Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Service Hero Award March 2023
Timeline
Generic

Karen Garrett

Hot Springs,AR

Summary

Denial Nurse and Team Lead at CommonSpirit Health with expertise in denial management and appeal writing. Proven track record in improving claim resolution and fostering teamwork. Skilled in critical thinking and effective communication, contributing to multi-million dollar claim recoveries and enhanced payer relationships. Committed to optimizing revenue cycle performance.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Denial Nurse/Team Lead - Utilization Review Nurse

CommonSpirit Health
Hot Springs, AR
11.2013 - Current
  • Maintained knowledge of insurance coverage benefit levels, eligibility systems and verification processes.
  • Improved claim denial resolution by thoroughly researching and identifying root causes of denials. Escalating payer issues and appealing when appropriate.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in denial management, ensuring the organization''s processes remained competitive and effective.
  • Key member in development of onsite physician advisor program effective August 2022 resulting in an multi-million dollar gross overturned claim charges since implementation.
  • Participated in cross-functional projects focused on improving end-to-end revenue cycle performance, leveraging expertise in denial management as a key contributor. (SVI - Little Rock Medicaid Project).
  • Enhanced payer relationships by maintaining professional and effective interactions during the denial resolution process.
  • Conducted regular audits of denied claims, identifying areas for improvement in the revenue cycle process.
  • Streamlined the case management process by effectively prioritizing high-risk cases for timely intervention and followup.
  • As team lead, successful in fostering a supportive work environment and promoting open communication among team members.
  • Facilitated effective teamwork through collaborative problem-solving sessions.
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and accreditation standards by maintaining accurate documentation of all utilization review activities.

RN/Nurse Manager

Mercy Urology Clinic
Hot Springs, AR
07.2003 - 11.2013
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections, administered intravesical chemotherapy and monitored responses.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Developed clinic policies and procedures for equipment cleaning, storage and sterilization per CDC guidelines. Implemented infection control measures, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.

Managed 4 nurses for home and satellite clinics by providing comprehensive nursing guidance.

RN (Weekend Option)

HealthPark Hospital
Hot Springs
06.2004 - 11.2008
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.

RN Floor Nurse

National Park Medical Center
Hot Springs, AR
05.2003 - 01.2005
  • Provided effective patient education, ensuring understanding of medical conditions and treatment protocols for better self-management. (Renal unit)
  • Ensured accuracy in patient records by meticulously documenting assessments, interventions, and outcomes, ultimately contributing to better-informed decision making by healthcare providers.
  • Communicated effectively with patients and family members to convey important instructions and discuss treatments.

CNA/Nursing Technician

National Park Medical Center
Hot Springs, AR
09.2001 - 05.2003
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing Science

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
05-2018

Skills

  • Denial management/appeal writing
  • Utilization review
  • Payment and investigation escalations
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Organizing and prioritizing work
  • Excellent communication
  • Critical thinking

Service Hero Award March 2023

Nominated and selected for Service Hero Award, March 2023 - Hot Springs

Timeline

Denial Nurse/Team Lead - Utilization Review Nurse

CommonSpirit Health
11.2013 - Current

RN (Weekend Option)

HealthPark Hospital
06.2004 - 11.2008

RN/Nurse Manager

Mercy Urology Clinic
07.2003 - 11.2013

RN Floor Nurse

National Park Medical Center
05.2003 - 01.2005

CNA/Nursing Technician

National Park Medical Center
09.2001 - 05.2003

Master of Science - Nursing Science

Grand Canyon University
Karen Garrett