Paula Smith
Chatham ,LA
Summary
Dynamic Medical Collections Specialist with a proven track record at Northern Louisiana Medical Center, enhancing collection rates through effective negotiation and patient account management. Skilled in medical billing procedures and HIPAA compliance, I excel in problem-solving and clear communication, ensuring timely resolutions and improved patient satisfaction.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Collections Specialist
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Ruston, LA
05.2025 - Current
- Managed patient account inquiries and resolved billing discrepancies efficiently.
- Processed insurance claims and ensured timely submissions for maximum reimbursement.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to obtain necessary documentation for collections.
- Conducted follow-ups on outstanding accounts, enhancing collection rates significantly.
- Improved patient satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving medical billing disputes.
- Negotiated payment plans with patients, ensuring timely payments and reducing financial strain on the practice.
- Managed high-volume caseloads effectively while maintaining strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry tasks related to billing adjustments or chargeoffs.
- Reviewed aging reports regularly to prioritize collection efforts strategically based on account status and risk level.
- Updated patient records accurately to ensure seamless coordination between departments and minimize delays in treatment or billing.
- Processed billing calls and answered questions from patients and third-party carriers.
- Processed online and paper appeal submissions and refund requests.
Front Desk Coordinator
Ability Rehabilitation
Largo, FL
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring efficient patient check-in and appointment scheduling.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Coordinated communication between patients and healthcare providers to streamline processes.
- Maintained accurate patient records and updated information in electronic health systems.
Medical Billing Specialist
Diabetes Care Center
Ruston, LA
03.2023 - 01.2024
Billing Specialist (Temp Job)
Pomeroy Technology
Concord Nc
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Processed invoices and billing statements with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Coordinated with internal departments to resolve billing discrepancies efficiently.
- Utilized billing software to maintain accurate account records and transaction histories.
- Assisted in developing streamlined processes for invoicing and payment collection.
- Used data entry skills to accurately document and input statements.
- Utilized billing software to maintain accurate financial records and update account information.
- Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
- Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
Billing Specialist
Amitabh Gupta,MD
St. Petersburg, FL
08.2018 - 11.2021
- Analyzed billing data to identify trends and improve revenue cycle efficiency.
- Provided customer support by addressing inquiries related to billing and payments promptly.
- Collaborated with finance team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards in billing practices.
- Trained new staff on billing procedures and software usage, enhancing team performance.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate invoice generation.
- Strengthened client relationships through effective communication regarding billing issues and concerns.
- Fostered strong relationships with healthcare providers and insurance representatives to facilitate efficient resolution of billing issues.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure billing codes were accurately applied, optimizing reimbursement from insurance companies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of billing regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to legal standards.
- Improved customer satisfaction with prompt and clear communication regarding their billing inquiries.
- Used data entry skills to accurately document and input statements.
Education
Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
West Virginia Career College
Charleston, WV05-1989
College Prep
Charleston High
Charleston, WV05-1982
Skills
- Motivation and initiative
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient account management
- Insurance verification
- Medical terminology
- Data entry proficiency
- Medical billing procedures
- Debt collection techniques
- Medical billing
- Organization skills
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Clear communication
- Microsoft office
- Documentation skills
- Professional ethics
- Negotiation and resolution
- Computer literacy
- Accurate payment posting
- Payment posting
- Claim submission
- CPT knowledge
- Denial management
- ICD-10 proficiency
- Medicare and medicaid process
- Bill payment
- Accounts payable
- Collections management
- Quality-oriented team player
- Type software applications proficiency
- Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
- Billing systems and software
- Claims processing
- Medical billing expertise
- Research and due diligence
- Team collaboration
- Collections
- Accounts receivable management
Timeline
Medical Collections Specialist
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
05.2025 - Current
Medical Billing Specialist
Diabetes Care Center
03.2023 - 01.2024
Billing Specialist (Temp Job)
Pomeroy Technology
12.2022 - 03.2023
Front Desk Coordinator
Ability Rehabilitation
01.2021 - 12.2022
Billing Specialist
Amitabh Gupta,MD
08.2018 - 11.2021
Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
West Virginia Career College
College Prep
Charleston High