Werner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from California State University, Long Beach and FACHE board certification from the American College of Healthcare Executives.

And while Helene is at the top of her game as one of the most sought healthcare executives and consultants in Southern California, she and her team pride themselves on their relationships with clients. So let’s dive in and get to know who is the guiding force behind Zymeda:

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The ability to help our clients with the challenges of running a practice. The variation of what happens on any given day, it’s never the same and never gets boring. I’m a problem solver – the bigger or more complex the problem, the more fun I have solving it. Our physician clients are great doctors and just want to focus on taking care of their patients, so I am rewarded by knowing we are working just as hard to help them with the “business” of running their practices. 

What inspires you most in your life and at work?

Taking the complex and making it simple. I am inspired every day by both people I know as well as strangers in the simple things they do to make others feel better. Not just physically, but mentally too. Opening a door, buying coffee for the car behind you, telling someone they have a great smile. It’s a lot of the little things that make me always want to do better. 

What is your spirit animal?

Welp, the quiz I took says my spirit animal is a whale. “Strong inner voice, and always follow your own truth. Because you are so in touch with reality, you are self-aware and don’t get involved in drama. You have strong bonds and emotional ties with those you love.” 

The second choice said it’s a bear.“Strong and confident. You are a natural-born leader, helpful, and often in charge. The bear also represents the importance of rest and alone time. While you’re ahead of the pack, take a break to enjoy solitude.”

I think either one is a fairly accurate representation of my inner animal, but probably a combination of the two is more accurate! Not sure which animal is more stubborn, but that’s the one I would go with. 

Who is your role model and why?

Tough question! I have many. I admire hard work and tenacity and those qualities don’t normally come with celebrity, fame or money. First responders and members of our armed forces give selflessly every day to help others and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. 

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to shop. I love projects-decorating, remodeling, etc. I love traveling to new places- I love the history and culture, the natural landscapes and mostly meeting new people. Oh, and the food! There are so many beautiful places in the world with so many interesting people. I am interested in having a better understanding of how certain cultures, religions and traditions come to be and intertwine through time. Hearing or imagining how some people get to where they are; by luck, circumstance or deliberate planning is fascinating to me. 

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to transport time. Go back in time and make different choices, look to the future to see what’s next (I have NO patienceJ). I don’t have regrets in my life, but it sure would have been cool to buy Google stock 15 years ago! 

Natasha Schlinkert
Chief Operations Officer

“There is absolutely nothing we can’t accomplish with a well laid strategy, hard work and a determination that failure is simply not an option. Let’s do it!”

Mrs. Schlinkert holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration with a focus in finance and health informatics. Natasha brings over 20 years of healthcare Revenue Cycle Management experience, including sharing in the success of urgent care and mammogram clinic start-ups. Her expertise includes strategic process improvement evaluation for hospitals, physician groups, and ambulatory surgery centers. Natasha possess a strong background in accreditations, patient access operations, billing and coding best practices, denials management prevention and resolution, accounts receivable collections operations, Lean Six Sigma initiatives, establishing key performance metrics, compliance auditing, business development and acquisitions/mergers.

Natasha was formerly President of Capital Financial Synergies, a Revenue Cycle Management Company in Anaheim, Ca. Prior to her success with Capital Financial Synergies, Natasha expanded her career in California Workers Compensation where she litigated files on behalf of physician groups and facilities at the California Worker’s Compensation Appeals Boards throughout southern California with Pinnacle Lien in Corona, Ca. Natasha went on to lead a charge in Patient Access, Clinical Revenue Integrity, Patient Financial Services, and AR Custom Solutions with Conifer Health Solutions in Frisco, TX, Served as Chief Operations Officer for  Health Business Solutions in south Florida, and lead charge in the successful implementation and development of Robotic Process Automation at Vohra Wound Physicians before joining Zymeda as our Chief Operations officer.

