Lauren Hopkins
Waynesboro
Summary
Knowledgeable healthcare operational leader with proven track record of managing complex programs and leading cross-functional teams. Successfully implemented strategic initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and drove business growth. Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of health care operations, financial analysis, and strategic development.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
AVP Care at Home & Rural Partnerships
WellStar Health System Inc
01.2025 - Current
- Responsible for Wellstar Health System Care at Home model development, expansion, and implementation ranging from acute care, transitional care, primary care, and chronic care programs.
- Oversee the Wellstar Digital Care Network consisting of 42 partners across the state.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, facilitating better collaboration on projects across the organization.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in increased business opportunities through the Digital Care Network.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations by implementing risk mitigation measures and maintaining accurate documentation.
- Promoted and led performance enhancement culture by actively coaching and mentoring direct reports.
- Established policies and procedures that improved operational efficiency within the organization.
- Established and directed successful programs focused on Care at Home models utilizing digital health tools.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets through Digital Care.
AVP Virtual Care & Community Engagement
Wellstar MCG Health
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Analyzed data to identify areas of improvement, implementing changes that resulted in greater operational efficiency.
- Improved customer satisfaction by streamlining processes and implementing new strategies for telemedicine operations.
- Successfully managed change within the organization, ensuring smooth transitions during periods of restructuring or process improvements.
- Collaborated with VPs in order to grow business partners through prospecting, outreach efforts, and follow-up activities.
- Established and directed successful programs focused on population health activities, community-based partnerships, and telemedicine operations.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics focused on system initiatives including readmissions, throughput and capacity, and margin improvement.
Director, Population Health & Virtual Care
Wellstar MCG Health
11.2018 - 10.2022
- Responsible for population health and value-based programs and outcomes at AU Health.
- Managed a team of 30+ individuals with cross-functional areas supporting an academic medical center.
- Developed a telehealth network of hospitals, clinics, and post-acute care providers to deliver high quality clinical care.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Oversaw the development and implementation of Care at Home programs including the 1st Hospital at Home program in the state of Georgia.
Associate Director, Population Health
Wellstar MCG Health
04.2016 - 11.2018
- Responsible for the development of population health and value-based programs.
- Oversee value-based contract implementation through cross-departmental relationships and collaboration.
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations regarding quality outcomes, population health programs, and ambulatory care coordination needs.
- Designed and implemented Chronic Care Management and Transitional Care Management programs to improve value-based program metric outcomes.
- Developed Ambulatory Quality and Safety Committee in coordination with ACMO Ambulatory Quality.
Director of Network Development and Strategic Alignment
Rural Solutions
03.2015 - 04.2016
- Oversaw business operations of network development for partnerships for the MSSP Accountable Care Organization across a 7-state region.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Designed business operations dashboards for key performance metric reporting on ACO cost of care, utilization, and quality performance.
- Maintained relationships with key partners by coordination of visits, communication channels to provide updates, and provided support routinely to partners through on-site training and education.
Denial and Underpayment Coordinator
Pioneer Health Services
04.2013 - 03.2015
- Created the company's denial and underpayment program by development of policies and processes and reporting needs for revenue improvement capture.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents that were distributed to VPs and above.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally to internal customers as well as external partners.
- Enhanced project tracking by developing comprehensive database, which allowed for real-time updates and adjustments.
- Streamlined administrative processes, allowing for more efficient use of resources and better support for cross-functional teams.
- Identified denial trends for all facilities owned and/or managed
- Investigate payor issues and execute mitigation strategies
- Served as a subject matter expert for payor policy changes, and provided education to providers, clinical staff, and revenue cycle teams.
Hospital Administrator
Pioneer Health Services
02.2012 - 03.2013
- Hospital administrator of a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, 2 Rural Health Clinics, and a 60-bed Skilled Nursing Facility
- Oversaw hospital and SNF budget, hiring and recruitment of leadership and provider team, direct supervision of 30+ staff
- Created strategic plan for hospital, clinics, and SNF in coordination with corporate leadership team.
- Established strong relationships with local organizations and community leaders to foster partnerships beneficial to both parties involved.
- Oversaw the design and groundbreaking of new hospital and Medical Office Building (MOB).
Associate Administrator
Pioneer Health Services
12.2010 - 02.2012
- Served as operational leader under CEO for a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, 6-Rural Health Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Center, and Assisted Living facility.
- Served as a liaison between departments, improving information flow and minimizing delays in project timelines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on various initiatives, driving organizational success through teamwork.
- Supported swing bed development by partnerships with tertiary hospitals in the region.
- Led all provider recruitment efforts, including expansion of specialty care services at facility.
- Supported the strategic plan by monitoring of key performance metrics, and budget monitoring routinely.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS05.2009
Master of Public Health - Healthcare Administration
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12.2010
Skills
- Healthcare Operations
- Population Health Management
- Strategic planning
- Innovative Care Model Design
- Managed Care Contracting
- Digital Health Operations
- Rural Health Partnerships
- Value-Based Contracting
- Community Outreach Operations & Partnerships
- Healthcare Analytics
Highlights Of Expertise
- Population Health Management
- Ambulatory Operations
- Care Coordination
- Managed Care Contracting
- Telehealth Strategy
- Rural Health & Outreach
- Value-Based Reimbursement
- Direct Payment Programs (DPP)
- Community Outreach Operations
- Healthcare Analytics
Professional Organizations
- American College of Healthcare Executives, Member
- Medical Group Management Association, Member, Augusta GA Chapter
- Simpson County Distinguished Young Women, Member
- Choctaw County MS Economic Development Foundation, Member
- Kappa Delta, Delta Lambda Chapter, Chapter Advisory Board Member, Chairman
- Kappa Delta Alumni Association, Statesboro GA Chapter, Member
- Kappa Delta Sorority, 2006-2009, President, Vice President, Membership
Timeline
AVP Care at Home & Rural Partnerships
WellStar Health System Inc
01.2025 - Current
AVP Virtual Care & Community Engagement
Wellstar MCG Health
10.2022 - 01.2025
Director, Population Health & Virtual Care
Wellstar MCG Health
11.2018 - 10.2022
Associate Director, Population Health
Wellstar MCG Health
04.2016 - 11.2018
Director of Network Development and Strategic Alignment
Rural Solutions
03.2015 - 04.2016
Denial and Underpayment Coordinator
Pioneer Health Services
04.2013 - 03.2015
Hospital Administrator
Pioneer Health Services
02.2012 - 03.2013
Associate Administrator
Pioneer Health Services
12.2010 - 02.2012
Master of Public Health - Healthcare Administration
The University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
The University of Southern Mississippi
Similar Profiles
Maria LinarteMaria Linarte
Volunteer at BRG UNIDOS at WellStar Health SystemVolunteer at BRG UNIDOS at WellStar Health System
Ally HayesAlly Hayes
ER Registered Nurse at Wellstar Health SystemER Registered Nurse at Wellstar Health System
NICOLE REIDNICOLE REID
Certified Medical Assistant at WellStar Health SystemCertified Medical Assistant at WellStar Health System
Anya HaughtAnya Haught
Deli/Bakery Manager at Food LionDeli/Bakery Manager at Food Lion
Melody AmeyMelody Amey
Special Needs Nanny at Colored Mindz AcademySpecial Needs Nanny at Colored Mindz Academy