Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melissa J. Fischer

Summary

Experienced with comprehensive client assessments, ensuring personalized care plans are in place. Utilizes strong communication and coordination skills to effectively manage client services. Track record of fostering positive client relationships and achieving measurable improvements in client well-being.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Case Manager

Catholic Community Services
12.2019 - 06.2025
  • Conducted initial assessments to determine client eligibility for programs and services.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-ups and case reviews.
  • Educated clients and their families about their rights and available community resources.
  • Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and support needs.
  • Maintained confidentiality and adhered to professional ethics and standards.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services and support.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness and suggested improvements based on client outcomes.
  • Coordinated comprehensive care plans for clients to meet their individual needs.
  • Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
  • Maintained up-to-date case records with case activity status.
  • Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
  • Participated in regular team meetings and in-house training sessions to boost group effectiveness.
  • Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
  • Utilized case management software and databases for efficient information tracking.
  • Increased client satisfaction through diligent follow-up and personalized support.
  • Trained new case managers, raising team's overall competency and service delivery standards.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.

CSR 1

Centene Corporation
10.2017 - 11.2019
  • Respond to customer inquiries via telephone and written correspondence in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Respond to telephone or written correspondence inquiries from members and/or providers within established time-frames utilizing current reference materials and available resources.
  • Provide assistance to members and/or providers regarding website registration and navigation.
  • Document all activities for quality and metrics reporting through the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application.
  • Process written customer correspondence and provide the appropriate level of timely follow up.
  • May coordinate member transportation and make referrals to other departments as appropriate.
  • Maintain performance and quality standards based on established call center metrics including turn-around times.



Prior Authorization Specialist

Dependable Home Health
03.2016 - 06.2017
  • Knowledgeable of Healthcare practices and Insurance Policies.
  • Verify insurance benefits for each client in advance of service. Provide authorization number to providers or facilities.
  • Work with payers and staff to obtain initial and ongoing authorizations for client services.
  • Researching, correcting and re-submitting rejected/denied claims.


Patient Services Coordinator II

Arizona Oncology Associates
09.2014 - 02.2016
  • Professionally greet and welcome patients and their family/friends. Answer, screen, and direct all incoming calls to appropriate personnel relaying messages between patients and clinical staff.
  • Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards, and US Oncology's Shared Values.
  • Greet patients and visitors to clinic. Check in patients and inform staff of patient arrival.
  • Provide and explain paperwork for the patient to complete prior to examination. Collect, proof for completeness, and scan/file forms.
  • Update patient demographics and insurance information in the system. Collects co-pays and balances.
  • Answer, screen and respond to routine questions via phone, electronic communications, or face to face contact, route to appropriate personnel, or take thorough messages.
  • Page clinic staff as appropriate. Communicate messages in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Record patient cancellation and make notes in patient chart.
  • Lead scheduler. Schedule/ reschedule follow up appointments with physician.
  • Schedule outside consults/procedures ordered by physician. Schedule all CT (CAT) scans and PET (Position Emission Tomography) Scan, once approved from insurance.
  • Maintain chart messaging and anything in the queue.



Pre-Encounter Representative I

Presence Health Saint Joseph Medical Center
10.2012 - 06.2014
  • Perform pre-registration and pre-admission functions to provide information to maximize reimbursement, achieve collection ratios, and meet account receivable (AR) goals.
  • Perform outpatient and inpatient scheduling, registration and insurance verification functions.
  • Provide general and specific information to hospital users, patients, families, and physician offices.
  • Ensure that patients meet financial requirements.
  • Schedule all patients for outpatient procedures including radiology, special procedures, surgical procedures, cardiology, pulmonary, and laboratory.
  • Pre-register outpatients for outpatient clinical, diagnostic and surgical encounters an pre-admits inpatients for inpatient stays.
  • Complete pre-registration and pre-admission questionnaires.
  • Verify insurance requirements and request non-covered fees.
  • Perform all departmental duties as requested.



Store Manager

Pier 1 Imports
07.1997 - 09.2012
  • Provide leadership and management in all aspects of store operations for the maximization of store sales, customer service and profits.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
  • Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
  • Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
  • Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.
  • Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
  • Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across all locations.
  • Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
  • Enhanced team performance with comprehensive training programs, leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced employee performance and satisfaction by establishing clear goals and providing regular feedback.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.

Victim-Witness Advocate

Will County State's Attorney's Office
08.1989 - 11.1997
  • Court liaison between victims of violent crimes and prosecuting attorneys.
  • Notify victims of filing of criminal charges, and upcoming court dates.
  • Empowered clients through education about their rights as victims or witnesses within the criminal justice system.
  • Assisted prosecutors in preparing witnesses for trial.
  • Assist in preparation of Victim-impact statements.
  • Provided emotional support to witnesses during court proceedings, promoting a sense of comfort and security throughout the process.
  • Provided court accompaniment services that ensured victims felt supported during difficult hearings.
  • Attended Conferences on Domestic Violence; Violence against seniors & disabled persons; and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers training.
  • Enhanced victim support by providing comprehensive resources and referrals to appropriate agencies.

Education

High School Diploma -

Rincon High School
Glen Ellyn, IL

High School Diploma - undefined

Rincon High School
Tucson, AZ

Skills

  • Case management
  • Time management
  • Case documentation
  • Problem-solving
  • Active listening
  • Organization and multitasking
  • Positive attitude and excellent communication
  • Home visits
  • Annual case reviews and needs assessment
  • Social work
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Microsoft Word

Timeline

Case Manager

Catholic Community Services
12.2019 - 06.2025

CSR 1

Centene Corporation
10.2017 - 11.2019

Prior Authorization Specialist

Dependable Home Health
03.2016 - 06.2017

Patient Services Coordinator II

Arizona Oncology Associates
09.2014 - 02.2016

Pre-Encounter Representative I

Presence Health Saint Joseph Medical Center
10.2012 - 06.2014

Store Manager

Pier 1 Imports
07.1997 - 09.2012

Victim-Witness Advocate

Will County State's Attorney's Office
08.1989 - 11.1997

High School Diploma - undefined

Rincon High School

High School Diploma -

Rincon High School