At DZA, our team members bring numbers to life in meaningful ways. Today, we’re highlighting Tristi Cohelan, a Principal who’s been diving into the world of healthcare reimbursement for nearly two decades and is the author of several DZA reimbursement newsletters. She’s passionate about finding solutions by following the clues, and yes, spending quality time with her favorite spreadsheet software.
Making Sense of the Numbers
Tristi works solely in DZA’s reimbursement consulting niche. That means she spends her time with Medicare and Medicaid cost reports, desk review, S-10 and wage index audits.
What keeps her engaged day after day? “The numbers. Numbers tell the truth. You can always find a solution in the numbers. The work I do feels like I’m putting a puzzle together, and I L-O-V-E puzzles.”
And, of course, there’s Excel. “I am a proudly proclaimed Excel nerd, not an expert, just a nerd,” she jokes.
A Career Rooted in Family
Tristi’s path to accounting started in college, but her earliest inspiration came from home. “My mom worked in accounting during her career. She could use a 10-key calculator like no other. The receipt paper and machine would flow and hum without breaks. It was mesmerizing. I thought it was her superpower. Little did I know, those moments were planting the seed.”
Tristi, like her mom was to her with a 10-key, is a spreadsheet expert to her kids. “How quickly I can work in spreadsheet impresses my teenagers, but that’s it when it comes to technology. Usually, my IT skills are summarized by them with an eye roll and an ‘okay, boomer’ comment.”
While she didn’t always dream of being an accountant, it felt like a natural fit. “I like numbers, not words. It seemed like it was meant to be.”
College Tristi, however, would be befuddled by her current work, specifically in Medicare cost reports. “Cost accounting was widely known as the most challenging class for accounting students. It thinned the herd and caused dread for many, including myself, and now I work on it every day!” Tristi laughs.
Winning by a Nickel
When asked about memorable projects, Tristi doesn’t hesitate. “I fought for 5 cents on a reimbursement project. The 5 cents translated to millions for a hospital. And we got it.”
It’s moments like these that speak to her skill, determination, and attention to detail.
Following the Clues
After nearly 20 years in the industry (this October marks the milestone), Tristi has found her rhythm in the world of reimbursement consulting.
“Finding or keeping money for our hospitals is what drives me. Can you guess that I wanted to be a detective? I see reimbursement regulations as following clues in order to find the best reimbursement opportunities for our hospitals.”
To stay current, she’s a member of several healthcare associations, keeps up with reimbursement-related emails and daily updates, and invests time in ongoing training and research.
The DZA Difference
Tristi appreciates the environment of an independently owned and operated firm. “As an employee, we are treated and seen as a person, not a number. Same for our clients. We go above and beyond.”
That mindset is reflected in her client work too. “When a client asks a question, I like to include an explanation in addition to the answer, so they understand the why.”
Tristi also has a knack for making reimbursement easier to understand—and a lot less intimidating. Or as one client stated, “only you [Tristi] can make a cost report fun(ny).”
“Learning should be fun and effortless…and in Excel,” Tristi states with a smile.
Life Outside the Office
Tristi was born in Wenatchee, Washington, and raised in Spokane Valley. She still lives there today with her husband, two younger kids (her oldest now lives in Texas), and their chocolate lab, Lucy.
She’s a proud Eastern Washington University grad and a big fan of her hometown. “The answer is in our city’s motto: Near Nature. Near Perfect.” she jokes.
In her free time, Tristi enjoys being out on the lake with her family. “When the weather permits, we’re out enjoying the water, sunshine, fishing, and family time.” She also enjoys supporting and visiting local breweries. “A good sour beer always wins me over,” she says. Other of Tristi’s hobbies include curling up with a good book or sinking into the couch binge watching stand-up comedy or true-life crime series.
A Few Fun Facts
“Most people don’t know that, back in the day, I was in a couple of commercials for a local television station. I could also belt out a high note in our church youth choir.” In an alternate timeline, maybe Tristi would be a TV personality!
“I try to give others the benefit of the doubt first and look for a silver lining in all aspects of life,” Tristi reflects. This perspective is part of what makes her stand out. “I like to be unique—just like my name!”
With a sharp analytical mind, Tristi brings curiosity, and a genuine love for problem-solving to every project. If you’d like to connect with her or learn more about how DZA can support your organization, you can reach her at tcohelan@dza.cpa.
