Julie A Fister
Ogdensburg,NY
Summary
15 years’ Experienced in Senior Leadership in Hospital & Healthcare
Over 15 years’ experience with Meditech Software, knowledgeable in many applications
Key areas: ADM, BAR, PCI, OE, MRI, RAD, SCHED (ORM, CARD, RAD, ORTHO, ASUR etc
Account resolution and denial management
Audit experience
Extensive Medical terminology
Knowledgeable in HCPCS, ICD 9 and ICD 10
Insurance eligibility and upfront pricing and collections
Coordinating and training of onsite and remote staff
Highly skilled with regards to Patient access functions including switchboard, up-front cash collections and customer service.
Microsoft Office and Google products, Physician Relations, Software Documentation, Healthcare, and Healthcare Management.
Data analysis, public speaking and leading groups.
Experience with FQHC- Federally Qualified Healthcare Center Practice Management.
Manage multiple sites at same time.
Experience with PCMH- Patient Centered Medical Home. Patient engagement.
Conflict management.
Union and Non Union personnel management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Access Manager
Ovation Healthcare
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Provided onsite Manager services for a staff of 33, 12 onsite 13 remote schedulers, schedulers and remote switchboard operators
- Collaborated with hospital administration, management and project director on improving revenue cycle
- 24/7 coverage
- Upfront cash collection as well as cashiers office
- Implemented policy and procedures including review and revision
- Investigated all patient complaints billing, scheduling, communication and registration related
- Reviewed denials and assisted in resolution by reviewing documentation and validating correct payment or denial
- Maintained payroll for all employees and schedules
- Staff appraisals and disciplines
- Worked through a cyber crash where all communication was broken internally and externally
- Implemented flexible work flow
- Implemented performance management systems to track employee progress and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
- Maintained accurate records related to employee hours, scheduling changes, and payroll documentation for efficient shift management and reporting.
- Provided remote assistance to offsite employees experiencing technical difficulties with their systems or applications.
- Introduced new performance management processes emphasizing continuous feedback loops and employee development plans.
- Facilitated open communication between employees and management regarding leave policies and procedures, fostering a positive workplace environment.
- Managed a team of junior employees, delegating tasks effectively and mentoring them on best practices in information management.
- Utilized time management strategies effectively while working remotely, balancing workload demands with personal responsibilities at home.
- Trained registration staff on computer applications, medical necessity, scheduling and collections.
- Trained and mentored new employees in registration department, answered questions and provided insight on patient services.
- Observed all facility rules and regulations regarding patient data to promote confidentiality and integrity.
- Researched and implemented new Medicaid plans, which helped to reduce number of denials.
- Educated all registration staff personnel regarding updates and changes to job positions.
- Developed highly effective communication, interpersonal and active listening skills, which were used for interacting with people of all different backgrounds and cultures.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback for professional growth.
- Enhanced staff productivity by providing comprehensive training on patient access procedures and best practices.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at reducing denials due to eligibility or authorization issues through proactive payer outreach and improved documentation processes.
- Improved patient satisfaction by streamlining registration processes and implementing efficient scheduling systems.
- Established strong relationships with insurance companies, facilitating accurate billing and maximizing revenue collection for the facility.
- Fostered an inclusive work environment by promoting open communication channels and encouraging collaboration among team members.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to privacy laws and medical record documentation requirements within the Patient Access department.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address challenges related to patient access operations, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Developed comprehensive onboarding programs for new hires, setting them up for success in their roles and ensuring a seamless transition into the organization.
- Created standard operating procedures for all Patient Access functions, ensuring consistency in service delivery across multiple departments.
- Evaluated workflow efficiency regularly, implementing process improvements as needed to meet changing demands on the healthcare system effectively.
- Reduced wait times for patients with effective resource management and staff allocation strategies.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
- Scheduled surgeries, managed pre-certifications and verified insurance coverage.
Project Coordinator
TEK Systems
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Short Contract position
- Partnered with 12 credentialed trainers in a hybrid environment of REMOTE and LIVE Training for all hospital end users
- Consistent workload of up to 6 days per week with 8-15 hours at onsite training location
- Manage the classroom and assist with any technical issues
- Create rosters and record sign ins for accurate attendance
- Compile reports through Healthstream software to create schedules/rosters by day and communicate with students, project manager and trainers via email on courses and location information.
