LETISHIA SMITH
HAMPTON
Summary
Patient Access Specialist with 19+ years of experience optimizing scheduling, registration, and insurance verification to reduce wait times and improve claim approvals. Skilled in customer service, point-of-service collections, conflict resolution, and healthcare compliance, with a track record of streamlining workflows and coordinating with clinical teams to enhance patient flow and appointment availability. Focused on applying process improvements and data-driven approaches to increase efficiency and patient satisfaction while advancing responsibilities in access operations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Access Specialist
Ensemble Health Partners
09.2025 - Current
- Managed patient scheduling and registration processes to reduce wait times and improve throughput.
- Verified insurance eligibility and obtained prior authorizations to decrease claim denials and speed patient care.
- Resolved patient billing and registration issues, resulting in measurable improvements in collection efficiency.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for patients, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction during the registration process.
- Streamlined patient registration workflows, resulting in noticeable reductions in wait times and enhanced throughput.
Care Guide
Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge
02.2014 - 10.2014
- Coordinated patient check-ins and care transitions to reduce wait time and improve flow.
- Educated patients and families on discharge plans, increasing adherence and follow-up compliance.
- Documented care interactions accurately to support clinical decisions and billing integrity.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary communication to resolve care gaps and improve patient satisfaction.
- Provided compassionate support to patients and families, fostering a welcoming environment that enhanced overall patient health.
Unit Secretary/Posting Clerk
Lexington Medical Center
11.2007 - 01.2014
- Managed patient admissions and unit communications to maintain accurate census and timely room turnover.
- Processed physician orders and electronic records ensuring correct posting and reduced documentation errors.
- Coordinated interdepartmental transfers and discharge paperwork to shorten patient wait times with measurable results.
- Maintained supply inventories and replaced missing items to support uninterrupted unit operations and staff efficiency.
Front Desk Receptionist
Plains Regional Medical Center
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Managed patient check-in process efficiently, ensuring accurate data entry and documentation.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling for multiple departments, optimizing workflow and reducing wait times.
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare providers, enhancing overall patient experience.
- Developed and maintained organized filing systems for medical records, improving retrieval time and accuracy.
- Oversaw daily front desk operations, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and procedures for patient interactions.
Medical Secretary
Alaska Perinatology and Associates
06.2003 - 07.2005
- Managed patient scheduling and coordinated appointments to optimize clinic workflow.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record (EHR) systems, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Facilitated communication between patients and medical staff to enhance care coordination and service delivery.
- Trained new administrative staff on office procedures and EHR system functionalities, improving team efficiency.
- Prioritized calls through screening process and transferred calls and recorded messages for appropriate personnel.
- Managed front desk operations efficiently while greeting patients warmly and addressing their concerns professionally.
- Registered new patients in electronic medical records prior to appointment scheduling.
- Kept information confidential and followed HIPAA guidelines to maintain patient trust.
- Maintained a clean and organized office environment to promote a positive atmosphere for both staff and patients.
Health Unit Coordinator
Providence Alaska Medical Center
02.1999 - 05.2003
- Coordinated patient admissions, ensuring accurate information flow between departments.
- Managed electronic health records using EPIC, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility.
- Facilitated communication among healthcare teams to support optimal patient care delivery.
- Oversaw scheduling of clinical staff, optimizing resource allocation for efficiency.
- Trained new staff on operational protocols and systems, fostering team competency.
Court Clerk
Newport News General District Traffic Court
03.1996 - 06.1999
- Processed court documents and maintained accurate case files in compliance with legal standards.
- Coordinated scheduling for court hearings, ensuring efficient use of courtroom resources.
- Assisted judges by providing timely information and managing courtroom procedures effectively.
- Trained new staff on court operations and document management systems to enhance team performance.
- Maintained organized filing systems for easy retrieval of case files and supporting documentation.
- Provided assistance to attorneys and court personnel in courtroom
- Maintained court dockets and updated disposition of cases after court hearings and trials.
- Answered telephone calls, took messages and transferred calls to appropriate colleagues.
- Prepared court documents for filing in alignment with established protocols to support compliance.
Education
Certification Medical Clerical Specialist -
Ecpi University
Hampton, V.A.06-1989
Skills
- Customer Service (Expert), Scheduling Optimization (Experienced), Conflict Resolution (Experienced), Healthcare Compliance (Experienced), Team Collaboration (Experienced), Point of Service Collections (Experienced)
- Medical terminology (Experienced)
- Front desk operations (Expert)
Timeline
Patient Access Specialist
Ensemble Health Partners
09.2025 - Current
Care Guide
Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge
02.2014 - 10.2014
Unit Secretary/Posting Clerk
Lexington Medical Center
11.2007 - 01.2014
Front Desk Receptionist
Plains Regional Medical Center
08.2005 - 06.2007
Medical Secretary
Alaska Perinatology and Associates
06.2003 - 07.2005
Health Unit Coordinator
Providence Alaska Medical Center
02.1999 - 05.2003
Court Clerk
Newport News General District Traffic Court
03.1996 - 06.1999
Certification Medical Clerical Specialist -
Ecpi University
Award Of Excellence - 2009
Selected by Co-workers and Supervisors