Christy Steel
Smithville,TN
Summary
Detail-oriented Authorization Specialist with strong skills in insurance verification and compliance management. Proven ability to enhance patient service coordination and streamline authorization processes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Authorization Specialist
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Cookeville, Tennessee
05.2025 - Current
- Reviewed insurance authorizations for patient services and procedures.
- Communicated with insurance companies to verify coverage details.
- Processed authorization requests in electronic health record systems.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to gather necessary documentation.
- Resolved discrepancies in authorization requests through effective communication.
- Maintained comprehensive records of authorization requests and approvals to support efficient processing.
- Researched patient eligibility, coverage information, and benefit levels.
- Verified insurance authorizations with payers via telephone or web-based systems.
- Coordinated communication among providers, patients, payers, and departments to facilitate timely authorization.
- Monitored daily workflow queues, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all authorization tasks.
- Provided customer service to internal and external customers related to authorization requests.
- Created spreadsheets utilizing Microsoft Excel for tracking authorization status updates from payers.
Imaging Scheduler
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Cookeville, TN
11.2018 - Current
- Scheduled imaging appointments for patients across multiple modalities.
- Coordinated with medical staff to ensure timely patient preparation.
- Managed patient records and updated scheduling software efficiently.
- Communicated with patients regarding procedures and appointment details.
- Assisted in resolving scheduling conflicts and patient inquiries promptly.
- Collaborated with radiologists to align on imaging requirements and protocols.
- Maintained a clean and organized scheduling environment for optimal workflow.
- Trained new staff on scheduling processes and system navigation effectively.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations by keeping all patient information confidential.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing patients' questions or concerns in a timely manner.
- Scheduled and coordinated imaging procedures for patients; communicated with physicians, nurses and other medical staff to ensure proper patient care.
- Assisted in the implementation of new scheduling processes and systems; maintained accurate records of patient appointments.
Unit Secretary
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Cookeville, Tennessee
09.2004 - 11.2018
- Managed patient records and files with attention to detail.
- Coordinated communication between medical staff and patients efficiently.
- Scheduled appointments and maintained the calendar for healthcare providers.
- Assisted in preparing and processing medical documentation accurately.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and ordered as needed promptly.
- Provided front desk support, welcoming patients and answering inquiries courteously.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies during daily operations consistently.
- Facilitated patient admissions by collecting necessary information seamlessly.
- Managed the front desk area ensuring neatness at all times.
- Provided clerical support including filing, faxing, photocopying and data entry of patient information into electronic health record systems.
- Greeted visitors and patients in a courteous and friendly manner.
- Answered telephone calls promptly and directed them to appropriate personnel or departments.
- Answered phone calls to provide assistance, information, and medical personnel access.
- Assisted nursing staff with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, ordering supplies and preparing charts.
- Managed unit call reception and routed calls to correct department.
- Provided patient information to facilitate timely admissions and discharges.
- Responded to requests from internal staff regarding patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Maintained patient records, medical histories, test results and other pertinent information in the hospital's computer system.
- Collected discharge summaries from nurses or physicians before release of patients from the facility.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
Cookeville
09.2004 - 11.2018
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for patient care.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to coordinate patient care plans.
- Educated patients on health management and wellness practices.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted in mobility support for patients during rehabilitation activities.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to patients and families.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
Education
Dekalb County High School
Smithville , TNSkills
- Authorization processing
- Insurance verification
- Prior authorization processing
- Patient eligibility research
- Electronic health records
- Compliance management
- Medical documentation
- Data entry accuracy
- Data entry proficiency
- Scheduling coordination
- Customer relationship management
- HIPAA compliance
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Medical terminology expertise
- Administrative support
Timeline
Authorization Specialist
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
05.2025 - Current
Imaging Scheduler
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
11.2018 - Current
Unit Secretary
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
09.2004 - 11.2018
Certified Nursing Assistant
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
09.2004 - 11.2018
Dekalb County High School