Shakonda Ward
Chicago,IL
Summary
Detail-focused Benefits Verification Specialist known for productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in insurance policy interpretation, patient communication, and database management, ensuring accurate verification processes. Excel in problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability to meet strict deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Committed to maintaining confidentiality and providing exceptional service to patients and healthcare providers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Verification Representative
CVS Specialty Pharmacy 40hrs+
Buffalo Grove, IL
07.2020 - Current
- Utilize Epic, Availity, CoverMyMeds, and PeopleSafe to manage claims, documentation, and patient records.
- Verify patient eligibility and insurance benefits for specialty medications.
- Initiate and track prior authorizations by submitting ICD-10 codes, J-codes, and supporting clinical documentation.
- Review and abstract medical information to ensure accurate reimbursement, and prevent claim denials.
- Serve as a liaison between patients, prescribers, and insurance companies to resolve barriers to medication access.
- Consistently maintain HIPAA compliance, and exceed productivity and quality standards.
Patient Service Representative
US Medical Lab
Chicago, IL
11.2017 - 05.2020
- Greeted visitors and patients, answered questions, and assisted with service coordination to improve satisfaction and retention.
- Verified patient demographics, obtained authorizations, and processed insurance verification for medical services.
- Scheduled patient appointments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in meeting treatment requirements.
- Coordinated correspondence and scheduling between administration, staff, and clients using calendaring software.
- Maintained confidentiality and accuracy while handling sensitive patient information and billing transactions.
Administrative Assistant
Help at Home Homecare LLC
Chicago, IL
11.2012 - 11.2017
- Scheduled and coordinated client homecare visits, ensuring proper coverage to meet patient care needs.
- Maintained ongoing communication with clients and families to support service satisfaction and quality of care.
- Verified insurance and authorization requirements for services, supporting accurate billing.
- Created and managed staff schedules to maintain efficiency and compliance with client needs.
- Supported management with documentation, reporting, and workflow coordination.
Education
Associate of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05.2003
High School Diploma -
Rezin Orr Academy
Chicago, IL06.2001
Skills
- Expert scheduler
- ICD-10 coding
- J-code familiarity
- Claims processing
- Inpatient and outpatient coding principles
- Prior authorizations and insurance verification
- Clinical documentation review and abstraction
- Patient, provider, and payer communication
- Claims processing and denial resolution
- Epic, Availity, CoverMyMeds, and PeopleSafe utilization
Certification
In Progress: Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – AHIMA (or CIC – AAPC)
Timeline
Benefits Verification Representative
CVS Specialty Pharmacy 40hrs+
07.2020 - Current
Patient Service Representative
US Medical Lab
11.2017 - 05.2020
Administrative Assistant
Help at Home Homecare LLC
11.2012 - 11.2017
Associate of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
High School Diploma -
Rezin Orr Academy