LINDA AKMAKJIAN
Schaumburg,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented Healthcare Billing and Authorization Specialist with expertise in insurance verification, claims processing, and prior authorizations for orthopedic and surgical services. Drives accurate billing and denial resolution through effective payer communication and EMR system utilization. Leverages strong knowledge of medical terminology and HIPAA compliance to enhance patient account management.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
AUTHORIZATION SPECIALIST
SUBURBAN ORTHOPAEDICS
Schaumburg, Illinois
07.2024 - Current
- Obtained prior authorization for orthopedic procedures including MRIs/CTs, viscosupplementation, electromyograms (EMG), durable medical equipment (DME), and pain management to ensure timely patient care.
- Coordinated prior authorizations for orthopedic, spine, and surgical procedures.
- Reviewed and verified insurance information for specific Orthopedic procedures.
- Collaborated with insurance companies to resolve appeals and reconsiderations, facilitating smoother authorization processes.
- Resolved denial issues and clarified payer requirements with care teams.
- Consulted with providers to ensure the ordered procedures followed insurance policy guidelines for maximum reimbursement.
- Provided customer service to internal and external customers related to authorization requests.
- Collaborated with the administrative team to ensure the insurance was correct for patient's and participated in many trainings for the administrative team to work as a team cohesively..
- Contributed to development of processes and protocols that enhanced operational efficiency and streamlined authorization workflows.
BILLING MANAGER
ENDOSCOPY CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE
Evanston, Illinois
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Reviewed claim submissions for accuracy and compliance with coding and payer requirements, ensuring timely reimbursement.
- Managed billing workflows for endoscopy center patient accounts and insurance claims.
- Resolved denied claims through follow-up with insurers and internal departments.
- Posted payments and adjusted accounts in billing and practice management systems.
- Resolved billing disputes with customers, enhancing satisfaction and maintaining positive relationships.
- Monitored delinquent accounts and coordinated with the collections department to facilitate timely recovery.
- Assisted the practice manager in maintaining the provider's credentialing status with various payers.
- Led the transition to electronic billing systems, significantly reducing paper use and contributing to sustainability goals.
MEDICAL BILLER
G&G MEDICAL BILLING SERVICES
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Verified medical codes for diagnosis, treatments, procedures and supplies using the ICD-10 coding system.
- Submitted claims through clearinghouses and payer portals via CollaborateMD, Modernizing Medicine, or paper.
- Collaborated with payers and provider offices to resolve claim denials, facilitating smoother reimbursement processes.
- Monitored accounts receivable and followed up on pending claims to ensure timely resolutions.
- Conducted follow-up activities on unpaid claims with insurance companies and third-party payers through phone and written correspondence to expedite payment.
- Answered incoming calls regarding billing inquiries from patients or providers in a professional manner.
- Assisted providers with credentialing for various payers and updated their contracts accordingly.
- Applied HIPAA privacy and security regulations while handling patient information.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT/MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
NORTHWEST ENT ASSOCIATES
Chicago, Illinois
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Greeted patients at Northwest ENT Associates with professional front-desk service.
- Verified insurance details and collected patient demographic information.
- Prepared patient paperwork and supported check-in and check-out workflows.
- Protected patients by observing strict HIPAA guidelines.
- Informed patients of financial responsibilities before services rendered, ensuring transparency and preparedness.
- Obtained prior authorization from insurance companies for outpatient and inpatient procedures, facilitating seamless surgical scheduling.
- Contacted primary care, cardiology, and pulmonary providers to collect a surgical patient's medical clearance in accordance with hospital and anesthesia standards.
- Processed billing for patient services, ensuring accuracy and compliance. in office ENT procedures, inpatient consultations, and outpatient surgeries using proper CPT code guidelines and corresponding ICD-10 diagnosis codes.
- Addressed patient billing inquiries regarding outstanding balances and denied claims, enhancing patient understanding and satisfaction.
- Transmitted medical records and other correspondence by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Education
BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE (B.S) - Biology, Chemistry
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL06-2016
ASSOCIATE'S OF SCIENCE (A.S) -
OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Des Plaines, IL06-2013
Skills
- Prior authorization processing
- Claims processing
- Insurance verification
- Payer guidelines
- Claims appeals
- Provider credentialing
- HIPAA compliance
- Revenue cycle
- EMR systems proficiency
- Provider portal expertise
- Data entry
- Medical terminology expertise
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Patient accounts
Timeline
AUTHORIZATION SPECIALIST
SUBURBAN ORTHOPAEDICS
07.2024 - Current
BILLING MANAGER
ENDOSCOPY CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE
07.2023 - 07.2024
MEDICAL BILLER
G&G MEDICAL BILLING SERVICES
01.2022 - 07.2023
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT/MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
NORTHWEST ENT ASSOCIATES
01.2019 - 01.2022
BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE (B.S) - Biology, Chemistry
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
ASSOCIATE'S OF SCIENCE (A.S) -
OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE