Helen Rugel
Summary
Healthcare department leader specializing in biologics management and patient coordination. Successfully expanded a single-location practice to nine locations by implementing efficient workflows and training programs. Committed to improving patient outcomes through effective communication and operational excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Medical Assistant | MA Trainer | Clinical Operations Support
Skin and Beauty Center
California
- Advanced from Medical Assistant to leadership and operational roles during practice expansion from one location to nine offices.
- Trained and onboarded Medical Assistants across all locations in clinical procedures, surgical tray setup, sterilization, EHR documentation, patient communication, and workflow management.
- Assisted providers with dermatologic surgeries, cosmetic procedures, pathology coordination, patient charting, and clinical documentation.
- Onboarded new providers and trained them on clinic workflows, charting standards, pathology processes, and documentation procedures.
- Standardized office procedures and clinical operations across all practice locations to ensure consistency and quality of care.
- Participated in the setup and expansion of new practice locations, including workflow development, room setup design, supply ordering, equipment coordination, and operational implementation.
Department Manager | Biologics, Authorizations & Patient Liaison Teams
Skin and Beauty Center
California
01.2009 - Current
- Currently oversee and manage the Biologics, Prior Authorization, and Patient Liaison departments supporting nine clinical locations.
- Lead biologic coordination efforts including patient enrollment, insurance approvals, treatment tracking, patient follow-up, and provider communication.
- Served as primary resource for providers, staff, and patients on biologic therapies, scheduling, authorizations, patient education, and clinical coordination to enhance service delivery.
- Develop and implement protocols and workflows designed to improve efficiency, compliance, communication, and patient outcomes.
- Conducted onboarding and training for front and back office staff across multiple locations to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency.
- Assist with patient pre-screenings, treatment eligibility review, documentation oversight, and coordination of care.
- Managed patient help desk and clinical call center operations to provide timely support and effective escalation management.
- Utilize EHR systems, clinical portals, Microsoft Teams, Excel, and 8x8 queue systems daily.
Travel Health Coordinator / Medical Assistant
Passport Health
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Administered travel vaccines and provided education on preventative care, medications, and travel safety, enhancing patient preparedness.
- Coordinated travel health services and developed patient itineraries to ensure adherence to destination-specific medical recommendations.
- Assisted patients with international travel requirements and health preparation, ensuring compliance with documentation and health guidelines.
Medical Assistant Intern
Dr. Nathana Lurvey, OBGYN
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted with patient care and clinical procedures, enhancing quality of care through Pap smears, ultrasounds, blood draws, glucose testing, circumcisions, and birth control consultations.
- Supported physicians during procedures while educating patients and coordinating follow-up, ensuring continuity of care.
- Performed room preparation, intake, charting support, and patient care assistance, streamlining workflow and improving patient experience.
Education
Medical Assistant Program -
American Career College
Los Angeles, CA01-2005
Bachelor's Degree - Communication
Pasadena City College (PCC)
Pasadena, California, USASkills
- Biologics management
- Insurance navigation
- Patient Care Coordination
- Patient education
- Treatment tracking
- Clinical operations
- Policy implementation
- Staff training
- Medical record management
- Insurance Authorization Platforms
- Scheduling Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Teams
- Dermatology & Cosmetic Procedures
Certification
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- CPR Certified
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Pasadena Humane Society
Timeline
Department Manager | Biologics, Authorizations & Patient Liaison Teams
Skin and Beauty Center
01.2009 - Current
Travel Health Coordinator / Medical Assistant
Passport Health
01.2006 - 01.2008
Medical Assistant Intern
Dr. Nathana Lurvey, OBGYN
01.2005 - 01.2006
Lead Medical Assistant | MA Trainer | Clinical Operations Support
Skin and Beauty Center
Medical Assistant Program -
American Career College
Bachelor's Degree - Communication
Pasadena City College (PCC)