Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
LaWanda Allen

LaWanda Allen

Dallas,TX

Summary

Accomplished Health Unit Coordinator and Behavior Specialist with a proven track record at UT Southwestern Medical Center, showcasing exceptional skills in records management and critical thinking. Demonstrated professionalism and ethics, significantly enhancing patient care and interdepartmental communication. Expert in streamlining processes for improved efficiency, with a commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and fostering a supportive environment. Organized Health Unit Coordinator with Two years of progressive experience planning patient activities, resolving complaints and updating medical files. Bringing strong understanding of medical procedures and medical jargon coupled with deep knowledge of hospital policies and operations. Seasoned professional committed to delivering excellent customer service in hospital setting. Goal-driven Healthcare Administration professional well-versed in recruiting, training and managing employees to provide exceptional resident services. Highly organized and hardworking with excellent planning and program management skills. Licensed in the state of Texas.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Health Unit Coordinator

Ut Southwestern Medical Center
03.2022 - Current
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Enhanced communication between medical staff by promptly answering phone calls, relaying messages, and responding to inquiries.
  • Assisted nursing staff with daily tasks, contributing to a well-organized and efficient unit environment.
  • Assembled and maintained patient medical records and other documents related to patient care.
  • Assisted with processing patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
  • Increased efficiency in the workplace by training new Health Unit Coordinators on policies, procedures, and software applications.
  • Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail under pressure in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
  • Maintained accurate patient records through diligent data entry and timely updates in the electronic health record system.
  • Ordered supplies proactively to ensure adequate stock levels were maintained at all times within the health unit.
  • Entered work orders into computer system for appropriate departments regarding maintenance issues and biomed needs.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions during shift changes by diligently preparing handoff reports for income
  • Supported quality improvement initiatives by participating in audits, identifying areas of concern, and suggesting solutions for enhanced performance.
  • Reduced administrative burden on nurses and doctors by taking on additional clerical tasks, allowing more focus on patient care.
  • Streamlined patient admission process, significantly reducing wait times by meticulously organizing and updating patient records.
  • Facilitated supportive environment for patients and visitors, addressing inquiries and directing them to appropriate departments.
  • Maintained confidentiality and protected patient rights by strictly adheMaintained strict compliance with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding patient privacy throughout the claim evaluation process.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders during the entire claim lifecycle process.
  • Identified patterns of fraudulent activities through meticulous analysis of medical claims data.
  • Managed high volume caseloads, prioritizing urgent and sensitive cases for immediate attention.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of medical claims to ensure proper payment or denial.
  • Verified patient insurance coverage and benefits for medical claims.
  • Monitored and updated claims status in claims processing system.
  • Responded to correspondence from insurance companies.
  • Used administrative guidelines as resource or to answer questions when processing medical claims.
  • Followed up on denied claims to verify timely patient payment and resolution.
  • Processed insurance payments and maintained accurate documentation of payments.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism.

Behavior Specialist

Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
04.2015 - 03.2022
  • Reduced classroom disruptions through careful observation and analysis of student behaviors, leading to tailored interventions.
  • Provided crisis intervention support during critical incidents, deescalating situations and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
  • Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
  • Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
  • Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
  • Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
  • Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and fostering positive relationships conducive to healing.
  • Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
  • Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
  • Monitored patients'' progress, documenting changes in behavior and updating treatment plans accordingly.
  • Assisted individuals with daily living activities such as grooming, meal preparation, or mobility when necessary.
  • Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and promote recovery.
  • Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate care and support during their mental health journey.
  • Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Supported families in understanding their loved one''s mental health condition and provided resources for ongoing support.
  • Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive community among patients.
  • Empowered patients by setting realistic goals, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating achievements throughout the recovery process.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients manage mental health difficulties.
  • Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members, contributing valuable insights to optimize patient care and outcomes.
  • Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
  • Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and advance skillset.
  • Contributed to a culture of excellence within the facility by consistently upholding high standards of care and actively seeking opportunities for improvement.
  • Ensured timely administration of medications as prescribed by psychiatrists, closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and treatment plans of clients.
  • Conducted thorough assessments upon patient admission, gathering essential background information for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
  • Collaborated with therapists to implement treatment plans, enhancing effectiveness of interventions.
  • Enhanced patient well-being by providing compassionate care and monitoring mental health status.
  • Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare professionals to improve care coordination.
  • Provided emotional support to patients, helping them cope with mental health challenges.
  • Enhanced therapeutic environment by maintaining clean and organized patient area.
  • Advocated for patient needs within healthcare system, ensuring access to necessary resources.
  • Educated families on mental health conditions, empowering them with knowledge to support their loved ones.
  • Documented patient progress comprehensively, enabling tailored treatment adjustments.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety protocols, maintaining safe environment for patients and staff.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings, contributing valuable insights for patient care planning.
  • Assisted in developing individualized care plans to meet specific needs of patients.
  • Guided patients in development of coping strategies, improving their ability to manage symptoms.
  • Improved patient engagement with therapeutic activities, tailoring approaches to individual interests.
  • Utilized de-escalation techniques effectively, reducing instances of patient agitation.
  • Charted on each patient daily.
  • Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, and managed patient behavior.
  • Assessed patient progress and reported changes to supervising physician.
  • Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
  • Assisted in development of therapeutic activities for patients.
  • Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.

Education

Human Resources Management

DBU
Dallas, TX
05.2025

High School Diploma -

Waxahachie High School
Waxahachie, TX
05.2001

Skills

  • Records Management
  • Professionalism and Ethics
  • Critical thinking abilities
  • Patient Registration

Certification

  • Certified Health Unit Coordinator certificate 5/2022
  • All lines Adjuster License 6/2024
  • Certified Nursing Assistant 2007- present

Timeline

Health Unit Coordinator

Ut Southwestern Medical Center
03.2022 - Current

Behavior Specialist

Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
04.2015 - 03.2022

Human Resources Management

DBU

High School Diploma -

Waxahachie High School
LaWanda Allen