Natasha has also been a member of numerous professional and non-profit organizations, and has participated as a guest speaker at various healthcare and revenue cycle centered conferences.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Creating an electric environment where employees flourish, clients’ practices thrive and Zymeda pioneers revolutionary innovative technology and processes that creates competitive differentiation. I really enjoy provoking inspiration in the staff to devise analytics and data that helps us make purposeful decisions and implement a strategy with a unique precision.

What inspires you most in your life and at work?

Humans are inspiring as a species. I love that we can be so alike and yet so very unique. I consistently encounter people with characteristics that inspire me to be better. Once we achieve a goal, we can just set another and continuously improve. We are capable of so much more than we realize and I hope I never stop growing and improving.

What is your spirit animal?

My spirit animal is the elephant. “Elephant, the ever gentle and wise spirit animal, exemplifies focused Power and Strength. Your deep spirit rules with dignity and abiding love for your people. Your talent to rally the troops and lead them to victory is the stuff legends are made of. You are, like your spirit animal, a natural provider who uses confidence, persistence, and commitment as tools for “bread-winning,” including feeding the Spiritual nature.” 

I would think my colleagues and family would agree. My husband would likely quote the elephant’s infamous memory… I can’t imagine why. 

Who is your role model and why?

I don’t think it exists in a single person. Everyone has something to be admired and something to improve. I aspire to be every day a little better than I was yesterday, unapologetically me, kind, understanding, inspirational, thought provoking, a good teacher, a good learner, a good wife, and successful but most importantly, I really want to be an amazing mom. That is the real measure of what I aspire to be. 

What is your favorite hobby?

I really love to travel to new places and taste new foods! Exercising makes me feel energetic and fabulous. I truly enjoy baking with my tiny human and watching movies by the fireplace on a rainy day. If I could do anything every day for the rest of my life it would be something on a warm beach somewhere tropical.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to duplicate myself! If I could be solving healthcare workflow issues while spending time with my little one AND sitting on a beach somewhere… Jackpot!

Liz Gamble
Director – Strategic Planning & Practice Consulting

“When we can work with a client to create a vision for success and help them effectively implement that vision, it’s extremely rewarding.”

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including 10 years as a consultant, Liz Gamble’s broad operational and strategic background in healthcare brings practical, problem-solving capability to the clients of Zymeda Provider Solutions. Ms. Gamble is particularly skilled at synthesizing data and identifying actionable strategic solutions based on her analysis. Her strategic planning experience includes work with multi-hospital systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals and physician groups.

Before moving into consulting, Ms. Gamble served in a planning director role for a two-hospital health system with both employed and contractually aligned physician groups, working closely with senior management to develop new business initiatives in conjunction with the organization’s overall strategic plan. She also assisted with physician recruitment, physician compensation and physician relations initiatives. Prior to her position as planning director, Ms. Gamble oversaw regional operations for registration, scheduling, and benefit verification as the director of access and admissions for the health system. In this role she led revenue cycle improvement initiatives targeting performance in the areas of referrals and authorizations, benefit verification, and collections.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Gamble was director of managed care services for another integrated delivery system. In that role, she was responsible for implementing contracts and overseeing managed care operations within a 115-physician, 19-location multi-specialty clinic. Ms. Gamble earned a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis on finance and management from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. She also holds a Master’s degree in health administration from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

With her extensive healthcare experience and brilliant use of analytics, Liz has helped Zymeda soar to new heights. And while she does not need to wear an “S” on her chest and a red cape, that doesn’t mean she would pass up the chance to fly like Superman! 

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

Without a doubt, I would want to fly like Superman. I’ve had that dream as long as I can remember. The ability to control my movements while soaring above the earth and experiencing that view would be so exciting. Although not necessarily a noble talent, definitely one that may be useful when I am stuck in traffic!

Who is your role model and why?

Without a doubt my father is my role model. He’s a man of character and conviction with a strong work ethic, great sense of humor and dedication to family – characteristics I like to think I also have inherited. He has always been committed to helping me become the best version of myself, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Hopefully, I can be a similar role model for my children.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy taking a complex issue faced by our clients, applying both creative and pragmatic solutions to the situation, and generating their roadmap for success. Many providers don’t have the time or resources to think about the strategic direction their practice needs. When we can work with a client to create a vision for success and help them effectively implement that vision, it’s extremely rewarding.

