Aaron J Ruzich
West Frankfort,IL
Summary
Hardworking, Loyal, and Reliable individual with strong ability in interpersonal communication and problem solving. Highly organized, proactive and punctual with team-oriented mentality. Strong skills in patient care and documentation. Excited to begin a new challenge with a successful team while providing quality care to those in need.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Therapist Assistant
Dept. of Veteran Affairs
Marion, IL
03.2023 - Current
- Currently working full time as a PTA in an outpatient setting.
- Currently, I am a member of the Referral Coordination Team that assists with managing all therapy-related consults entered by providers at the Marion VA campus, as well as coordinating community care therapy services per the needs of the veteran.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois Healthcare - Herrin Hospital
Herrin, IL
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Worked full time primarily within the Inpatient Acute Rehab setting, but also treated patients within the acute hospital setting.
- Studied treatment plans and adjusted exercises periodically to maximize benefits.
- Recorded detailed prognosis, treatment, responses and progress notes in patient charts.
- Enhanced professional development and clinical knowledge through continuing education and peer reviewed literature.
- Observed and reported patient reaction to treatment or changes in condition, facilitating appropriate follow-up.
- Liaised with physical therapist to deliver appropriate therapy according to care plan.
- Adhered to infection-control policies and protocols to attain safe and clean working environment.
- Designed home exercise programs to support continuation of therapeutic plan.
- Maintained positive interaction with facilities and clients, enhancing client relations.
Corporate ADR Coordinator
Rehabcare
West Frankfort, IL
01.2017 - 12.2020
- 1 of 2 Corporate ADR Coordinators responsible for receiving, auditing, and responding to documentation requests from entities including CMS, Aetna, UHC, etc, in order to ensure proper claim payment for the 1500+ Medical facilities associated with Rehabcare.
- Working and communicating with various staff members across the US in facilities including Hospitals, Assisted living facilities, Skilled nursing facilities, Independent living facilities and Outpatient clinics, in order to ensure proper documentation guidelines are being followed for maximum reimbursement.
- Managed Company-Wide centralized documentation request process; Successful in creating a 40% decrease in costly technical denials and increased field efficiency.
Director of Therapy-Physical Therapist Assistant
Rehabcare
West Frankfort, IL
06.2009 - 12.2016
- Therapy Director: Westside Rehab and Care Center, River to River Community of Marion, The Anchor of Marion, and Hurricane Creek Assisted living facility.
- Managed company assets and equipment inventory
- Managed Staff schedules and completed monthly payroll duties.
- Managed facility budget, including the tracking of RUG levels while adhering to Medicare Guidelines.
- Worked in different settings ranging from outpatient to inpatient.
- Covered treatments at various facilities.
- Called upon physicians to give updates on patient care.
- Scheduled patient appointments in the most effective manner, and ensured that they received high-quality care.
- Ensured HIPAA rules and regulations were carefully followed.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois Healthcare
Herrin, IL
01.2008 - 06.2009
- PRN PTA.
- Worked at many different sites gaining knowledge in all aspects of PT.
- Averaged 30 hours a week as a PRN therapist while attending College.
Customer Service Associate
Movie Gallery
Herrin , IL
05.2004 - 05.2008
- Monitored and Audited large amounts of inventory
- Managed accurate and adequate cash stock and inventory balances.
- Supported customer service goals and enhanced relations through friendly, knowledgeable and positive communication.
- Processed customer account changes.
- Set up and activated customer accounts to maintain QA satisfaction levels.
- Completed diverse tasks on daily basis to serve customer needs, including processing and issuing money orders, managing returns and exchanges, and logging daily shipments.
Education
Bachelors of Science Degree - Exercise Science/Kinesiology
Southern Illinois University
2009
Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois University
2007
Skills
- Patient care
- Extensive knowledge of Anatomy
- Extensive knowledge of proper documentation guidelines
- I am able to comfortably navigate through and utilize a number of computer programs, including Adobe, Excel, and Microsoft office
- Documentation Preparation and Trading
- Scheduling and Time Management
- Instituted training programs to improve employees' understanding of corporate products and services
- Effective communicator
- Troubleshooting methods
- Employee management
- Clerical support
- Conflict mediation
Accomplishments
-2004 Sons of American Revolution Citizenship Award
References
Sheryl Mills-Rehabcare-Senior Director of Appeals (Previous Supervisor) - Phone (912) 898-4114
Ray Bayer- Department of VA Marion Campus- Supervisor/Occupational Therapist-Phone (618) 694-8074
Amanda Rodrigue- Department of VA Marion Campus-Physical Therapist Assistant-Phone (618) 889-9925
Mallori Wilson- Department of VA Marion Campus-Physical Therapist- Phone (618) 559-6377
Additional Information
-State Licensed (IL)-Physical Therapist Assistant
Timeline
Physical Therapist Assistant
Dept. of Veteran Affairs
03.2023 - Current
Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois Healthcare - Herrin Hospital
03.2021 - 03.2023
Corporate ADR Coordinator
Rehabcare
01.2017 - 12.2020
Director of Therapy-Physical Therapist Assistant
Rehabcare
06.2009 - 12.2016
Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois Healthcare
01.2008 - 06.2009
Customer Service Associate
Movie Gallery
05.2004 - 05.2008
Bachelors of Science Degree - Exercise Science/Kinesiology
Southern Illinois University
Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Southern Illinois University