Rebecca Garis
State College,PA
Summary
Versatile manager with background in coordinating diverse teams and managing complex projects. Skilled in strategic planning, operational improvement, and fostering collaborative environments. Demonstrated ability to enhance efficiency and productivity while maintaining high standards of quality. Successfully implemented innovative solutions that resulted in positive organizational changes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Central Region Manager, Patient Access Department
Penn Highlands Healthcare
State College, PA
05.2024 - Current
- Improved patient access consistency across 3 acute hospital-based facilities through adoption of systemwide policies and procedures.
- Expanded upfront collections process with price transparency estimates before outpatient appointments.
- Strengthened launch readiness for new acute micro-hospital in Central PA through staff training and preparation.
- Improved accuracy and insurance verification processes through PI project development.
- Built stronger supervisor leadership and team accountability through coaching and guidance.
- Aligned staffing FTEs with budget reductions while maintaining patient care support.
Assistant Store Manager
Rural King
State College, PA
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Improved product visibility through merchandising execution for consumable, seasonal, and apparel items.
- Accurate firearm sales processing resulted from careful review of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania paperwork requirements.
- Accurate financial reporting resulted from daily cash deposit processing.
- Corporate program and sales goals were achieved through focused team effort.
- Employee engagement and understanding improved through store meetings covering safety and related topics.
- Effective daily operations resulted for rural farm and home supply retail environment.
- Customer service performance and task focus improved through associate coaching.
- Inventory accuracy and stock flow improved through coordination of freight receipt and replenishment.
Office Manager & Licensed Title Agent
Settlement Advantage, LLC
State College, PA
07.2020 - 05.2023
- Managed settlement office operations for Settlement Advantage, LLC.
- Became Pennsylvania licensed title agent within 20 months of entering new field.
- Supported timely disbursement of files and escrow funds to keep transactions moving forward.
- Recorded legal documents in proper county and issued owner and lender title policies ahead of industry deadlines.
- Shared required documents and closing deadlines with involved parties to maintain target closing dates.
- Built strong customer service through clear communication with clients and realtors, improving relationships and service expectations.
Patient Access Representative
Geisinger Health System
Port Matilda, PA
04.2018 - 07.2020
- Updated patient records in Geisinger systems with accurate contact details.
- Provided customer service by scheduling patients for tests and appointments as requested by providers, ensuring timely access to necessary care
- Maintained HIPAA standards while assisting patients with check-in, verifying demographic and insurance information, and informing patients about payment options for copayments and balances due
- Represented registration staff in LEAN meetings to enhance efficiency of radiology testing processes for patients in the clinic
Patient Access Supervisor
Mount Nittany Medical Center
State College, PA
05.2013 - 10.2017
- Managed 56 daily positions across 5 locations for 24/7 operations while coordinating scheduling support for 80+ employees.
- Partnered on department programs and cross-functional initiatives to support workflow across medical center and health system.
- Designed training program and implemented one-on-one coaching for basic systems and core duties shared across roles.
- Delivered nonviolent crisis intervention training for hospital staff, including initial certification and annual renewal sessions.
- Lowered staff turnover by building respectful work environment that improved productivity and new-hire retention.
- Created throughput process for quality assurance issues returned from billing, strengthening accountability for previously counseled staff.
- Reduced expenses by adjusting shifts and using coverage more efficiently.
- Coached junior management team members and supported professional growth and success.
- Processed biweekly payroll for 85+ employees.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided feedback on improvement areas.
- Conducted training for new hires and existing staff on correct registration practices.
- Maintained compliance with all patient access policies and procedures.
Patient Access and Lead Access Associate
Mount Nittany Medical Center
State College, PA
03.1995 - 05.2013
- Registered patients for Mount Nittany Medical Center admissions and outpatient visits.
- Maintained HIPAA compliance while handling confidential patient information.
- Verified insurance coverage and eligibility in patient access systems.
- Assisted in interpreting value of proposed new program, testing and managing daily use and employee feedback for ongoing improvements.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of department roles to enhance workflow efficiency and support team collaboration.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Health Policy and Administration
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PASkills
- Expertise in Epic healthcare systems
- Knowledge of Meditech and Cerner platforms
- Management of operations processes
- Development of policies and procedures
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools
- Experience with Simplifile software solutions
- Familiarity with Experian health services products
- Leadership capabilities in team environments
- Training programs for staff development
- Problem-solving acumen for complex issues
- Meticulous attention to detail in tasks
- Sound judgment in decision-making processes
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Adaptability to changing situations
- Commitment to patient confidentiality standards
- Expertise in POS collections processes
- Budgeting for full-time equivalents (FTEs)
- Improvements in operational processes within healthcare
- Process improvement
- Healthcare operations
- Problem solving
Current Clearances Licenses
Pennsylvania Licensed Resident Title Agent Valid through 08/31/28
Timeline
Central Region Manager, Patient Access Department
Penn Highlands Healthcare
05.2024 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Rural King
09.2023 - 05.2024
Office Manager & Licensed Title Agent
Settlement Advantage, LLC
07.2020 - 05.2023
Patient Access Representative
Geisinger Health System
04.2018 - 07.2020
Patient Access Supervisor
Mount Nittany Medical Center
05.2013 - 10.2017
Patient Access and Lead Access Associate
Mount Nittany Medical Center
03.1995 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science Degree - Health Policy and Administration
Pennsylvania State University