Mercedes Gilchrist
Hephzibah,GA
Summary
Healthcare professional with extensive experience in patient access management and team leadership. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiencies and improving patient interactions. Highly dependable, adaptable to changing needs, and skilled in collaboration and process optimization.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Access Team Lead
Augusta University Medical Center
09.2023 - Current
- Streamlined patient registration process by implementing efficient workflows and reducing wait times.
- Managed a team of 8-10 Patient Access Specialists, ensuring proper training and adherence to policies and procedures.
- Managed staff schedules effectively, balancing workloads while ensuring proper coverage during peak hours, resulting in better patient experiences.
- Stayed calm under pressure to and successfully dealt with difficult situations.
- Reduced errors in insurance verification by implementing thorough checks on coverage details and eligibility through work-queues.
- Maintained strict compliance with HIPAA regulations, protecting patient privacy while facilitating access to necessary information for care providers.
- Assisted patients with navigating financial assistance programs, helping them secure funding for medical services when needed.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to team members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Patient Access Registrar
Augusta University Medical Center
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Expedited the admission process by accurately collecting demographic and medical history information from patients or family members upon arrival.
- Verified insurance coverage, coordinating with insurers to ensure accurate billing information.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between ER departments by effectively communicating pertinent patient details with other registrars and healthcare professionals.
- Greeted and interacted with patients to provide information, answer questions and assist with appointment scheduling.
- Contributed to a positive workplace environment by consistently displaying professionalism and empathy towards patients and colleagues.
- Facilitated clear communication among team members by acting as a reliable liaison between administrative personnel, medical professionals, and patients.
- Optimized appointment scheduling by accurately recording patient preferences and availability while balancing provider schedules.
Lead Medical Office Assistant
Piedmont Hospital
10.2021 - 11.2022
- Ensure that all activities related to collection activities meet Piedmont Healthcare and State/Federal Requirements/expectations
- Performs registration, arrival, and check-in functions upon patient presenting for service
- Streamlined appointment scheduling for improved patient experience and increased daily appointments.
- Provided prompt, polite and professional in-person and telephone customer service for patients and direct staffing
- Calculates and determines financial responsibility for patients including deductibles, co-payments, and amounts covered for requested services
- Enters all data elements pertaining to requested services in Revenue Cycle systems
- Managed master calendar and scheduled appointments for providers based on optimal patient loads and clinician availability.
- Contributed to the successful implementation of a new Electronic Health Record system, leading to improved data management practices.
- Implemented updated policies and procedures in compliance with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding sensitive patient information.
911 Emergency Dispatcher
City Of Augusta
05.2015 - 09.2019
- Entered criminal record checks, driver's license numbers and warrants into telecommunications systems to fulfill officer requests
- Read system maps and caller information, and documented details in system
- Routed calls to police, fire, and ambulance service to meet individual call needs
- Recorded and tracked emergency requests utilizing computer-aided dispatch systems
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time
- Enters information into National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) systems in relation to missing persons, runaways, protection orders, stolen items, and vehicles.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Healthcare Technology
Augusta Technical College (Online)
Augusta, GA05-2027
High School Diploma -
Academy Of Richmond County High School
Augusta, GA05.2010
Skills
- EMTALA & HIPPA compliance
- Patient registration
- Strong team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Positive Attitude
- Office administration
- Money handling
- Patient education
- Experience in Epic
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative
- Electronic health records
- Flexible schedule
- Medical terminology
- Policy understanding
- Insurance billing and verification
- Employee training
- Reliability
- Verbal and written communication
Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)
Timeline
Patient Access Team Lead
Augusta University Medical Center
09.2023 - Current
Patient Access Registrar
Augusta University Medical Center
10.2022 - 09.2023
Lead Medical Office Assistant
Piedmont Hospital
10.2021 - 11.2022
911 Emergency Dispatcher
City Of Augusta
05.2015 - 09.2019
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)
Associate of Applied Science - Business Healthcare Technology
Augusta Technical College (Online)
High School Diploma -
Academy Of Richmond County High School
Similar Profiles
Wanda WilliamsWanda Williams
Med Surge Nursing at Augusta University Medical CenterMed Surge Nursing at Augusta University Medical Center
Eric LawsonEric Lawson
Environmental Service Technician at Augusta University Medical CenterEnvironmental Service Technician at Augusta University Medical Center
KATHLEEN SAWADKATHLEEN SAWAD
Staff Nurse at Augusta University Medical CenterStaff Nurse at Augusta University Medical Center