Tamara Whitt
San Diego,CA
Summary
Diligent Veteran Service Representative with solid foundation in assessing and processing veteran benefits claims. Proven ability to manage complex cases efficiently and ensure timely resolution, benefiting both veterans and organization. Demonstrated proficiency in applying regulatory guidelines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
San Diego, CA
05.2022 - Current
- Evaluated and processed veterans' benefit claims, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Facilitated communication between veterans and various departments to enhance service delivery.
- Advised veterans on benefits eligibility and entitlement options, providing tailored guidance for individual circumstances.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for claims processing and client interaction strategies.
- Increased accuracy in benefit determinations by thoroughly researching military records, medical documentation, and other relevant materials.
- Reviewed and requested medical records, military personnel records and service verification records to determine eligibility status.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to veteran benefits administration.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely processing of claims and delivery of services to veterans.
- Participated in regular professional development trainings to stay informed on changes affecting veterans'' access to appropriate benefits and resources.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies while managing sensitive information about veteran''s personal data securely.
- Managed high caseloads efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in disability evaluations.
- Conducted thorough research on claim-related issues, leading to more informed decisions on benefit entitlements.
Program Support Assistant
Department Of Veteran Affairs-Veterans Health Administration
San Diego, CA
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Wrote and distributed executive meeting agendas and minutes to department heads and executive team members.
- Created and maintained computer- and paper-based filing and organization systems for records, reports, and documents.
- Delivered optimal administrative, customer service, and case management support through scheduling consult appointments, obtaining medical records, and effective communication with patients, nurses, and doctors.
- Liaised between PCPs and patients regarding patient appointments, consults, and records, and new diagnoses.
- Submitted credentialing renewals for providers in the HEMONC service.
- Time-Keeping/ payroll for HEMONC.
- Responded to and forwarded secure messaging to appropriate staff.
- Maintained the On-Call schedule for Fellows and Attendings.
- Analyzed program information to present innovative solutions to program supervisors.
- Managed administrative functions, including complex calendar management with focus on proper allocation of executive availability.
- Assisted in gathering of program data to compose thorough monthly reports.
- Participated as a member of an interview panel for AMSAs.
- Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
- Submitted OPPEs and FPPEs for Providers and nursing staff.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to the Hemonc Section Chief.
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
Department Of Veteran Affairs VA Hospital La Jolla
San Diego, CA
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Maintain appointment schedules.
- Scheduled special studies or labs and notifying patients of appointments and clinic cancellations.
- Provides maintenance of patient Recall list and following up on administrative items from Huddles or staff meetings.
- Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members such as pharmacists, social workers, providers, nurses, case managers, etc.
- Expertise in utilizing numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics.
- Performs receptionist duties.
- Checks patients in and out and updates patient demographics.
- Follows privacy practices when handling patient information.
- Knowledge in the following software systems: VISTA, GUI, VIS,CPRS, OUTLOOk, Microsoft teams, Excel, Powerpoint, CISCO phone system, Bed Management System, TRM secure messaging and Insurance Capture Buffer.
- Puts in patient consult orders.
- Coordinates with patient care team to review clinic availability.
- Monitors clinic schedules to support the needs of the clinic. Prepare written correspondence to notify patients of normal lab results.
- Verifying and updating patient insurance information.
- Processes incoming secured messages through MyHealthyVet.
- Manages follow- up care for Return to Clinic orders and consults.
- Ensure encounter forms are completed to obtain appropriate workload credit and identifies incomplete encounters.
- Process appointment no-shows and communicate findings to providers.
- Enters information into patients' medical records.
- Monitors pre-appointment information and assures readiness for the patient's visit or procedure.
- Resolves patient concerns.
- Provides excellent customer service and assists in providing front line resolutions when applicable.
- Manages patient systems to verify and validate accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.
- Evaluates patient information and clinic schedule to determine if the patient needs an immediate appointment.
- Average 50- 150 calls per shift.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA12-2017
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA06-2015
Skills
- Claims analysis
- Microsoft office
- Policy interpretation
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Claims processing
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
First Aid/CPR Certified
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
PHR Certificate Course
aPHR Certification
Timeline
Veterans Service Representative
Veterans Benefits Administration
05.2022 - Current
Program Support Assistant
Department Of Veteran Affairs-Veterans Health Administration
01.2021 - 05.2022
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
Department Of Veteran Affairs VA Hospital La Jolla
09.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University San Marcos
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Palomar College