Catherine Chotalal
Scranton,PA
Summary
Detail-oriented Healthcare Administrative and Patient Financial Specialist with experience in high-volume patient account management, medical and dental billing, insurance benefits, claims resolution, and revenue cycle operations. Proficient in Epic EHR and healthcare billing systems, with a strong ability to research complex accounts, resolve billing and insurance discrepancies, and explain financial responsibilities clearly to patients. Knowledgeable in deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, eligibility, claims, denials, and financial assistance. Recognized for maintaining accuracy, professionalism, HIPAA compliance, and exceptional patient service in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Financial Specialist
Geisinger Medical Center
Remote | Work From Home
05.2025 - Current
- Manage high-volume inbound patient calls, resolving billing, insurance, payment, and account inquiries with accuracy and professionalism.
- Analyze and resolve complex patient accounts by reviewing balances, charges, payments, claims, insurance coverage, and financial responsibility.
- Apply strong knowledge of health insurance benefits, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, and coverage requirements.
- Utilize Epic and healthcare billing systems to research account histories, investigate discrepancies, verify insurance information, and document resolutions.
- Research and resolve claim denials, billing discrepancies, payment issues, and outstanding balances to facilitate timely account resolution.
- Explain complex medical billing and insurance information in clear, patient-friendly language, helping patients understand their financial obligations and available options.
- Collaborate with patients, insurance payers, and internal departments to investigate account issues and coordinate appropriate resolutions.
- Maintain accurate HIPAA-compliant documentation of patient interactions, account activity, claim research, and resolutions within Epic and CRM platforms.
- Navigate a fast-paced, high-volume environment while balancing customer service, account research, productivity, accuracy, and regulatory requirements.
Assistant Manager
Premier Care Dental Management/Dental365
Long Island City, NY
05.2024 - 02.2025
- Managed operations for dental practice, facilitating excellent patient support services, direction, and guidance.
- Responded to patient queries and concerns to resolve issues in accordance with company policies and procedures, healthcare regulations and dental board standards.
- Implemented staff scheduling procedures to provide full coverage, supporting organizational needs.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Conducted regular audits of patient accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Managed all front desk operations, including phone calls and customer service inquiries.
- Coordinated with dental providers regarding patient care and scheduling needs.
Patient Care Coordinator
Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
Long Island City, NY
11.2019 - 05.2024
- Customer Service; Acknowledge, smile and greet patients upon arrival/dismissal.
- Streamlined communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Assisted in the development of care plans tailored to individual patient needs, improving overall health outcomes.
- Scheduled Preventive Care and Treatment Visit appointments for patients using appointment software (OpenDental) based on provider's availability. Checked patients in and out, verified insurance and collected patient's co-pays.
- Coordinated with insurance companies for accurate billing and claim processing, reducing errors and financial discrepancies.
Insurance Verification Specialist
Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
Long Island City, NY
11.2019 - 05.2024
- Enhanced claim processing efficiency by verifying insurance coverage and obtaining pre-authorizations for procedures.
- Reduced errors in billing by accurately maintaining patient records with updated insurance information.
- Increased patient satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns regarding insurance coverage or billing issues.
- Improved communication between providers/staff and patients by explaining insurance benefits and financial responsibilities.
Medical Receptionist
Doctor's Plastic Surgery
Long Island City, NY
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Greeted patients upon arrival/dismissal.
- Answered and managed incoming calls, emails and fax requests.
- Scheduled Consultations, Pre-Op/Post Operative Care' appointments for patient's based on Surgeon's availability.
- Prepared patient's charts; Verifying patient's medical history, medication allergies and physical condition during Pre-Op visits.
- Prepared treatment rooms by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patient's prescriptions during Post-Op visits.
Education
High School Diploma -
Forest Hills High School
Forest HillsAssociate of Science - Health Administration
Berkeley College
New York, NYSkills
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical & Dental Billing
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Patient Account Management
- Epic EHR
- Insurance Verification & Eligibility
- Insurance Benefits & Coverage
- Claims Processing & Resolution
- Denial & Appeals Management
- Patient Financial Services
- Medical Billing & Coding
- HIPAA Compliance
Timeline
Patient Financial Specialist
Geisinger Medical Center
05.2025 - Current
Assistant Manager
Premier Care Dental Management/Dental365
05.2024 - 02.2025
Patient Care Coordinator
Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
11.2019 - 05.2024
Insurance Verification Specialist
Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
11.2019 - 05.2024
Medical Receptionist
Doctor's Plastic Surgery
01.2017 - 06.2019
High School Diploma -
Forest Hills High School
Associate of Science - Health Administration
Berkeley College