Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Lewis

Spirit Lake

Summary

Dynamic Health Care Coordinator with extensive experience at PeaceHealth Southwest, excelling in patient care coordination and effective communication. Proven ability to enhance healthcare delivery systems and develop tailored treatment plans. Skilled in electronic health records and critical thinking, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Health Care Coordinator

Keelson Harbour
Spirit Lake
10.2023 - Current
  • Monitored patient care plans to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
  • Educated patients on available medical resources and helped them access community assistance programs.
  • Provided support to physicians by scheduling appointments, arranging laboratory tests and organizing referrals.
  • Facilitated communication between healthcare providers, patients and families in order to coordinate optimal care.
  • Responded to inquiries from patients regarding their care plans and insurance coverage options.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, physicians, hospitals, insurance companies and other involved parties.
  • Conducted periodic reviews of patient charts to ensure accuracy of information and completeness of documentation.
  • Developed strategies to improve efficiency in healthcare delivery systems.
  • Organized meetings between staff members to discuss new policies or changes in existing regulations.
  • Assisted with the development of multidisciplinary treatment plans tailored to meet individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate patient records, including medical histories, test results, treatments and progress notes.
  • Followed organizational guidelines to assure compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality standards.
  • Delivered thorough and accurate documentation to create detailed additions to patient's electronic health record.
  • Scheduled urgent tests and examinations by juggling patient schedule with company calendar.

Assistant Nurse Manager, Care Management

PeaceHealth Southwest
Vancouver
05.2021 - 10.2022
  • Collaborated with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare personnel to provide comprehensive patient care services.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives.
  • Attended conferences or seminars relevant to the field of nursing management.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to assess patients' progress and develop treatment plans.
  • Provided leadership and direction to nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care.
  • Developed strategies for improving overall efficiency of the Care Management Department.
  • Developed and implemented care management plan to address needs and goals.
  • Facilitated communication between payers, providers and patients concerning authorization issues or concerns.
  • Coordinated with other departments within the organization regarding changes in policy or procedure implementation.
  • Developed case management plans based on individual patient needs and eligibility criteria.

Utilization Review Nurse, Care Management

PeaceHealth Southwest
Vancouver
04.2015 - 05.2021
  • Analyzed data from patient surveys, interviews and other sources to assess healthcare service quality.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of health plan benefits, policies, procedures, regulations, coding guidelines.
  • Facilitated communication between payers, providers and patients concerning authorization issues or concerns.
  • Developed case management plans based on individual patient needs and eligibility criteria.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement within the utilization review process through data analysis.
  • Served as a resource for staff members seeking guidance on utilization review matters.
  • Assessed patient medical records to determine the appropriateness of requested services and procedures.
  • Evaluated clinical documentation for accuracy and completeness in order to make decisions about coverage determinations.
  • Provided education to providers regarding utilization management processes and protocols.
  • Participated in provider meetings to discuss cases involving complex medical conditions or difficult authorization decisions.
  • Conducted reviews of inpatient utilization for compliance with admission criteria and concurrent review requirements.
  • Generated reports related to utilization management activities such as length of stay trends, denials rates.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams on developing strategies for improving care quality and controlling costs.

Registered Nurse, Trauma/Neuro/Surgical Floor Nurse

PeaceHealth Southwest
Vancouver
02.2011 - 04.2015
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.

RN, Medical-Surgical

Lakes Regional Hospital
Spirit Lake
09.2009 - 01.2011
  • Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, weight and height measurements; documented results accurately in medical record system.
  • Monitored, recorded, and reported symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.
  • Performed physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and other procedures to assist physicians during treatment of illness or injury.
  • Educated patients about their condition and the importance of following a treatment plan.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations providing necessary instruments and equipment while maintaining sterile technique.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay current with best practices in nursing care.
  • Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic illnesses or terminal conditions.

Registered Nurse

Hill Top Care Center
Spirit Lake
09.2007 - 09.2009
  • Implemented infection control standards throughout the facility.
  • Conducted regular rounds to ensure that residents are receiving appropriate care.
  • Coordinated daily activities for residents, such as social events and recreational programs.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of treatments based upon resident outcomes.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in a resident's condition or behavior by initiating appropriate interventions or notifying the physician and healthcare team member immediately.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Iowa Lakes Community College
Emmetsburg, IA
07-2007

Skills

  • Patient care coordination
  • Electronic health records
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Patient education
  • Effective communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Healthcare management
  • Medical terminology proficiency
  • Clinical documentation
  • Maintaining patient records
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Basic life support for health care providers
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Multitasking
  • Professionalism

Timeline

Health Care Coordinator

Keelson Harbour
10.2023 - Current

Assistant Nurse Manager, Care Management

PeaceHealth Southwest
05.2021 - 10.2022

Utilization Review Nurse, Care Management

PeaceHealth Southwest
04.2015 - 05.2021

Registered Nurse, Trauma/Neuro/Surgical Floor Nurse

PeaceHealth Southwest
02.2011 - 04.2015

RN, Medical-Surgical

Lakes Regional Hospital
09.2009 - 01.2011

Registered Nurse

Hill Top Care Center
09.2007 - 09.2009

Associate of Science - Nursing

Iowa Lakes Community College