Experienced case management and utilization review leader with expertise in InterQual criteria, care transitions, and payer communication. Known for accurate documentation, clinical judgment, and collaborative problem-solving that supports timely, compliant patient flow.
Work History
Case Manager Utilization Review
4 Years 11 Months
FHN Memorial Hospital/ Mercy | 10.2021 - 09.2026
For utilization review:
Managed utilization review activities to support appropriate levels of care and resources using InterQual Criteria and clinical expertise.
Provided clinical to payers to support appropriate levels of care.
Worked with providers on payer denials
For Case Manager:
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to align treatment plans with patient needs and resources.
Coordinated discharge planning and care transitions to support safe, timely patient throughput.
Documented case management interventions in electronic health records with accuracy and compliance.
Director of Case Management
FHN Memorial Hospital | 2014 - 2021
Directed case management operations, aligning utilization review, discharge planning, and care coordination with hospital goals.
Led interdisciplinary teams to resolve complex patient placement and transition-of-care needs.
Oversaw case management staff and social workers providing coaching, performance feedback, and workflow guidance.
Implemented process improvements to strengthen utilization review accuracy and documentation compliance.
Developed a Complex Care Program.
Coordinated payer communication to support authorization, medical necessity, and timely patient progression.
Monitored discharge planning practices to reduce delays and improve continuity of care.
Collaborated with physicians, nursing, and social services to manage high-acuity cases.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate client care and reduce case management barriers.
Streamlined, standardized and implemented case management processes and techniques to maximize revenue cycle.
Leveraged case management tools and conflict management techniques to help interdisciplinary teams achieve optimal outcomes.
Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient case management systems and processes.
Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth among team members.
Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
Analyzed trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
Clinical Documentation Specialist
7 Years
FHN/Mercy Hospital | 01.2007 - 01.2014
Piloted a successful CDI program at FHN
Reviewed patient records for clinical completeness, accuracy, and compliant documentation.
Queried providers to clarify diagnoses, procedures, and supporting clinical specificity.
Applied ICD-10 and DRG guidelines to strengthen coding integrity and reimbursement accuracy.
Collaborated with physicians, coders, and case management to resolve documentation gaps.
Communicated with physicians, nurses and other caregivers to explain importance of accurate and clear documentation.
Reduced risk exposure by promptly addressing any identified discrepancies or inconsistencies within patient records.
Clinical Development
FHN | 2006 - 2007
Mentored new nurses in both clinical skills development and professional growth opportunities.
Improved overall patient outcomes by continuously updating clinical knowledge through professional development opportunities.
Evaluated clinical competencies of nursing staff regularly, providing constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
Championed ongoing professional development opportunities for members of the nursing team, fostering a shared commitment to excellence in clinical practice.
Case Manager
FHN | 2001 - 2006
Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to support timely discharge and continuity of care.
Assessed patient needs and connected individuals with community and clinical resources.
Communicated with physicians, nurses, and families to align treatment goals and care transitions.
Documented case activity in electronic health records to maintain accurate, compliant patient records.
Reviewed insurance requirements and authorization details to support approved services and placements.
Monitored cases for changes in condition, escalating concerns and updating plans as needed.
MDS Plan Coordinator
FHN | 1997 - 2001
Coordinated MDS assessments to support accurate care planning and regulatory compliance.
Tracked resident documentation for timely submission of MDS assessment
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to maintain complete, accurate resident records.
Staff Nurse Med-Surg, Ortho, ICU and Telemetry
39 Years
FHN Memorial Hospital | 10.1987 - 2001
Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care needs using nursing judgment.
Administered medications safely while monitoring responses and documenting outcomes.
Coordinated care plans with physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members.
Documented assessments, interventions, and progress notes in electronic health records.
Facilitated communication between patients, families, physicians, and community support services.
Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Nursing Staff Member
Swedish American Hospital | 1987 - 10.1987
Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the registered nurse promptly.
Assisted with bathing, feeding, mobility, and other daily patient care needs.
Documented assessments, care activities, and observations in electronic health records accurately.
Supported medication administration by preparing supplies and verifying patient identification.
Maintained infection control standards through proper hand hygiene and equipment cleanup.
Communicated patient concerns clearly to nursing team to support timely care decisions.
Educated patients and families on basic care instructions, comfort measures, and unit routines.
Promoted continuity of care by maintaining accurate documentation and timely handoffs between shifts.
Staff Nurse
41 Years 4 Months
FHN Memorial Hospital | 06.1985 - 1987
Administered medications and monitored patient responses for safety and effectiveness.
Performed comprehensive patient assessments and documented findings in electronic health record.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary care team to coordinate treatment plans and patient priorities.
Maintained infection control standards and followed hospital safety protocols during care delivery.
Educated patients and families on discharge instructions, medications, and recovery expectations.
Tracked vital signs and reported condition changes promptly to support timely interventions.
Assisted with admissions, transfers, and discharge processes to ensure smooth patient flow.
Prioritized multiple patient needs while maintaining accurate charting and consistent nursing care.
Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care plans for safe, timely interventions.
Administered medications and treatments while verifying orders and monitoring patient responses.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Education
University of Phoenix | Tempe, AZ | 01-2008
Summa Cum Laude
Baccalaureate - Nursing
Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | 01-1986
Honor Roll [Semester and Year]
Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 06-1985