Alma Ruiz
Southgate,CA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate case manager with extensive experience at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, adept at clinical assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven track record in enhancing patient satisfaction and optimizing discharge planning. Bilingual advocate for vulnerable populations, skilled in utilizing electronic systems to streamline processes and improve outcomes. Committed to empowering clients through education and support.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
05.2003 - 05.2025
- Managed complex patient case load with accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise to optimize client support strategies to reduced length of stay.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
- Trained new case managers, raising team's overall competency and service delivery standards.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure clients had access to necessary medical services, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Facilitated successful transitions between levels of care by developing detailed discharge plans and coordinating resources.
- Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, therapists, nutritionists, and nurses to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
Discharge Planner
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
11.1998 - 05.2003
- Improved patient satisfaction by carefully evaluating their needs and developing personalized discharge plans.
- Advocated for patients'' best interests, working closely with healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment plans and interventions.
- Coordinated timely discharges by effectively communicating with physicians, nurses, social workers, and insurance companies.
- Facilitated smooth transfers between hospital departments, minimizing delays in patient care during transition periods.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and contacted family with travel information.
- Provided ongoing training and mentorship to new Discharge Planners, fostering a supportive team environment that promoted knowledge sharing and skill development.
- Evaluated patient progress throughout their hospital stay, adjusting discharge plans accordingly to ensure successful reintegration into the community setting or placement in suitable long-term care facilities when necessary.
- Worked with utilization review to establish prior authorization for timely discharges.
- Assisted patients in accessing financial assistance programs, helping to alleviate the burden of medical expenses during their transition from hospital care.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
- Established strong relationships with community agencies, enabling effective coordination of post-discharge support services.
Utilization Review Assistant
Long Beacnh Memorial Medical Center
02.1996 - 11.1998
- Supported case management teams with accurate documentation, leading to better resource allocation and improved patient outcomes.
- Provided prompt responses to inquiries from insurance companies regarding coverage, claims, and authorization requirements.
- Streamlined data entry processes, ensuring timely submission of all required documentation for utilization review activities.
- Assisted Case managers with California Children Services referral and paperwork.
- Assisted Case Management department with filling out Medi-Cal Tars and submission to Medi-cal onsite worker.
Patient Financial Counselor
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
03.1994 - 02.1996
- Increased patient confidence in the billing process by providing clear explanations of insurance benefits and coverage limitations.
- Answered incoming calls, scheduled appointments and filed medical records.
- Organized patient records and database to facilitate information storage and retrieval.
- Provided compassionate assistance to financially challenged patients, identifying potential sources of funding or discounts when applicable.
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
- Provided excellent customer service to patients and medical staff.
- Educated patients on available financial assistance programs, increasing their access to necessary healthcare services.
Education
Warren High School
Downey, CAMedical Assistant Diploma -
Bryman Institute
Long Beach, CACertificate - Medical Coding
Downey Adult School
Downey, CASkills
- Case management and DIscharge Planning
- Clinical assessment and documentation
- Problem-solving/time management
- Positive attitude
- Community resources
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Vulnerable population awareness
- Electronic system Epic
- Patient advocacy/customer service
- Bilingual
Timeline
Case Manager
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
05.2003 - 05.2025
Discharge Planner
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
11.1998 - 05.2003
Utilization Review Assistant
Long Beacnh Memorial Medical Center
02.1996 - 11.1998
Patient Financial Counselor
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
03.1994 - 02.1996
Warren High School
Medical Assistant Diploma -
Bryman Institute
Certificate - Medical Coding
Downey Adult School