Diane Buckingham
Allegan
Summary
Demonstrative eligibility specialist proudly offering several years' experience assisting others with enrollment and program services. Polished professional known for interactions that are fair, compassionate and respectful. Promoting issue resolution expertise in fast-paced environments.
Compassionate professional motivated to positively impact program operations and participant success with diligent support. Well-trained the field with dedication to continuously enhancing strategies and optimizing assistance. Highly organized and hardworking with strong attention to detail.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Eligibility Specialist
State of Michigan Department of Human Services
Grand Rapids
07.2022 - Current
- Evaluated client applications for eligibility in government assistance programs.
- Conducted interviews to gather necessary information from applicants.
- Reviewed documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Assisted clients in understanding their benefits and rights under programs.
- Coordinated with other departments to resolve eligibility issues promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and case updates.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of program regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Reviewed applications for eligibility and determined whether applicants met the criteria to receive benefits.
- Reviewed applications to verify client information and resolve discrepancies.
- Processed client applications in accordance with established guidelines.
- Analyzed financial information provided by applicants to verify income levels.
- Explained reasons behind application denials and recommended further action.
- Conversed with people from different cultures daily, providing high level of respect and patience with each interaction.
- Conducted detailed interviews with applicants to determine their eligibility for assistance programs.
- Communicated regularly with clients regarding their application status or changes in policies or procedures that may affect them.
- Managed intake of new claims and performed routine follow-ups.
- Verified applicant's identity and other relevant documents such as birth certificates or Social Security cards.
- Explained eligibility details and affordability options to patients with kindness and respect.
- Provided guidance on how to apply for benefits and answered questions related to the process.
- Monitored client accounts for any changes that could impact eligibility requirements.
- Researched case histories, court decisions, legal articles, statutes, codes, and other data pertinent to determination of eligibility.
- Assessed potential fraud cases by conducting investigations into suspicious activities.
- Granted, modified, denied, or terminated assistance based on key information and eligibility determination.
- Maintained confidential patient documentation to prevent data compromise and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Conducted interviews with applicants, explaining benefits process, and which programs were available.
- Answered questions and responded to inquiries to deliver high level of service to patients.
- Informed applicants of other agencies providing useful or related assistance.
Disability Claims Examiner
State of Michigan Department of Human Services
Lansing
09.2018 - 06.2022
- Evaluated disability claims for eligibility and compliance with state regulations.
- Reviewed medical records to determine claim validity and necessary documentation.
- Communicated with claimants regarding their application status and required information.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to gather additional evidence for claims processing.
- Analyzed data to identify trends and improve claims processing efficiency.
- Ensured timely resolution of claims by adhering to established guidelines and procedures.
Clinical Supervisor
Metro Health University Of Michigan Health
Grand Rapids
05.2018 - 09.2018
- Supervised clinical staff to ensure adherence to patient care protocols.
- Coordinated training programs for new healthcare professionals and interns.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives for service delivery.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff on best practices in clinical care.
- Managed scheduling and staffing needs to optimize resource allocation in departments.
- Actively sought out continuing education opportunities related to clinical practice areas.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss best practices for client care.
- Provided direct supervision of clinical staff, including orientation, training and development of employees.
- Reviewed case notes and other documentation to ensure compliance with regulations and standards of care.
- Evaluated patients, determined care needs and managed implementation of treatment plan.
- Created and implemented improvement plans to resolve issues and drive improvements to deficient areas.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary communication among members of the healthcare team regarding patient care issues.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Sparrow
Saranac
06.2015 - 05.2018
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and medical procedures.
- Maintained patient records and updated electronic health information systems.
- Prepared patients for diagnostic tests and assisted during procedures.
- Educated patients on treatment plans and wellness strategies.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and infection control standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care delivery.
- Assisted physicians with clinical procedures such as suturing, drawing blood, and administering injections.
- Performed patient intake, including taking vital signs and medical histories.
- Led patients to exam rooms, answered general questions and prepared patients for physician by explaining process.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations within the clinic setting by following established protocols.
- Maintained up-to-date records of patient care, condition, progress, and concerns in the electronic health record system.
- Performed laboratory specimen collections such as urine samples or throat swabs according to established standards.
- Administered medication under the direction of a physician or nurse practitioner using proper safety protocols.
- Educated patients about medications, procedures and physician's instructions.
- Communicated effectively with patients to provide a positive experience throughout their visit.
- Documented lab results accurately into the Electronic Medical Record system.
- Ordered laboratory tests and interpreted results in collaboration with healthcare team members.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Incorporated outside records into charts and EHR.
- Cleaned and maintained medical equipment following procedures and standards.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Positioned patients properly during examination or treatment for comfort and safety.
- Kept facility stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
- Changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Administration
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI 08.2011 - 12.2017
Everest Institute
Grand Rapids, MI 02.2001 - 12.2001
Skills
- Evaluate applications
- Compliance review
- Client communication
- Application processing
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Verbal communication
- Documentation and reporting
- Social services
- Microsoft office
- Interviewing techniques
- Application review
- Disability awareness
- Confidentiality
- Medicaid
- Interviewing
- Public assistance programs
Timeline
Eligibility Specialist
State of Michigan Department of Human Services
07.2022 - Current
Disability Claims Examiner
State of Michigan Department of Human Services
09.2018 - 06.2022
Clinical Supervisor
Metro Health University Of Michigan Health
05.2018 - 09.2018
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Sparrow
06.2015 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Health Administration
Davenport University
08.2011 - 12.2017
Everest Institute
02.2001 - 12.2001