August 2009 Employee of the Month

Alissia Epperson

Alissia Epperson, patient financial advocate, is being recognized as the August Employee of the Month for her positive interaction with patients at what can be a highly stressful time.

Alissia works second shift in the central business office, speaking with patients in the Emergency Department about their bills, and what programs are available to help them receive financial assistance.

“Alissia goes beyond what her job description asks. She is understanding and quite concerned with our patients’ plights.  She is always professional in her dealings with our patients,” a co-worker wrote.

A patient who first visited Upper Valley Medical Center in March for an MRI agreed.  “Frankly, I was scared to death,” the patient wrote.  “As if sensing that I was very anxious, she treated me with a very kind and caring attitude while remaining professional… Alissia is an asset to the hospital.”

Alissia joined the UVMC team in emergency department registration in July 2003.  She became a patient financial advocate in February 2008.  She said her favorite part of the job is “knowing that I help alleviate the financial stress that so many patients feel when they come into the hospital.”

She added that co-workers help round out a satisfying job.  “I like the fact that I get to work around so many wonderful, caring and forgiving people. It is amazing every day to see the compassion that so many here have about their work, their friends and the patients,” she said.

Alissia is married to Joe Epperson and has two sons, Jaden, 6, and Avery, 1. When not at work, she attends Edison Community College part time and enjoys spending time with family and friends.