MARIA ZAPATA
LUBBOCK,TX
Summary
Dynamic Senior Coding & Reimbursement Specialist with extensive experience at TTUHSC, excelling in coding accuracy and claims processing. Proven track record in resolving billing disputes and training staff, enhancing team collaboration and compliance with ICD-10 standards. Committed to improving revenue cycle management and ensuring patient confidentiality.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SENIOR CODING & REIMBURSEMENT SPECIALIST
TTUHSC
LUBBOCK, TX
05.2025 - Current
- Processed coding claims for accurate reimbursement at TTUHSC.
- Reviewed medical records to ensure compliance with billing standards.
- Communicated with healthcare providers regarding coding queries and updates.
- Assisted in training new staff on coding and reimbursement procedures.
- Maintained documentation for audits and regulatory compliance purposes.
- Researched updates in coding guidelines to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
- Collaborated with finance teams to resolve billing discrepancies effectively.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for efficient data management and retrieval.
- Managed communication between healthcare providers and insurers regarding payment disputes.
- Assisted physicians with proper coding procedures and documentation requirements.
- Performed quality assurance reviews of coded data prior to submission of claims.
- Investigated issues related to denied or underpaid reimbursements from payers.
- Identified areas where workflow could be improved within the organization's coding system.
- Provided training on coding best practices to staff members across multiple departments.
- Reviewed and updated coding guidelines to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Conducted audits of medical records to identify errors in coding practices.
- Collaborated with internal departments to resolve discrepancies in claims processing.
- Maintained knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS, and other relevant coding systems.
CODING & BILLING SPECIALIST
UMASS
LUBBOCK, TX
10.2021 - 05.2024
- Processed coding and billing information for patient services accurately.
- Reviewed medical records to ensure compliance with billing regulations.
- Communicated with healthcare providers to clarify coding discrepancies.
- Resolved billing inquiries from patients and insurance companies promptly.
- Utilized electronic health record systems to manage patient data efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline billing procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations.
- Assisted in training new staff on coding and billing practices effectively.
- Tracked payments from insurance companies using spreadsheets or other tracking tools.
- Provided support to colleagues by responding promptly to inquiries related to coding and billing issues.
- Documented all changes made to patient accounts due to coding updates or corrections.
- Coded diagnosis and procedures according to established guidelines.
- Investigated customer complaints pertaining to coding or billing errors and took corrective action as needed.
- Assisted with resolving any discrepancies regarding payment amounts or denials.
- Verified accuracy of billing information prior to submitting claims to insurance companies.
- Developed strategies for efficient management of accounts receivable processes.
- Reviewed patient medical records to ensure accuracy and completeness of data for coding purposes.
- Processed incoming payments from insurance companies, patients, and other third parties.
- Utilized various software systems for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
- Researched and assigned appropriate ICD-10 codes based on documentation in the patient's medical record.
- Collaborated with clinical staff members on code assignments when necessary.
- Assisted customers with questions about their bills or charges associated with services rendered.
- Ensured timely submission of all claims so that maximum reimbursement is received.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current coding rules, regulations, and best practices.
CO-BOM
Garrison Protective Services
LUBBOCK, TX
10.2016 - 11.2020
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Billing Supervisor
Covenant Medical Center
Lubbock, TX
09.1997 - 10.2016
- Supervised daily operations and ensured adherence to safety protocols.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and company policies.
- Coordinated workflow between departments to maintain efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies as needed.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to team members.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance productivity and streamline tasks.
- Assisted in scheduling shifts and managing employee attendance records.
- Resolved conflicts and addressed employee concerns effectively and promptly.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Directed and supervised team of 15 employees in daily operations.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
- Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
- Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
- Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
- Tracked progress on projects and provided timely feedback to staff members.
- Created new strategies for improving customer service standards within the organization.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Managed scheduling for staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times and projects.
- Developed and maintained a safe working environment, adhering to all safety protocols and regulations.
- Led weekly team meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and plan future actions.
- Coordinated with other department supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and project alignment.
- Developed strategies to improve team performance and productivity.
- Prepared and presented reports on team performance, challenges, and achievements to senior management.
- Addressed and resolved interpersonal conflicts within the team, maintaining a harmonious work environment.
- Implemented new operational procedures, increasing efficiency.
- Managed team of 25 employees, ensuring high productivity and quality standards were met.
- Monitored employee attendance, addressing any punctuality or absenteeism issues.
Education
CPC - CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODER CERTIFICATION
CPC
LUBBOCK02-1996
MEDICAL ASSOCIATS - Medical Informatics
AMERICAN COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
LUBBOCK05-1994
GED -
FLOYDADA HIGH SCHOOL
Floydada, TX09-1991
Skills
- Coding accuracy
- ICD-10 compliance
- EHR management
- Claim processing
- Billing dispute resolution
- Medical billing standards
- Patient data management
- Healthcare regulations
- Claims auditing
- Problem solving
- Staff training
- Interpersonal communication
- Team collaboration
- Claims processing
- Diagnostic coding
- Revenue cycle management
- Process improvement
- Attention to detail
- Auditing
- Denial management
- HIPAA compliance
- Appeals handling
- Procedural coding
- Insurance verification
- Charge entry
- ICD-10 proficiency
- CPT coding
- Patient confidentiality
- Medical billing experience
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical coding expertise
- Payment posting
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Certification
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODER CERTIFICATION
Accomplishments
- HAVE MANAGE A LARGE CLINIC AND NOT HAVE A TURNOVER IN EMPLOYEES IN OVER 4 YEARS
Affiliations
- TEAM BUILDING
- WILLING TO HELP IN PLANNING WORK EVENTS
- VOLUNTEER FOR CHARITABLE EVENTS
Timeline
SENIOR CODING & REIMBURSEMENT SPECIALIST
TTUHSC
05.2025 - Current
CODING & BILLING SPECIALIST
UMASS
10.2021 - 05.2024
CO-BOM
Garrison Protective Services
10.2016 - 11.2020
Billing Supervisor
Covenant Medical Center
09.1997 - 10.2016
CPC - CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODER CERTIFICATION
CPC
MEDICAL ASSOCIATS - Medical Informatics
AMERICAN COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
GED -
FLOYDADA HIGH SCHOOL