Darene Starks
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Detail-oriented Specimen Processing Specialist with over 20 years of laboratory experience. Skilled in specimen preparation, data documentation, and fostering effective team communication. Focused on optimizing workflow efficiency and maintaining accurate records to enhance laboratory operations. Committed to compliance standards and ensuring precise specimen handling.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Specimen Processing Specialist
Labcorp-Christ Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio
03.2025 - 01.2026
- Process incoming specimens according to established lab protocols.
- Prepare specimens for testing by labeling and storing appropriately.
- Operate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate specimen handling.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in the processing area.
- Document specimen receipt and processing in laboratory information systems.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Communicate effectively with staff regarding specimen status updates.
- Reviewed patient data before sample processing to confirm accuracy.
- Verified the identity of patients' samples prior to processing according to established policies.
- Processed specimens in a timely manner according to laboratory protocols.
- Adhered to safety guidelines while handling hazardous materials.
- Ensured proper labeling and tracking of specimens throughout the processing cycle.
- Assisted in developing and implementing procedures for effective specimen collection, storage, and transport.
- Assisted with training new personnel on proper specimen collection and processing methods.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies needed for specimen processing.
- Followed strict confidentiality protocol when dealing with sensitive information related to patient samples.
- Maintained records of all processed specimens in accordance with laboratory standards.
- Prepared specimens for in-house testing and for transport to off-site reference laboratories.
Specimen Processing Specialist
Labcorp-University Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio
04.2019 - 03.2025
- Process incoming specimens according to established lab protocols.
- Prepare specimens for testing by labeling and storing appropriately.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in the processing area.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Communicate effectively with staff regarding specimen status updates.
- Reviewed patient data prior to sample processing to ensure accuracy.
- Verified the identity of patients' samples prior to processing according to established policies.
- Processed specimens promptly according to laboratory protocols.
- Adhered to safety guidelines while handling hazardous materials.
- Performed routine maintenance on equipment used in specimen processing.
- Ensured proper labeling and tracking of specimens throughout the processing cycle.
- Assisted in developing and implementing specimen collection, storage, and transport procedures.
- Followed strict confidentiality protocol when dealing with sensitive information related to patient samples.
- Maintained records of all processed specimens in accordance with laboratory standards.
- Labeled and numbered specimens for accurate recordkeeping and blind testing.
- Prepared specimens for in-house testing and for transport to off-site reference laboratories.
- Unloaded, unpacked and routed incoming specimens by type to different staging areas for further processing.
- Handled hematology and chemistry samples for accurate testing.
Front Desk Receptionist
Byer Steel
Cincinnati, Ohio
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Greeted visitors and clients with professionalism and courtesy.
- Managed multi-line phone system and directed calls efficiently.
- Coordinated mail distribution and managed incoming correspondence to ensure timely communication.
- Delivered excellent customer service by promptly addressing inquiries via phone or email.
- Performed data entry into computer systems to maintain accurate records of customer information.
- Handled payment processing and provided customers with receipts and proper bills and change.
- Oversaw incoming and outgoing mail, courier services, and faxes to maintain efficient communication flow.
- Drafted professional business documents, spreadsheets, and correspondence.
Receptionist & Stat lab Coodinator
Labcorp
Cincinnati, Ohio
05.2005 - 12.2016
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring smooth visitor check-in processes.
- Greeted visitors and provided them with assistance.
- Answered multi-line phone system, directing calls to appropriate departments.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Provided excellent customer service at all times while interacting with both internal and external customers.
- Maintained a neat reception area by organizing materials and tidying up furniture.
- Maintained security by following procedures, monitoring logbooks, and issuing visitor badges.
- Ensured security by validating visitor identification before granting building entry.
- Updated daily log book with information about visitors entering the premises.
- Coordinated incoming mail distribution, courier services, faxes, and photocopying requests to support office operations.
- Handled mail distribution, including sorting and forwarding incoming mail and preparing outgoing mail.
- Assisted with administrative tasks, including filing and data entry for patient information.
- Performed data entry tasks into various computer systems accurately and promptly.
- Updated and recorded customer or client information to maintain accounts.
- Provided administrative support to staff members by typing letters, filing documents, and scanning and copying documents.
- Delivered administrative support to team members by making copies, sending faxes, organizing documents and rearranging schedules.
- Assisted various departments with document preparation and data entry, streamlining administrative processes.
- Utilized office equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines, ensuring they were in good working order.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of the reception area to maintain a professional atmosphere.
- Participated in emergency response drills and maintained knowledge of safety procedures.
- Assisted in maintaining office supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
- Transmitted information or documents to customers through email, mailings or facsimile machine.
- Transmitted information or documents to customers through email, mailings or facsimile machine.
Medical Billing Specialist
Labcorp
Cincinnati, Ohio
01.1986 - 05.2005
- Verify patient insurance eligibility and coverage details promptly.
- Reviewed billing discrepancies and resolved issues with healthcare providers to ensure timely payment.
- Communicated with patients regarding billing inquiries and payment options to improve patient satisfaction.
- Prepared and submitted accurate claims to various insurance companies, enhancing cash flow.
- Maintain organized records of patient accounts and transactions efficiently.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with billing regulations.
- Contacted insurance providers to verify insurance information and obtain billing authorization.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations when handling confidential patient information.
- Maintained current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulation, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
- Reviewed claims for coding accuracy.
- Verified the accuracy of claim data prior to submission to insurance carriers.
- Accurately coded diagnostics and prepared billing statements for patients.
- Created and processed claims to third-party payers using specific coding guidelines.
- Worked closely with clinical staff to ensure accurate coding practices were followed.
- Applied payments, adjustments, and denials into medical manager system.
- Maintained detailed records of all billing activities including denials, adjustments, and payments received.
- Provided customer service support to patients who had questions about their bills or payments due.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance by maintaining confidentiality of all patient information.
- Managed billing processes, waivers, and claims for both private and commercial clients.
- Submitted claims to insurance companies.
- Checked claims coding for accuracy with ICD-10 standards.
- Participated in workshops, seminars, and training classes to gain stronger education in industry updates and federal regulations.
- Process medical claims using Labcorp's billing software and systems.
- Precisely completed appropriate paperwork and system entry regarding claims.
- Applied HIPAA privacy and security regulations while handling patient information.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - Clerical Training
Goodwill Industries
Cincinnati, OH12-1985
Skills
- Specimen processing
- Specimen preparation
- Specimen handling
- Sample preparation
- Sample storage
- Centrifuge operation
- Centrifugation techniques
- Pipetting techniques
- Labeling accuracy
- Proper labeling
- Body fluid analysis
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Hematology techniques
- Temperature monitoring
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Biohazard disposal
- Hazardous material handling
- Laboratory safety
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Compliance adherence
- HIPAA compliance
- Confidentiality compliance
- Data documentation
- Result reporting
- Clinical laboratory experience
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking
- Detail-oriented
- Professionalism
- Active listening
- Goal setting
- Safety protocols
- Disease diagnosis
- Patient identification
- Active listening
- Goal setting
- Detail-oriented
- Professionalism
- Multitasking
Timeline
Specimen Processing Specialist
Labcorp-Christ Hospital
03.2025 - 01.2026
Specimen Processing Specialist
Labcorp-University Hospital
04.2019 - 03.2025
Front Desk Receptionist
Byer Steel
08.2017 - 10.2018
Receptionist & Stat lab Coodinator
Labcorp
05.2005 - 12.2016
Medical Billing Specialist
Labcorp
01.1986 - 05.2005
Certificate of Technical Studies - Clerical Training
Goodwill Industries