Michelle Rueckel
Temecula,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented and motivated Medical Billing and Coding graduate with over 6 years of prior experience as a Certified Medical Assistant in both front and back office settings. Proficient in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding, insurance verification, prior authorizations, and EHR documentation. Demonstrates strong knowledge of medical terminology, billing procedures, and revenue cycle management to ensure accurate claim submission and timely reimbursement. Adept at patient registration, scheduling, and maintaining HIPAA compliance while delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. Recognized for attention to detail, multitasking, and collaboration in fast-paced clinical environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Front & Back Office Medical Assistant
Accelerated Urgent Care
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed patient scheduling, registration, and insurance verification to maintain efficient daily clinic operations.
- Maintained accurate Electronic Health Records (EHR) in compliance with HIPAA standards.
- Delivered exceptional patient service by greeting visitors, managing phone lines, and coordinating patient flow.
- Assisted providers during exams and procedures; performed vital signs, injections, phlebotomy, and basic lab tests.
- Coordinated lab work, referrals, authorizations, and follow-up appointments to ensure continuity of care.
- Processed copays, verified insurance, and supported billing by submitting and tracking claims.
- Educated patients on treatment plans and preventive care to promote better health outcomes.
- Collaborated with clinical and administrative teams to maintain a patient-focused, compassionate environment.
Referral Coordinator & Eligibility Authorization Specialist
Inland Eye Specialists
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Verified patient insurance eligibility, benefits, and policy limitations through online portals and carrier systems.
- Requested and obtained prior authorizations for procedures, imaging, and specialist referrals in compliance with insurance guidelines.
- Reviewed and modified CPT codes for denied claims; followed up promptly with patients to update inactive or terminated insurance information.
- Maintained in-depth knowledge of PPO, HMO, and third-party payer requirements to ensure accurate processing and approvals.
- Prioritized and processed referrals based on urgency while meeting all referral and authorization deadlines.
- Scheduled patient appointments as well as surgeries in alignment with provider availability and authorization timelines.
- Communicated effectively with patients, providers, and insurance representatives to resolve coverage issues and appeal denied authorizations.
- Ensured accuracy and timeliness in all documentation, supporting seamless coordination between front office, clinical staff, and payers.
Certified Medical Assistant Front & Back Office
Retina Institute of California (Acuity Eye Group)
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Supported a multi-doctor practice and traveled between offices to ensure consistent patient care and workflow efficiency.
- Scheduled patient appointments, managed check-in/check-out, and coordinated billing and insurance documentation.
- Collected patient information, verified insurance, and maintained accurate and organized charts and medical records.
- Assisted providers during in-office procedures and minor surgeries, ensuring patient comfort and sterile technique.
- Performed ophthalmic testing including visual acuity, pupil assessment, and extra-ocular movement evaluations.
- Operated and maintained ophthalmic equipment and captured ultrasound images as directed by physicians.
- Conducted vision exams, obtained medical history and chief complaints, and educated patients on diagnoses, treatments, medications, and surgical procedures.
- Processed and submitted electronic prescriptions, communicating with pharmacies to confirm or update orders.
- Maintained adequate inventory of medical and office supplies to support daily clinical operations.
Education
Medical Billing & Coding Certificate -
San Joaquin Valley College
Visalia, CA05-2025
Certified Medical Assistant -
San Joaquin Valley College
Temecula, CA10-2014
High School Diploma -
Temecula Valley High School
Temecula, CA05-2009
Skills
- Medical Billing & Coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS)
- Insurance Verification, Referrals & Authorizations
- EMR/EHR Systems & Microsoft 365 Proficiency
- Scheduling, Data Entry & Filing Systems
- Medical Terminology & HIPAA Compliance
- Patient Care, Communication & Customer Service
- Time Management, Multitasking & Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
- CPR, First Aid & BLS Certified
Certification
- CMA - Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Medical Biller/Medical Coder
Timeline
Front & Back Office Medical Assistant
Accelerated Urgent Care
01.2020 - 01.2021
Referral Coordinator & Eligibility Authorization Specialist
Inland Eye Specialists
01.2018 - 01.2019
Certified Medical Assistant Front & Back Office
Retina Institute of California (Acuity Eye Group)
01.2015 - 01.2017
Medical Billing & Coding Certificate -
San Joaquin Valley College
Certified Medical Assistant -
San Joaquin Valley College
High School Diploma -
Temecula Valley High School