Practice Manager
Christopher F Brandy MDPC
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Responsible for the business activities of the practice including: Hired and trained support staff
- Partnered with the owner to prepare billing, budgets, monitoring key performance indicators and setting self-pay fees
- Maintaining inventory and an inventory control system
- Managing the hospital software; and implementing safety and security procedures
- Ensured a positive work environment within the practice and amongst providers
- Initiated a proper inventory management system of tracking and ordering medical supplies, equipment and medications
- Organized paper medical records and implemented process for scanning into Electronic Health Record (EHR)
- Assisted Physician with application for Cares Act Funds during Covid
- Payroll and maintained 401k contributions files and payments.
Care Coordinator
Evercare
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Responsible for ensuring that all services were approved and in place for our Managed Long Term Clients (Dental, Transportation, Vision and Social Day)
- Partnered with Case Managers for a specific county to make sure all client needs were met on time and with quality
- Quality and Audits Coordinator
- Promoted after six months, assigned to work with MLTC Assessment team to ensure all new members paperwork and medical releases were coordinated and complete
- Tracked all member visits to ER’s and hospitals and made sure timely visits were assigned to assessment team to review and change service plans according to needs
- Created presentations using Microsoft office 2013 products regarding gathered information for CEO and administration
- Worked with 6 Assessment RN’s that covered 3 Counties(Orange, Rockland, and Dutchess)
- Provided on-call coverage after hours for member’s needing transportation/Authorization services after hours
- Ie : Dialysis, ER’s, Skilled Nursing facilities.
Seasonal Sales Associate
Macy’s
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Greet customers, listen to their questions and requests, and make recommendations on what to buy
- Ensure a positive customer experience to increase sales
- Carefully follow policy and procedures for returns
- Ability to sell credit accounts and meet goals
- Keep display areas clean and organized
- Make sure fitting rooms are cleaned hourly and all merchandise returned to appropriate sales areas.
Caregiver
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Care of Elderly Relative
Practice Manager/Director of Clinical Services
Community Health Center of the North Country
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Oversee daily operations of four Health Centers 3 are FQHC multi line services including Primary Care adults & pediatrics, Mental Health, Dental and Optometry
- Recruit, interview and coordinate providers
- MD's, NP's and PA's, Nurses and Office staff
- Manage and supervise Case Managers, DON, nursing team, Registration and Reception
- All staff for 4 Community Health Centers Primary, Mental Health, Dental and Physical Therapy
- E Clinical works ECW, HCNNY, CHCANYS, HRSA.
Health Center Practice Coordinator & Interim Clinical Practice Manager
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Coordinate processes across six remote health centers to improve consistency
- Enhance effective provider and staff communication for the best possible patient outcome and satisfaction
- Maintain budget for effective cost management
- National Health Service Corp site contact for rural providers benefits with student loan payoff assistance
- Denial Management
- Marketing
- Implement Meditech Central Scheduling for ease of access for patients, they call one number instead of calling six separate health centers
- Implement new software and train staff and providers on use of software
- Evaluate, hire, train and provide correction for all staff
- Coordinate correct staffing levels per Health Center for cost effective management
- Implement Pre-registration for all patients prior to visit
- Travel to all centers to ensure compliance
- Monitor daily visits for all providers.
Director of Patient Access
Cortland Regional Medical Center
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Oversee all clerical operations and processes, main registration, Emergency Room as well as an onsite Prompt Care Clinic
- Hire train, evaluate about 15 staff members
- Make sure all staff were educated regarding regulatory requirements
- Implemented Meditech Central Scheduling including build between ancillary departments
- Radiology, Cardiology, PT, OT etc
- Key member of Revenue cycle team to reduce denials and ensure timely processing and payments
- Educated staff regarding pre-authorization requirements
- HIPPA compliance
- Joint Commission
- Upfront collections
- Resolve provider complaints to satisfactory resolution
- Revenue Cycle monitoring up-front collections, preauthorization and denials resolution and appeals
- Enhance and streamline upfront processes for provider and patient satisfaction.
