Thomas Lanier, MSL, BS, RHIA

Accomplished healthcare executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience driving operational excellence, revenue cycle performance, and regulatory compliance across multi-site hospital systems, physician networks, and complex healthcare organizations. Demonstrates deep expertise in health information management, clinical documentation improvement, coding integrity, and end-to-end revenue cycle optimization, consistently delivering measurable financial gains, improved cash flow, and enhanced organizational efficiency. Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams while fostering strong collaboration with executive leadership, physicians, and regulatory agencies to align clinical, financial, and operational priorities.

Recognized for designing and implementing scalable systems, dashboards, and performance frameworks that increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and support data-driven decision-making. Adept at identifying operational gaps, streamlining workflows, and deploying strategic initiatives that reduce denials, accelerate reimbursement cycles, and improve documentation accuracy across inpatient and outpatient settings. Extensive experience navigating complex regulatory environments, including CMS, Joint Commission, state agencies, and federal compliance standards, with a strong track record of maintaining audit readiness and achieving successful survey outcomes.

Known for building high-performing teams, mentoring leaders, and driving cultural transformation through structured process improvement methodologies, including Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement practices.

Director, Health Information, Revenue Cycle, Compliance & Privacy - Los Angeles County Department of Health Services - Multiple Facilities

(2022-01)

Combined exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional expertise to provide executive oversight for health information management, coding, CDI, billing, compliance, and privacy across multiple hospital sites

• Lead and develop a team of managers and staff supporting large-scale healthcare operations
• Design and implement compliance programs aligned with federal and state regulatory requirements
• Drive revenue cycle improvements through coding optimization, denial reduction, and documentation accuracy initiatives
• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide dashboards to track performance metrics and improve transparency
• Collaborate with physicians, administrators, and regulatory agencies to ensure operational alignment and compliance
• Lead audit readiness efforts and conduct ongoing internal reviews to strengthen performance and reduce risk
• Recovered significant revenue through improved coordination of billing and transfer processes
• Reduced turnaround times for coding, documentation, and information requests
• Secured multi-million-dollar funding through grant development and strategic initiatives

Regional Director, Revenue Cycle & HIM Operations - Optum360 / Dignity Health - California Region

(2021-01 - 2021-12)

• Directed revenue cycle and HIM operations across multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities
• Managed teams responsible for coding, CDI, documentation, and patient record workflows
• Improved operational efficiency through workflow redesign and performance monitoring
• Strengthened physician engagement to improve documentation completeness and compliance
• Delivered executive-level reporting to support financial and operational decision-making
• Improved coding turnaround times and reduced backlog across multiple facilities
• Successfully supported accreditation surveys with strong compliance outcomes

Director, Revenue Cycle Integrity & Compliance - Adventist Health - Bakersfield, CA

(2020-01 - 2020-12)

• Oversaw all aspects of revenue cycle performance including coding, charging, denials, and appeals
• Steered CDI initiatives to improve case mix index and reimbursement accuracy
• Partnered with clinical and administrative teams to strengthen documentation practices
• Implemented process improvements to accelerate billing cycles and reduce delays
• Significantly improved case mix index and monthly revenue capture
• Reduced billing cycle timelines and improved overall financial performance

Director, Health Information Management & Compliance - Palmdale Regional Medical Center / UCLA Affiliates

(2016-01 - 2020-12)

• Directed HIM, CDI, coding, privacy, and compliance functions across hospital and clinic settings
• Led physician engagement initiatives to improve clinical documentation and coding accuracy
• Managed regulatory reporting and ensured compliance with state and federal requirements
• Implemented system improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and data integrity
• Increased documentation accuracy and reduced revenue cycle backlog
• Improved turnaround times for medical records and compliance reporting
• Enhanced physician satisfaction through collaborative process improvements

Regional Director, Revenue Cycle & Compliance - Adventist Health / Cerner

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

• Provided regional leadership for revenue cycle and HIM operations across multiple hospitals
• Developed compliance programs and standardized operational processes
• Led large-scale system implementations and workflow optimization initiatives
• Reduced revenue cycle backlog and improved discharge-to-bill timelines
• Strengthened compliance programs and audit readiness across facilities

Corporate Director, HIM & Compliance - Alta Hospital Systems

(2012-01 - 2014-12)

• Led HIM, coding, CDI, and compliance operations across multiple hospital locations
• Developed enterprise-wide policies, procedures, and performance standards
• Supported executive leadership with strategic planning and operational insights
• Improved revenue cycle performance and reduced compliance risk
• Delivered cost savings through vendor negotiations and process improvements

Director, Health Information Services & Privacy - Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

Director, Health Information Services - Kaiser Permanente

(2004-01 - 2009-12)

Director, Health Information Management - Sun Healthcare Hospital

(1998-01 - 2004-12)

Administrative Director, Health Information - Simi Valley Hospital & Multi-Site Facilities

(1989-01 - 1998-12)

Progressively advanced through leadership roles overseeing HIM, coding, compliance, and patient access operations

• Guided large teams, managed budgets, and implemented enterprise-wide healthcare systems
• Strengthened regulatory compliance, improved documentation practices, and optimized revenue cycle performance
• Partnered with executive leadership, physicians, and IT teams to support organizational growth and transformation

Master of Strategic Leadership - Stephens College

Bachelor of Science - Health Information Management - Stephens College