Linda C Collins
Atos/Cook County Health and Hospitals System
Allen Park,MI
1
Certification
26
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented Clinical Documentation Specialist focused on enhancing accuracy and compliance through effective training and process improvements. Analyzed clinical records to implement targeted interventions, optimizing documentation practices and improving patient care outcomes. Fostered collaboration among healthcare teams, driving continuous improvement in clinical environments.
Work History
Clinical Documentation Specialist Auditor
1 Year 11 Months- Analyzed clinical documentation for accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Reviewed and resolved discrepancies in medical records to enhance data integrity.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to improve documentation processes and patient care outcomes.
- Educated staff on best practices for clinical documentation to ensure consistent quality.
- Utilized electronic health record (EHR) systems to streamline documentation workflows.
- Conducted audits of clinical documentation to identify areas for improvement and training needs.
- Implemented changes based on feedback to optimize clinical data capture and reporting accuracy.
- Analyzed data from audits to identify areas for improvement in clinical documentation processes, implementing targeted interventions for positive change.
Inpatient Coding Auditor
2 Years- Conducted comprehensive audits ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies.
- Prepared detailed audit reports outlining findings, risks, and actionable recommendations for management review.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance protocols and audit efficiency.
- Analyzed financial records and operational processes to identify discrepancies and recommend improvements.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations, ensuring audits meet current standards and best practices.
- Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
- Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular audits and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
Clinical Documentation Specialist
2 Years 3 Months- Collaborated with healthcare providers to enhance documentation practices and improve patient care quality.
- Ensured accuracy of clinical documentation to meet compliance and regulatory standards.
- Reviewed medical records for completeness, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrections.
- Trained junior staff on best practices for clinical documentation and coding guidelines.
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures related to clinical documentation processes, promoting consistency across the organization.
- Communicated with physicians, nurses and other caregivers to explain the importance of accurate and clear documentation.
Inpatient Coder II
4 Years 6 Months- Reviewed and analyzed medical records for accurate coding compliance with ICD-10 and CPT guidelines.
- Implemented quality assurance processes to ensure coding accuracy and reduce claim denials.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to clarify diagnoses and procedures for precise documentation.
- Trained new coders on coding standards and best practices to enhance team performance.
Inpatient Coder II
1 Year 2 Months- Led initiatives to optimize coding workflows, resulting in improved turnaround times for billing processes.
- Utilized advanced coding software to streamline workflow and improve efficiency in processing claims.
- Conducted regular audits of coded charts to identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
- Mentored junior coders, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
Inpatient Coder
12 Years 8 Months- Reviewed and coded inpatient medical records for accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to clarify documentation discrepancies, ensuring accurate coding outcomes.
- Trained junior coders on coding guidelines and best practices to enhance departmental efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced coding errors and streamlined workflow procedures.
- Conducted regular audits of coded records to maintain quality assurance and compliance metrics.
- Led initiatives for ongoing education on changes in coding regulations, fostering team knowledge growth.
- Developed comprehensive reports on coding accuracy and productivity, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
- Played an integral role in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives by contributing insights gained from extensive experience in inpatient coding processes, ultimately leading to more accurate patient data reporting.
- Upheld ethical standards in all aspects of work responsibilities through strict adherence to AHIMA Code of Ethics and professional practice guidelines.
- Increased job satisfaction among peers by fostering a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration, support, and open communication among team members.
- Reduced claim denials by proactively resolving billing discrepancies prior to submission, working closely with billing teams when necessary.
- Demonstrated expertise in various code sets including CPT, HCPCS Level II, ICD-10-CM/PCS codes while maintaining certification as an Inpatient Coder.
- Developed a concurrent coding program which turned into a Clinical Documentation Improvement program; trained and educated new CDS in their new role as clinical documentation improvement specialists.
- Worked in denials and appeals; submitted written appeal letter that successfully overturned denials.
- Provided physician education for clinical documentation improvement
Inpatient Coder
1 Year 8 Months- Enhanced the accuracy of medical coding by consistently reviewing and validating medical records for inpatient services.
- Improved overall coding quality by conducting regular audits, identifying areas for improvement, and providing targeted training to team members.
- Analyzed data trends in coding practices to identify areas for operational improvement and training needs.
- Strengthened relationships between coders and clinical staff through regular engagement meetings, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care documentation.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulatory guidelines through continuous education on updates to ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and Coding Clinic guidance.
- Correctly coded and billed medical claims for various hospital and nursing facilities.
- Reviewed patient charts to better understand health histories, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
Education
Associate of Science - Health Information Management
Skills
Clinical documentation
Documentation compliance
Documentation enhancement
Healthcare coding
Staff education
Proficient in [software]
Process improvements
Report creation
Training programs
Medical terminology
Clinical coding
Terminology expertise
Problem-solving
Analytical thinking
Reliability
Certification
- AHIMA Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT)
- AHIMA Certified Documentation Improve Practitioner (CDIP)
- AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Former AHIMA Certified ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
Timeline
Clinical Documentation Specialist Auditor
Atos/Cook County Health and Hospitals System
09.2024 - CurrentRead More
Inpatient Coding Auditor
Atos/Cook County Health and Hospitals System
09.2022 - 09.2024Read More
Clinical Documentation Specialist
Atos/Cook County Health and Hospitals System
06.2020 - 09.2022Read More
Inpatient Coder II
Atos/Advocate Sherman
12.2015 - 06.2020Read More
Inpatient Coder II
Atos/LHP Portneuf
10.2014 - 12.2015Read More
Inpatient Coder
Garden City Hospital
02.2002 - 10.2014Read More
Inpatient Coder
Detroit Receiving Hospital
06.2000 - 02.2002Read More
Henry Ford College
Associate of Science from Health Information Management
Read More