Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

KATHLEEN PENNINGTON

Kansas City,MO

Summary

Accomplished in healthcare reimbursement business office setting for 30 + years and known for exceptional organizational skills, I significantly enhanced billing accuracy and patient satisfaction at VA Hospital CPAC. My expertise in Medicare and HIPAA compliance, combined with a proven track record in problem-solving, has consistently improved operational efficiency and customer service standards.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Medical Reimbursement Technician

VA Hospital CPAC
Leavenworth, KS
06.2019 - Current
  • Processed claims and forwarded information to Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance companies.
  • Identified potential billing errors or issues that may result in delayed payments or rejections by payers.
  • Checked claims coding for accuracy with ICD-10 standards.
  • Provided prompt and accurate services through knowledge of government regulations, health benefits and healthcare terminology.
  • Submitted claims to insurance companies.
  • Processed medical claims according to established guidelines, including verifying authorization and coding requirements.
  • Answered customer questions to maintain high satisfaction levels.
  • Executed account updates and noted account information in company data systems.
  • Collaborated with other departments such as Accounts Payable, Billing and Collections or Claims Processing to resolve any conflicts quickly.
  • Protected medical office operations and integrity by keeping patient information confidential.
  • Identified discrepancies and carrier issues regarding billing and reimbursements.
  • Assessed billing statements for correct diagnostic codes and identified problems with coding.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Corrected, completed and processed claims for payer codes.

Patient Account Representative

Providence Health Care
Leavenworth, KS
12.2017 - 06.2019
  • Assisted with scheduling outpatient appointments.
  • Performed pre-registration functions such as verifying demographic information, obtaining authorizations, and collecting deposits and co-payments.
  • Created new patient accounts in EMR system as needed.
  • Collaborated with clinical and administrative staff to meet patient needs.
  • Obtained informed consent and payment documentation from patients and filed in system.
  • Handled high volume of incoming calls, providing exceptional customer service to patients and families.
  • Guided patients through the completion of consent and other required medical forms.
  • Communicated financial obligations to patients and collected fees at time of service.
  • Actively participated in team meetings and training sessions.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Scanned documents into electronic medical records system.
  • Managed incoming faxes related to patient registration processes.
  • Kept patient appointments on schedule by notifying providers of patients' arrival and reviewing service delivery compared to schedule.

Patient Financial Counselor

Saint johns Hospital
Leavenworth, KS
12.2014 - 12.2017
  • Organized timely and accurate referrals to help patients obtain health care services and access available resources.
  • Processed credit card payments accurately and securely.
  • Verified patients' insurance and payment methods during admissions or check-in processes.
  • Obtained informed consent and payment documentation from patients and filed in system.
  • Advocated for patient rights when dealing with third-party payers.
  • Performed follow up calls to collect outstanding balances from patients who were unable to make payments at time of service.
  • Documented all interactions with patients regarding billing issues in a timely manner.
  • Counseled patients on financial obligations associated with their medical care.
  • Taught volunteers how to relate to guests, uphold patients' rights and respond to specific issues.
  • Received patient inquiries or complaints and directed to appropriate medical staff members.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.

Precertification Specialist

Associates In Family Healthcare
Lansing, KS
03.2008 - 12.2014
  • Researched current payer policies related to specific services or diagnoses as needed.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement within the precertification process and recommended solutions accordingly.
  • Explained eligibility details and affordability options to patients with kindness and respect.
  • Provided follow-up on pending precertification requests to ensure timely processing.
  • Utilized various software applications such as electronic medical record systems for data entry purposes.
  • Adhered to HIPAA requirements to safeguard patient confidentiality.
  • Transmitted medical records and other correspondence by mail, e-mail, or fax.
  • Resolved any discrepancies identified during the precertification process.
  • Adhered to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the healthcare industry.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of all activities related to the precertification process.
  • Entered client information and files into databases for further review and tracking.
  • Assisted with answering provider inquiries regarding preauthorization requirements and processes.
  • Compiled and submitted precertification requests for review by payers in accordance with established timelines.
  • Compiled and coded patient information or data in appropriate computer system.
  • Explained reasons behind application denials and recommended further action.
  • Verified insurance eligibility, coverage levels, and benefit parameters prior to submission of precertification requests.
  • Ensured compliance with all HIPAA regulations pertaining to protected health information.
  • Reviewed patient medical records to determine medical necessity for requested services and procedures.
  • Evaluated clinical criteria against existing health plan guidelines to determine authorization status.
  • Prepared reports, invoices, letters, or medical records using word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.

Patient Access Supervisor

Cushing Memorial Hospital
Leavenworth, KS
01.2007 - 03.2008

1. In Patient-Registered/Pre

Registered Patients. Entered

new and updated information

on account. Collected Copays,

Initiated Authorizations with

Insurance Companies. Visited

patients rooms before

discharge: explained

benefits, set up payment

arrangements with patients,

Evaluated patient for Financial

Assistant Application.

Explained form and assisted

with completing form if

needed.

Retro Authorization follow up.

2. Out Patient-Pre Register out

patient tests etc. Verify

Demographics/Insurance

information. Obtaining all

information required is in

place.

Instruct patient money due at

time of service/where to

check

in and what is required from

patient at check in.

3. Other duties-filled in for

Cashier, registration ER as well

as Patient Access. Entered IV

Infusions into system, Daily

deposits for Hospital, entered

FCOA payments.

4. Train new employees-Patient

Access, Switchboard

Education

High School Diploma -

Atchison High School
Atchison, KS
05-1981

Skills

I ensured timely, thorough, professional, and technically accurate responses in all internal and external inquiries and communications made through a variety of contact management avenues

  • Healthcare reimbursement
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Medicare
  • Claims processing
  • Medical billing
  • Insurance verification
  • Denial management
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Medical coding
  • Data entry proficiency
  • Billing process management
  • Records research
  • Organizational skills
  • Reliability
  • Job billing
  • Insurance confirmation
  • Process payments
  • Payment processing
  • Attention to detail
  • Paperwork and documentation
  • Problem-solving
  • Payment posting

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Medical Reimbursement Technician

VA Hospital CPAC
06.2019 - Current

Patient Account Representative

Providence Health Care
12.2017 - 06.2019

Patient Financial Counselor

Saint johns Hospital
12.2014 - 12.2017

Precertification Specialist

Associates In Family Healthcare
03.2008 - 12.2014

Patient Access Supervisor

Cushing Memorial Hospital
01.2007 - 03.2008

High School Diploma -

Atchison High School
KATHLEEN PENNINGTON