Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Freeman

Utilization Review Manager
Gardner,KS

Summary

Reliable and goal-oriented management professional committed to patient benefit. Dedicated team player with knowledge of medical and psychiatric care. Documented strengths in time management, mentoring, and multi-tasking.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Utilization Review Manager

Cottonwood Springs
Olathe, KS
04.2019 - Current
  • Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
  • Obtained authorizations from multiple insurance carriers for various levels of care including inpatient mental health, detoxification, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient.
  • Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through Medik.
  • Directed training and retraining of employees to boost performance and enhance business results.
  • Managed denials and appeals for hospital. Completed follow up with insurance providers for outcomes.

Utilization Review Specialist

Cottonwood Springs
Olathe, KS
07.2017 - 04.2019
  • Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
  • Obtained concurrent authorizations from multiple insurance carriers for various levels of care.
  • Collaborated with treatment team, including physicians, nursing staff, therapists, and administration, for collaboration and patient benefit.

Intake Therapist

Cottonwood Springs
Olathe, KS
10.2015 - 07.2017
  • Completed phone screenings for potential patients. Provided education on provided levels of care.
  • Completed initial assessments for patients interested in inpatient treatment, PHP, and IOP levels of care. Collaborated with treatment team for treatment recommendation.
  • Crisis counseled individuals and families to bring awareness of concerns and develop action plans.

Emergency Screening Specialist

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
Lawrence, KS
12.2014 - 10.2015
  • Completed emergency screens for clients in crisis. Directed process for hospitalization as needed.
  • Provided crisis counseling and intervention.
  • Assisted with Center client intakes to establish services.

Unit Secretary

Olathe Medical Center
Olathe, KS
06.2009 - 12.2014
  • Organized paperwork such as charts and unit information for hospital and patient needs. Organized patient files and streamlined operations to improve efficiency.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer hospital information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Transcribed doctors' medication orders, lab test requests, and care plans.
  • Maintained rapport with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.

Education

Master of Arts - Counseling

MidAmerica Nazarene University
06.2012 - 05.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Kansas
08.2008 - 05.2012

Skills

Pre-Certifications and Concurrent Reviews

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Documentation and Reporting

Appeals Management

Additional Information

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, Kansas
  • National Certified Counselor

Timeline

Utilization Review Manager

Cottonwood Springs
04.2019 - Current

Utilization Review Specialist

Cottonwood Springs
07.2017 - 04.2019

Intake Therapist

Cottonwood Springs
10.2015 - 07.2017

Emergency Screening Specialist

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center
12.2014 - 10.2015

Master of Arts - Counseling

MidAmerica Nazarene University
06.2012 - 05.2014

Unit Secretary

Olathe Medical Center
06.2009 - 12.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Kansas
08.2008 - 05.2012
Melissa FreemanUtilization Review Manager