Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
1b
Saphire Larsen

Saphire Larsen

Summary

Professional in healthcare industry with strong background in managing authorizations and ensuring compliance. Skilled in navigating complex systems, problem-solving, and maintaining accurate records. Known for effective collaboration, adaptability, and delivering results in fast-paced environments. Reliable team player with expertise in healthcare regulations, communication, and customer service.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Authorization Specialist

SEARHC
10.2022 - Current
  • Optimized workflow processes through effective communication between departments regarding authorization needs and statuses.
  • Supported clinical staff by providing timely updates on the status of prior authorizations for various services.
  • Collaborated with healthcare providers to obtain necessary documentation for prior authorization requests.
  • Contributed to team goals by consistently meeting or exceeding individual productivity targets for processing authorization requests.
  • Reduced processing times by effectively managing a high volume of authorizations, referrals, and appeals.
  • Maintained compliance with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding sensitive patient information during the authorization process.
  • Increased accuracy by diligently reviewing and verifying patient eligibility, coverage, and benefits information.
  • Demonstrated adaptability with changing insurance requirements, maintaining up-to-date knowledge through continuous education efforts.
  • Prevented delays in care delivery by proactively identifying potential issues during the pre-authorization process and seeking clarification from providers when needed.
  • Developed strong relationships with insurance representatives to expedite approvals and resolve issues promptly.
  • Promoted positive customer experiences by addressing concerns or questions related to authorizations in a professional manner.
  • Contacted clients about verifying account information and updated services, answered questions and resolved concerns to uphold exceptional customer service standards and promote brand loyalty.

Dental Health Aid

SEARHC
10.2019 - 10.2022
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments. I'd see 3 patients simultaneously, within my three scheduled columns with 10 min fluoride/OHI appointments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Every patient is unique not one patient has the same dental anatomy.
  • Dental Health Aid duties involved;
  • soft tissue check, orally and externally on the face and neck.
  • educating young children from 2-3 years to 18 years old and some adults.
  • Scheduling patient for OHI (oral hygiene instruction) appointments. this involved teaching how to properly brush, floss and keep up with good oral hygiene habits.
  • Followed up with 4-6 month fluoride applications as needed.
  • completed nutritional counseling case by case as needed.
  • discussed patient goals and plans.



Dental Assistant

SEARHC
01.2017 - 10.2022
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
  • Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
  • Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
  • Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
  • Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for 8 or more procedures daily.
  • Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
  • Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
  • Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
  • Assisted dentists, hygienists, and other personnel by handing appropriate tools and supplies needed for procedures.
  • Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
  • Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
  • Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
  • Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.
  • Took dental images following strict patient protection rules, applying lead aprons.
  • Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
  • Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
  • Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, promoting long-term dental health.
  • Increased patient retention by building rapport through excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
  • Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
  • Handled administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims processing, and appointment confirmation calls to support office operations efficiently.
  • Collaborated with the dental team to develop customized treatment plans for individual patients.
  • Conducted preliminary assessments of new patients, gathering crucial information for accurate diagnoses.
  • Contributed to clinic's reputation for excellence by consistently receiving positive patient feedback.
  • Collaborated with dental team to develop treatment plans, ensuring patient needs were met comprehensively.
  • Assisted in emergency dental procedures, providing critical support in high-pressure situations.
  • Streamlined digital x-ray processing, reducing wait time for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Facilitated patient education on oral hygiene practices, contributing to improved dental health.
  • Improved dental procedure outcomes with accurate preparation of filling and crown materials.
  • Implemented waste reduction initiatives in clinic, promoting environmental sustainability.
  • Enhanced team productivity by providing timely assistance during complex dental procedures.
  • Contributed to comfortable patient experience, offering reassurance and support throughout treatments.
  • Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
  • Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
  • Educated patients on dental hygiene, pre-surgical instructions and post-surgical care.
  • Assisted in chair-side dental procedures by filling cavities and taking impressions.
  • Staged tray for procedures by arranging dental instruments and equipment.
  • Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
  • Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
  • Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids, adding water, and mixing materials for fillings, [Type], casts and impressions.
  • Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
  • Prepared and sterilized instruments and materials for use by dentists.
  • Conducted inventory management to maintain essential supplies, avoiding procedural delays.
  • Participated in community outreach programs, educating public on importance of dental health.
  • Improved patient care with meticulous attention to instrument sterilization and preparation.
  • Enhanced patient rapport by consistently delivering compassionate and professional care.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by carefully explaining procedures and addressing concerns prior to treatments.
  • Supported dental procedures, ensuring efficient operation and patient satisfaction.

