Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sandra Gurrola

Alhambra,CA

Summary

Experienced Senior Financial Counselor at UCLA Medical Center with 25 years of health experience, 23 years supporting Oncology department in financial services, reimbursement coordination, and clinical operation. In depth expertise in Medi-cal, third party payer navigation, and patient advocacy. Proven ability to streamline workflow, mentor staff, and implement patient driven solutions in high volume, multidisciplinary environments.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Financial Counselor

UCLA Medical Center
02.2003 - Current
  • Deliver comprehensive financial counseling to Oncology patients and their families benefit verification, estimates of cost, and financial aid coordination.
  • Collaborate with insurance providers (Medi-cal, LA Care Health Plan and Genentech and state agencies to advocate for timely approval and reimbursement.
  • Specialize in Medi-cal Exemption from plan enrollment to maintain continuity of care; coordinate closely with State Ombudsmen and Other Health Care Coverage Offices.
  • Interpret explanation of benefits and denial patterns; collaborate with billing and collections team to resolve high dollar and complex claim discrepancies.
  • Assist with staff training of insurance, portal usage; contribute to cross functional project teams.
  • Partner with clinical teams including physicians, social workers, transplant and research coordinators to support both care delivery and research protocol compliance.
  • Provide support to oncology clinic and staff for optimized workflow and compliance for timely submission, and delivery of care treatment plan.

Medi-cal Collection Representative

UCLA Medical Center
01.2000 - 02.2003
  • Managed follow up and collection for high dollar recurring oncology account.
  • Processed Medi-cal , CCS, GHPP claims, interpret regulations of publication manuals, submit TARs and resolved denials.
  • Ensured compliance with UCLA Health billing and payor specific rules.

Education

Certificate of Healthcare Studies - Medical Billing And Office Management

Glendale Career College
Glendale, CA

Healthcare Business Administration

East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA

Skills

  • Insurance Expertise: Commerical, Medi-cal, Medicare, Managed Care, CCS, GHPP
  • Appeals and Exemptions: State hearings, TAR, OHC coordination, plan opt-outs
  • System Tools: Microsoft Office, payer portals, electronic health records
  • Billing Knowledge: CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, denial management
  • Professional Skills: Analytical thinking, strong communication skills
  • Operational Skills: Research coordination, clinic scheduling, interdisciplinary collaboration

Accomplishments

    Publication and Contributions

    Finance Guide for Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant

    Authored in collaboration with National Bone Marrow Transplant Link.

    English Edition - February 2024

    Spanish Edition- February 2025

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Senior Financial Counselor

UCLA Medical Center
02.2003 - Current

Medi-cal Collection Representative

UCLA Medical Center
01.2000 - 02.2003

Certificate of Healthcare Studies - Medical Billing And Office Management

Glendale Career College

Healthcare Business Administration

East Los Angeles College

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