Cerra Himle
Summary
A motivated and goal-driven individual seeking to apply emergency preparedness knowledge in a role as an Emergency Management Professional. Relevant experience includes regular and ongoing participation in county-wide Emergency Drills and Medical Response and Surge Exercises (MRSE), assisting with annual inventory of emergency preparedness supplies and evacuation tools, and updating and maintaining disaster response carts such as Mass Causality Incident (MCI) carts and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) carts. Also experienced with delivering Emergency Preparedness Hospital Wide Orientation (HWO) presentations to new hires on a monthly basis.
Current and active member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee as well as the Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT).
Familiar with the SLO County Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), and the Medical and Health Operational Area Coordination (MHOAC) Program.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Trauma Registrar
Adventist Health Sierra Vista
12.2015 - Current
- Determines patient inclusion in the trauma registry database, abstracts medical records, and performs hospital based coding according to current ICD-10-CM and injury severity scoring guidelines
- Submits trauma registry data to the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) on a quarterly basis after meticulously reviewing and verifying all entered data for accuracy and completeness
- Improves patient outcomes by collecting and analyzing trauma data for quality improvement initiatives
- Elevates the quality of care provided to patients by consistently monitoring performance metrics and implementing targeted improvements based on findings
- Assists the Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Medical Director in the analysis of registry data, the development and publication of custom-built registry reports, and the dissemination of trauma information
- Active member of the multidisciplinary trauma team by engaging in community outreach events and injury prevention endeavors
- Represents the Trauma Center by sitting on various county wide committees, coalitions, and councils
- Participated in two Trauma Program Verification Surveys conducted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Data Conversion Coordinator
MINDBODY, Inc.
10.2013 - 11.2015
- Performed client assessments via phone and/or email to determine the project scope for clients interested in converting their data to the MINDBODY computer software
- Assisted clients in exporting their data out of the current software in which it was stored
- Analyzed data to confirm all fields of required information were included in the submitted digital files
- Manipulated and/or converted data to a usable format to make suitable for import
- Managed and maintained schedules of an entire team of Data Conversion Specialists within the department and assigned projects while ensuring timely deadlines
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication and created/adapted policies and procedures as necessary
Medical Billing Specialist
Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group
06.2010 - 10.2013
- Ensured timely payments from insurance providers through submission of accurate and complete claims
- Posted insurance company payments to accounts and applied contractual write-offs when appropriate
- Posted patient payments to accounts and issued any necessary refunds when overpayments were identified
- Conducted regular audits of patient accounts for potential underpayments or overpayments due to incorrect coding or billing practices
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations by staying updated on changes to medical billing codes and requirements
- Enhanced revenue collection through diligent follow-up on unpaid claims and denials with insurance companies
- Answered phones and assisted patients and other medical providers with billing inquiries
Medical Records Clerk
Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group
02.2009 - 06.2010
- Collaborated with physicians and nurses, providing timely access to accurate and up-to-date medical records
- Processed medical records requests from patients and outside providers according to facility, state, and federal law
- Received and approved subpoena requests for medical records from attorneys and professional copy companies
- Reviewed patient charts and all related medical records in preparation of legal copying, redacting information when applicable
- Supervised the reproduction of records by copy companies and signed legal declarations
- Developed and maintained organized filing system for medical records to adhere to HIPAA regulations
- Pulled patient charts for the daily schedule of the orthopedic surgeons within the practice and filed back accurately and accordingly
Front Office Manager
Dr. Aichouri, M.D., Ph.D.
11.2007 - 06.2008
- Opened and closed the office on a daily basis
- Scheduled patient appointments and followed up with reminder phone calls
- Printed daily schedules and pulled patient charts for the psychiatrist to refer to while recording session treatment notes
- Managed files and records for patients and adhered to safety procedures to prevent breaches and data misuse
- Collected patient copays and medical document fees and posted payments to the correct accounts
- Monitored financial transactions at the front desk, ensuring accurate billing procedures and minimizing discrepancies
- Coordinated daily pharmaceutical related matters to verify and expedite a high volume of prescription orders
- Created, updated, and distributed psychiatric referral lists for patients and other professional medical offices
- Verified insurance coverage and obtained prior authorizations when required, coordinating with insurers to ensure accurate billing information
- Interacted directly with a diverse population of patients on the psychiatric spectrum and responded to all questions and concerns
Medical Receptionist
Central Coast Endoscopy Center
06.2005 - 11.2007
- Greeted and interacted with patients to check-in for appointments and addressed various patient inquiries
- Assisted in managing a medical front office in areas of manual and computerized scheduling and medical/insurance records handling
- Utilized multi-line phone system and managed high call volumes, directing calls to appropriate staff while keeping a polite and professional demeanor
- Maintained open lines of communication between patients, physicians, and laboratory personnel
- Obtained face-sheets from multiple other physician offices who scheduled through the Medical Center and distributed accordingly
- Scanned and uploaded patient charts into electronic medical records system
- Obtained payments from patients and copied identification and insurance cards
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA06.2010
General Education Diploma -
Atascadero High School
Atascadero, CA06.2005
Skills
- Adept at navigating medical software programs such as Cerner Millennium and McKesson Horizon Patient Folder (HPF)
- Superuser of the emergency medical communications system, ReddiNet
- Proficient with Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote
- Competent in PPE/PAPR use and training (extensive training during Covid)
- Highly versed in evacuation equipment use and training
- Knowledge of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
- Ability to work well under pressure and in stressful, unpredictable situations
- Outgoing and social individual who is eager to build and nurture interpersonal relationships with hospital leadership and external partners
- Team player who enjoys coordinating and collaborating with others on projects and policies
Timeline
Trauma Registrar
Adventist Health Sierra Vista
12.2015 - Current
Data Conversion Coordinator
MINDBODY, Inc.
10.2013 - 11.2015
Medical Billing Specialist
Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group
06.2010 - 10.2013
Medical Records Clerk
Central Coast Orthopedic Medical Group
02.2009 - 06.2010
Front Office Manager
Dr. Aichouri, M.D., Ph.D.
11.2007 - 06.2008
Medical Receptionist
Central Coast Endoscopy Center
06.2005 - 11.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
California Polytechnic State University
General Education Diploma -
Atascadero High School
Similar Profiles
Lauren DuarteLauren Duarte
Emergency Department and House Supervision Manager at Adventist Health Sierra VistaEmergency Department and House Supervision Manager at Adventist Health Sierra Vista
Philip EckertPhilip Eckert
Staff MRI Technologist at Adventist Health Sierra VistaStaff MRI Technologist at Adventist Health Sierra Vista
Emma IoppiniEmma Ioppini
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse at Adventist Health Sierra VistaMedical Surgical Registered Nurse at Adventist Health Sierra Vista
CATHY YOUNGCATHY YOUNG
Trauma Registrar/ Trauma Services Unit at BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTERTrauma Registrar/ Trauma Services Unit at BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER
Evangeline WilliamsEvangeline Williams
Trauma Registrar at Northern Arizona HealthcareTrauma Registrar at Northern Arizona Healthcare