Patient Access Representative

SEARHC
01.2014 - 01.2017
  • Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations to maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information during all interactions.
  • Stayed calm under pressure to and successfully dealt with difficult situations.
  • Adapted quickly to changing demands within the healthcare environment, demonstrating flexibility and a strong commitment to quality patient care.
  • Provided excellent customer service through active listening skills, understanding patient needs, and offering tailored solutions where applicable.
  • Recommended service improvements to minimize recurring patient issues and complaints.
  • Offered simple, clear explanations to help clients and families understand hospital policies and procedures.
  • Delivered support to medical staff in completion of patient paperwork.
  • Resolved customer complaints using established follow-up procedures.
  • Facilitated communication between patients and various departments and staff.
  • Compiled and maintained patient medical records to keep information complete and up-to-date.
  • Responded to inquiries by directing calls to appropriate personnel.
  • Answered incoming calls, scheduled appointments and filed medical records.
  • Followed document protocols to safeguard confidentiality of patient records.
  • Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
  • Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
  • Greeted and assisted patients with check-in procedures.
  • Improved operational efficiency, organizing patient documentation and streamlining access to information.
  • Achieved high levels of accuracy in patient data entry, minimizing errors and enhancing record reliability.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently managing registration and intake processes.
  • Maintained high standards of confidentiality and privacy, strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations.
  • Enhanced data accuracy with meticulous verification of patient information and insurance details.
  • Enhanced patient experience, ensuring welcoming environment from first point of contact.
  • Reduced patient anxiety, providing clear explanations of procedures and addressing concerns compassionately.
  • Increased patient trust and satisfaction, delivering empathetic support and guidance throughout their visit.
  • Ensured seamless operation of front office, efficiently handling multiple administrative tasks simultaneously.
  • Enhanced departmental collaboration by regularly liaising with medical, nursing, and administrative staff on pertinent patient matters.
  • Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure timely appointment scheduling and coordinated follow-up care for patients'' needs.
  • Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by identifying potential bottlenecks within the registration process and implementing effective solutions to address them.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in patient access services.
  • Improved patient satisfaction scores by actively addressing concerns and providing prompt assistance during the check-in process.
  • Developed proficiency in various healthcare software programs for accurate documentation of patient encounters and streamlined workflows within the department.
  • Streamlined patient registration processes by implementing efficient data collection methods and reducing wait times.
  • Maintained accurate patient records, contributing to a well-organized database for seamless information access across departments.
  • Enhanced overall patient experience with empathetic communication and thorough explanations of insurance benefits and coverage.
  • Managed challenging situations effectively by remaining calm under pressure while resolving conflicts or addressing dissatisfied patients professionally.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships among colleagues, promoting teamwork, and sharing best practices.

Child Care Center Teacher

SEARHC
04.2010 - 01.2014
  • Introduced new teaching methods such as project-based learning, resulting in increased student engagement and motivation.
  • Increased student collaboration by developing group projects and team-building activities.
  • Organized field trips to enhance the learning experience, connecting classroom lessons to real-world examples.
  • Contributed to ongoing professional development by attending workshops and conferences related to early childhood education trends and research findings.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
  • Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
  • Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
  • Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
  • Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
  • Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
  • Supported special needs students'' learning through tailored lesson plans and individualized attention.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum design and sharing best practices for teaching strategies.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance and support during their transition into the profession.
  • Improved overall classroom management, enforcing consistent rules and consequences for behavior.
  • Participated in annual evaluations, using feedback to refine teaching approach and improve overall effectiveness in the classroom.

Education

GED -

The Learning Connection
Juneau
07-2009

Skills

  • Insurance verification
  • Prior authorization processing
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Data entry
  • Telephone etiquette
  • Medicaid
  • Confidentiality
  • Eligibility procedures
  • Authorizations
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Decision-making skills
  • Effective communication
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Decision-making
  • Relationship building
  • Self motivation
  • Deadline management
  • Information gathering
  • Professionalism
  • Continuous improvement

Certification

CHAA Certification (Certified healthcare Access Associate)

Accomplishments

    I completed multiple Child care Education trainings during my years within the Child care center to ensure child safety and well being.

    I completed the Dental assistant trainee program, and became a certified dental assistant.

    I completed the Dental Health Aid Program and became a Dental health Aid provider Level 1.

    I completed the NAHAM test and now CHAA Certified, for my current authorization position.

Timeline

Authorization Specialist

SEARHC
10.2022 - Current

Dental Health Aid

SEARHC
10.2019 - 10.2022

Dental Assistant

SEARHC
01.2017 - 10.2022

Patient Access Representative

SEARHC
01.2014 - 01.2017

Child Care Center Teacher

SEARHC
04.2010 - 01.2014

GED -

The Learning Connection
Saphire Larsen