Obtain a challenging position within the healthcare industry that will optimize the utilization of my diverse academic, clinical, and interpersonal skills. I seek an employer who promotes professional growth, values high quality performance, and provides financial security.
Overview
1
1
Certification
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Outpatient CDI and Charging Specialist
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Inc.
Pinehurst, NC
02.2000 - Current
Reconciled discrepancies between clinical documentation and posted charges for accuracy.
Entered and corrected patient charges using billing systems and supporting documentation.
Reviewed charge capture workflows to ensure accurate billing and compliance with hospital policies.
Collaborated with clinical and billing teams to resolve missing or unclear charge information.
Audited accounts for charge accuracy and identified process gaps affecting reimbursement.
Applied revenue cycle guidelines to improve charge integrity and reduce billing errors.
Trained staff on charge entry standards and documentation requirements for compliant billing.
Facilitated seamless communication between departments, ensuring accurate billing information throughout the organization.
Provided insightful recommendations for optimizing existing charging protocols based on detailed analysis of data trends.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement in charging processes.
Reduced discrepancies in billing data by conducting regular audits and reconciliations.
Increased customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving charging-related issues.
Maintained strong client relations by addressing concerns or inquiries regarding their charges swiftly and professionally.
Prepared reports of findings and recommendations.
Utilization Review RN/ Discharge Planner
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Pinehurst, NC
03.2018 - 12.2018
In the ER reviewing charts for medical necessity.
Communicate with mid-level providers daily to ensure patients are entered in the correct level of care.
Includes initial assessment and continued stay review using InterQual Criteria via EPIC.
Submits clinical information to payors and responds to requests for additional information within same business day.
Reduced patient stay by tracking avoidable days and implementing solutions. on all patients as indicated.
Assists staff in clinical decision-making and priority setting to ensure an optimal length of stay.
Collaborated with admitting office, HIM, patient accounts, and patient care departments to ensure seamless communication of efforts and activities.
Provides consultation regarding the criteria used by the hospital when requested.
Provided Observation notices for Medicare recipients.
Refers patients who do not meet criteria to second physician advisor for second tier review.
Participates in the overall delivery of any HINNs per policy/procedure.
Collaborates with business office staff to assure accurate billing.
Reviews all denials and prepares appeal within one business day.
Coordinated concurrent utilization reviews with physicians, case management, and insurance representatives.
Documented authorization decisions accurately in electronic health records and utilization management systems.
Identified opportunities to improve length-of-stay efficiency and care transitions.
Analyzed clinical records to ensure compliance with payer requirements and regulatory standards.
Educated staff on utilization review criteria, documentation quality, and authorization workflows.
Maintained strict adherence to HIPAA regulations, safeguarding sensitive patient information throughout all aspects of the utilization review process.
Contributed to cost savings by applying evidence-based guidelines to determine medical necessity and appropriateness of care.
NC- Clinical Compliance Analyst
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Pinehurst
02.2008 - 03.2018
Conducted Medicare, Medicaid RAC chart audits, MAC Prepayment chart reviews, and assist with denials.
Performed retroactive medical necessity reviews to determine appropriateness level of care utilizing InterQual criteria.
Identified coding or clinical documentation issues and worked with appropriate stakeholder to correct in a timely fashion.
Utilized CMS Inpatient Rehabilitation Regulations to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
Determined timely evaluations of current audit procedures, goals, and proposed changes as situation warrants.
Planed and performed financial or operational audits, examine data, evaluate information, communicate results and follow up through impartial and unbiased judgment.
Assisted in monitoring of medical necessity, documentation, and billing processing.
Performed chart reviews for inpatient and outpatient services internally or per outside auditor.
Investigated reported compliance concerns under legal counsel direction.
Investigated any issues of noncompliance and implement appropriate corrective regulatory procedures.
Prepared written reports from audits, monitoring, and investigations.
Assisted in developing educational material related to documentation, compliance, or procedures.
Provided direction and advice to employees, administration, medical staff, and in situations involving actual or potential non-compliance activities.
