Hi, I’m
Sarah Cowett
Porum,OK
Summary
I have 29 years of experience in Healthcare: Some of that time includes HIM Supervisor, Chiropractic Assistant, Community Health Representative, Office Management, and front office clerk. I am currently the HIM Supervisor for the Creek Nation Eufaula Indian Health Facility. I worked previously for the Creek Nation as a Chiropractic Assistant, a CHR for 10 years from 11/2005-11/2015 and for the Eufaula Dormitory as a temporary Educational Aide. Previous employment includes several different specialties in the healthcare industry. I enjoy teaching cultural activities to help preserve and pass along our heritage, some of the classes I teach are: basket weaving, leatherwork, beadwork, dance shawls, turtle rattles, dream catchers, bow making, and ball sticks. Outside of work, I am an advocate for our people. I volunteer my time obtaining and delivering food, teaching classes, and helping our elders and disabled obtain needed healthcare and housing repairs. I am also the President of the Oklahoma Native American EMS Association. ONAEMSA is government funded by grants for continuing education for our Native American ems, police, fire, first responders and the layperson interested in emergency response. We offer educational courses for continuing education credit and Cleet hours. I am the president of the Southern Cherokee Helpers Organization as well as the Lower Illinois Cherokee Connection Organization. Both organizations are geared to bring native culture and services to our local and rural communities. Both organizations hold monthly meetings and events to further the education and services needed to help our communities thrive in a healthier atmosphere. Committed Health Information Manager with a distinguished understanding of EPIC use and database management. Successful at maintaining accounts and collaborating with medical personnel. Expertise in HIPAA and medical terminology. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
Health Information Manager
02.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Supervise and manage the duties of the patient registration clerks, scheduling clerks and patient benefit coordinators
- Some of my duties include: running audits of charting from providers and nurses, auditing patient registration process, auditing the scheduling process, assisting PBC when needed with Medicare, Medicaid, Third Party insurance and other assistance requested by patients, assures that patient charts are created and maintain accurate electronic health records and that the proper consent, privacy, and authorization forms are present
- Monitors department schedules to validate scheduling, canceling, and rescheduling of patients in the respective clinic/department
- Manages patient complaints and other issues that arise
- Continuously monitors system updates for continued training within the staff
- Train and monitor staff to greet patients in a friendly manner
- Assures that eligibility guidelines are met before establishing charts for new patients, I not only manage my department, but I fill in when needed for registration, scheduling, PBC's and Contract Health
- I have recently started taking and compiling the minutes for the monthly Safety/Quality Initiative Committee.
- Collaborated closely with physicians and nursing staff to improve quality of patient records documentation.
- Recruited and hired top-performing individuals bringing undeniable experience and wealth of skills to organization.
- Enhanced patient privacy by implementing strict confidentiality policies and procedures in managing health information.
- Managed complex projects effectively, leading a team of Health Information Technicians to complete tasks on time and with high-quality results.
- Implemented innovative solutions to streamline workflow, optimizing productivity within the Health Information Management department.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, conducting regular audits to identify areas for enhancement in health information management processes.
- Championed a culture of excellence within the Health Information Management department, setting performance expectations and providing regular feedback to team members.
- Effectively managed release of information requests, safeguarding patient privacy while adhering to legal requirements for disclosure purposes.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing concerns related to health information management promptly and professionally.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
Chiropractic Assistant
09.2019 - 02.2021
Job overview
- During my time as an assistant to Dr
- Kevin Bradley, I was responsible for checking in patients and rooming them
- During the check-in process, I was responsible for taking and charting vital signs, intake of medical history and current conditions, ordering x-rays, sanitizing rooms
- After the arrival of Covid-19, I volunteered to work at the front entrance of screening patients and employees.
- Developed strong rapport with patients leading to high levels of trust and satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships.
- Answered phones to respond to customer questions, provide information and schedule appointments.
- Educated patients on chiropractic care benefits, resulting in increased referrals and new client acquisition.
- Greeted incoming visitors warmly and directed patients to appropriate areas to keep office running smoothly.
- Maintained strict adherence to HIPAA regulations, protecting sensitive patient information and upholding confidentiality standards.
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
Patient Benefit Coordinator
09.2018 - 11.2019
Job overview
- Assisting patients with third party insurance coverage for their health needs
- Duties include, sooner-care applications, Insure Oklahoma applications, assisting with Medicare questions and drug plan coverage information
- Assist patients in seeking out other resources for the purchase of medications and medical equipment that may be needed as well as preparing referrals and medical records necessary to continue the well-being and good health of our patients
- Going beyond my scope of work to ensure all patients have what is needed to live a healthy safe life
- While in this position I also assisted contract health with referrals and scheduling appointments and faxing paperwork to outside providers, I also filled in as chiropractor assistant.
Koweta Indian Health Facility
Patient Benefit Coordinator
08.2016 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Assisting patients with third party insurance coverage for their health needs
- Duties included sooner-care applications, Insure Oklahoma applications, assisting with Medicare questions and drug plan coverage information
- Assist patients in seeking out other resources for the purchase of medications and medical equipment that may be needed as well as preparing referrals and medical records necessary to continue the well-being and good health of our patients
- Going beyond my scope of work to ensure all patients have what is needed to live a healthy safe life.
