Physical Therapist with 25 years of experience in clinical care and care coordination. Currently serving as an Acute Care Coordinator/ Clinical Review Coordinator, leveraging expertise in CMS Medicare criteria, discharge planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to critically evaluate clinical data, reinforce clinical guidelines in partnership with multidisciplinary internal and external teams, and support strategic development of clinical workflows. Adept at navigating fast-paced healthcare environments and driving innovation through data-informed decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to ensure continuity of care. Track record of supporting patient needs and improving care processes through teamwork and problem-solving.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Acute Care Coordinator/Clinical Review Coordinator
United Health Group/Optum/ Home & Community Care Transitions
10.2021 - Current
Patient care advocate in acute care partnered with Medicare Advantage health plans and onsite Care Management team supporting safe discharge planning with onsite engagement, performing utilization review & pre-authorizations for post acute care.
Developed strong relationships and collaboration with multidisciplinary acute care team to identify members with a need for post acute care.
Refer patients to appropriate hospital programs and community resources available to prevent re-admissions.
Engages with patients and families onsite to support safe discharge transitions by providing education on various levels of post acute care and Medicare criteria.
Impacts discharge planning through patient and provider engagements by identifying barriers to discharge, recommending appropriate post acute levels of care based on Medicare criteria to promote timely authorization determinations.
Demonstrates competency in understanding CMS criteria to guide discharge planning discussions and complete authorization requests for SNF.
Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and be adaptable by managing a high caseload of members and multiple competing priorities.
Exhibits leadership within the Acute Care Coordinator team providing support, motivating and influencing others and acting as point of contact in the absence of team manager.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a growth mindset by being open and able to break through barriers while leveraging innovation and improve processes.
Developed processes for improvement including participating in a competency work group updating the Acute Care Coordinator onboarding requirements.
Facilitated educational presentations to acute care staff involved in discharge planning, including Physician Advisors, Care Management team and Rehabilitation teams, regarding Medicare criteria reviewed for all post acute levels of care.
Review and present company metrics to our health plan and acute care partners.
Extensive record of performance, by meeting and exceeding established goals.
Senior Physical Therapist
Allegheny Health Network: Allegheny General Hospital
04.2013 - 09.2021
Acute Care Physical Therapist working with various inpatient populations, making appropriate post acute discharge recommendations and collaborating with physicians, nursing and case management to facilitate timely hospital discharges.
Established strong relationships and communication with physicians, nursing staff and case management.
Demonstrated understanding of insurance and financial factors involved with discharge recommendations.
Assumed staffing and patient scheduling, managed student internship program and oversight of department operations in the absence of the manager.
Performed peer reviews and participated in the interview process for department job applicants.
Implemented evidence-based interventions to improve patient recovery times and functional outcomes.
Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems, improving efficiency and compliance.
Collaborated with physicians and healthcare staff to provide integrated care solutions for complex cases.
Facilitated continuing education workshops, fostering professional development among therapy staff.
Mentored junior therapists and students, enhancing clinical skills and promoting best practices in patient care.
Stayed current on industry advancements through continuous professional education and training opportunities.
Physical Therapist
East Suburban Sports Medicine
07.2003 - 03.2013
Staff Physical Therapist for a busy outpatient orthopedic clinic treating patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses.
Developed tailored rehabilitation programs for diverse patient needs.
Implemented evidence-based treatment techniques to enhance recovery outcomes.
Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
Optimized clinic efficiency by managing schedules, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and delegating tasks among staff members.
Maintained open lines of communication with referring physicians to ensure coordinated care efforts.
Supported local high school internship program by participating as a mentor.
Educated patients on injury prevention strategies, promoting long-term wellness and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Education
Master of Physical Therapy -
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Health Science -
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Skills
Effective time management
Team leadership
Effective group facilitation
Acute care expertise
Effective communication
Professional mentor
Managed care coordination
Clinical utilization review
Collaborative team member
Patient Advocate
Knowledge of CMS guidelines
InterQual utilization
Client case management
COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Center for Clinician Advancement Ambassador| since 2024
First Level Leader | June 2024-ongoing
High Performing Teams Experienced | November 2024
Manager Development Conference participant | 2024, 2025
Inspire Mentor
Mentoring colleagues on career planning through Center for Clinician Advancement | 2023-2025
Learning & Development Experience
Foundations of Facilitation course | July 2023
Nominee for Care Transitions Champion Impact Story | 2023
APTA Certified Clinical Instructor | 2014-2021
Instructor for TBI Lab, Duquesne University | 2016-2017
Timeline
Acute Care Coordinator/Clinical Review Coordinator
United Health Group/Optum/ Home & Community Care Transitions
10.2021 - Current
Senior Physical Therapist
Allegheny Health Network: Allegheny General Hospital
Director of Clinical Operations, West Division at Optum Home and Community Care TransitionsDirector of Clinical Operations, West Division at Optum Home and Community Care Transitions
Medical Manager of Clinical Operations at Optum Home and Community Care TransitionsMedical Manager of Clinical Operations at Optum Home and Community Care Transitions