Deborah Rush
Webster City,IA
Summary
Experienced Patient Access Representative with a strong background in healthcare support and emergency communication. Skilled in patient registration, insurance verification, and electronic health records management. Dedicated to providing exceptional service and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams to improve patient care, and streamline processes.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Access Representative
Van Diest Medical Center
Webster City, Iowa
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Managed patient check-in processes efficiently and accurately.
- Verified insurance information and collected necessary documentation.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling for diverse medical services.
- Assisted patients with inquiries regarding their accounts and services.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for data entry and retrieval.
- Communicated effectively with healthcare staff to ensure seamless operations.
- Handled patient referrals to appropriate medical departments promptly.
- Applied HIPAA privacy and security regulations while handling patient information.
- Collected co-pays and other payments from patients at time of service.
- Answered phones promptly in a professional manner.
- Scanned documents into electronic medical records system.
- Greeted patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
- Verified insurance coverage for services provided by the facility.
- Registered patients by completing face-to-face interviews to obtain demographic, insurance, and medical information.
- Obtained necessary signatures for privacy laws and consent for treatment.
- Created new patient accounts in EMR system as needed.
- Performed pre-registration functions such as verifying demographic information, obtaining authorizations, and collecting deposits and co-payments.
- Explained various admission forms and policies, acquiring signatures for consent.
- Organized and maintained records by updating and obtaining both personal and financial information from patients.
- Provided assistance to internal departments when needed.
- Assisted with scheduling outpatient appointments.
- Actively participated in team meetings and training sessions.
- Monitored waiting areas to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for patients and visitors.
- Participated in training sessions to stay updated on healthcare policies and registration software.
- Handled high volume of incoming calls, providing exceptional customer service to patients and families.
- Facilitated patient registration, verifying all required documentation is collected and filed properly.
- Cultivated positive relationships with patients to help facility meet satisfaction scores and patients obtain best possible care.
- Organized timely and accurate referrals to help patients obtain health care services and access available resources.
- Documented patient counters in hospital system and initiated follow-up actions.
- Reported liabilities and risk management concerns to supervisor for review.
Police Communications Dispatcher
City of Webster City
Webster City, Iowa
12.2019 - 09.2025
- Operated multi-line telephone systems for emergency and non-emergency calls.
- Coordinated communication between law enforcement, emergency services, and the public.
- Monitored radio transmissions for dispatching police units efficiently.
- Maintained accurate logs of calls and incidents for record-keeping purposes.
- Assisted in training new dispatchers on protocols and procedures.
- Evaluated situations quickly to prioritize response actions effectively.
- Utilized computer-aided dispatch systems for real-time information sharing.
- Provided vital information to officers in the field during emergencies.
- Entered data into computer systems used for tracking information related to police operations.
- Maintained accurate records of all calls received and actions taken for future reference.
- Conducted research using specialized databases such as NCIC, CLEAN, WACIC.
- Dispatched units to a variety of locations based on priority levels and available resources.
- Received emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, determined nature of call and dispatched appropriate personnel.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining calm under pressure.
- Took caller information, read associated computer information and documented vital details in call tracking and assignment system.
- Delivered informative details to law enforcement and other first responders in preparation for situations prior to arrival.
- Served as a liaison between dispatchers, officers in the field, and other law enforcement personnel.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive material or privileged information.
- Monitored radio frequencies to ensure proper communication between police officers in the field and dispatch staff.
- Initiated follow up contacts with citizens involved in incidents or investigations if needed.
- Utilized standard operating procedures while providing services during emergency situations.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to provide assistance during high priority events or incidents.
- Responded quickly to inquiries from citizens regarding police activity in their area.
- Provided support services such as warrant checks and background searches for officers in the field upon request.
- Established contact with victims or witnesses who may have pertinent information regarding an ongoing investigation.
- Operated law enforcement communication equipment and NCIC database to facilitate information to department.
- Maintained contact with units on assignment to deliver further assistance and support when needed.
- Researched vehicular registration, driving records and warrant information to support officers with traffic stops.
- Handled emergency phone calls calmly and obtained pertinent information with composed approach.
- Researched vehicle, wanted and missing persons information.
- Advised personnel about accidents, weather conditions or other hazards.
- Mentored junior team members and managed employee relationships.
