Catherine Morales
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Results-driven leader with over a decade of progressive experience in healthcare operations and revenue management. Expertise in driving organizational efficiency, spearheading cross-departmental collaboration, and optimizing financial performance. Adept at leading diverse teams, managing complex projects, and delivering measurable improvements in patient care and operational workflows.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Area II
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
03.2021 - Current
- Manages Greater Central Coast Medical & Radiation Oncology Patient Finance and Authorization Teams
- Manages Radiation Oncology & Nuclear Medicine Front Desk
- Played active contribution to Schedulable Order and One Referral Implementation project to streamline Medical Oncology treatment ordering
- Collaborate with PBS leadership to streamline clinic-wide charity care processes, patient financial counseling, and authorizations
- Lead RTCC Concierge Revenue Cycle departmental efforts to increase revenue and reduce accounts receivable (A/R) through strategic partnerships with leadership, providers, and staff
- Develop innovative Authorization and Patient Financial Counselor functions to deliver competitive services in Oncology care
- Regularly meet with department leads to improve efficiency and align workflows across departments
- Contribute to service implementation projects, ensuring smooth execution and measurable outcomes
Supervisor, Oncology Patient Financial Services
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Supervised authorization operations for Infusion, Radiology, and Oral services across two locations
- Co-leads operational directives for Patient Financial Counseling and Authorization activities
- Directed charity care processing in collaboration with PBS to ensure clinic-wide compliance and efficiency
- Worked with external departments to implement drug and service protocols, driving process improvements
- Managed Palliative Care Department (2yrs)
Lead, Patient Finance/Authorization Coordinator
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Supervised authorization operations across two locations, ensuring high-quality financial services
- Retained oversight of Patient Financial Counseling responsibilities
Business Representative/Patient Financial Counselor (PFC)
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
09.2012 - 06.2018
- Contributed to the Charity Care process, collaborating with corporate teams to streamline clinic-wide charity care procedures.
- Oversaw Copay Card Assistance Program enrollment and billing.
- Developed detailed treatment estimates and provided financial counseling to patients.
- Addressed patient billing inquiries and conducted statement reviews to ensure accuracy.
- Administered Free Drug Enrollment for off-label medications.
- Assisted with Master Reconciliation and processed refunds in collaboration with the accounting team.
- Handled patient and insurance refunds with precision and efficiency.
Medical Biller/Patient Liaison
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
01.2006 - 08.2012
- Created and submitted insurance claims with accurate medical coding.
- Performed insurance authorizations and verified benefit coverage.
- Reviewed claims for coding accuracy and compliance.
- Managed accounts receivable and patient collection processes.
- Assisted with Master Reconciliation and processed refunds in collaboration with the accounting team.
- Administered patient and insurance refunds with precision.
Medical Records Clerk
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
06.2001 - 12.2005
- Maintained accurate chart filing
- Documented front desk processes and RN patient teaching materials
- Performed administrative tasks to support smooth office operations
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Business Healthcare Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT04.2022
Building High Performance Teams Badge -
Santa Barbara Business College
Santa Barbara, CA12.2018
Customer Relations Badge -
Santa Barbara Business College
Santa Barbara, CA08.2018
Skills
- Team Leadership & Management
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Project Implementation & Change Management
- Revenue Cycle Optimization
References
Dawn Elliot (805) 705-0909
Department Manager, Patient Navigation
Sutter Health with Sansum Clinic - Ridley Tree Cancer Center
Jennifer Estrada-Fuentes (818) 536-2739
Director of Operations
Because Justice Matters
Kiri Villa (805) 588-9497
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services, Faculty Counselor
Allan Hancock College
Novejot Sekhon, MD (440) 503-9431
Hematology/Oncology Provider
Kaiser Permanente
Timeline
Manager, Area II
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
03.2021 - Current
Supervisor, Oncology Patient Financial Services
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
08.2019 - 02.2021
Lead, Patient Finance/Authorization Coordinator
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
07.2018 - 07.2019
Business Representative/Patient Financial Counselor (PFC)
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
09.2012 - 06.2018
Medical Biller/Patient Liaison
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
01.2006 - 08.2012
Medical Records Clerk
Ridley Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
06.2001 - 12.2005
Building High Performance Teams Badge -
Santa Barbara Business College
Customer Relations Badge -
Santa Barbara Business College
Bachelor Of Science - Business Healthcare Management
Western Governors University
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