Nicol West
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Claims processing and medical records management professional with a strong focus on veteran advocacy and regulatory compliance. Successfully assists veterans in navigating disability claims, ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to federal guidelines, which enhances access to essential benefits.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Service Representative
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Atlanta, GA
02.2021 - Current
- Assisted veterans in filing disability claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Assisted veterans in successfully filing disability claims to access benefits.
- Provided information and assistance to veterans about VA benefits, services, and programs to enhance their understanding and access.
- Provided guidance concerning the appeals process when a claim was denied by the VA or other agency involved in administering benefits.
- Reviewed documentation for compliance with federal regulations, ensuring accurate processing of claims.
- Reviewed claim folders for completeness and conformity to guidelines prior to submission.
- Obtained necessary records and exams for the veteran.
Claims Specialist III
Aflac
Columbus, GA
10.2003 - 12.2020
- Coordinated investigations and communicated with policyholders, attorneys, doctors, and agents regarding complex claims
- Coordinated investigations and communicated with policyholders, attorneys, doctors, and agents to resolve complex claims efficiently
- Requested and handled medical records from third parties while ensuring strict adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines for confidentiality
- Requested and handled medical records from third parties, adhering to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines
- Utilized electronic data processing systems to streamline claims processing and prepare correspondence accurately
- Ensured compliance with confidentiality regulations and handled sensitive information securely
- Maintained productivity, quality, and customer service standards while teleworking for over 10 years
- Prioritized and expedited completion of work, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills
Telephone Operator
Bellsouth
Columbus, GA
02.2001 - 10.2003
- Assisted customers with special billing requests and emergency calls, ensuring timely resolutions
- Assisted customers in a call center environment with special billing requests and emergency calls
- Listened to customer requests and provided telephone information using directories
- Managed large volumes of incoming calls, fostering strong customer relationships through effective communication
- Provided accurate information using the right methods and tools
- Demonstrated strong time management and prioritization skills
- Maintained records of customer interactions and processed accounts to support accurate service delivery
- Designed personalized service options based on customer preferences to meet unique customer preferences and delivered excellent service
Accounting Technician
DFAS
Kaiserslautern, Germany
04.2000 - 02.2001
- Verified payment vouchers against transmittal letters to ensure accuracy and facilitate tracking
- Entered vouchers into data systems for tracking and dispatched vouchers with checks attached
- Matched payment vouchers with transmittal letters to confirm precision.
- Balanced daily collections and created suspense files for collections needing research
- Prepared correspondence and transmittal letters for cash collection vouchers
Food Service Worker
Ohio State School for the Blind
Columbus, OH
03.1995 - 11.1999
- Assisted cooks with food preparation to ensure timely meal service
- Created salads to provide fresh options for meals
- Assisted kitchen staff with various tasks to ensure smooth operations as needed
- Delivered food orders to children, ensuring accurate and prompt service
- Supported kitchen operations during peak hours
- Keep the kitchen clean and orderly
- Assisted cooks by organizing and prepping food items for daily meals
Supply Clerk/Supply Technician
DPCA Services Division
Hanau, Germany
01.1989 - 12.1994
- Promoted from Supply Clerk to Supply Technician
- Managed supply inventory and executed clerical and stock-handling duties in Army warehouse to ensure accurate stock levels
- Verified incoming and outgoing supplies against requisitions, invoices, and bills of lading to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Checked incoming and outgoing supplies against requisitions, invoices, and bills of lading
- Received and filled requisitions for supplies and equipment, preparing items for shipment
- Updated stock records and projected future supply needs to maintain optimal inventory levels
- Gained knowledge of regulations ensuring proper supply management
- Acquired international driving license for operational duties abroad to facilitate transportation in foreign countries
Education
Management General - Bachelor's Degree
Troy State University
Fort Benning, GABusiness Administration - Associate's Degree
Troy State University
Fort Benning, GADiploma -
American School of Technology
Columbus, OHDiploma -
Spencer High School
Columbus, GA 08.1986 - 05.1987
Skills
- Claims processing
- Veteran advocacy
- Regulatory compliance
- Document management
- Data entry
- Record keeping
- Time management
- Organizational skills
- Route navigation
- Customer service
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Microsoft Outlook
- Computer literacy
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Veterans Service Representative
US Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2021 - Current
Claims Specialist III
Aflac
10.2003 - 12.2020
Telephone Operator
Bellsouth
02.2001 - 10.2003
Accounting Technician
DFAS
04.2000 - 02.2001
Food Service Worker
Ohio State School for the Blind
03.1995 - 11.1999
Supply Clerk/Supply Technician
DPCA Services Division
01.1989 - 12.1994
Diploma -
Spencer High School
08.1986 - 05.1987
Management General - Bachelor's Degree
Troy State University
Business Administration - Associate's Degree
Troy State University
Diploma -
American School of Technology