Melisa De Leon Perez
Healthcare Professional
Paramount,CA
Summary
Driven healthcare professional with over 17 years of experience in referral management and patient interpretation. Proven ability to streamline processes, enhance patient flow, and support Spanish-speaking patients, contributing to improved healthcare access and patient satisfaction.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Temp - Program Specialist/Medical Interpreter
CalOptima Health/22nd Century Technologies Agency
Orange, CA
01.2026 - Current
- Coordinate incoming language translation and/or reviews requests of CalOptima Health member materials.
- Interact directly with members and providers to coordinate and book face-to-face interpreter requests with contracted interpreting vendors.
- Coordinate the timely vending and completion of Alternative Format material, such as Braille, Audio and Large Print, with contracted vendors.
- Coordinate the vending of professional translation and review services in one or more CalOptima Health’s threshold languages.
- Review, research, and responds to member grievances related to contracted vendor issues.
- Process vendor invoices for translation and interpreter services timely and accurately.
- Review, analyze, and interpret regulations and internal/external policies and procedures related to cultural and linguistic services.
- Assist the C&L team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
- Complete other projects and duties as assigned.
Referral & Authorization Coordinator
Skin Cancer Institute/LA Laser Center
La Miranda, CA
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Managed incoming referrals and authorizations to enhance patient flow.
- Verified insurance eligibility and benefits before scheduling specialty appointments.
- Coordinated patient referrals with internal and external providers for seamless transitions.
- Communicated referral status updates and documentation requirements to patients.
- Followed up with insurance companies to secure prior authorizations and resolve issues.
- Ensured timely processing of referrals, meeting both organizational and insurance standards.
- Maintained accurate records for audits and compliance reviews.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure continuity of care through proper referral routing.
Temp - Medical Referral Coordinator
MLKJ Community Hospital/Robert Half Agency
Gardena, California
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Submitted timely, accurate medical referrals into appropriate portals.
- Assisted patients in scheduling specialty appointments to enhance access to care.
- Collaborated with medical customer support center to resolve issues with pending authorizations.
- Followed up with specialist offices to request notes and close communication loop after appointments.
- Provided on-the-spot Spanish interpretation for patients needing assistance with referral instructions.
- Interpreted during patient interactions to ensure clear communication and improve care coordination.
- Translated information regarding insurance requirements and authorization statuses for Spanish-speaking patients.
Temp - Chart Retrieval Specialist
Konnect Resources, LLC/Episource Agency
Gardena, CA
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Retrieved medical records in both paper and electronic formats from healthcare facilities for client reviews.
- Maintained precise documentation of retrieved charts, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and audit standards.
- Coordinated with clinic staff and medical offices to facilitate chart access and resolve retrieval issues.
- Ensured timely completion of record requests through effective communication with healthcare providers.
- Traveled to different medical offices with in the Los Angeles and Orange counties with mileage coverage
- Managed documentation processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Conducted quality assurance reviews to maintain accuracy in project outputs and reports.
- Reviewed documents for accuracy prior to submission or publication.
- Analyzed data to support healthcare operations and improve service delivery.
Temp - Clinical Research Coordinator
Synexus PPD Research/Aerotek Scientific Agency
Cerritos, CA
10.2020 - 11.2022
- Assisted in conducting studies for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
- Monitored the safety and care of patients actively enrolled.
- Coordinated patient visits, collected study data, and ensured protocol compliance throughout the clinical trial process.
- Prepared and maintained source documents, case report forms (CRFs), and regulatory documents in accordance with GCP and sponsor requirements.
- Performed patient screening, eligibility assessments, and informed consent procedures.
- Collaborated with investigators and medical staff to ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting of adverse events.
- Provided Spanish interpretation during informed consent discussions to ensure patients fully understood study procedures, risks, and benefits.
- Supported Spanish-speaking participants by interpreting instructions for study medication, follow-up visits, and safety monitoring requirements.
