LATRISHA AUGUST
Houston
Summary
Experienced with account management, negotiation, and conflict resolution in collections. Utilizes targeted communication strategies to enhance debtor engagement and recovery. Track record of reducing delinquency rates and improving overall collections efficiency.
Results-driven collections professional adept at managing overdue accounts and implementing effective collection strategies. Proven track record of reducing delinquency through strategic communication and negotiation. Known for collaboration and flexibility, ensuring team success and adaptability to changing needs while maintaining high standards.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Payor Collections Specialist III
Titan Health
Remote
12.2022 - Current
- Facilitated collections process by managing client accounts and resolving invoice discrepancies.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce outstanding debts and improve cash flow.
- Analyzed payment trends to identify potential issues and recommend solutions for timely collections.
- Maintained compliance with state and federal regulations during all collections activities, ensuring ethical business practices.
- Assign and audit appropriate revenue codes to ensure facility charges are categorized correctly for various insurance payers and government programs.
- Thoroughly reviewed EOBs and ERAs to verify payment accuracy, identify underpayments, and interpret reason codes for claim adjustments or denials.
- Reviewed adjustment and remark codes to identify why claims were denied or rejected.
AR Collection Specialist
Altus Biologics
Pearland, Tx
08.2021 - 09.2022
- Worked with all departments to ensure Credentialing for physicians were updated
- Communicated with all payers regarding issues, denial patterns, or other payment delays to the AR Leadership team. Assists in determining appropriate action to move outstanding claims to final adjudication.
- Ensured that every account has been timely and accurately billed, has a current status note, is in the automated work queues, and is moving through the collection cycle.
- Managed accounts receivable processes to ensure timely collections and accurate reporting.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to facilitate payment resolutions.
Medical Collector
HEALIX INFUSION THERAPY
Sugar Land
07.2020 - 04.2021
- Implemented verbal and written collection activity with insurance carriers for expediting claims reimbursement.
- Performed consistent follow up practices with insurance providers.
- Submitted appeals using department resources in a timely manner with appropriate documentation.
- Reviewed all assigned correspondence and timely responses to ensure proper claim reimbursement.
Insurance Collector
AMERICAN SURGICAL PROFESSIONAL
Houston, TX
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Provided surgeons, hospitals, payers, and patients with valued clinical and administrative services in a respectful and professional manner.
- Worked with out of network commercial insurance.
- Submitted reconsideration and appeals to get claims paid.
- Monitored all out-of-network (OON) claims to identify those protected by the No Surprises Act, including emergency services, air ambulance transport, and OON services provided at in-network facilities.
Insurance Collector
CHRISTUS HEALTH/VA
Houston, TX
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Responsible for all Veterans claims for Houston and Lake Charles Office.
- Ensured all claims were paid fairly for veteran.
- Maintained for 50 claims per day.
- Communicated with Commercial and Government Insurance to make sure claims were paid in a timely manner.
Insurance Collector
NOBILIS HEALTH
Houston, TX
05.2012 - 08.2016
- Analyzed managed care contractual issues.
- Applied provider payments on accounts, applying contractual managed care reimbursement rates.
- Relentlessly submitted written appeals to payers, on denied claims for adjudication and resolution. Successfully overturning numerous insurance's decisions.
- Patient Financial Services / Patient Access Representative (July 2012 – May 2016)
- Provided Superior patient care for Hospital Business Offices Throughout the U.S.
- Maintained 150+ high quality calls daily, while meeting all metrics.
- Integrated seamlessly with healthcare organization to resolve patients health care accounts.
Team Lead
XEROX
Houston, TX
12.2007 - 07.2012
- Overturned 35% of supervisor calls.
- Resolved customer inquiries efficiently, ensuring high satisfaction levels.
- Managed multiple communication channels including phone, email, and live chat.
- Trained new team members on customer service protocols and systems.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Resolved customer inquiries and issues efficiently, ensuring high satisfaction levels.
- Managed multi-channel communications, including phone, email, and chat support.
Head Start Teacher
AVANCE HEADSTART
Houston, TX
08.1999 - 12.2007
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans to enhance children's cognitive and social skills.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional growth and positive behavior management.
- Collaborated with parents and families to create individualized learning strategies for each child's development.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in best practices for early childhood education and classroom management.
- Evaluated children's progress through assessments, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs.
Education
Associates Degree -
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Houston, TX05-2019
High School Diploma -
Crowley High School
Crowley, LA05-1996
Skills
- Clear Communication
- Exceptional listening
- Persuasive Speaking
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to smile through the phone
- Ability to remain calm in stressful environment
- HIPPA Certified
- Ability to work as a team player
- Relationship building
- Account review
- Teamwork orientation
- Credit and collections
- Collections
- Customer research
- Payment posting
- Outbound calling
- Persuasion techniques
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Professionalism and ethics
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Payor Collections Specialist III
Titan Health
12.2022 - Current
AR Collection Specialist
Altus Biologics
08.2021 - 09.2022
Medical Collector
HEALIX INFUSION THERAPY
07.2020 - 04.2021
Insurance Collector
AMERICAN SURGICAL PROFESSIONAL
08.2018 - 03.2020
Insurance Collector
CHRISTUS HEALTH/VA
08.2016 - 08.2018
Insurance Collector
NOBILIS HEALTH
05.2012 - 08.2016
Team Lead
XEROX
12.2007 - 07.2012
Head Start Teacher
AVANCE HEADSTART
08.1999 - 12.2007
Associates Degree -
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
High School Diploma -
Crowley High School
Awards
National Honor Society
Honor Roll