Teresa Roach

Teresa Roach always knew she wanted to be in the health care industry.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a degree in radiologic technology in 1986, she landed a job with Little Rock Hip & Knee Associates, where she worked with Dr. Scott Bowen.

When Bowen left to start his own practice, Roach came along as his practice manager.

She said it isn’t typical that an X-ray tech becomes an office manager. But she excelled at it.

Roach said one of her greatest accomplishments was handling the merger of Bowen’s practice with Dr. Williams F. Hefley PA in 1997 and Martin Knee & Sports PA in 1999.

When the mergers occurred, the other practices brought their accounts receivables, “so we had all this money out there,” she said.

Along with an accountant, Roach created a new accounting system.

“It’s very complex, but it’s real accurate,” she said.

As a result of the new accounting system, the accounts receivables fell by 50 percent.

And the new accounting system is so detailed that “when our overhead was creeping up, I was able to pull the report, look at it and identify what area we need to focus on,” she said.

Roach said her accounting system is so successful that it is being offered to other physician groups.

The new accounting system has plenty of work to do: Revenue has increased from $2 million in 1999 to $11 million in 2003.

As for her management style, Roach said she tries to be fair to the 95 employees.

“I have an appreciation for all of their jobs and their rolls,” she said.

Roach attributes her strong work ethic to her parents.

“I’m very determined and motivated,” she said. “[And I’ve] worked for a great group of people who have offered me a lot of support over the years.”

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