April Joens
Hubert,NC
Summary
Conscientious Healthcare professional offering over 25 years of experience in fast-paced settings. Competent in the use of EMR including athenahealth, NextGen and MediPro), prior authorizations, especially with the use of Cover My Meds and supporting Positive and upbeat with excellent communication skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Assistant/Prior Authorization Coordinator
Coastal Arthritis Rheumatism Association
Jacksonville, NC
07.2016 - 01.2024
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers and payers to expedite approval processes.
- Reviewed clinical documentation for accuracy, improving submission success rates on initial requests.
- Used Cover My Meds, Humana Military, Evicore, NC Tracks, BCBS AIM, Rad Consults and Quantum Health to input claim, prior authorization and other important medical data into system.
- Provided accurate information to all parties, including patients, insurance providers, healthcare staff and office personnel by using effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedures.
- Managed patient intake, ensuring accurate medical history documentation.
- Administered medications and injections as prescribed, adhering strictly to protocols for patient safety.
- Coordinated laboratory tests and communicated results to patients efficiently.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly processing insurance claims, verifying coverage, and obtaining pre-authorizations when necessary.
- Coordinated prior authorization requests, ensuring compliance with insurance guidelines and patient eligibility criteria.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations through meticulous handling of sensitive patient information.
- Streamlined back office operations for increased efficiency by implementing new organizational systems.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Facilitated prompt prescription refills for patients by communicating with pharmacies on behalf of physicians.
Medical Assistant
Chesapeake Regional Hospital
Chesapeake, VA
03.2014 - 06.2016
- Interviewed and engaged patients to obtain medical history, chief complaints and vital signs.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Incorporated outside records into charts and EHR.
- Assisted with diagnostic testing by collecting and packaging biological specimens for internal and laboratory analysis.
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedures, ensuring high-quality care delivery.
- Implemented electronic health record systems to streamline documentation and improve data access.
- Comforted anxious patients before procedures and listened to concerns, offering support, and compassion.
- Reviewed physician's calendar and scheduled patient appointments by telephone and in-person.
- Assisted physicians during minor surgical procedures contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Referral Specialist
Coastal Arthritis Rheumatism Association
Jacksonville, NC
11.2011 - 06.2013
- Scheduled patients according to availability, urgency and insurance authorization guidelines.
- Prioritized referrals according to urgency and adhered to appropriate referral deadlines.
- Reviewed demographic, clinical and insurance information before sending to referred specialists.
- Liaised with healthcare facility personnel, insurance representatives, physicians and vendors for smooth communication.
- Commended for timeliness and accuracy in all documentation, from initial contact to account closeout.
- Maintained accurate medical records using EMR systems.
- Conducted patient follow-up calls to monitor treatment progress and answer any questions.
- Developed efficient referral tracking system, improving follow-up procedures for patient care continuity.
- Called insurance companies to get precertification and other benefits information on behalf of patients.
- Developed strong relationships with external healthcare facilities, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care coordination.
- Built professional relationships with service providers.
Education
Medical Assistant Diploma - Medical Assistant
United Education Institute
San Diego, CA09.1999
High School Diploma -
Mar Vista Senior High School
Imperial Beach, CA06.1994
Skills
- HIPAA compliance
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Customer service
- EMR / EHR
- Direct patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Patient assessments
- Insurance verification
- Authorizations
- Benefit coverage
- Strong organization
- Patient triage
- Prescription refills
- Patient referrals
- Attention to detail
Education and Training
other,other
Timeline
Medical Assistant/Prior Authorization Coordinator
Coastal Arthritis Rheumatism Association
07.2016 - 01.2024
Medical Assistant
Chesapeake Regional Hospital
03.2014 - 06.2016
Referral Specialist
Coastal Arthritis Rheumatism Association
11.2011 - 06.2013
High School Diploma -
Mar Vista Senior High School
Medical Assistant Diploma - Medical Assistant
United Education Institute