Deborah Blue
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Proven Senior Medical Coder with a track record of enhancing billing efficiency and accuracy at Mayo Clinic. Leveraged computer skills and a positive attitude to reduce claim denials and streamline processes, significantly improving revenue recovery. Skilled in fostering teamwork and employing critical thinking to address complex coding challenges, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical leave
05.2015 - Current
I had some medical issues that stopped me from working.
Senior Medical Coder
Community Health Network
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Reduced claim denials by identifying and addressing common errors in the coding process.
- Optimized billing procedures by working closely with the finance department, ensuring timely reimbursement for services rendered.
- Implemented new technology solutions designed to improve efficiency in code selection processes.
- Streamlined the coding process for efficiency, resulting in a higher volume of claims processed daily.
- Increased revenue recovery through diligent follow-up on outstanding claims and appeals.
- Improved medical coding accuracy by conducting thorough reviews and implementing corrective actions.
- Strengthened communication between departments by participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans and documentation requirements.
- Maintained ICD-10 proficiency, leading to more accurate code assignments and fewer claim rejections.
- Served as a liaison between coders, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure accurate information exchange related to diagnosis codes and treatment plans.
- Developed procedures for handling complex cases requiring specialized knowledge or expertise in specific medical coding areas.
- Established strong relationships with insurance companies, facilitating smoother claim processing and payment negotiations.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training and support to junior medical coders.
Senior Medical Coder
Clarian Health Partners
05.2008 - 01.2010
- Reduced claim denials by identifying and addressing common errors in the coding process.
- Optimized billing procedures by working closely with the finance department, ensuring timely reimbursement for services rendered.
- Implemented new technology solutions designed to improve efficiency in code selection processes.
- Streamlined the coding process for efficiency, resulting in a higher volume of claims processed daily.
- Improved medical coding accuracy by conducting thorough reviews and implementing corrective actions.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying updated on current coding practices and guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to retrieve missing documentation for accurate code assignment.
- Participated in relevant professional development opportunities to stay abreast of changes in medical coding standards.
- Maintained ICD-10 proficiency, leading to more accurate code assignments and fewer claim rejections.
- Served as a liaison between coders, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure accurate information exchange related to diagnosis codes and treatment plans.
- Provided valuable feedback on coder performance following audits, fostering an environment of continuous improvement within the team.
- Developed procedures for handling complex cases requiring specialized knowledge or expertise in specific medical coding areas.
- Established strong relationships with insurance companies, facilitating smoother claim processing and payment negotiations.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training and support to junior medical coders.
- Mentored junior team members, helping them to enhance their skills and knowledge in medical coding best practices.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for potential enhancement within the medical coding department.
- Resourcefully used various coding books, procedure manuals, and on-line encoders.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and managed coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures contained in outpatient medical records.
- Correctly coded and billed medical claims for various hospital and nursing facilities.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
Senior Medical Coder
The Coding Network
09.2007 - 09.2008
- Improved medical coding accuracy by conducting thorough reviews and implementing corrective actions.
- Strengthened communication between departments by participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans and documentation requirements.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying updated on current coding practices and guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to retrieve missing documentation for accurate code assignment.
- Participated in relevant professional development opportunities to stay abreast of changes in medical coding standards.
- Maintained ICD-10 proficiency, leading to more accurate code assignments and fewer claim rejections.
- Served as a liaison between coders, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure accurate information exchange related to diagnosis codes and treatment plans.
- Established strong relationships with insurance companies, facilitating smoother claim processing and payment negotiations.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training and support to junior medical coders.
- Conducted regular audits of coded data, pinpointing inconsistencies or inaccuracies that could impact reimbursements or compliance measures.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and managed coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures contained in outpatient medical records.
- Correctly coded and billed medical claims for various hospital and nursing facilities.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
Senior Medical Coder
Martin Gottlieb & Associates
09.2007 - 04.2008
- Reduced claim denials by identifying and addressing common errors in the coding process.
- Optimized billing procedures by working closely with the finance department, ensuring timely reimbursement for services rendered.
- Streamlined the coding process for efficiency, resulting in a higher volume of claims processed daily.
- Increased revenue recovery through diligent follow-up on outstanding claims and appeals.
- Improved medical coding accuracy by conducting thorough reviews and implementing corrective actions.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying updated on current coding practices and guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to retrieve missing documentation for accurate code assignment.
- Maintained ICD-10 proficiency, leading to more accurate code assignments and fewer claim rejections.
- Served as a liaison between coders, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure accurate information exchange related to diagnosis codes and treatment plans.
Senior Medical Coder
Mayo Clinic
05.2005 - 04.2007
- Implemented new technology solutions designed to improve efficiency in code selection processes.
- Streamlined the coding process for efficiency, resulting in a higher volume of claims processed daily.
- Reduced claim denials by identifying and addressing common errors in the coding process.
- Optimized billing procedures by working closely with the finance department, ensuring timely reimbursement for services rendered.
- Strengthened communication between departments by participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans and documentation requirements.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying updated on current coding practices and guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to retrieve missing documentation for accurate code assignment.
- Maintained ICD-10 proficiency, leading to more accurate code assignments and fewer claim rejections.
- Served as a liaison between coders, physicians, and other clinical staff to ensure accurate information exchange related to diagnosis codes and treatment plans.
- Provided valuable feedback on coder performance following audits, fostering an environment of continuous improvement within the team.
- Developed procedures for handling complex cases requiring specialized knowledge or expertise in specific medical coding areas.
- Correctly coded and billed medical claims for various hospital and nursing facilities.
- Utilized active listening, interpersonal, and telephone etiquette skills when communicating with others.
Medical Coder
Healthcare Management Solutions, IU Health
07.2001 - 07.2001
- Increased coding accuracy by diligently reviewing medical documentation and applying appropriate codes.
- Resourcefully used various coding books, procedure manuals, and on-line encoders.
- Reviewed patient charts to better understand health histories, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
- Correctly coded and billed medical claims for various hospital and nursing facilities.
Medical Assistant
Dental/Medical Power
04.2001 - 07.2001
- 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.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
Billing Specialist
Lincare
08.1999 - 08.2000
- Assisted with billing inquiries and provided timely responses to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
- Provided excellent customer service, developing and maintaining client relationships.
- Monitored customer accounts to identify and rectify billing issues.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Contacted clients with past due accounts to formulate payment plans and discuss restructuring options.
- Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
- Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Collaborated with the collections team to recover overdue payments from clients, maintaining cash flow and minimizing writeoffs.
Education
Associate of Science - Health Information Technology
Devry University
Orlando, FL10.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Claims
Indiana Business College
Indianapolis, IN09.2002
No Degree - Medical Assisting
Aristotle College
Indianapolis, IN06.1987
Skills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Dependable and Responsible
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Computer Skills
Timeline
Medical leave
05.2015 - Current
Senior Medical Coder
Community Health Network
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Medical Coder
Clarian Health Partners
05.2008 - 01.2010
Senior Medical Coder
The Coding Network
09.2007 - 09.2008
Senior Medical Coder
Martin Gottlieb & Associates
09.2007 - 04.2008
Senior Medical Coder
Mayo Clinic
05.2005 - 04.2007
Medical Coder
Healthcare Management Solutions, IU Health
07.2001 - 07.2001
Medical Assistant
Dental/Medical Power
04.2001 - 07.2001
Billing Specialist
Lincare
08.1999 - 08.2000
Associate of Science - Health Information Technology
Devry University
Associate of Applied Science - Claims
Indiana Business College
No Degree - Medical Assisting
Aristotle College