Shirley Fornengo
Amery,WI
Summary
Detail-oriented coding analyst with expertise in ICD-10 and medical claims coding. Demonstrated ability to enhance coding accuracy and streamline workflows, contributing to improved revenue cycle performance.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RHIT - Inpatient Coding Analyst II
HealthPartners
Saint Paul, MN
01.2020 - Current
- Analyzed coding data to identify discrepancies and improve accuracy in billing processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline healthcare coding workflows and enhance productivity
- Played an integral role in achieving compliance with regulatory requirements through consistent adherence to established coding guidelines.
- Optimized revenue cycle performance by identifying trends and opportunities for process improvements within the coding workflow.
- Played an integral role in achieving a positive financial impact for the organization by identifying opportunities for revenue enhancement through strategic coding initiatives.
- Contributed to the ongoing success of the organization by consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize documentation practices, resulting in improved reimbursement rates.
- Enhanced overall efficiency through continuous process reevaluation, identifying areas of potential improvement within current systems.
- Facilitated timely and accurate claims processing by maintaining a high level of expertise in ICD-10 and CPT codes.
- Participated in collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing claim denials due to improper coding practices or insufficient documentation.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to maintain proficiency in industry changes and advancements affecting medical coding practices.
- Improved coding accuracy by conducting thorough research and staying up-to-date with industry standards.
RHIT - Emergency & Infusion Coding Lead
HealthPartners
Saint Paul, MN
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Coding Lead
Amery Hospital & Medical Center
Amery, WI
12.1990 - 01.2023
- Duties are the same as above, but for all hospital & clinic coding sites.
Medical Coder
Amery Hospital & Clinics
Amery, WI
12.1994 - 01.2000
- Ensured accurate coding of medical diagnoses and procedures for billing compliance.
- Reviewed patient charts for completeness and clarity to support coding accuracy.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to resolve discrepancies in documentation.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced coding accuracy and reduced errors.
- Conducted regular training sessions on updates in coding regulations and standards.
- Increased coding accuracy by diligently reviewing medical documentation and applying appropriate codes.
- Resourcefully used various coding books, procedure manuals, and on-line encoders.
- Reviewed patient charts to better understand health histories, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and managed coding of diagnostic and treatment procedures contained in outpatient medical records.
- Reviewed outpatient records and interpreted documentation to identify diagnoses and procedures.
- Maintained a high level of productivity while consistently meeting deadlines for claim submissions.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and guidelines by staying up-to-date on the latest coding changes.
- Collaborated with physicians to obtain necessary documentation, improving claim approval rates.
- Supported the implementation of electronic health record systems, simplifying the coding process.
- Reduced claim denials by maintaining thorough knowledge of payer-specific requirements and guidelines.
- Monitored changes in coding regulations to provide recommendations for compliance.
- Interacted with physicians and other healthcare staff to ask questions regarding patient services.
- Enhanced coding accuracy by meticulously reviewing patient records and applying correct medical codes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations, ensuring compliance across all coding activities.
- Played key role in transition to ICD-10 coding system, leading training sessions and updating coding protocols.
- Contributed to healthcare quality improvement by accurately coding diagnoses and procedures for data analysis and reporting.
- Boosted coding department efficiency, implementing new electronic health record system for easier access to patient information.
- Used classification manuals to gain additional knowledge of disease and diagnoses processes.
- Utilized electronic medical record systems to store, retrieve and process patient data.
- Researched and resolved medical record discrepancies.
Education
Associate of Science - Health Information
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WI05.1990
Skills
ICD 9 & 10-CM, ICD 9 & 10-PCS, CPT, & HCPCS coding
Inpatient and Outpatient records coding and abstracting
Knowledge and proficiency in Epic and Solevntum (3M) Coding software
Big data handling
Statistical modeling
Code optimization
HIPAA compliance
Training and mentoring
Medical claims coding
Medical terminology
Regulatory guidelines
Workflow management
Insurance claims analysis
Data verification
Anatomy
Medical billing
Medical documentation oversight
Coding error resolution
Healthcare claim coding
Ethical standards
Code assignment research
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking Abilities
Reliability
Team collaboration
Adaptability and flexibility
Detail-oriented
Interpersonal skills
EMR systems
Affiliations
AHIMA - American Health Information Association
January 1987 - Present
Certification
- RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician
Timeline
RHIT - Inpatient Coding Analyst II
HealthPartners
01.2020 - Current
RHIT - Emergency & Infusion Coding Lead
HealthPartners
01.2020 - 01.2023
Medical Coder
Amery Hospital & Clinics
12.1994 - 01.2000
Coding Lead
Amery Hospital & Medical Center
12.1990 - 01.2023
Associate of Science - Health Information
Chippewa Valley Technical College