SONTONYA THOMAS
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Arcadia,LA
22
years of professional experience
Dynamic Admissions Lead Specialist with expertise in medical terminology, insurance verification, and team leadership. Committed to enhancing patient satisfaction and streamlining processes to drive efficiency. Goal-oriented and dedicated to organization and collaboration with over 20 years in the medical industry. Trained in Medhost Patient Logic and Medhost EDIS. Hardworking and equipped to handle fast-paced office operations with a continuous flow of patients and assignments. Meticulous in completing assignments and always ready to help team members.
Work History
Admissions Lead Specialist
12 Years 9 Months- Lead team meetings, provide training and performance feedback, coordinate evaluations, and coach staff on processes and best practices - ensuring staff adheres to organizational polices and procedure.
- Act as a Liaison between patients and clinicians, disseminating information and addressing patient questions.
- Assist with patient admission and discharge processes, ensuring accurate registration and charting in both physical and electronic systems.
- Perform insurance verifications, provide cost estimates and coordinate with the billing department, collect copays, and track insurance covered visits.
- Update patients admit, discharge, and transfer statuses within the medical database.
- Obtain prior authorization for all outpatient cardiac rehab visits, inpatient and observation hospital stays.
- Prepare daily cashier deposits.
- Customer service - assist with patient accounts, and maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
- Manage multi-line phone system routing incoming and outgoing calls within the hospital, greet patients and visitors
Business Office - Claims Biller
1 Year 6 Months- Processed patient billing statements with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Reconciled insurance claims and managed outstanding accounts receivable efficiently.
- Implemented electronic billing systems to streamline workflow and enhance data integrity.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to resolve billing discrepancies and improve patient satisfaction.
- Prepare and bill Medicare secondary crossover claims.
- Checked insurance eligibility by making appropriate phone calls and conducting research on services rendered.
- Provided exceptional customer service in handling billing inquiries, resolving disputes promptly and professionally.
Admissions Registrar
8 Years 8 Months- Register patients for Emergency Room, Lab and Radiology, Hospice Care, Inpatient / Observation hospital stays, and Telemedicine services.
- Verify and update patient demographics within the hospital medical database.
- Verify insurance coverage and collect insurance copays and deductibles.
- Update patient admit, discharge, and transfer statuses within the medical database.
- Open and close all inpatient and observation hospital charts.
- Q&A all inpatient and observation hospital charts for chart errors - physician orders, lab requests, and patient care flow sheets.
- Process, invoice, and mail Medical Records requests.
- Maintain daily census / charge sheets for all hospital patients as directed by RHIA.
Certified Nursing Assistant
2 Years 2 Months- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and support.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Documented patient care accurately in electronic health records.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement patient care plans effectively.
Certified Nursing Assistant
2 Years- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Documented patient conditions and care provided, ensuring accurate health records for informed medical decisions.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans, enhancing patient outcomes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Certificate of Technical Studies - Certified Nursing Assistant
High School Diploma
Skills
Medical Terminology
ICD-9 and ICD-10 Coding
Microsoft Office
Medical Records
Insurance Verification
Claims - Billing / Collections / Denials
Prior Authorization
Self-motivated and goal oriented
Organizational skills
Team leadership
Timeline
Business Office - Claims Biller
Green Clinic Health System
02.2022 - 08.2023Read More
Admissions Lead Specialist
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
09.2013 - CurrentRead More
Certified Nursing Assistant
Homer Memorial Hospital
01.2010 - 03.2012Read More
Admissions Registrar
Bienville Medical Center
01.2005 - 09.2013Read More
Certified Nursing Assistant
Arcadia Healthcare Center
01.2004 - 01.2006Read More
Grambling State University
Bachelor of Science from Social Work
Read More
Claiborne Vo-Tech
Certificate of Technical Studies from Certified Nursing Assistant
Read More
Minden High School
High School Diploma
Read More