Brenda Puapuaga
Pflugerville,TX
Summary
With over 16 years in the non-profit healthcare sector, I have demonstrated my mastery in rendering exceptional operational support. My expertise & passion extend to include enhancing operations through the use of project management, Six Sigma methodologies & relationship building. My collaborative style with diverse teams has proven instrumental in tackling complex data management challenges & streamlining processes. This strategic approach has yielded 100% compliance with project & regulatory requirements across three distinct research initiatives. My commitment to optimizing operations, leveraging technology & ensuring adherence to project specifications drives my effectiveness in creating successful outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Research Data Specialist
Ascension - Dell Children's Blood & Cancer Center
Austin, TX
10.2018 - Current
- Developed and executed six-sigma methodologies in partnership with subject-matter experts to enhance data quality through innovative information management approaches.
- Provided remote training resulting in a 60% reduction in processing time, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing productivity
- Achieved enhanced data accuracy by working in collaboration with clinical teams to develop user-friendly data dictionaries and EHR templates, ensuring 100% compliance with project requirements across 3 research initiatives
- Enhanced program visibility and facilitated informed strategic decisions through the creation of dashboards containing program metrics. Utilized Smartsheets, Tableau, Redcap, and Excel to develop these visual tools.
- Led diverse teams of stakeholders, improving research operational efficiency through streamlined project schedules and automated functions.
- Simplified operations by analyzing gaps, conducting user acceptance testing, and seamlessly integrating implementation processes via change management.
Clinical Support Coordinator
Ascension - Dell Children's Neuro Oncology Program
Austin, TX
03.2016 - 10.2018
- Enhanced operational effectiveness by tactically managing and evaluating quality measures, leading to streamlined processes.
- Initiated appropriate referrals, monitored patient care & documented recommended services to alleviate patient burden and ensure proper outcomes.
- Directed organization support, analyzed the program's patient population, and created SOPs to align with program objectives.
- Improved access to care and avoided treatment delays through communication with cross-functional teams and internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitored barriers to care and pain points in navigating complex healthcare systems, devising solutions to minimize their impact.
- Tracked patient engagement and examined ways to improve experience.
Patient Access Representative II
Ascension - Dell Children's Neurosurgery Center
Austin, TX
01.2013 - 03.2016
- Referred & screened 200+ patients, resulting in optimal use of resources, efficient triage of staff & improved access to care
- Provided education to enhance clinical staff and patient understanding of financial statement information
- Ensured the maintenance of quality levels by conducting random charge/coding audits.
Patient Access Representative
Ascension - Seton Medical Center Austin
Austin, TX
06.2009 - 01.2013
- Documented & collected patient data in databases to maintain accuracy & security in accordance with HIPPA
- Counseled patients about personal financial responsibility & partnered with billing to resolve patient accounts
- Verified insurance benefits & communicated directly with patients for timely scheduling of procedures.
Patient Access Representative
Ascension - Dell Children's Emergency Room
Austin, TX
06.2008 - 06.2009
- Determined patient financial need & referred patients to proper state or federal agencies to obtain assistance
- Explained estimated cost for medical treatments & answered patient questions to promote understanding of financial component of care.
- Facilitated seamless patient access to healthcare services through efficient registration processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Sociology
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2022
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Process Improvement
- SQL
- Project Management
- Database Management
- Strategic & Operational Planning
- Redcap, Smartsheet, Tableau
- Workflow Mapping
- Operations
- Process Implementation
- Data Visualization
- Reporting
- Program performance analysis
- Change Management
- Native Spanish Speaker
- Partnership Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Quality Control
Certification
- Society of Clinical Research Associates, 08/2021, Certified Clinical Research Professional
- Council for Six Sigma Certification, 09/2023, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Project Management Institute, 05/2024, Project Management Professional
Accomplishments
- Dell Children's Medica Center, Excellence in Action Award, 12/2023
Timeline
Clinical Research Data Specialist
Ascension - Dell Children's Blood & Cancer Center
10.2018 - Current
Clinical Support Coordinator
Ascension - Dell Children's Neuro Oncology Program
03.2016 - 10.2018
Patient Access Representative II
Ascension - Dell Children's Neurosurgery Center
01.2013 - 03.2016
Patient Access Representative
Ascension - Seton Medical Center Austin
06.2009 - 01.2013
Patient Access Representative
Ascension - Dell Children's Emergency Room
06.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Applied Sociology
Texas State University
- Society of Clinical Research Associates, 08/2021, Certified Clinical Research Professional
- Council for Six Sigma Certification, 09/2023, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Project Management Institute, 05/2024, Project Management Professional
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