Tamika Blanding
Covington,GA
Summary
Highly motivated Financial Services Professional with over 26 years of experience in the healthcare industry, in addition to being a Licensed Insurance Broker. My expertise in financial and project management, and demonstrated capacity to address operational productivity difficulties. Skilled with exceptional numerical and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to oversee overall team performance. Dedicated individual with excellent multi-tasking, organizational, communication, and management skills along with an extensive knowledge of medical terminology. Aiming to utilize my strong leadership, analytical abilities. I'm organized and dependable with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Focused and dedicated Professional providing superior customer service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
(Remote) Lead Insurance Follow Up Representative
Hollis Cobb
Duluth, GA, US
05.2024 - Current
- Identified discrepancies in policy documents and worked closely with management to resolve them promptly
- Adhered to federal regulations regarding patient privacy rights
- Drafted correspondence letters to customers outlining their payment options and terms of agreement
- Performed follow-up calls to customers regarding insurance coverage and payment inquiries with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism
- Utilized computer systems to access customer accounts, update information, and accurately process payments
- Assisted in training new employees on departmental policies and procedures related to insurance follow-up activities
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting all deadlines set by management staff
- Demonstrated excellent problem solving skills when resolving disputes between clients, providers, and insurers
- Reviewed medical bills for accuracy prior to processing payments through a third-party vendor system
- Recommended changes or improvements based on trends identified while working with customers
- Analyzed data from various sources to ensure proper documentation of insurance claims procedures were followed
- Collaborated with team members in order to resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently
- Created weekly reports summarizing the status of outstanding payments for review by management staff
- Provided exceptional customer service to clients in fast-paced call center environment
- Navigated multiple computer systems and applications and utilized search tools to find information
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers by providing timely, accurate information and solutions to their inquiries or problems
(Part Time) License Insurance Agent
Independent contractor
Atlanta, GA, US
11.2023 - Current
- Contacted prospective and current clients via telephone to provide quote and policy information
- Developed relationships with clients and maintained contact to ensure customer satisfaction
- Processed payments for insurance policies, including premiums, renewals and cancellations
- Attended industry conferences and seminars to stay abreast of new developments in the field of insurance
- Collaborated with underwriters to assess risk levels associated with potential customers
- Researched state regulations regarding insurance policies and ensured compliance with applicable laws
- Followed up with clients to determine satisfaction with received services
- Analyzed client needs and developed tailored insurance plans that offered coverage while meeting budgetary requirements
- Utilized problem solving skills to quickly resolve difficult customer issues
- Used company software to analyze customer coverage needs, write quotes, and issue policies
- Interpreted insurance policies and explained coverage to clients
- Analyzed insurance policies to verify compliance with state and federal regulations
- Customized insurance programs to suit individual customer needs
- Monitored insurance industry trends to assess potential risks
- Set appointments with prospective clients to present suitable insurance packages
- Generated new business through cold calling, networking events, referrals and other marketing initiatives
- Attended meetings, seminars and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts
(Hybrid ) Supervisor Financial Counselor
Emory Healthcare
US
04.2011 - 11.2023
- Supervised and coordinated activities of staff to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards
- Worked closely with upper management to develop strategies for improving operational efficiency within the department
- Delegated tasks to team members according to individual strengths
- Oversaw the training of new employees on job responsibilities and expectations
- Motivated employees to reach highest professional potential
- Communicated employee, customer and workplace needs to managers
- Assessed staff performance on a regular basis, providing feedback and coaching as necessary to improve results
- Set performance goals for staff members and helped teams meet important deadlines
- Monitored workflow processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness of deliverables
- Organized workflow tasks to prevent downtime and production gaps
- Taught company procedures to new employees and increased progress by identifying areas of weakness
- Conducted employee evaluations and documented overall progress
- Conducted disciplinary action when needed in accordance with company policy
- Assisted managers with employee recruitment and interviews
- Encouraged collaboration among team members through positive reinforcement techniques such as praise or rewards programs
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures and work ethics
- Ensured that safety protocols were followed at all times by all staff members
Reimbursement Analysis, Patient Financial Services
Emory Healthcare
US
09.2008 - 04.2011
- Utilized problem solving skills to resolve discrepancies between submitted documents and internal databases
- Provided feedback on current processes while suggesting opportunities for improvement
- Identified areas of improvement within existing processes through root cause analysis techniques
- Analyzed medical records and insurance documentation to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements that resulted in increased efficiency levels
- Created detailed reports summarizing key findings from data analysis projects
- Provided customer service support by responding to inquiries in a timely manner via phone, email, or fax
- Ensured all activities were performed in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations
- Reviewed and processed incoming claims for accuracy and completeness according to established guidelines
- Conducted data analysis on various topics such as claim denials, appeals, overpayments
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of state and federal laws governing healthcare reimbursement practices
- Monitored monthly performance metrics related to processing times, error rates
- Entered insurance- and claims-related information into database systems
- Attached information to claim file
Lead Patient Account Representative
Emory Healthcare
Decatur, GA
03.2006 - 09.2008
- Reduced outstanding account balances by diligently monitoring payment statuses and conducting follow-up calls with responsible parties.
