Candace Funderburk
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Healthcare executive with over a decade of leadership experience in care management and quality improvement. Demonstrated success in optimizing patient throughput and enhancing care coordination through strategic initiatives and team development. Expertise in regulatory compliance and operational excellence within complex health systems.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Care Management PRN
Methodist Health System
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted audits across multiple acute care facilities to ensure compliance with departmental standards and governing body regulations
- Analyzed and compiled data from multiple programs using Epic-based reports to support performance improvement initiatives and strategic planning
- Led care management initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care plans.
- Developed training programs for staff on best practices in care management.
Director of Care Management
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Dallas, TX
05.2022 - 01.2025
- Coordinated clinical care management activities and transitional planning, aligning strategic objectives and goals with organizational priorities
- Implemented and supervised care management programs in collaboration with Finance, Clinical Services, and medical staff, addressing ongoing issues to enhance patient care delivery
- Strategically planned and managed the financial and personnel activities of the department including recruitment, retention, development of multi-disciplinary staff, and budget monitoring and allocation
- Worked collaboratively with Quality Department to ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS and program-specific standards
- Established Department Based Council to elicit staff contributions to process improvement and professional development
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility
- Developed and updated departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with HIPAA, benefits administration, and general liability guidelines
- Assisted in the assessment of anticipated impact of external regulations and cost-containment efforts related to Utilization Review and Case Management
- Collected and analyzed data on palliative care and patient throughput to inform interdisciplinary projects.
Manager, Palliative Care
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Dallas, TX
12.2019 - 05.2022
- Spearheaded Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Collaboration for Methodist Health System
- Led interdisciplinary palliative care service activities, coordinating efforts of physician, nurse practitioner, nurse case manager, and chaplain to enhance patient care
- Coordinated patient discharges from acute care to various hospice and palliative care settings, ensuring smooth transitions for inpatient hospice, nursing home hospice, home hospice, and outpatient palliative care
- Facilitated goals of care, advance care planning and end of life discussions with patients and families
- Screened patients in critical care and oncology units using validated screening tools to assess for palliative care needs
- Reported to the Director of Care Management all quality metrics such as length of stay, discharges to hospice, mortality and expediency of consults
- Educated new resident physicians and care management staff on palliative care and end-of-life topics, fostering knowledge to improve patient interactions and care
Care Transition Navigator
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Dallas, TX
04.2016 - 12.2019
- Assessed patients for psychosocial, medical and functional needs on admission to acute care and on an ongoing basis throughout admission to acute care
- Coordinated discharge to post-acute care levels with interdisciplinary team to ensure smooth transitions
- Coordinated patient care that promotes optimal outcomes, patient throughput and discharge planning
- Identified and addressed barriers to patient throughput and quality outcomes, minimizing discharge delays
- Provided tailored resources and education to patients, facilitating appropriate referrals
- Participated in unit-based daily interdisciplinary plan of care rounds
- Maintained working knowledge of CMS and private insurance benefits and eligibility as well as relevant local, state and federal resources
Education
MBA -
Louisiana State University Shreveport
03-2022
Master of Social Work -
University of Texas At Arlington
12-2015
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Pepperdine University
04-2012
Skills
- Clinical care management
- Care coordination
- Patient assessment
- Data analysis
- Quality improvement
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy development
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Leadership development
- Staff training programs
- Effective communication
Certification
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-TX)
Timeline
Director of Care Management PRN
Methodist Health System
01.2025 - Current
Director of Care Management
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
05.2022 - 01.2025
Manager, Palliative Care
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
12.2019 - 05.2022
Care Transition Navigator
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
04.2016 - 12.2019
MBA -
Louisiana State University Shreveport
Master of Social Work -
University of Texas At Arlington
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Pepperdine University