Stephanie Stensland
Hattiesburg,MS
Summary
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Director with 18 years of experience across SNFs, ALFs, swing beds, hospitals, and outpatient rehab. Skilled in medical necessity determination, documentation review, and care coordination. Strong understanding of Medicare guidelines, prior authorization processes, appeals, denials, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I’m known as a natural leader with a very strong work ethic.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
ASHA License
1
1
MS State License in Speech Language Pathology
1
1
VitalStim Certification
1
1
Myofascial Release Certification
1
1
Allen Cognitive Levels Certification
Work History
Regional Clinical Director / Speech-Language Pathologist
Mid South Rehab Services
South Region of Mississippi, MS
2021 - Current
- Audit billing and documentation across 6 facilities and 9 therapy departments
- Review patient progress and guide therapy plans based on medical necessity
- Ensure compliance with Medicare and insurance guidelines
- Communicate with physicians, case managers, and families
- Marketing to hospital discharge coordinators and social workers
- Manage payroll and expenses for 45+ employees
- Complete performance reviews for 90 day and annual reviews
- Build reports with the following information: Section GG, CPT utilization, Length of Stay, and Productivity per rehab department for quarterly reviews Build reports
Director of Rehabilitation / Speech-Language Pathologist
Reconnect Therapy
Laurel, MS
2018 - 01.2021
- Evaluated and treated patients with speech, cognitive, and swallowing deficits.
- Supported MDS nurses with discharge planning and care plans
- Mentored staff on strong documentation that showed medical necessity
- Utilized an interdisciplinary approach to goal building and discharge planning
- Provided caregiver and patient training for home exercise programs and strategies for improving quality of life
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Encore
Ocean Springs, MS
2015 - 2018
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate speech and language skills, cognitive skills and safe swallowing abilities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client care and support services.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve patient outcomes effectively.
- Led support groups for patients with aphasia, Parkinson, and support groups for caregivers
- Supervised Speech Pathology students in their clinical rotations.
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Halycon Rehabilitation
Ocean Springs, MS
2008 - 2015
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve patient outcomes effectively.
- Educated families on communication strategies and resources to support ongoing development.
- Monitored progress and adjusted treatment plans based on client responses and feedback.
- Developed facility wide screening programs to empower CNAs to identify dysphagia.
- Implemented the Allen Cognitive Levels within the facility to allow patients to be matched with their most cognitively appropriate activities.
- Worked closely with the MDS nurse on discharge planning, equipment they may need at home, and setting up home assessments.
- Supervised SLP students during their clinical rotations and provided feedback for their treatment plans and documentation.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
University of South Alabama
01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Communication Science Disorders
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL12.2005
Skills
Utilization Review & Medical Necessity
Documentation Audit & Compliance
Medicare / Medicaid Guidelines
Prior Authorization Review
Interdisciplinary Care Coordination
Discharge Planning
EMR Systems (Epic, Casamba, NetHealth, PointClickCare)
Quality Assurance & Outcomes Tracking
Denials Prevention & Appeals Support
EMR: Epic, PointClickCare, NetHealth, Casamba
Microsoft Office Suite
Telehealth Platforms
Typing Speed: 80 WPM
Certification
- Licensed SLP – Mississippi
- BLS/CPR
- VitalStim & Myofascial Release
- Allen Cognitive Levels
- Continuing Education in Compliance & Fraud
UTILIZATION REVIEW–RELATED EXPERIENCE
- Determined medical necessity of skilled therapy services
- Reviewed documentation for compliance and reimbursement
- Collaborated with case management on insurance considerations
- Experience with Medicare, Medicaid, Advantage Plans, Private Insurance
- Identified over-utilization and underutilization trends
CASE MANAGEMENT / INSURANCE EXPERIENCE
- Exposure to prior authorizations and denials management
- Trained office managers on insurance verification and authorizations
- Reviewed audits with MDS departments
Timeline
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
University of South Alabama
Regional Clinical Director / Speech-Language Pathologist
Mid South Rehab Services
2021 - Current
Director of Rehabilitation / Speech-Language Pathologist
Reconnect Therapy
2018 - 01.2021
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Encore
2015 - 2018
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Halycon Rehabilitation
2008 - 2015
Bachelor of Science - Communication Science Disorders
University of Montevallo