Case Manager
FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, NC
Pinehurst, NC
02.2000 - 04.2008
Provided case management for inpatient setting.
Facilitated safe and effective transitions for patients by collaborating with patients, staff, physicians, payors, and business office.
Worked closely with Medicare guidelines to assure appropriate setting as well as issuance of Medicare Important Message to patients and/or designated family member.
Determined setting appropriate using InterQual Guidelines.
Worked closely with business office to obtain adequate knowledge of payor contracts to ensure appropriate reimbursement.
Leveraged Milliman and Roberts, InterQual, HBOC, Providerlink, and Canopy applications to enhance operational efficiency.
Developed comprehensive discharge plans for Women and Children service line by working with Department of Social Services.
Coordinated resources for patients to enable safe and timely discharges.
Concurrent Review Nurse
Cigna Insurance Company
Raleigh, NC
02.1999 - 02.2000
Coordinated case management for inpatient settings in managed care sector to ensure optimal patient care.
Conducted onsite concurrent reviews for members to assess the appropriateness of care settings using Milliman and Roberts guidelines.
Conducted concurrent utilization reviews to determine medical necessity and appropriate level of care.
Evaluated inpatient clinical documentation against coverage guidelines and evidence-based criteria.
Collaborated with physicians, case managers, and facility staff to support timely discharge planning.
Staff Nurse - Emergency Room
Western Wake Medical Center
Cary, NC
09.1991 - 01.2000
Provided quality care to a diverse number of patients seriously ill at a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Provided assessment of critically ill and non-acute patients, including prioritization of treatment utilizing triage skills to assure delivery of quality care in the emergent setting.
Developed expertise in emergency care as an ER Nurse at Western Wake Medical Center.
Achieved the following certifications: ACLS, BCLS, PALS, BTLS, MICN, PICC, and Conscious Sedation.
Contributed to development of department policies and procedures during initial hospital opening.
Collected data for NRMI clinical research trial to support ongoing studies.
Participated in NRMI symposium in La Jolla, California to gain insights on clinical practices.
Clinical Coordinator
Coram Infusion Company
Raleigh, NC
02.1996 - 02.1999
Delivered patient-centered care in home care setting, enhancing overall patient well-being.
Closely monitored patient's clinical response to infusion therapy.
Educated patients, families, and medical staff on infusion therapy goals, ensuring comprehensive understanding and adherence.
Coordinated clinical referrals from managed care companies and hospital discharge planners, facilitating smooth transitions of care.
Education
Masters of Science - Nursing: Leadership and Management
Walden University
Minneapolis
01-2010
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Carolina University
Greenville NC
01-1991
Master of Science - Certified Outpatient Coder
AAPC
Salt Lake City, UT
08-2024
No Degree - Certified Outpatient Coder
AAPC
Salt Lake City, UT
08-2024
Skills
Continuing education credits
Problem-solving
Time management
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Collaboration
Critical thinking
Multitasking efficiency
Strong communication skills
Excellent communication
Active listening
Team collaboration
Teamwork and collaboration
Denial coordinator
Team leader, project
Case manager, inpatient/outpatient
Denial coordinator
Clinical documentation review
Vice President, case management
United Way representative
Team leader, utilization project
Appointed case manager for First Carolina Care members in an inpatient and outpatient setting
Accomplishments
Achieved Outpatient Coding Certficate
Certification
RN State of North Carolina- current, Vinyasa Yoga Certification - received in 2012
Timeline
Utilization Review RN/ Discharge Planner
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
03.2018 - 12.2018
NC- Clinical Compliance Analyst
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Pinehurst
02.2008 - 03.2018
Outpatient CDI and Charging Specialist
FirstHealth of the Carolinas Inc.
02.2000 - Current
Case Manager
FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, NC
02.2000 - 04.2008
Concurrent Review Nurse
Cigna Insurance Company
02.1999 - 02.2000
Clinical Coordinator
Coram Infusion Company
02.1996 - 02.1999
Staff Nurse - Emergency Room
Western Wake Medical Center
09.1991 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Carolina University
Masters of Science - Nursing: Leadership and Management