KATHRYN CARL
Escondido,CA
Summary
Hands-on professional offering a keen understanding of data confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. Highly trained Medical Coder knowledgeable in AMA and the CMS coding rules. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Hardworking employee with customer service, multitasking, and time management abilities. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Coding Manager
Accuquik
Oak Park, CA
06.2015 - Current
- Compiled and coded patient data using standard classification systems.
- Applied coding rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assignment of procedural codes.
- Added modifiers as appropriate, coded narrative diagnoses and verified diagnoses.
- Maintained current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulation, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
- Reviewed account information to confirm patient and insurance information is accurate and complete.
- Verified proper coding, sequencing of diagnoses and accuracy of all procedures.
- Entered patient insurance, demographic and health information into software and confirmed records.
- Maintained updated knowledge of coding requirements, which included continuing education and certification renewal.
- Quickly responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT codes.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Interpreted medical reports to apply appropriate ICD-9, CPT-4 and HCPCS codes.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
Medical Coding Specialist
Medvalent
Yorba Linda, CA
06.2002 - 06.2006
- Verified proper coding, sequencing of diagnoses and accuracy of all procedures.
- Applied coding rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assignment of procedural codes.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Read through patient health data, histories, physician diagnoses and treatments to gain understanding for coding purposes.
- Communicated with healthcare personnel, including practitioners to promote accuracy.
- Assigned additional diagnosis codes based on specific clinical findings (laboratory, radiology and, pathology reports as well as clinical studies) in support of existing diagnoses.
- Evaluated new coding guidelines and updated policies accordingly.
- Added modifiers as appropriate, coded narrative diagnoses and verified diagnoses.
- Collaborated with clinical staff on appropriate documentation for correct code assignment.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Researched and responded to inquiries from physicians, coders, billing staff, and management regarding coding questions or issues.
- Reviewed claims for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to payers.
- Conducted educational sessions for physicians and other healthcare providers on proper documentation requirements for accurate code assignment.
- Quickly responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT codes.
- Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.
- Addressed and responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT and diagnosis codes.
- Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
- Analyzed trends in denials due to incorrect coding, developed corrective action plans, monitored results, and reported outcomes.
- Maintained current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulation, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
- Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
UC Irvine Medical Center
Irvine, CA
01.1996 - 06.1999
- All of the same responsibilities as at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
La Jolla, CA
01.1985 - 06.1994
- Explained test procedures and safety precautions to patients.
- Administered IV contrast materials, radiopharmaceuticals and antispasmodics to patients.
- Instructed students on proper techniques for administering radiopharmaceuticals.
- Monitored patient reactions during scans to ensure safety and comfort.
- Prepared, administered and measured radioactive isotopes to produce diagnostic scans and images to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment and cameras.
- Adhered to all regulatory requirements including HIPAA, JCAHO, OSHA.
- Ensured that radiation safety measures were followed at all times while working with radioactive materials.
- Trained, mentored and precepted new employees on procedures, best practices and hospital policies.
- Positioned all equipment using clinical judgment to capture quality images
- Maintained highest levels of quality, safety and patient confidentiality by following hospital and regulatory guidelines when collecting patient information and conducting imaging procedures.
- Maintained records of patient treatments, imaging results, and radiation dosage levels.
- Reviewed diagnostic image quality and filed diagnostic images in appropriate patient records.
- Used computer system to process cardiac function studies, document results of other procedures and produce images.
- Evaluated new technologies related to nuclear medicine procedures.
- Reviewed images for accuracy and completeness prior to forwarding them to the physician for interpretation.
- Designed and instituted new processes and standards for outpatient and inpatient diagnostic exams to achieve and exceed department goals.
- Conducted quality assurance checks on all equipment used in nuclear medicine procedures.
- Operated mobile imaging equipment to capture medical information at patients' bedsides, operating, and emergency rooms.
- Administered radiopharmaceuticals to patients according to prescribed protocols.
- Prepared radioactive materials for use in medical procedures.
- Maintained adherence to safety procedures for disposal and handling of radioactive materials.
- Developed policies and procedures related to the use of radiopharmaceuticals in clinical settings.
- Communicated effectively with other healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
- Provided instruction to patients regarding preparation for imaging studies.
- Assisted physicians with patient examinations and diagnostic procedures.
Education
Certificate - Medical Coding Specialist
ROTC
Anaheim, CA01-2002
Nuclear Medicine Certificate - Nuclear Medicine Technology
UC San Francisco
San Francisco, CA09-1982
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Chemistry
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA05-1981
Skills
- Data Entry
- Data Security Procedures
- Data Verification
- Patient Data Identification
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Claim Coding
- Coding Error Resolution
- Medical Condition Coding Software
- Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Electronic Medical Record Software
- Health Information Systems
- Medicare Compliance
- Training and Mentoring
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Staff Management
- Codes Compliance
- Patient Relations
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coding Manager
Accuquik
06.2015 - Current
Medical Coding Specialist
Medvalent
06.2002 - 06.2006
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
UC Irvine Medical Center
01.1996 - 06.1999
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
01.1985 - 06.1994
Certificate - Medical Coding Specialist
ROTC
Nuclear Medicine Certificate - Nuclear Medicine Technology
UC San Francisco
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Chemistry
Azusa Pacific University
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