Jennifer Cates
Hickory,NC
Summary
Versatile healthcare professional with a proven track record at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, excelling in patient confidentiality and insurance coverage verification. Demonstrated adaptability and attention to detail through significant improvements in claim processing efficiency and patient satisfaction. Skilled in EHR software, including ModMed and Nextech systems, and committed to enhancing healthcare delivery through meticulous data management and customer service.
Insurance professional with in-depth experience in verifying insurance coverage and handling patient information to ensure smooth operations. Known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments, contributing effectively to team goals. Proficient in utilizing verification systems and maintaining comprehensive records while displaying strong attention to detail and collaborative mindset.
Dedicated administrative professional with successful experience in fast-paced office settings. Hardworking team player with expertise in completing various clerical tasks and offering staff support. Responsible, punctual and productive professional when working with little to no supervision.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Insurance Verification Specialist
Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
09.2015 - Current
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations while managing sensitive patient information during the verification process.
- Assured timely verification of insurance benefits prior to patient procedures or appointments.
- Updated patient records with accurate, current insurance policy information.
- Made contact with insurance carriers to discuss policies and individual patient benefits.
- Managed high-volume insurance verifications within pressured timeframes for productive medical operations.
- Increased patient satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns regarding insurance coverage or billing issues.
- Assisted patients with understanding personalized insurance coverage and benefits.
- Enhanced claim processing efficiency by verifying insurance coverage and obtaining pre-authorizations for procedures.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of insurance policies and changes, aiding in accurate verification.
- Played key role in minimizing financial losses by identifying and correcting discrepancies in insurance information.
- Coordinated referrals through insurance and other medical specialists and documented details in patient charts.
- Scheduled patient appointments in respective doctors' calendars and followed up with reminder phone calls.
- Assisted with medical coding and billing tasks.
- Achieved insurance pre-authorizations to enable timely patient procedures.
- Posted payments to accounts and maintained records.
Patient Services Advocate
Cornerstone Healthcare Group Holding
11.2007 - 05.2015
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Reduced missed appointments through proactive follow-up calls for confirmations or rescheduling as needed.
- Managed incoming calls professionally, directing inquiries to appropriate departments promptly.
- Answered incoming calls, scheduled appointments and filed medical records.
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
- Greeted and assisted patients with check-in procedures.
- Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
- Filled in for medical assistants when needed.
- Maintained all vaccines, ordering, logging them into patient charts and into the state system.
Medical Assistant
Mountain View Family Practice
07.2001 - 12.2007
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Aided in accurate diagnoses by performing laboratory tests and preparing specimens for analysis.
- Administered medications and injections as prescribed, adhering strictly to protocols for patient safety.
- Performed EKGs and other diagnostic tests, contributing to accurate and timely diagnoses.
- Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Updated inventory, expiration and vaccine logs to maintain current tracking documentation.
- Measured patient pulse oximetry.
- Measured patient spirometry.
Respiratory Technician
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
06.2000 - 09.2001
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
- Expedited patient recovery by administering prescribed medications, conducting airway clearance therapies, and monitoring progress throughout the treatment process.
- Preserved patient dignity and privacy while performing invasive or noninvasive respiratory procedures, such as bronchoscopy, intubation, or arterial blood gas sampling.
- Optimized ventilator settings to facilitate successful weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation.
- Cleaned and sterilized instruments, equipment and surfaces.
- Monitored patient vital signs, lab results and other indicators of health.
- Maintained accurate patient charts and medical records.
- Participated in hospital and clinic staff meetings to discuss patient care.
- Performed diagnostic tests and reported results to healthcare providers.
- Evaluated patient histories and medical records for accuracy and completeness.
- Instructed patients in at-home care and continued treatments.
- Educated patients and caregivers on proper ways to use breathing apparatuses at home.
Education
Associate In Applied Science - Respiratory Care
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, NC06.2001
Associate In Arts - Psychology, College Transfer
Western Piedmont Community College
Morganton, NC06.1993
High School Diploma - General Studies, Health Occupations
East Burke High School
Icard, NC06.1990
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Patient confidentiality
- HIPAA compliance
- Insurance coverage verification
- Data entry proficiency
- Eligibility determination
- Coverage and authorizations
- Medical billing
- Electronic medical records
- Prior authorization processing
- Customer service
- Documentation and correspondence
- Medicaid
- Deductible & co-pay calculation
- Electronic authorization processing
- Adaptable and flexible
- EHR software, ModMed, Nextech systems
Timeline
Insurance Verification Specialist
Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
09.2015 - Current
Patient Services Advocate
Cornerstone Healthcare Group Holding
11.2007 - 05.2015
Medical Assistant
Mountain View Family Practice
07.2001 - 12.2007
Respiratory Technician
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
06.2000 - 09.2001
Associate In Applied Science - Respiratory Care
Catawba Valley Community College
Associate In Arts - Psychology, College Transfer
Western Piedmont Community College
High School Diploma - General Studies, Health Occupations
East Burke High School
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