Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Courtney Kohler

Fair Oaks,CA

Summary

Driven and self-motivated Care Coordinator with extensive expertise in contract negotiation and benefits management. Proven track record in implementing strategic solutions to overcome barriers in the healthcare continuum. Strong communicator and innovative problem-solver seeking a new challenge within a collaborative, forward-thinking team to exceed industry standards.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Nurse Manager

Kaiser Permanente
Walnut Creek, CA
02.2024 - Current
  • Strategic Planning: Develop and implement departmental strategies to optimize patient flow and increase in-network utilization, aligning with organizational goals.
  • Program Development: Design and oversee initiatives aimed at improving patient repatriation processes, enhancing collaboration with in-network providers and community resources.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze utilization trends, patient outcomes, and referral patterns to inform decision-making and drive quality improvement initiatives.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including physicians, administrators, and external partners, to facilitate seamless patient transitions back to in-network services.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that departmental practices align with regulatory standards and organizational policies, maintaining compliance across all activities.
  • Training and Mentorship: Provide ongoing education and mentorship to nursing staff on utilization management best practices and effective strategies for patient repatriation.
  • Budget Management: Participate in budget planning and management, ensuring that departmental resources are allocated efficiently to meet patient needs and operational goals.

Assistant Nurse Manager

Kaiser Permanente
Walnut Creek, CA
06.2023 - 02.2024
  • Patient Discharge Planning: Coordinate and oversee discharge processes, ensuring timely and safe transitions for patients back to their homes or other care facilities.
  • Team Leadership: Supervise nursing staff, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to departmental policies.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with healthcare teams, including physicians, social workers, and case managers, to develop comprehensive discharge plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Quality Assurance: Monitor and evaluate discharge procedures and patient outcomes to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
  • Crisis Management: Address and resolve any issues that arise during the discharge process, advocating for patients and facilitating communication among stakeholders.
  • Data Management: Collect and analyze data related to discharge metrics and patient satisfaction, using findings to inform operational improvements.
  • Training and Development: Facilitate training sessions for nursing staff on discharge protocols, patient safety, and effective communication strategies.
  • Policy Implementation: Assist in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures related to patient discharge and repatriation.
  • Compliance Oversight: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies regarding patient care and discharge processes.
  • Resource Coordination: Collaborate with external agencies and community resources to facilitate patient repatriation and ensure continuity of care post-discharge.

Liaison

Kaiser Permanente
Sacramento, CA
02.2023 - 06.2023
  • Conduct comprehensive reviews of patient cases to ensure appropriate utilization of services and compliance with clinical guidelines.
  • Collaborate with healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to coordinate care plans and ensure seamless transitions.
  • Manage complex cases from admission to discharge, advocating for patients and facilitating access to necessary resources and services.
  • Analyze utilization data to identify trends, assess performance metrics, and develop strategies for quality improvement.
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies related to patient care, documentation, and billing practices.
  • Monitor healthcare costs and resource utilization, implementing cost-effective strategies to optimize care delivery.

Patient Care Coordinator, Placement Specialist Lead

Eldercare Services, Kaiser Permanente
Sacramento, CA
08.2016 - 02.2023
  • Expertise with every type of California insurance, all covered/non-covered benefits/criteria, contracting, negotiations; networking, interdisciplinary team leadership/training, and most healthcare technology applications
  • Acted as a primary regional placement consultant that supported director level escalations for exceptionally complex cases
  • Supported service area acute Continuity of Care teams (ROS, SAC, SSC COC) and Complex HUB as benefit/placement specialist
  • Created service area protocols that overcame barriers by recognizing opportunities for improvement and finding solutions that has been shared and adopted in various departments/regions
  • Assisted with Quality Review that investigated and resolved complaints
  • Conducted cost/benefit analysis that assisted in measurable positive outcomes and supported direct and upper leadership

Inpatient Care Coordinator

Dignity Health, Mercy San Juan Hospital
Carmichael, CA
08.2015 - 09.2016
  • Secured safe discharges as acute case manager in acute setting while maintaining appropriate length of stay and working with closely with interdisciplinary teams

Utilization Manager

Dignity Health
Rancho Cordova, CA
09.2013 - 08.2015
  • Facilitated acute to acute repatriation returns to in-network providers by verifying stability and coordination across multiple healthcare systems
  • Conducted highest level reviews for escalated claim requests for all levels of care and various services based on Milliman and InterQual Criteria

Case Manager

Health by Design
Sacramento, CA
10.2012 - 09.2013
  • Conducted concurrent review for Medical Group patients in acute setting
  • Directed discharge planning, provided authorizations, and lead acute interdisciplinary team

Nurse Clinical Liaison Lead

Kindred Hospital
Folsom, CA
03.2011 - 10.2012
  • Excelled as marketer, educator/speaker, assessor, benefit specialist, and intake coordinator for Long Term Acute Care and Acute care coordination
  • Acted as physician liaison, contract negotiator and staff trainer

Clinical Liaison Intake Coordinator

Atrium Medical Center
Corinth, TX
07.2010 - 03.2011
  • Served as key corporate representative, liaising with various parties in support of operational excellence

Registered Nurse

Denton Regional Medical Center
Denton, TX
05.2008 - 01.2010
  • Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of critically ill cardiac patients, including monitoring vital signs, interpreting cardiac rhythms, and evaluating laboratory results.
  • Critical Care Management: Administer medications, IV therapies, and treatments as prescribed, ensuring adherence to protocols for managing cardiac conditions.
  • Monitoring: Utilize advanced monitoring equipment to track patient status and respond promptly to changes in condition, including arrhythmias and other cardiac complications.

Education

RN-MSN -

Western Governors University
01.2023

Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN)

North Central Texas College
01.2008

Certified Nursing Assistant -

Mesa Community College
01.2006

Skills

  • Team Leadership and Development
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Strategic Project Management
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Contract Negotiation and Development
  • Financial Operations Oversight
  • Quality Assurance and Compliance
  • Resource Allocation and Budget Management
  • Staff Training and Mentorship
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Certification

Case Management Certification - CCMC, 2021-Present

Thrive Super User - Kaiser, 2021-Present

Certified Life Care Planner – Kaiser, 2019-Present

Health Connect Epic Super User – Kaiser, 2017-Present Team

Technology Department Super User – Kaiser, 2017-Present

Awards

  • Kaiser Thrive Top Performer 2021
  • National Student Nurse Association- 2008

Timeline

Nurse Manager

Kaiser Permanente
02.2024 - Current

Assistant Nurse Manager

Kaiser Permanente
06.2023 - 02.2024

Liaison

Kaiser Permanente
02.2023 - 06.2023

Patient Care Coordinator, Placement Specialist Lead

Eldercare Services, Kaiser Permanente
08.2016 - 02.2023

Inpatient Care Coordinator

Dignity Health, Mercy San Juan Hospital
08.2015 - 09.2016

Utilization Manager

Dignity Health
09.2013 - 08.2015

Case Manager

Health by Design
10.2012 - 09.2013

Nurse Clinical Liaison Lead

Kindred Hospital
03.2011 - 10.2012

Clinical Liaison Intake Coordinator

Atrium Medical Center
07.2010 - 03.2011

Registered Nurse

Denton Regional Medical Center
05.2008 - 01.2010

RN-MSN -

Western Governors University

Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN)

North Central Texas College

Certified Nursing Assistant -

Mesa Community College
Courtney Kohler