Cheryl Long

Supervisor, Pre-Arrival Patient Financial Services
Patient Financial Services

First UTSW job: I was hired via UT Southwestern temporary staffing to the HIM (Medical Records) department for an assignment that was expected to take six months. When I completed the assignment in three months, I was offered a full‑time role.

Best part about my job: What I find most rewarding is the direct impact that my team has on the patient experience. By ensuring authorizations are secured with precision prior to service, we remove the financial and administrative anxiety that can burden patients, allowing them to focus on their care and recovery.

How co-workers describe me: They would say I’m an assertive, decisive leader who prioritizes fairness, consistency, and accountability. I’m also known for my directness and ability to streamline complex workflows. Some appreciate my authentic wit that keeps the team grounded.

My proudest UTSW accomplishment: I am most proud of transitioning our department from manual, reactive workflows to a highly automated, proactive environment. By identifying bottlenecks and implementing custom processes, I’ve been able to give my team the tools they need to maintain excellence and evolve, even as our volume grew.

Hobbies: I am a fantastic cook.

Surprising facts: I love equestrian activities. I am also proud to have six grandchildren ranging in age from 14 to 22. Most significantly, I am driven to improve health equity and I’m actively working toward a future where I can open a transitional care facility to serve elderly and indigent populations.

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