911 Telecommunicator
City Of Iowa Falls
Iowa Falls, Iowa
08.2015 - 12.2019
- Operated communication equipment to receive emergency calls and dispatch responders.
- Coordinated responses with police, fire, and medical personnel during emergencies.
- Maintained accurate records of calls and response activities in the system.
- Provided critical information to first responders to ensure effective assistance.
- Monitored radio traffic and communicated updates to responding units promptly.
- Assisted in training new telecommunicators on procedures and protocols.
- Implemented improvements in call-handling procedures for increased efficiency.
- Utilized multi-line phone systems to manage high call volumes effectively.
- Answered incoming 911 calls and determined the nature of emergency.
- Provided pre-arrival instructions to callers regarding medical, fire, and other emergencies.
- Dispatched appropriate personnel to respond to emergency situations.
- Updated CAD system regularly with status reports from field units on location and progress of their assignments.
- Documented all relevant details from each call in computer-aided dispatch system.
- Received requests for non-emergency services such as tow trucks, ambulances, locksmiths. and dispatched resources accordingly.
- Communicated with dispatchers from other jurisdictions to coordinate mutual aid responses across county lines or state borders when necessary.
- Coordinated response efforts between police, fire departments, EMS units, hospitals and other agencies involved in responding to an incident.
- Prioritized multiple simultaneous calls based on severity of incident reported by caller.
- Participated in training sessions related to new technologies used in Emergency Dispatching.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork, scheduling shift coverage, maintaining records.
- Maintained contact with callers until help arrived at scene.
- Monitored radio frequency for active incidents or events requiring dispatch assistance.
- Evaluated incoming calls for accuracy and completeness of information received.
- Advised field units on proper protocol when responding to hazardous material spills or criminal activity scenes.
- Alerted supervisors immediately if any life threatening situation arose while communicating with a caller or monitoring field unit progress.
- Kept abreast of changes in local traffic patterns and road closures due to accidents or construction activities.
- Followed up with callers after resolution of event and incident to ensure satisfaction with service provided.
- Used radio, telephone and computer system to update first responders with new information.
- Mitigated risks and emergency response delays by efficiently monitoring public safety field units.
- Researched vehicle, wanted and missing persons information.
- Advised personnel about accidents, weather conditions or other hazards.
- Mentored junior team members and managed employee relationships.
- Responded to emergency calls routed by automatic distribution system.
Certified Medical Assistant
ABCM Corporation
Hampton, Iowa
08.2014 - 04.2015
- Managed electronic health records with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Certified Medical Assistant
Franklin Medical Center
Hampton, Iowa
- Assisted in patient intake and medical history documentation.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient follow-ups effectively.
- Managed electronic health records with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prepared examination rooms and ensured proper sterilization of instruments.
- Supported physicians during examinations and procedures as needed.
- Educated patients on medication usage and health maintenance practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to improve patient care processes.
- Conducted basic laboratory tests and communicated results appropriately.
- Administered injections, immunizations, medications, wound dressings and other treatments according to physician instructions.
- Maintained cleanliness in examination rooms by stocking supplies and disposing of used materials properly.
- Assisted physicians and nurses with patient exams, including taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, and updating medical records.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as EKGs or hearing screenings in accordance with established protocols.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Scheduled appointments for patients via phone and in person.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Answered patient calls promptly and directed inquiries to the appropriate department when needed.
- Collected urine samples from patients for drug screens or pregnancy tests when necessary.
- Prepared specimens for laboratory testing and performed routine laboratory tests.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures such as suturing lacerations or removing stitches under the direction of a physician.
- Maintained accurate records of patient visits including diagnosis information, treatment notes, prescriptions.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies ensuring adequate stock levels were maintained at all times.
- Interviewed patients to verify information, record medical history and confirm purpose of visit.
- Assessed, documented, and monitored vital signs for patients within outpatient setting.
- Ensured that all equipment was functioning correctly prior to use during patient examinations or treatments.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Provided support to patients by helping them fill out forms and answering their questions about health care services.
- Administered rapid tests for COVID and strep to help clinical staff assess conditions.
- Contributed to office operations by triaging patients by severity of medical complaint.
- Obtained insurance authorizations for prescribed medications or treatments for patients in need of financial assistance programs.
- Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
- Assisted with scheduling patient appointments and follow-up visits.
- Cleaned and maintained medical equipment following procedures and standards.