Creek Nation Eufaula Dormitory
Emergency Hire Educational Aide
02.2016 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Supervision of the girl's dormitory
- Assisting the girls with their homework and teaching them about good health and hygiene
- Also, I counseled them on college preparatory and the importance of attending school regularly and making good grades
- I supervised them during outdoor activities and gym sessions, accompanied and supervised them on campus field trips and occasionally picked up and delivered them back home on weekends.
MCN Department of Health
Community Health Representative
11.2005 - 11.2015
Job overview
- Designed programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and environments
- Planned and coordinated health education programs
- Monitored and evaluated public health programs, maintained working relationships with healthcare agencies and organizations
- Distributed health education materials collaborated with health specialists and public organizations
- Performed community health needs assessments, maintained accurate documentation for patients
- Determined health programs objectives and goals
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, served as a translator between patient and physician
- Make referral to appropriate agency for assistance if the patient needed and followed up to make sure patients received assistance needed in all areas of life
- Worked with the public-school systems to educate the children on Stranger Danger, Hand Washing, Dental Care, Healthy Nutrition, Active Lifestyles, Poison Look a Likes, Human Trafficking, Drinking, and Driving and Texting and Driving
- During this time, I also became President of The Oklahoma Native American EMS Association, where we offer continuing education to Ems, fire, police, and nursing students thru a grant from IHS.
Muskogee Pulmonary Clinic
Office Manager
01.2004 - 12.2004
Job overview
- Supervised office staff
- I trained employees on work procedures
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired employees
- Explained work procedure and company policies to staff
- I directed billing and office support duties, Identified, and resolved system problems, maintained excellent communication within department, maintained office records, scheduled appointments, and distributed incoming mail
- Received and prioritized telephone calls resolved customer complaints.
Dr. Leroy Place, DDS
Office Manager
03.2001 - 08.2001
Job overview
- Explained work procedures and company policies to staff
- Ensured policies and procedures were followed
- I directed billing and office support duties
- Identified and resolved problems
- Maintained communication between doctor and patients, maintained office records, coordinated all office equipment maintenance and repairs
- Provided status updates of office activities to senior management
- Scheduled appointments, distributed incoming mail, received, and prioritized telephone calls
- I maintained effective working relationships with other employees.
Dr. William Lee, DO
Office Manager
06.1998 - 03.2001
Job overview
- Directed health services in an Optometry Clinic
- I performed personnel duties such as interviewing, training, and evaluating employees
- I managed accounting, authorized expenditures, inventory, coordinated technical staff, clerical staff and maintained communication between all levels of organization personnel
- Attended and organized staff meetings and continuing education
- Reviewed and analyzed facility activities
- Oversaw risk management
- Organized work schedules and assignments for staff
- I maintained knowledge of medical technology, insurance, and health regulations for the practice.
Education
Indian Capital Vo-TechMuskogee, OK
Business Administrative Assistant\ Word Processing Specialist Degree
01.1995
Skills
- Health records review
- Effective Communication
- Medical Terminology
- Accurate Documentation
- Quality Improvement
- Healthcare compliance
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Health Information Systems
- HIPAA expert
- Community advocate
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Safety
- CPR/AED
- Staff Management
- Patient Advocacy
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Employee Work Scheduling
- Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS)
- Performance monitoring
- Epic Systems
- Records Management
- Performance Metrics
- Electronic Medical Record Software
- Emergency Readiness
Certification
- First Responder Certification, Cherokee Nation EMS, Tahlequah, OK with updates every other year.
- CPR/First Aide Certification currently licensed until 2021
- ICS 100
- Defensive Driving Course
- President of Oklahoma Native American EMS Association
- President of the Lower Illinois Cherokee Connection Organization
- President of the Southern Cherokee Helpers Organization.
- Public Relations Officer for MONNA Organization 2020
- Marketplace Certified Assister
- Community/Elder/Disabled Advocate
- Event Organizer/Scheduler
- Many other certifications through continuing education for first responders and community health.
References
- Dallie Lovett, Public Health Nurse, 918-617-7478
- Karen Petticrew, Retired RN Diabetes Educator, 918-470-2967
- Terri Garner, Retired Nurse Practitioner, 918-710-9051
- Lisa Crims, Retired Animal Rehabilitation Expert, 918-490-1013
Additional Information
During my years of working in Healthcare and my outside organizations, I have spent at least 15 years in grant writing, grant disbursement and grant compliance. I receive Governmental and IHS grants for the Native American Organizations that require strict adherence to their guidelines. These grants require documentation and compliance with the SAMS and DUNS requirements. These grants are updated yearly.
Timeline
Health Information Manager
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
02.2021 - Current
Chiropractic Assistant
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
09.2019 - 02.2021
Patient Benefit Coordinator
Eufaula Indian Health Facility
09.2018 - 11.2019
Patient Benefit Coordinator
Koweta Indian Health Facility
08.2016 - 09.2018
Emergency Hire Educational Aide
Creek Nation Eufaula Dormitory
02.2016 - 05.2016
Community Health Representative
MCN Department of Health
11.2005 - 11.2015
Office Manager
Muskogee Pulmonary Clinic
01.2004 - 12.2004
Office Manager
Dr. Leroy Place, DDS
03.2001 - 08.2001
Office Manager
Dr. William Lee, DO
06.1998 - 03.2001
Indian Capital Vo-Tech
Business Administrative Assistant\ Word Processing Specialist Degree
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