- Managed patient accounts with attention to detail, ensuring accurate billing and timely collection of payments.
- Supported financial objectives by reviewing credit balances, refunding overpayments, and negotiating payment plans as needed.
- Streamlined billing processes for improved accuracy and timely submission of insurance claims.
- Coordinated communication between the billing department and other healthcare professionals to resolve discrepancies or clarify information.
- Safeguarded revenue cycle integrity through diligent review of denied claims followed by appropriate actions such as appeals or resubmission.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with patients'' confidential information in both electronic form and hard copy documents.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure proper coding and documentation of medical services rendered.
- Contributed to the improvement of overall collections rate by consistently meeting personal targets for account resolution.
- Provided exceptional customer service while addressing concerns from patients regarding their accounts or insurance coverage.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on insurance policies, procedures, and regulations to assist patients with accurate information.
- Improved team performance by providing ongoing training, guidance, and support to Patient Account Representatives.
- Conducted regular audits of patient accounts to identify errors or inconsistencies that required correction or adjustment.
- Responded to patient, family and external payer inquiries.
- Prepared reports detailing billing actions, flags and other key information.
- Trained new staff on filing, phone etiquette and other office duties.
Lead Financial Counselor
Emory Healthcare
Decatur Ga
09.2003 - 03.2006
- Increased patient confidence in the billing process by providing clear explanations of insurance benefits and coverage limitations.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by effectively explaining financial options and answering billing inquiries.
- Negotiated payment plans with patients, maintaining a high rate of successful payments.
- Provided compassionate assistance to financially challenged patients, identifying potential sources of funding or discounts when applicable.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance providers, facilitating prompt resolution of claim issues and disputes.
- Reduced hospital bad debt through proactive communication with patients about their financial responsibilities.
- Improved cash flow by proactively monitoring aging accounts receivables and implementing effective collection strategies.
- Conducted thorough audits of patient accounts to identify discrepancies and prevent potential revenue loss.
- Developed personalized payment solutions for patients facing financial hardships, preserving patient loyalty and trust.
- Educated patients on available financial assistance programs, increasing their access to necessary healthcare services.
- Contributed to departmental goals by consistently meeting or exceeding established performance metrics.
- Negotiated payment plans and settlements with patients, improving cash flow and reducing accounts receivable aging.
- Managed sensitive patient information with utmost discretion, adhering to all HIPAA guidelines.
- Trained new staff on patient financial services best practices, elevating overall performance of financial counseling team.
Education
Associate - Business Administration
The Community College of Baltimore County
Catonsville05.1994
Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Healthcare/Medical
- Revenue Cycle
- Financial Analysis
- Leadership Skills
- Active Listening
- Strong Numeric & Analytical Skills
- Result Oriented
- Strong Time Management Skills
- Customer Service Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Problem Assessment & Empathy
- Stress Management
- Performance Evaluation
- Medicare/Medicaid Proficient
- Conceptual Skills
- Financial Statement
- Conflict Management
- Organizational Skills
- Complex Problem Solving
- Staff Management
- Data Analytics
- Payroll Evaluation
- CPT Coding
- Claim Processing
- Microsoft Software Proficient
- Customer Service
- Financial Services
- Critical Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Collections Actions
- CRM Tracking
- Remote Video Conferencing
- Problem-Solving
- Patient Relationships Development
- Effective Communication
- Analytical Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Insurance Verification
- HIPAA
- Medical Coding
- Payment Posting
- Provider Relations
- Insurance Claim Management
- Claim Processing Expertise
- Computer Literacy
- Professionalism
- Customer Service Excellence
Certification
- Life Insurance Agent
- Certified Life Coach
Timeline
(Remote) Lead Insurance Follow Up Representative
Hollis Cobb
05.2024 - Current
(Part Time) License Insurance Agent
Independent contractor
11.2023 - Current
(Hybrid ) Supervisor Financial Counselor
Emory Healthcare
04.2011 - 11.2023
Reimbursement Analysis, Patient Financial Services
Emory Healthcare
09.2008 - 04.2011
Lead Patient Account Representative
Emory Healthcare
03.2006 - 09.2008
Lead Financial Counselor
Emory Healthcare
09.2003 - 03.2006
Associate - Business Administration
The Community College of Baltimore County