Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Criss Barker

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Director of Intake and Authorizations with a proven track record of optimizing intake processes, streamlining authorization procedures, and maximizing operational efficiency. Skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional patient care. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Strong communicator with the ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Committed to driving organizational success through innovation, accountability, and superior leadership

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Central Intake and Authorizations

Personal Touch Homecare
02.2023 - Current

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  • Developed comprehensive training programs for staff, enhancing their knowledge on contracting procedures and industry regulations.
  • Implemented risk management strategies to minimize contractual risks and protect company interests.
  • Enhanced interdepartmental communication through regular meetings and status updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Built strong relationships with industry partners through networking events, conferences, and seminars, expanding the company's reach within the sector.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
  • Streamlined authorization procedures for faster approval times and increased efficiency.
  • Streamlined the intake process by implementing new protocols and procedures, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with other managers to develop strategies for improving overall organizational performance related to client intakes.
  • Implemented quality assurance measures to maintain high standards in the collection and processing of client information during the intake phase.
  • Served as a subject matter expert within the organization on matters related to intake management and authorizations, providing guidance and support to colleagues as needed.
  • Evaluated software options for managing client data more efficiently, ultimately selecting a solution that significantly improved productivity within the department without sacrificing security or privacy.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.

Intake Manager

Personal Touch Home Care
02.2020 - 02.2023
  • Led a team of intake coordinators, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and on time to meet organizational goals.
  • Establishing and meeting monthly intake goals, including managing the intake schedule, guiding eligible and interested prospects through the intake process, and Ensuring all intake activities are adequately documented in the Management Information System
  • Responsible for building effective, motivated intake teams by Providing training and coaching in systems and best practices and Ensuring mastery of all facets of the Intake Specialist position for each team member
  • Enhanced client experience with timely follow-ups and comprehensive documentation of their needs and concerns.
  • Developed training materials for new staff, ensuring consistency in knowledge and understanding of the intake process.
  • Established productive relationships with external partners such as healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community organizations to facilitate smooth client transitions into our services.
  • Developed and maintained a comprehensive intake manual that served as the go-to resource for all staff involved in the client onboarding process.
  • Improved communication between departments by developing and implementing a centralized intake management system.

Senior Intake Specialist

Royal Care Certified Home Health Care
03.2018 - 01.2020
  • Conduct initial intake interview and needs assessment to determine treatment goals for Care
  • Management Services
  • Coordinate with insurance/case management offices for approval of care reimbursements for clients
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed care regulations as they relate to homecare services
  • Verify patient eligibility/insurance, resolve any issues, and verify patients' responsibility, such as co-payments and deductibles, through their insurance
  • Maintain and prepare quarterly caseload spreadsheets and track reports
  • Provide technical direction, training, and supervision to new intake staff.
  • Strengthened relationships with referral sources, leading to an increase in new clients and faster service provision.
  • Established best practices for the intake team, fostering a culture of excellence within the department.

Intake Supervisor

Excellent Home Care Services
08.2016 - 03.2018
  • Managed the day-to-day tactical and long-term strategic activities within the business
  • Assisted with the orientation of new professional staff to familiarize them with Agency policies and procedures
  • Generated quarterly and yearly event reports for department managers and directors to inform them of clients' experience and overall department productivity
  • Trained all intake staff on EMR systems such as CERNER and Homecare Home-base and trained staff on insurance eligibility/verification using EPACES, My Ability, MVP, and Medicare
  • Oversaw completion of admission, transfer, re-certification, resumption of care, and discharge OASISfor the home care patient as needed from Intake
  • Handled/resolved employee issues, including safety incidents, disagreements between employees,and last-minute decision-making.
  • Prioritized high-risk cases by assessing client needs accurately during the intake process, and allocating appropriate resources accordingly.
  • Communicated with referral sources, physicians, and associated staff to check documentation for proper signatures.
  • Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.

MLTC Service Coordinator

Excellent Home Care Services
06.2015 - 08.2016
  • Oversaw the scheduling and caseload distribution for RNs and social workers for the MLTC department
  • Responsible for the initiation, suspension, adjustment, or resumption of all services/supplies, including
  • DME, DMS, PCA, CDPAP, ADHC, SDC, Lifeline PERS, Authorization SOS, Skilled Services, etc
  • Coordinated with members, vendors, and providers to ensure timely delivery of quality in-home services aligned with members' service plans
  • Assured timely clinical updates to insurance companies and vendors such as Clinical notes, new/updated CMS-485 forms, interim orders, prescriptions, and DME requests/Updates via email, fax, and phone
  • Used appropriate billing codes/modifiers and worked with Billing & Provider Relations as needed.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize service operations and improve client experiences.
  • Maintained accurate records of all service activities, facilitating smooth communication between clients and technicians.
  • Assessed customer needs and developed solutions to meet needs.

Patient Care Representative

Advantage Care Physicians
03.2014 - 06.2015
  • Answered product and service questions in a high-volume call center; suggested benefits about company products and services to educate members over the phone or in person.
  • Completed all necessary paperwork and documentation (i.e., customer comments and follow-up actions) to complete customer requests and inquiries
  • Assisted new and existing patients with scheduling appointments, requesting lab orders/results, and other miscellaneous requests for all 37 of the company's major doctors' offices as well as accessing patient information using EPIC, phone, and email communications.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing timely and efficient care, addressing individual needs, and ensuring comfort throughout treatment.
  • Enhanced communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers through clear explanations of treatment plans and procedures.
  • Provided compassionate support to patients during difficult situations, offering emotional reassurance while maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between departments by coordinating appointments and sharing relevant documentation with other healthcare professionals as needed.

Enrollment Associate

Fidelis Care
06.2010 - 08.2013
  • Reviewed and determined eligibility for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus applications using NY state-defined regulations
  • Tracked, filed, and edited all technical documentation to ensure all customer accounts correctly reflected performed activity
  • Recorded and updated customer account information in a computer database to open, maintain, and reconcile member accounts
  • Outreach to new applicants by phone to clarify any discrepancies/errors on the application to facilitate the enrollment process.
  • Managed complex databases of applicant information, allowing for timely processing of applications and admissions decisions.
  • Improved application completion rates by proactively following up with applicants to address missing documentation or other issues.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration, Patient Safetyand Quality

Southern New Hampshire University

Skills

  • Contractual Obligations
  • Contract Performance Monitoring
  • Solution Coordination
  • Process Improvement Initiatives
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Employee Programs
  • Critical Thinking
  • Department Development

Timeline

Director of Central Intake and Authorizations

Personal Touch Homecare
02.2023 - Current

Intake Manager

Personal Touch Home Care
02.2020 - 02.2023

Senior Intake Specialist

Royal Care Certified Home Health Care
03.2018 - 01.2020

Intake Supervisor

Excellent Home Care Services
08.2016 - 03.2018

MLTC Service Coordinator

Excellent Home Care Services
06.2015 - 08.2016

Patient Care Representative

Advantage Care Physicians
03.2014 - 06.2015

Enrollment Associate

Fidelis Care
06.2010 - 08.2013

Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration, Patient Safetyand Quality

Southern New Hampshire University
Criss Barker