What inspires you most in your life and at work?

It may sound cliché, but I want to make a difference and have fun doing it. I want to know that I have worked successfully and supported those around me who share a similar vision and work toward achieving our goal. This is true regardless of whether I’m working with my Zymeda team members, helping my children learning a new skill, or enjoying activities with my family and friends. I’m definitely a goal-oriented person but I want to enjoy the process of achieving the goal, not just the accomplishment itself.  

What is your spirit animal?

My spirit animal is the wolf and, although I would not have predicted it, I think it fits. The description of a wolf as a spirit animal suggests a blend of instincts and intelligence. I am very analytical and routinely gather as much information as I can in making a decision. Despite this, I am not afraid to go with my gut if I think it’s necessary. A wolf also represents an awareness of social connections which is definitely an accurate representation as I tend to be the “organizer” of things among family and friends.

What is your favorite hobby?

When I have the opportunity, I enjoy traveling and gardening. Traveling gives me the opportunity to enjoy new experiences and often learn new things. I find gardening to be therapeutic – there’s just something enjoyable to me about getting dirt under my nails and putting color in the world. Right now though, with two children involved in multiple activities, my favorite hobby is watching them in their endeavors! 

Pam Geukens
Director of Revenue Integrity and Analytics

“I’m inspired to work hard, do the right thing and treat others with kindness and respect in all aspects of my life.”

Pam Geukens brings nearly 25 years of practice management and revenue cycle operations experience to her role as Director of Revenue Integrity and Analytics at Zymeda. 

Ms. Geukens oversees the analyst, contracting and credentialing teams at Zymeda and spearheads efforts to enhance organizational and client performance opportunities. She also manages all client provider and facility contracting by working closely with client and payer representatives. Ms. Geukens has extensive experience in both provider and IPA operations as well, having previously served as office manager for a multi-specialty surgery practice and as operations manager for PrimeCare of Temecula and Sun City IPAs. She is also skilled at negotiating and managing payor contracts for clients.

A large part of Zymeda’s success can be attributed to the leadership team’s unique ability to find creative solutions to its clients’ challenges. Pam’s passion for problem-solving as well as her creativity makes her a perfect fit! 

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to sew, do needlework, crafts and make party decorations. My favorite time doing these is with all of the children in my life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the challenges that the ever-changing environment of healthcare brings. Solving problems and seeing the positive results for our clients drives me every day. 

What inspires you most in your life and at work?

I’m inspired to work hard, do the right thing. and treat others with kindness and respect in all aspects of my life.

What is your spirit animal?

According to the quiz, my spirit animal is a deer, symbol of gentleness and heart energy. “When you have the deer as spirit animal, you are able to bring gentleness and grace in every aspect of your life, even in the most challenging moments.  By inspiration from the deer’s qualities, you can achieve ambitious goals and tackle difficult situations smoothly with a touch of gentleness and grace.”

Who is your role model and why?

My grandma is my role model.  She was the hardest working, kindest, most-generous woman I have ever met. She overcame so many challenges in her life and motivated me with not only a strong work ethic, but a strong sense of family values that I aspire to keep alive. 

Stephanie Encinas
Director of Revenue Cycle Management

“Mentoring staff – it brings me joy to see individuals grow. Problem solving – love it! I love to analyze issues.”

Stephanie Encinas serves as Revenue Cycle Operations Manager for Zymeda Provider Solutions. In her role, Ms. Encinas is responsible for revenue cycle functions for hospital based providers including employee training, new client on-boarding and procedure implementation. She has over 30 years of experience in billing and accounts receivable management as well as reimbursement. Ms. Encinas has worked with several of Southern California’s top academic medical centers including USC and UCLA. Prior to joining Zymeda, she assisted the City of Hope Medical Foundation as a refund specialist.

