Laurie Garza,CPC
Santa Fe,TX
Summary
Skilled medical coding professional and Clinical Documentation Specialist prepared to drive accuracy and efficiency in healthcare documentation. Known for strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and comprehensive knowledge of medical coding systems and regulations. Excel in team collaboration, adapting to evolving requirements, and delivering consistent results. Recognized for reliability and commitment to upholding high standards in all tasks.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Documentation Specialist (Retired)
University Texas Medical Branch
02.2008 - 03.2024
- Superuser/Lead for Optum for our CDI team. 4 CDI's worked on my umbrella. Training and mentored new CDI's to support growth and development for coding and accuracy. Served as a resource for healthcare professionals seeking guidance on various aspects of clinical documentation, fostering effective communication among team members.
- Lead for our Patient safety indicators (PSI's) and Hospital acquired conditions (HAC's). Part of the BEST care team for Vizient.
- Demonstrated expertise in various code sets including CPT, HCPCS Level II, ICD-10-CM/PCS codes while maintaining certification as an Clinical Documentation Specialist.
- Analyzed data from audits to identify areas for improvement in clinical documentation processes, implementing targeted interventions for positive change.
- Expedited accurate clinical documentation completion by promptly responding to queries from healthcare providers and support staff, offering timely guidance and support.
- Reviewed and coded inpatient records DRG's, complications and comorbidities, identify trends; and notes observations and recommendations for documentation improvement.
- Communicated with physicians, nurses and other caregivers to explain importance of accurate and clear documentation. Worked close with inpatient coding staff to ensure that appropriate reimbursement is relieved for the level of service rendered for patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop best practices in clinical documentation, streamlining processes and reducing errors.
- Participated in continuous education programs, staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in clinical documentation management.
- Educated healthcare staff on the importance of proper clinical documentation, fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability. Trained new residents and monthly meetings with team.
- Improved clinical documentation quality by conducting thorough reviews and providing feedback to healthcare providers.
- Queried physicians regarding missing or unclear health record documentation and requested further information for clarification purposes for accuracy in coding.
- Played an integral role in the successful implementation of new EHR software, providing valuable input during system design phases and facilitating seamless transition periods for all involved parties. Super user for OPTUM and did training for our CDI team.
- Enhanced patient care by ensuring accurate and complete medical records through timely and efficient documentation practices.
- Carefully reviewed patient files for clarity on diseases, diagnoses and procedures to determine quality of care.
- Maintained my certifications with compliance with industry standards and regulatory guidelines through continuous education on updates to ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and Coding Clinic guidance.
Coding Supervisor (Orthopedics)
University Texas Medical Branch
01.2003 - 02.2008
- Led my team successful transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS code sets within the organization, ensuring timely implementation and minimal disruption in workflow processes.
- Adhere to coding guidelines for payor specific.
- Enhanced coding accuracy by implementing regular training sessions and performance evaluations for coding staff.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts for new coding staff members, interviewing candidates and providing recommendations for hiring decisions.
- Managed a team of coders, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to enhance their professional growth and development.
- Monitored coder productivity to ensure timely completion of assignments while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Meet with the Orthopedic physicians and residents on their documentation and billing for their monthly reports.
- Oversaw the training and physician education with the new residents.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on ICD-10-CM/PCS codes as well as CPT-4 procedural codes through ongoing education efforts and certifications renewals when applicable.
- As coding supervisor I was responsible and helped team to maintain work flow with E\M visits and assign diagnostic and procedural codes.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
Medical Coder
University Texas Medical Branch
03.1995 - 2002
- Increased coding accuracy by diligently reviewing medical documentation and applying appropriate codes.
- Reviewed and translated diagnosis and procedures and treatments into ICD-10-Cm, CPT codes and HCPCS.
- Contributed to healthcare quality improvement by accurately coding diagnoses and procedures for data analysis and reporting.
- Reviewed and coded the daily E/M visits and Op-reports for Orthopedics.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and managed coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures contained in outpatient medical records.
- Played key role in transition to ICD-10 coding system, leading training sessions and updating coding protocols.
Education
No Degree - Medical Billing
Galveston College
Galveston, TX02-1995
Skills
- Skilled in optimizing 3M processes
- OPTUM user, 3M, Epic
- Exemplary communication skills
- Clinical documentation management
- Training and mentoring
- Medical terminology
- Record auditing
- Strong attention to detail
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Certification
CPC-AAPC
Timeline
Clinical Documentation Specialist (Retired)
University Texas Medical Branch
02.2008 - 03.2024
Coding Supervisor (Orthopedics)
University Texas Medical Branch
01.2003 - 02.2008
Medical Coder
University Texas Medical Branch
03.1995 - 2002
No Degree - Medical Billing
Galveston College
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