Dynamic healthcare professional with extensive experience at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, excelling in data analysis and customer service. Proven track record of improving team efficiency by 20% and enhancing patient access. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and implementing process improvements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Support Assistant (GS-6)
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston
04.2023 - Current
Manage high-volume inbound calls in a federal contact center, assisting Veterans with account-related inquiries, resolving issues, and providing clear guidance on services and next steps
Utilize Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA), and VistA Access Review (VAR), to research, update, and maintain patient and account information
Apply federal regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures to scheduling, consult management, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance
Review, analyze, and verify consult and account-related data to identify discrepancies, prioritize actions, and determine appropriate resolutions in alignment with VA policies and procedures
Use systems including Consult Tracking Manager (CTM), VistA Access Review (VAR), and ISS Scheduling System, to track consult status, validate data, and ensure timely processing of appointments and services
Document all interactions and account updates accurately in electronic systems, ensuring compliance with audit standards and regulatory requirements
Communicate complex information to Veterans and stakeholders in a clear, professional, and customer-focused manner, including explaining processes, resolving concerns, and obtaining necessary information
Provide Team Lead support during staffing shortages by assisting with workload coordination, resolving escalated issues, and maintaining continuity of operations in a high-volume environment
Demonstrate strong stress tolerance and task management skills while handling high call volumes, urgent requests, and crisis-level situations requiring immediate escalation and response
Trained new employees on roles and responsibilities, enhancing team effectiveness and integration.
Serve as a Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Trainer, delivering staff training on de-escalation techniques, safety protocols, and appropriate response to high-risk situations in accordance with VA guidelines
Analyzed report data to identify trends, discrepancies, and workflow gaps, leading to actionable process improvements.
Generated and distributed operational reports (Audio-Care, RTC, Insurance Capture Buffer (ICB) Web, Vet-Text) to support Team Leads, utilizing Microsoft Excel for workload tracking and performance monitoring.
Participated in Virtual Aspiring Supervisor's Program to develop leadership skills and prepare for future supervisory roles. (Graduation date 05/2026)
Patient Access Team Lead
Medical University of South Carolina - Institute of Psychiatry
Charleston
07.2019 - 04.2023
Supervised contact center staff supporting 13 outpatient clinics and 127 providers
Coordinated scheduling and appointment management for diverse patient populations, ensuring timely access to care.
Managed patient registration activities including verifying insurance eligibility, collecting co-pays and deductibles and scheduling appointments.
Oversaw insurance verification process to facilitate timely patient admissions.
Led patient access team to streamline intake processes and improve customer service.
Resolved escalated customer concerns and account-related issues
Educated patients on policies, procedures, and service requirements
Monitored performance metrics and implemented workflow improvements
Developed training materials for new hires in patient access procedures.
Recruited, trained and supervised new staff members in accordance with established guidelines.
Identified opportunities for process improvement within the department.
Implemented best practices for data entry and patient record management systems.
Performed quality assurance audits on various processes within the department.
Collaborated with other departments on projects to ensure desired outcomes were met.
Conducted performance reviews for all direct reports.
Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards and organizational policies.
Acted as liaison among hospital administration, clinical staff, and external vendors to enhance communication and service delivery.
Ensured availability of necessary resources for operations.
Organized workflow management systems to optimize efficiency within the department.
Assisted in developing strategies to increase patient satisfaction scores.
Updated reference materials with Medicare, Medicaid and third-party payer requirements, guidelines, policies and list of accepted insurance plans.
Coordinated with clinical staff to manage patient flow, reducing wait times and improving satisfaction.
Highlighted significant achievements in the role. Reduced no-show rates by 30% | Improved team efficiency by 20%
Regional Scheduling & Referral Coordinator
Medical University of South Carolina - Institute of Psychiatry
Charleston
06.2013 - 07.2019
Coordinated referrals and scheduling across multiple clinics
Coordinated patient scheduling by assessing availability and urgency.
Scheduled appointments efficiently, minimizing delays for patient care and consultations.
Managed communication between patients, providers, and insurance companies effectively.
Handled high call volumes while effectively addressing patient concerns
Assisted patients in understanding referral procedures and insurance coverage details.
Reviewed referral requests for completeness and accuracy before processing them.
Prioritized referrals according to urgency and adhered to appropriate referral deadlines.
Reviewed demographic, clinical and insurance information before sending to referred specialists.
Reviewed records to ensure accuracy and completeness
Maintained accurate records in electronic health systems for all referral processes.
Performed data entry related to referrals into electronic health record systems.
Verified documents and associated records to catch and resolve discrepancies.
Answered questions and resolved concerns raised by both patients and specialists.
Communicated regularly with patients regarding their care plans following a referral.
Adhered to HIPAA regulations when handling confidential patient information.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to streamline patient care pathways.
Collaborated with internal departments to ensure smooth transitions for referred patients.
Collaborated with external agencies to expedite referral processing.
Trained new staff on referral protocols and electronic health record systems.
Assisted in training new employees on the organization's policies for making referrals.
Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders within the healthcare system to enhance referral processes.
Conducted outreach to community providers for referrals and resources.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
05-2018
Skills
Healthcare administration
Veterans benefits coordination
Policy and procedure interpretation
Procurement support
Inventory and supply management
Data analysis and validation
Microsoft Excel proficiency
Database management
Regulatory compliance
Quality assurance
Customer service excellence
Contract and vendor management
Process improvement strategies
Report preparation skills
Administrative operations oversight
Team leadership abilities
Problem solving expertise
Accomplishments
Selected by leadership to participate in and successfully complete the VA Virtual Aspiring Supervisor Program (VASP). Graduate date May, 2026
Conduct Environment of Care (EOC) Safety Rounds to support Joint Commission readiness, identify safety concerns, and improve outpatient clinic operation
Selected as a PMDB Trainer, providing instruction on Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior principles and de-escalation techniques.
Serve as Acting Team Lead supporting operational workflow, productivity reporting, staff guidance, and daily clinic operations.
Train new Medical Support Assistants and Advanced Medical Support Assistants on VA systems, scheduling procedures, consult management, documentation requirements, and effective Veteran communication.
Consistently received Exceptional performance evaluations and positive recognition from providers, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members for professionalism, reliability, and commitment to Veteran-centered care.
Timeline
Medical Support Assistant (GS-6)
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
04.2023 - Current
Patient Access Team Lead
Medical University of South Carolina - Institute of Psychiatry
07.2019 - 04.2023
Regional Scheduling & Referral Coordinator
Medical University of South Carolina - Institute of Psychiatry
Advanced Medical Support Assistant - GS 6 at Veterans Administration - 40hrs+ /WeekAdvanced Medical Support Assistant - GS 6 at Veterans Administration - 40hrs+ /Week
Advanced Medical Support Assistant, GS-6, Step 4 at U S Department of Veterans AffairsAdvanced Medical Support Assistant, GS-6, Step 4 at U S Department of Veterans Affairs
Lead Medical Support Assistant GS-6-S6 at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical CenterLead Medical Support Assistant GS-6-S6 at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center