Estefani Melendez
Houston
Summary
Demonstrated knowledge of admissions, insurance verification and authorization processes in hospital settings.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Counselor
Houston Methodist
Houston
03.2024 - 09.2025
- Developed relationships with customers to build trust and encourage prompt payment.
- Processed incoming payments, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
- Assisted with completion of documentation for financial assistance, answered questions, and delivered key information.
- Processed financial aid documents and completed basic verification of information.
- Explained policies and procedures regarding payment plans and financial assistance programs to patients.
- Reviewed eligibility responses to assess patient benefit level and prepare estimates.
- Conducted financial counseling for patients, explaining payment options and assistance programs.
- Identified discrepancies in patient's insurance coverage or benefits, ensuring accuracy of data entered into system.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding their benefits and eligibility status.
- Updated patient and insurance data and input changes into company computer system.
- Called insurance companies to ascertain pertinent information regarding policies and payment benefits for patients.
- Contacted patients to arrange payment arrangements for deductible and out-of-pocket liability.
Insurance Verifier
Houston Methodist
Houston
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Monitored changes in health care policies and procedures related to insurance verification process.
- Verified insurance coverage and eligibility for services using computer software.
- Reviewed patient information to ensure accuracy of data entered into the system.
- Received, analyzed and responded to incoming calls from patients and providers regarding insurance issues.
- Provided customer service support by answering questions regarding benefits, coverage, payment plans.
- Called insurance companies to ascertain pertinent information regarding policies and payment benefits for patients.
- Verified that patients had proper insurance coverage prior to procedures or appointment scheduling.
- Tracked and maintained accurate records of all authorization requests.
- Advised medical staff on the status of authorization requests.
Pre Registration
Houston Methodist
Houston
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Reviewed patient information and verified accuracy of demographic data in order to register patients.
- Entered all patient information into the registration system accurately and efficiently.
- Followed up with patients regarding outstanding balances on accounts while exercising discretion when necessary.
- Maintained confidentiality of protected health information according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Answered phones promptly and professionally; responded appropriately and courteously to caller inquiries.
- Ensured that pre-registration activities are completed accurately prior to each appointment date.
- Checked insurance benefits, received payments and provided receipts.
- Answered questions about admissions, financial and hospital policies.
- Developed a working knowledge of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid regulations and requirements.
- Provided customer service support by answering questions regarding benefits, coverage, and payment plans.
Patient Access Associate PRN
Houston Methodist
Houston
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Greeted patients and visitors in a friendly, professional manner.
- Verified patient information through insurance eligibility checks.
- Assisted with registration of new patients and updating existing patient records.
- Processed payments for services rendered including co-pays and deductibles.
- Answered telephone calls promptly, routing them to appropriate personnel as necessary.
- Resolved any issues that arose during registration process in a timely manner.
- Verified demographics and insurance information to register patients in computer system.
- Communicated financial obligations to patients and collected fees at time of service.
- Registered patients by completing face-to-face interviews to obtain demographic, insurance and medical information.
- Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
Patient Access Representative II
Memorial Hermann
Houston
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Greeted patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
- Processed patient admissions, registrations, transfers, and discharges according to established procedures.
- Collected co-pays and other payments from patients at time of service.
- Scanned documents into electronic health record system for permanent storage.
- Provided excellent customer service by answering inquiries and resolving any issues that arose.
- Communicated effectively both verbally and in writing with patients, families and healthcare professionals in a professional manner at all times.
- Scanned documents into EMR system; updated and maintained files according to established protocol.
- Gathered personal and insurance information from each patient.
Education
GED -
Houston Community College
Houston, TXSkills
- Healthcare regulations
- Customer service experience
- Confidentiality
- Strong MS Office abilities
- Insurance Verification
- Insurance and medical terminology
- Attention to Detail
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Financial Counselor
Houston Methodist
03.2024 - 09.2025
Insurance Verifier
Houston Methodist
08.2023 - 03.2024
Pre Registration
Houston Methodist
08.2022 - 08.2023
Patient Access Associate PRN
Houston Methodist
02.2022 - 08.2022
Patient Access Representative II
Memorial Hermann
09.2018 - 03.2020
GED -
Houston Community College