- Participated in team meetings to improve workflows and contribute to improving patient population outcomes.
- Documented notes during patient visits.
- Collected, labeled and stored laboratory specimens properly prior to testing.
- Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
- Changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Contacted medical facilities to schedule patients for admission.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
Certified Medical Assistant
McFarland Clinic
Webster City, Iowa
- Assisted in patient intake and medical history documentation.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient follow-ups effectively.
- Managed electronic health records with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prepared examination rooms and ensured proper sterilization of instruments.
- Supported physicians during examinations and procedures as needed.
- Educated patients on medication usage and health maintenance practices.
- Conducted basic laboratory tests and communicated results appropriately.
- Partnered with healthcare team to enhance patient care processes.
- Administered injections, immunizations, medications, wound dressings and other treatments according to physician instructions.
- Maintained cleanliness in examination rooms by stocking supplies and disposing of used materials properly.
- Assisted physicians and nurses with patient exams, including taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, and updating medical records.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as EKGs or hearing screenings in accordance with established protocols.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Answered patient calls promptly and directed inquiries to the appropriate department when needed.
- Collected urine samples from patients for drug screens or pregnancy tests when necessary.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures such as suturing lacerations or removing stitches under the direction of a physician.
- Maintained accurate records of patient visits including diagnosis information, treatment notes, prescriptions.
- Interviewed patients to verify information, record medical history and confirm purpose of visit.
- Assessed, documented, and monitored vital signs for patients within outpatient setting.
- Ensured that all equipment was functioning correctly prior to use during patient examinations or treatments.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Provided support to patients by helping them fill out forms and answering their questions about health care services.
- Administered rapid tests for COVID and strep to help clinical staff assess conditions.
- Contributed to office operations by triaging patients by severity of medical complaint.
- Obtained insurance authorizations for prescribed medications or treatments for patients in need of financial assistance programs.
- Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
- Cleaned and maintained medical equipment following procedures and standards.
- Participated in team meetings to improve workflows and contribute to improving patient population outcomes.
- Documented notes during patient visits.
- Collected, labeled and stored laboratory specimens properly prior to testing.
- Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
- Changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Contacted medical facilities to schedule patients for admission.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
- Supported administrative staff by processing payments.
Certified Medical Assistant
Community health center
Fort Dodge, Iowa
- Assisted in patient intake and medical history documentation.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient follow-ups effectively.
- Managed electronic health records with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prepared examination rooms and ensured proper sterilization of instruments.
- Supported physicians during examinations and procedures as needed.
- Educated patients on medication usage and health maintenance practices.
- Partnered with healthcare team to enhance patient care processes.
- Conducted basic laboratory tests and communicated results appropriately.
- Administered injections, immunizations, medications, wound dressings and other treatments according to physician instructions.
- Maintained cleanliness in examination rooms by stocking supplies and disposing of used materials properly.
- Assisted physicians and nurses with patient exams, including taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, and updating medical records.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as EKGs or hearing screenings in accordance with established protocols.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Answered patient calls promptly and directed inquiries to the appropriate department when needed.
- Collected urine samples from patients for drug screens or pregnancy tests when necessary.
- Prepared specimens for laboratory testing and performed routine laboratory tests.
- Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures such as suturing lacerations or removing stitches under the direction of a physician.
- Maintained accurate records of patient visits including diagnosis information, treatment notes, prescriptions.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies ensuring adequate stock levels were maintained at all times.
- Interviewed patients to verify information, record medical history and confirm purpose of visit.
- Assessed, documented, and monitored vital signs for patients within outpatient setting.
- Ensured that all equipment was functioning correctly prior to use during patient examinations or treatments.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Provided support to patients by helping them fill out forms and answering their questions about health care services.
- Administered rapid tests for COVID and strep to help clinical staff assess conditions.
- Contributed to office operations by triaging patients by severity of medical complaint.
- Obtained insurance authorizations for prescribed medications or treatments for patients in need of financial assistance programs.
- Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
- Assisted with scheduling patient appointments and follow-up visits.
- Cleaned and maintained medical equipment following procedures and standards.
- Participated in team meetings to improve workflows and contribute to improving patient population outcomes.
- Documented notes during patient visits.
- Collected, labeled and stored laboratory specimens properly prior to testing.
- Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
- Changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Contacted medical facilities to schedule patients for admission.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
- Supported administrative staff by processing payments.
Quality Control Inspector
Electrolux Home Products
Webster City, Iowa
01.1987 - 08.2008
- Inspected finished products for quality and compliance with specifications.
- Conducted routine tests using specialized measuring equipment and tools.
- Collaborated with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
- Documented inspection results and maintained accurate records for audits.
- Trained new staff on quality control procedures and safety standards.
- Monitored production processes to ensure adherence to quality guidelines.
- Assisted in developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
- Reported non-conformance issues to management for further investigation.
- Inspected products for defects and conformance to customer specifications using precision measuring instruments.
- Documented inspection results by completing reports and logs and summarizing and entering data into quality database.
- Monitored production processes to ensure quality standards were met and documented results of inspections.
- Tested finished goods prior to shipment according to established protocols.
- Maintained records of all nonconforming products and completed corrective actions as required.
- Assessed materials, parts and products for conformance with quality control requirements and production specifications.
- Trained new employees on proper use of test equipment and inspection techniques.
- Verified accuracy of product labels, including expiration dates and lot numbers.
- Communicated effectively with management regarding progress toward meeting quality objectives.
- Oversaw proper tagging and identification of parts and components, enabling rejected or non-repairable parts to be properly marked, quarantined and rendered unusable.
- Recommended improvement measures to production process to meet quality control standards.
- Used specialized tools to take precise measurements of various aspects of samples.
- Consulted with engineers to resolve quality, production, and efficiency problems.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations by monitoring workers during the manufacturing process.
- Performed first article inspection on incoming raw materials.
- Analyzed data from process control systems to identify trends in product quality.
- Identified areas for improvement in existing processes, procedures, and equipment.
- Conducted root cause analysis investigations when issues arose with production processes or end-products.
- Participated in internal and external audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Completed non-destructive tests and conducted continuous inspections.
- Developed corrective action plans based on findings from investigations and audits.
- Provided technical support to other departments regarding quality related topics and initiatives.
- Analyzed plans, specifications and blueprints to understand product requirements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex problems related to product design or manufacturing processes.
- Evaluated suppliers' performance against established criteria for quality assurance purposes.
- Assisted engineering department with design verification tests as needed.
- Ensured that all products met customer requirements prior to shipment.
- Notified supervisors or other relevant personnel of test or production issues.
- Marked materials with grade or acceptance status.
- Selected samples for use as test models.
- Oversaw disposal of products, materials and equipment not in compliance with tolerances, safety standards, or quality levels.
- Matched arriving materials with purchase orders, submitted discrepancy forms as necessary.
- Made adjustments to equipment or calibrated instruments to required tolerances.
- Learned new testing methods through continued education and research.
- Calibrated products to match design and operational specifications.
- Compared product and materials colors, shapes, textures and grades with predetermined templates.
- Noted changes during testing in project documentation.
- Repaired malfunctions, reassembled items, and performed final tests.
- Positioned components, parts or materials for testing.
- Administered competency tests to determine engineers or operators are qualified to use equipment.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assistant
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IASkills
- Patient registration and insurance verification
- Electronic health records management
- Appointment scheduling and check-in
- Medical terminology expertise
- Customer service excellence
- Data entry accuracy
- Effective communication skills
- Team collaboration and building
- Active listening proficiency
- Organizational skills and multitasking
- EMR system updates
- Patient identity verification compliance
- HIPAA regulations knowledge
- Records maintenance and management
- Phone and email etiquette mastery
- Training coordination and facilitation
- Empathy in patient interactions
- Process improvement strategies
- Intake assessment techniques
- Verbal and written communication proficiency
- Medical coding knowledge
- Information collection from patients
- Punctuality and work ethic under pressure
Timeline
Patient Access Representative
Van Diest Medical Center
08.2025 - 12.2025
Police Communications Dispatcher
City of Webster City
12.2019 - 09.2025
911 Telecommunicator
City Of Iowa Falls
08.2015 - 12.2019
Certified Medical Assistant
ABCM Corporation
08.2014 - 04.2015
Quality Control Inspector
Electrolux Home Products
01.1987 - 08.2008
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assistant
Iowa Central Community College
Certified Medical Assistant
Franklin Medical Center
Certified Medical Assistant
McFarland Clinic
Certified Medical Assistant
Community health center