- Facilitated clear communication between clinical staff and Spanish-speaking patients during check-ins, questionnaires, and clinical assessments.
Clinical Research Coordinator and Recruiter
Desert Oasis Health Care (DOHC)
Palm Springs, California
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Recruited and screened study participants, ensuring compliance with protocol eligibility criteria.
- Coordinated study visits, managed participant scheduling, and maintained accurate research documentation.
- Supported investigators in data collection, informed consent procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare and maintained source documents, case reports forms (CRF's) and regulatory documents in accordance with GCP and sponsor requirements.
- Collaborate with investigators and medical staff to ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting of any adverse events.
- Provided Spanish interpretation during recruitment and screening to clarify study requirements.
- Interpreted study instructions, follow-up procedures, and consent information for Spanish-speaking participants.
Medical Assistant & Referral Coordinator
Riverside County(RUHS Hospital)
Palm Springs, California
10.2014 - 07.2018
- Processed and tracked medical referrals and prior authorizations to ensure continuity of care.
- Assisted providers with patient intake, vital signs, and documentation within EMR system.
- Coordinated appointments with specialists and communicated referral requirements to patients.
- Managed medical records, maintained accurate documentation, and supported clinical workflows in high-volume clinic.
- Provided Spanish interpretation during patient intake and clinical encounters for effective communication.
- Guided Spanish-speaking patients in understanding referral instructions, appointment details, and follow-up care.
- Prepared rooms for doctors and providers to ensure efficient workflow.
- Obtained patient vitals and performed venipuncture procedures as needed.
Education
Licensed Insurance Agent - Independent Life Insurance Agent
California Department of Insurance
Los Angeles, CA10-2022
Graduated/Diploma - Medical Assistant (Administrative & Clinical)
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA06-2006
Certified - Medical Clerical & Front Office
Central County ROP
Orange, CA06-2002
High School Diploma -
Huntington Beach High School
Huntington Beach, CA06-2000
Skills
- Medical terminology proficiency
- Electronic health records management
- HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality
- Patient scheduling and healthcare coordination
- Customer service and relationship management
- Clinical documentation and medical terminology proficiency
- Generating schedules and Scheduling proficiency
- Project coordination and Referral processing
- Insurance verification and Patient coordination
- Referral management and Authorization coordination
- Language translation and Effective communication
- Bilingual communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Team collaboration and teamwork
- Professionalism and ethics in healthcare
- Administrative support and office administration
- Experienced as translator and medical interpreter for over 17 years
- EMR knowledge: NextGen, EPIC, MyChart, Practice Fusion, Cerner (Power Chart), Medsender, Zendesk, EMA and Salesforce (CRM)
- Insurance knowledge: HMOs, PPO's, EPO's, Medical/Medicare and More
Timeline
Temp - Program Specialist/Medical Interpreter
CalOptima Health/22nd Century Technologies Agency
01.2026 - Current
Referral & Authorization Coordinator
Skin Cancer Institute/LA Laser Center
01.2024 - 07.2025
Temp - Medical Referral Coordinator
MLKJ Community Hospital/Robert Half Agency
03.2023 - 11.2023
Temp - Chart Retrieval Specialist
Konnect Resources, LLC/Episource Agency
10.2022 - 03.2023
Temp - Clinical Research Coordinator
Synexus PPD Research/Aerotek Scientific Agency
10.2020 - 11.2022
Clinical Research Coordinator and Recruiter
Desert Oasis Health Care (DOHC)
07.2018 - 03.2020
Medical Assistant & Referral Coordinator
Riverside County(RUHS Hospital)
10.2014 - 07.2018
Licensed Insurance Agent - Independent Life Insurance Agent
California Department of Insurance
Graduated/Diploma - Medical Assistant (Administrative & Clinical)
Santa Ana College
Certified - Medical Clerical & Front Office
Central County ROP
High School Diploma -
Huntington Beach High School