SHERRY BALTZELL
Cape Girardeau,MO
Summary
Detail-oriented with a proven track record in enhancing patient care through effective scheduling and operational oversight. Expertise in insurance verification and patient communication supports optimal workflow and patient satisfaction in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Manager
Missouri Plastic And Hand Surgery - Gregory A Tobin Md
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
09.2025 - Current
- Managed daily office operations for busy plastic surgery practice.
- Coordinated patient scheduling and appointment reminders, enhancing patient flow and minimizing delays.
- Scheduled surgical procedures, referrals to outside providers, and imaging studies.
- Verified insurance benefits, eligibility, and authorized surgical procedures, plus outpatient imaging.
- Assisted with billing processes and insurance verification, streamlining patient transactions and improving accuracy.
- Oversaw inventory management of medical supplies and office materials, ensuring availability and reducing waste.
- Developed office procedures to improve workflow and staff communication.
- Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail, and coordinated courier services.
- Assisted with recruiting, onboarding, and training new employees.
AUTHORIZATION SPECIALIST
Saint Francis Medical Center
Cape Girardeau, MO
10.2021 - 09.2025
- Reached out to insurance carriers to obtain prior authorization for testing and procedures.
- Verified eligibility and compliance with authorization requirements for service providers.
- Tracked referrals to ensure timely issuance of prior authorizations.
- Input all patient data regarding claims and prior authorizations into the system accurately.
- Fielded telephone inquiries on authorization details from plan members and medical staff.
- Prepared and distributed denial letters outlining reasons for denial and potential appeal options.
- Collaborated with financial counselors to assist patients without coverage for planned procedures.
- Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on the application process.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Saint Francis Medical Center
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2018 - 10.2021
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms and allergies.
- Collected and documented patient medical information, including blood pressure and weight, to support accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, addressed inquiries, and prepared for physician examinations to ensure smooth workflow.
- Coordinated patient appointments with healthcare providers to ensure timely care.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment to maintain a safe and efficient environment.
- Scanned documents into patient charts using EPIC system
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST/SECRETARY
Advanced Orthopedic Specialists
Cape Girardeau, MO
09.1996 - 12.2017
- Kept information confidential and followed HIPAA guidelines to maintain patient trust.
- Used knowledge of medical terminology to transcribe patient information from written copy, electronic equipment or verbal direction.
- Maintained current and accurate medical records for patients.
- Coding using ICD-10 and CPT codes to include clinic and surgical billing.
- Managed the master calendar and scheduled appointments to optimize patient loads and maximize clinician availability.
- Organized charts and reports to streamline office operations and support patient care.
- Scheduled patient appointments and conducted follow-up reminder calls to enhance patient attendance.
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST (PART-TIME)
Saint Francis Medical Center
Cape Girardeau, MO
08.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed incoming and outgoing communication via telephone and email, ensuring timely responses and accurate documentation.
- Answered telephone calls, providing office information, addressing questions, and directing calls to appropriate staff.
- Entered patient demographics and insurance information into the system.
- Processed patient payments accurately at front desk, ensuring smooth financial transactions. from patients and scanned identification and insurance cards.
INSURANCE SPECIALIST
Southeast Missouri Hospital
Cape Girardeau, MO
08.1989 - 04.1996
- Monitored and managed pending insurance submissions to ensure timely processing.
- Coordinated follow-ups on denials and claim submissions to enhance recovery rates.
- Collaborated with carriers to resolve discrepancies in insurance payments, ensuring accurate reimbursements.
- Entered patient demographics and insurance information into patient accounts and submitted insurance electronically.
- Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
Education
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center
Cape Girardeau, MO09-1980
High School Diploma - Wolf Lake, IL
Shawnee High School
Wolf Lake, IL05-1980
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center
Cape Girardeau, MOSkills
- Obtaining Authorizations
- Billing Coordination
- Patient Data Management
- Electronic Charting
- Patient information review
- Patient History Documentation
- History collection
- Vitals documentation
- Timely Processing
- Compliance Management
- Effective Communication Skills
- Effective Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Relations
- Medical Terminology Knowledge
Certification
- CMA - Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Medical Transcriptionist
Timeline
Office Manager
Missouri Plastic And Hand Surgery - Gregory A Tobin Md
09.2025 - Current
AUTHORIZATION SPECIALIST
Saint Francis Medical Center
10.2021 - 09.2025
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Saint Francis Medical Center
01.2018 - 10.2021
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST (PART-TIME)
Saint Francis Medical Center
08.2014 - 03.2016
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST/SECRETARY
Advanced Orthopedic Specialists
09.1996 - 12.2017
INSURANCE SPECIALIST
Southeast Missouri Hospital
08.1989 - 04.1996
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center
High School Diploma - Wolf Lake, IL
Shawnee High School
No Degree - Medical Transcription
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center