Director of Patient Access
Sharon Hospital
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Direct and coordinate all Patient Access staff daily for the most positive patient and business outcome
- Coordinate smooth work flow processes for physician and customer satisfaction
- Participate on several teams to meet Hospital and Corporate goals
- Revenue Cycle Team member
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage for business needs
- Hire, train, evaluate and discipline staff as required
- Educate and train multiple levels of staff regarding new initiatives, implementation of new product software as well as regulatory compliance
- Work closely with all physician offices and all department managers to insure highest quality of service and satisfaction
- Responsible for Upfront Cash Collections and holding staff accountable
- Liaison between offices and hospital to make payment arrangements prior to services for self pay non urgent cases
- Independently trouble-shoot any process or billing issue and implement corrective measures to eliminate any obstacles
- Attend and participate in bi-weekly managers’ meetings
- Implement and mentor Studer method of Leadership within my departments
- Educate staff on Medical terminology, coding and correct billing methods
- Work closely with all department managers for productive business outcomes.
Assistant Director of Registration
Claxton-Hepburn
01.2003 - 12.2008
- Supervise, schedule and train 20-30 employees including remote and off site centers
- Perform annual evaluations, coaching and mentoring and disciplinary actions as required
- Manage staff work hours to remain within budget target
- Training of staff on proper capture of patient demographics and charge capture
- Training of staff on medical terminology, medical necessity, Joint Commission, policies and procedures within the organization
- Organize, lead and hold regular staff meeting and educational sessions
- Track employee time and attendance and verify work hours, carefully monitor overtime and address proactively, Kronos system
- Educate staff on obtaining correct and accurate insurance information to ensure timely billing
- Train staff on office processes and practice organization for optimal outcome
- Run and create daily reports regarding patient numbers, daily resolution of accounts
- Process, investigate and resolve problem accounts for maximum reimbursement
- Work closely with all ancillary departments and their managers to ensure a smooth flow of operations
- Initiate process improvements as necessary
- Build office schedules for various Health Centers as well as ancillary schedules for central scheduling i.e.: Radiology, Sleep Lab, Cardiology etc
- Over 15 years experience with Meditech software, knowledgeable in many of the applications
- Key areas: ADM, BAR,PCI,OE,MRI,RAD, SCHED(ORM,CARD,RAD,ORTHO,...)
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word 2007 as well as, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, fair experience with Access
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Skills
- Scheduling of outpatient procedures, OR, Radiology
- Effective written and verbal communication
- HIPAA Compliance
- Effective problem solving
- Team Management
- Insurance Verification
- Admissions processes
- Appointment Scheduling
- Recordkeeping
- Inpatient registration
- Math skills and analytics
- New staff training
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Safety
- Decision-Making
- Training and mentoring
- Patient education and counseling
- Employee Supervision
- Clinical Staff Management
- Problem Identification
- Employee Recruitment and Hiring
- Quality Control
- Patient Advocacy
- Schedule Management
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Employee Work Scheduling
- Patient Relations
- Process Implementation
- Performance monitoring
- Risk Management
- Health Information Systems
- Records Maintenance
- Performance Metrics
- Electronic Medical Record Software
- Emergency Readiness
- Human Resources Management
- Facility Inspections
- Utilization Management
- Profitability Strategies
- Therapy programs
- Process Improvement
- Payroll
- Budgeting
- Account Reconciliation
- Inventory and Ordering
- Claim Review
- Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point
- Equipment Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Meditech
- Denial Management
- COVID Office Operations
- ECW (EHR)
- Project Implementation
- Personnel Management
- 401k Management
- Coordination of Physician’s schedules
- Medical Record’s releases and maintenance
- Retail knowledge
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Education Certifications
- SUNY Canton, Canton, NY, Associates in Applied Sciences
- SUNY Canton, Canton, NY, Certificate, Individual Studies Health
- Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, Certificate in Project Management
- SUNY Canton, Canton, NY, Dual Bachelor’s degree nearly completed BS, BT
Timeline
Patient Access Manager
Ovation Healthcare
08.2022 - 11.2023
Project Coordinator
TEK Systems
03.2022 - 05.2022
Practice Manager
Christopher F Brandy MDPC
01.2019 - 12.2020
Care Coordinator
Evercare
01.2018 - 12.2019
Seasonal Sales Associate
Macy’s
01.2016 - 12.2018
Caregiver
01.2016 - 12.2018
Practice Manager/Director of Clinical Services
Community Health Center of the North Country
01.2015 - 12.2016
Health Center Practice Coordinator & Interim Clinical Practice Manager
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center
01.2013 - 12.2015
Director of Patient Access
Cortland Regional Medical Center
01.2012 - 12.2013
Director of Patient Access
Sharon Hospital
01.2010 - 12.2012
Assistant Director of Registration
Claxton-Hepburn
01.2003 - 12.2008