Zymeda prides itself on fostering a family-like environment for its employees and clients which is why Stephanie fits in seamlessly. Inspired by her son and grandmother, Stephanie brings both strong leadership and a sense of harmony to the office.

What inspires you most in your life and at work?

My family, especially my son. I’m lucky that I come from a loving family. I have a special bond with my son Mark. I’m not only his mother, but his friend. As far as work, I feel motivated by leading a team and helping each member grow. In past employment opportunities, I have been able to develop management plans and create goals that we could achieve together, allowing us to later celebrate our successes.

What is your spirit animal?

The dolphin. The dolphin spirit animal represents harmony and balance. Dolphins are both highly intelligent and closely in tune with their instincts, striking a balance between the two states. Dolphins are also a symbol of protection and of resurrection. Their playful nature is a reminder that everyone needs to approach life with humor and joy. People who identify with the dolphin totem are usually peaceful and gentle, but with a deep inner strength.

This so me!

Who is your role model and why?

My grandmother. My grandmother was a strong, loving, loyal, hardworking and family-oriented woman. Her strength and love made me the woman I am today.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Mentoring staff – it brings me joy to see individuals grow. Problem solving – love it! I love to analyze issues.

What is your favorite hobby?

Watching my Yankees. I love sports and especially the New York Yankees. I’m lucky to say I’ve seen them in 8 stadiums so far. My yearly goal is to see them in a new stadium. 

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to read minds… 

Rick Fovell
Sales Manager

Mr. Fovell brings over thirty years of practice management, marketing and consulting experience to Zymeda Provider Solutions. In a previous role as the Director of Practice Management at the Kansas University Medical Center, he spent five years managing a staff of 85 who provided complete revenue cycle and financial services for 17 medical practice divisions consisting of 700 doctors. In that time, he earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Accounting as well as his MBA in Management. He subsequently joined a large regional CPA firm as Director of Sales and Marketing, taking a custom patient management system for a 22 doctor practice and expanding the service to 271 clinics and 52 hospitals in ten years. In 2008 He transitioned to a multi-platform software trainer for 26 clinics in Kansas City, focusing his efforts on revenue cycle analysis and consulting.

A lifelong believer in learning, in 2004 Mr. Fovell completed a Master of Science in Adult Education and started as an adjunct instructor for Webster University at the United States Army Command Staff College, Fort Leavenworth where he has taught for the last 17 years, rising from an instructor to an Adjunct Full professor. He also spent three years teaching inmates at the U.S. Military Prison in Fort Leavenworth. His academic experience includes teaching over 100 graduate courses, including 35 courses for a joint MBA/MSN program as well as courses for physicians and hospital managers seeking advanced business degrees. To support his passion for learning, Mr. Fovell just enrolled in his 3rd Master’s Degree program, this one in Healthcare Management with a Finance specialization.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE JOB?

I am a mission-driven person and am very supportive of Zymeda’s mission to provide a highly ethical solution to complex medical practice issues. I am energized by the ability to represent this talented group of professionals.

WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST IN LIFE AND WORK?

I need to go back to my military days where I met my superhero, a Chief Master Sergeant who mentored me during my two combat tours and instilled the value of hard work and self-evaluation, always seeking to be better organized and truthful to the mission. My wife, of 45 years has also kept me on the right path, and my family has supported me as I started on a career path from being a practitioner in medical accounting and finance to marketing with a parallel career as an adjunct instructor.              

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?

I have evolved from where I was in the past into a Golden Retriever…funny, a bit goofy, and a dedicated service provider to those in need. Teaching inmates at the military prison was far less financially rewarding than teaching military officers at the Command Staff College. At that point, I went from being a hunter like a Leopard to realizing how education could impact others. This was the apex of my change.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

My passion is the Kansas City Chiefs, including Madden football, despite the outcome of the recent Super Bowl. My primary enjoyments are reading History, spending time with my family, including my kids, grandkids, and my two great-grandkids…..and of course, I love school and learning new things.