Lisa Leonard
Registered Nurse Care Management
Fillmore,IN
Summary
Dynamic Utilization Review Nurse with a proven track record at Optum Health, enhancing patient outcomes through meticulous record reviews and effective communication. Skilled in InterQual criteria and fostering teamwork, I streamline processes and train new staff, ensuring compliance and quality improvement in healthcare delivery. Compassionate and adaptable, I thrive in collaborative environments.
Experienced with conducting thorough utilization reviews to ensure effective resource use and patient care. Utilizes clinical judgment to assess and recommend appropriate treatment plans. Track record of ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and improving patient outcomes.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Utilization Review Nurse
Optum Health
Minnetonka, Minnesota
10.2020 - Current
- Improved patient outcomes by meticulously reviewing patient records to ensure appropriate care levels.
- Devise or identify solutions for irregular requests and issues.
- Performed admission reviews based for medical necessity based upon MCG and Interqual specification.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning by actively participating in departmental meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities related to utilization review.
- Conducted training sessions for new nurses, enhancing team's review capabilities.
- Enhanced team efficiency with development of streamlined review processes.
Utilization Review Nurse
Hendricks Regional Health Hospital
Danville, IN
10.2016 - 10.2020
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Conducted training sessions for new nurses, enhancing team's review capabilities.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Enhanced patient care coordination by effectively communicating review outcomes to healthcare teams.
- Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
- Collaborated with insurance companies to verify coverage, clarify benefits, and facilitate authorization for medical services, reducing delays in patient care delivery.
- Supported organizational growth and development through effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams focused on improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
- Submitted cases for criteria failures and helped facilitate resolutions and approvals.
- Collaborated with physicians to clarify treatment plans, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and accreditation standards by maintaining accurate documentation of all utilization review activities.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Hendricks Regional Health Hospital
Danville, IN
10.2003 - 10.2015
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and making recommendations for process enhancements.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of medical-surgical nursing.
- Clinical Manager for 6 years on the Medical-Surgical Unit.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Indiana University West Hospital Clarian Health
Avon, IN
10.2002 - 2005
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Managed caseload of 6 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN08-2013
Associate of Science - Nursing
IUPUI Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN 05.2001 -
Skills
Quality improvement
Healthcare regulations
Documentation and reporting
Discharge planning
Interpersonal and written communication
Utilization management
Discharge planning coordination
InterQual criteria
Milliman guidelines
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability and flexibility
Critical thinking
Timeline
Utilization Review Nurse
Optum Health
10.2020 - Current
Utilization Review Nurse
Hendricks Regional Health Hospital
10.2016 - 10.2020
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Hendricks Regional Health Hospital
10.2003 - 10.2015
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Indiana University West Hospital Clarian Health
10.2002 - 2005
Associate of Science - Nursing
IUPUI Indianapolis
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Indianapolis
Sage Award Nomination 2025
Recognition Sages of Clinical Services
In recognition of valuable contributions which reflect the United Health Group values of Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation, Performance.