Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tamara Bender Higgs

Orlando,FL

Summary

Dependable Utilization Review Nurse promoting 30 years of expertise in healthcare industry. Knowledgeable in admissions and continue stay reviews.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Utilization Review Nurse/RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Central
04.2022 - Current
  • Contributed to organizational success by providing expert advice on medical necessity criteria and evidence-based practices in utilization review nursing
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and accreditation standards by maintaining accurate documentation of all utilization review activities.
  • Conducted reviews on patients

in observation, new inpatient and

concurrent

  • Collaborated with Physician Advisor

and Medical Staff to discuss medical

necessity on all reviews

  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans, ensuring appropriate level of care.
  • Streamlined the case management process by effectively prioritizing high-risk cases for timely intervention and followup.
  • Coordinated discharge planning efforts with Physicians, Social Workers & other multidisciplinary team members

for a smooth transition post

hospitalization.

RN Educator

Apopka Health And Rehab
09.2020 - 11.2021
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.

Utilization Review Nurse/RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Hospital
08.2018 - 09.2020
  • Contributed to organizational success by providing expert advice on medical necessity criteria and evidence-based practices in utilization review nursing
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and accreditation standards by maintaining accurate documentation of all utilization review activities.
  • Conducted reviews on patients

in observation, new inpatient and

concurrent

  • Collaborated with Physician Advisor

and Medical Staff to discuss medical

necessity on all reviews

  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans, ensuring appropriate level of care.
  • Streamlined the case management process by effectively prioritizing high-risk cases for timely intervention and followup.
  • Coordinated discharge planning efforts with Physicians, Social Workers & other multidisciplinary team members

for a smooth transition post

hospitalization


Telephonic Nurse Case Manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Florida
02.2017 - 08.2018
  • Enhanced patient care by providing telephonic support and guidance to individuals with chronic illnesses.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates by closely monitoring patients'' progress and addressing potential complications in a timely manner.
  • Developed individualized care plans based on comprehensive assessments of patients'' medical, psychological, and social needs.
  • Educated patients on self-management techniques to promote independence and improve quality of life.

RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Hospital
09.2014 - 02.2017
  • Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
  • Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care
  • Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.


Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Phoenix
Maitland, FL
11.2011

Associate of Science - Nursing

Seminole Community College
Sanford, FL
05.1999

Skills

  • Utilization Review
  • Medicare knowledge
  • Milliman Guidelines
  • InterQual Criteria
  • Telephonic Nursing
  • Case Management
  • Discharge Planning
  • Interpersonal and written communication
  • Documentation
  • EMR / EHR
  • Acute care expertise
  • Team Collaboration

Certification

  • Certified in Medical Surgical Nursing via ANCC since 2006

Timeline

Utilization Review Nurse/RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Central
04.2022 - Current

RN Educator

Apopka Health And Rehab
09.2020 - 11.2021

Utilization Review Nurse/RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Hospital
08.2018 - 09.2020

Telephonic Nurse Case Manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Florida
02.2017 - 08.2018

RN Case Manager

Orlando Health Hospital
09.2014 - 02.2017

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Phoenix

Associate of Science - Nursing

Seminole Community College
Tamara Bender Higgs