Open To Work
Deborah Laginess
Dimondale,MI
Summary
I am a Mental Health Billing Specialist who single-handedly managed all billing processes of a small Counseling Practice for the last two years. I spent the first year being trained by a professional biller and took the time to learn the EHR system Therapy Notes. I am trained in optimizing billing processes and enhancing customer satisfaction. Skilled in mental health billing and claims processing, I effectively resolved discrepancies and improved payment collection times, fostering strong client relationships through exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities. I keep up to date on changes in the insurance industry to ensure accuracy on claims and reduce denials. I have experience credentialing providers with most insurance companies in Michigan and manage keeping information for a practice up to date in insurance portals. I thoroughly enjoy problem solving and creative solutions. I look forward to whatever challenges a practice faces and care deeply about making sure my therapists are paid.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Billing Specialist
First Fruits Financial
Dimondale, MI
04.2023 - Current
- Processed billing inquiries to ensure accurate account management.
- Assisted in preparing invoices for timely delivery to clients.
- Maintained billing records and documentation for compliance purposes.
- Supported reconciliation of accounts to resolve discrepancies.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline billing processes.
- Utilized billing software to enter data and generate reports.
- Learned company policies and procedures to enhance accuracy in billing operations.
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
- Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Maintained detailed records of each account''s payment history, providing easy access to information for audit and analysis purposes.
- Reduced errors in financial records by conducting regular audits of billed accounts.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate invoice generation.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in billing rules and guidelines.
- Strengthened client relationships through effective communication regarding billing issues and concerns.
- Enhanced accuracy in patient billing through meticulous record-keeping and verification of insurance details.
- Assisted in transition to electronic billing, reducing paper waste and improving operational efficiency.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of billing regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to legal standards.
- Fostered strong relationships with healthcare providers and insurance representatives to facilitate efficient resolution of billing issues.
- Optimized payment collection times by implementing effective follow-up strategies with clients.
- Negotiated with insurance companies to resolve disputed claims, securing rightful payments.
- Managed monthly billing cycles to ensure timely issuance of invoices and statements.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure billing codes were accurately applied, optimizing reimbursement from insurance companies.
- Increased revenue retention by setting up follow-up system for outstanding payments.
- Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and clear communication regarding their billing inquiries.
- Responded to customer concerns and questions on daily basis.
- Monitored outstanding invoices and performed collections duties.
Practice Manager
Sanctuary Counseling
Holt, MI
04.2023 - 07.2025
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Oversaw scheduling and patient flow, optimizing therapist availability and reducing wait times.
- Implemented electronic health record system to enhance documentation accuracy and streamline processes (Therapy Notes)
- Coordinated billing processes, ensuring timely invoicing and compliance with insurance requirements.
- Addressed patient concerns promptly and professionally, demonstrating empathy and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Managed daily practice operations to optimize appointment scheduling, patient records management and billing functions.
- Oversaw accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry standards and best practices.
- Implemented new electronic health record system, leading to increased efficiency in patient data management.
- Coordinated with insurance providers to streamline the billing process and minimize any delays in reimbursement.
- Managed all aspects of billing and coding, reducing errors and improving reimbursement rates.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Online Shop Owner
Self Employed
Charlotte, MI
01.2015 - 04.2023
- Processed billing inquiries to ensure accurate account management.
- Assisted in preparing invoices for timely delivery to clients.
- Maintained billing records and documentation for compliance purposes.
- Supported reconciliation of accounts to resolve discrepancies.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline billing processes.
- Utilized billing software to enter data and generate reports.
- Learned company policies and procedures to enhance accuracy in billing operations.
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
- Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Maintained detailed records of each account''s payment history, providing easy access to information for audit and analysis purposes.
- Reduced errors in financial records by conducting regular audits of billed accounts.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate invoice generation.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in billing rules and guidelines.
- Strengthened client relationships through effective communication regarding billing issues and concerns.
- Enhanced accuracy in patient billing through meticulous record-keeping and verification of insurance details.
- Assisted in transition to electronic billing, reducing paper waste and improving operational efficiency.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of billing regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to legal standards.
- Fostered strong relationships with healthcare providers and insurance representatives to facilitate efficient resolution of billing issues.
- Optimized payment collection times by implementing effective follow-up strategies with clients.
- Negotiated with insurance companies to resolve disputed claims, securing rightful payments.
- Managed monthly billing cycles to ensure timely issuance of invoices and statements.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure billing codes were accurately applied, optimizing reimbursement from insurance companies.
- Increased revenue retention by setting up follow-up system for outstanding payments.
- Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and clear communication regarding their billing inquiries.
- Responded to customer concerns and questions on daily basis.
- Monitored outstanding invoices and performed collections duties.
Education
No Degree - Culinary
Baker College
5479 W 72nd St #102, Fremont, MI 49412High School Diploma -
Theodore Roosevelt High School
Wyandotte, MISkills
- Billing systems and software
- Insurance verification
- Invoice processing
- Customer service
- Claims processing
- Data entry proficiency
- Decision-making
- HIPAA compliance
- Account reconciliation
- Denial management
- Payment posting
- Customer engagement
- Month-end closing procedures
- Medical billing expertise
- Patient account management
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Verbal and written communication
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Data research
- Customer service support
- Account updating
- Administrative support
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionHealthcare benefitsCareer advancementTimeline
Mental Health Billing Specialist
First Fruits Financial
04.2023 - Current
Practice Manager
Sanctuary Counseling
04.2023 - 07.2025
Online Shop Owner
Self Employed
01.2015 - 04.2023
No Degree - Culinary
Baker College
High School Diploma -
Theodore Roosevelt High School