Sara Horchem
Delta,CO
Summary
Proactive Medical Coder and Surgery Coordinator with extensive experience in diagnostic coding, surgical scheduling, and patient care coordination. Demonstrated success in improving coding accuracy, reducing claim denials, and enhancing team efficiency. Proficient in Meditech, Cerner, Epic, and HIPAA compliance, bringing strong knowledge in CPT/ICD-10 coding and regulatory guidelines. Hardworking professional applies official coding conventions and rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Confident Medical Coder adheres to data confidentiality and privacy rules in all workflows and promotes dynamic interpersonal skills. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist with 5 years providing administrative and patient support in hospital and medical office settings. Advanced knowledge of private insurance processes and codes. To seek and maintain Part-time Remote position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Coder
PRS Network
05.2021 - 08.2024
- Enhanced coding accuracy through meticulous review of medical documentation and application of relevant codes.
- Resourcefully utilized coding books, procedure manuals, and online encoders to enhance productivity.
- Examined patient documentation to improve comprehension of health backgrounds, diagnoses, and interventions.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
- Ensured accurate and efficient coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures for outpatient care.
- Examined outpatient records, extracting relevant information to identify accurate diagnoses and procedures.
- Accurately coded and billed medical claims for multiple hospital and nursing facilities.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and guidelines by staying up-to-date on the latest coding changes.
- Conducted regular training sessions on updated coding techniques and best practices, boosting team efficiency.
- Successfully worked alongside physicians to streamline documentation procedures resulting in higher claim approval rates.
- Strengthened collaboration within the department through effective communication, resulting in improved problem-solving for complex cases.
- Supported implementation of electronic health record systems, streamlining coding process.
- Supported the growth of junior coders by training them on high-quality coding practices.
- Demonstrated use of active listening, interpersonal, and telephone etiquette skills for effective communication.
- Provided ongoing feedback to clinical staff on proper documentation practices, minimizing errors.
- Conducted internal audits to identify coding accuracy and compliance improvement opportunities.
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare staff to seek clarification on patient services.
- Conducted regular audits and provided feedback to coding team resulting in a significant reduction in coding errors.
- Reduced claim denials by meticulously verifying coding accuracy prior to submission.
- Input data into computer programs and filing systems.
- Transcribed and entered patient medical information into electronic medical records systems.
Medical Coder
Colorado Surgical Associates
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Reduced claim denials by meticulously verifying coding accuracy prior to submission.
- Enhanced coding accuracy through meticulous review of medical documentation and application of relevant codes.
- Effectively leveraged diverse resources including coding books, procedure manuals, and online encoders to optimize performance.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and managed coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures in outpatient medical records.
- Maintained a high level of productivity while consistently meeting deadlines for claim submissions.
- Utilized active listening, interpersonal, and telephone etiquette skills when communicating with others.
- Validated signatures while meticulously reviewing medical records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Ensured compliance with coding guidelines and regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and applying them to all coding activities.
- Ensured minimal claim denials by accurately verifying coding prior to submission.
- Utilized classification manuals to enhance understanding of disease and diagnostic procedures.
- Scanned and uploaded medical records into electronic medical records system.
- Trained new staff on medical record processing and filing procedures.
Surgery Coordinator
Montrose Hospital
09.2017 - 03.2020
- Provided training to new personnel on medical record processing and filing procedures.
- Facilitated streamlined communication between surgeons, patients, and hospital staff ensuring seamless surgery coordination.
- Collaborated with patient, referring physician and surgical specialist to coordinate pre- and post-operative care for surgical procedures.
- Maintained accurate medical records for all patients undergoing surgery, facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by successfully coordinating surgeries across multiple specialties, including orthopedic, general, and plastic surgery procedures.
- Monitored and resolved potential conflicts to maintain an efficient surgery schedule.
- Assisted in the training and onboarding of new surgery coordinators, promoting a supportive team atmosphere and helping ensure consistent standards of care.
- Promoted efficiency by verifying insurance coverage and obtaining necessary authorizations promptly.
- Successfully managed patient check-in and check-out process, ensuring prompt payment collection.
- Communicated with patients on phone and in person to enter and update medical history in database.
- Obtained pre-authorizations and pre-certifications ahead of scheduled surgeries.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Resolved scheduling conflicts to maintain high-quality patient services.
- Ensured smooth operations by establishing and managing an effective patient chart filing system for easy accessibility of data by personnel.
Medical Scheduler
Kaiser Permanete
10.2016 - 05.2019
- Ensured smooth operations by establishing and managing an effective patient chart filing system for easy accessibility of data by personnel.
- Delivered prompt and helpful assistance in answering questions over the phone.
- Efficiently handled cancellations and no-shows by promptly substituting with priority patients from waitlists or urgent care requirements.
- Followed up with patients to reschedule missed appointments.
- Assisted with training of new schedulers, imparting knowledge on effective schedule management techniques.
- Confirmed appointments one day prior to minimize missed appointments and maximize clinic utilization.
- Efficiently resolved conflicts in scheduling and resource allocation, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Facilitated effective patient-provider communication, addressing appointment related inquiries and concerns.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling by implementing an efficient online booking system.
- Managed multiple schedules and prioritized tasks to meet demands of fast-paced work environment.
- Reduced no-show rates through reliable reminder system, maximizing healthcare resource utilization.
- Handled day-to-day administrative responsibilities which included document filing, copying, and faxing.
- Processed medical insurance claims and payments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Herscher High School
Herscher, IL05.2020
Associate of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Denver School of Nursing
Denver, CO05.2015
Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy knowledge
- HIPAA Compliance
- HCPCS Coding
- Teamwork capabilities
- Regulatory guidelines
- Document Management
- Knowledgeable and Proficiency in Meditech, Cerner, Epic, ModMed, All Scripts
- CPT / ICD-10 Coding
- Microsoft Excel, Word,
- Patient Information Verification
- Diagnostic Coding
- Trauma coding
Timeline
Medical Coder
PRS Network
05.2021 - 08.2024
Medical Coder
Colorado Surgical Associates
05.2019 - 05.2021
Surgery Coordinator
Montrose Hospital
09.2017 - 03.2020
Medical Scheduler
Kaiser Permanete
10.2016 - 05.2019
High School Diploma -
Herscher High School
Associate of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Denver School of Nursing