Katie Westegard
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Dynamic coding professional with a proven track record at Optum, UnitedHealth Group, excelling in data integrity and staff training. Recognized for enhancing coding accuracy and leading educational initiatives. Proficient in 3M encoder known for strong attention to detail and effective communication, driving performance improvements across teams.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coder Lead
Optum, UnitedHealth Group
Minneapolis, MN
06.2022 - Current
- Ensured data integrity by accurately coding medical records using classification systems.
- Conducted staff training sessions to improve skills and support effective coding practices.
- Led teams in complex coding activities, achieving high standards of accuracy.
- Performed quality reviews on coding outputs, identifying areas for improvement.
Coding Educator
Allina Health
Minneapolis, MN
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Conducted coding training programs for specialists and providers to enhance skill sets.
- Created educational presentations to support learning initiatives.
- Developed resources and learning materials to facilitate training programs.
- Led Blue Cross Blue Shield pilot program focusing on HCC and Risk Adjustment Coding.
- Delivered HCC coding education to family practice providers at multiple clinics.
- Tracked weekly trends and identified coding opportunities to optimize performance.
Coding Specialist II
Allina Health
Minneapolis, MN
01.2010 - 06.2022
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of CPT and ICD 10 codes, medical terminology, and anatomy.
- Reviewed provider documentation for accurate code selection and provided necessary feedback.
- Conducted new provider reviews, CDIP reviews, and contested denial reviews.
- Trained and mentored staff as Inpatient Specialty Expert since 2015.
- Contributed to development of specialty training hub materials.
- Received department-wide Sweet Spot award for excellence in 2017.
Education
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - Medical Billing and Coding
Herzing University
Minneapolis, MN01.2012
Skills
- Adaptability
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Attention to detail
- Flexible learning
- Task prioritization
- Organization
- Dependability
- Self-motivation
- Enthusiasm
- 3M encoder
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint
References
Carl Jacobsen, Coding Manager, 651-246-0717
Coding Specialties
- E&M
- Inpatient
- Internal Medicine
- Skilled Nursing
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics/Neonatal
- Pain/Palliative Care
- Contested/Denials
- Critical Care
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Disease
- Endocrinology
- HCC Risk Adjustment Coding
Accomplishments
- I was awarded the sweet spot award in my dept
- Promoted to Coder Lead in 2022
Certification
- Herzing University's Billing and Coding Diploma
- AAPC's CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
Timeline
Coder Lead
Optum, UnitedHealth Group
06.2022 - Current
Coding Educator
Allina Health
06.2021 - 06.2022
Coding Specialist II
Allina Health
01.2010 - 06.2022
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - Medical Billing and Coding
Herzing University