Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tannette Russell

Marysville,WA

Summary

Experienced with managing appeals and dispute resolution processes effectively. Possesses specialized knowledge in self-funded benefit plan administration, including interpretation of diverse summary plan descriptions and efficient processing of member appeals. Utilizes analytical skills to assess and resolve complex cases while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Track record of collaborating with teams to deliver timely and accurate outcomes, adapting to changing needs and requirements.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Appeals Specialist

Regence Blue Shield of Washington
06.2011 - Current

    Appeals and Medical Review Specialist

    • Managed comprehensive appeals process including document assignment, data research, and coordination of medical reviews for presentation to review committees
    • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
    • Conducted thorough research utilizing internal databases and external sources to support evidence-based appeal determinations
    • Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
    • Maintained meticulous documentation of case progression and outcomes while ensuring compliance with regulatory timeframes
    • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
    • Collaborated with policy teams to implement and communicate procedural updates across departments
    • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
    • Prioritized urgent appeal reviews to meet critical deadlines and prevent regulatory penalties
    • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
    • Served as primary point of contact for provider and member inquiries regarding policies, procedures, health plan information, and claims status
    • Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
    • Facilitated clear understanding of complex healthcare policies and procedures for both providers and members
    • Executed timely distribution of sensitive and time-critical documentation to appropriate stakeholders
    • Demonstrated exceptional professionalism in addressing and resolving provider and member concerns
    • Maintained strict HIPAA compliance in all communications and documentation handling
    • Consistently met stringent regulatory timeframes to ensure organizational compliance and avoid financial penalties
    • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
    • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
    • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
    • Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.
    • Provided coaching and mentoring to new hires, contributing to their successful integration into the team.
    • Resolved escalated customer issues, restoring confidence in company's commitment to service excellence.
    • Addressed customer inquiries to ensure satisfaction and foster positive service experience.
    • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, contributing to comprehensive database for future reference.

Customer Service

Regence Blue Shield of Washington
06.2011 - Current

Member Services Representative | Regence Blue Shield

  • Provided comprehensive customer support through multiple communication channels including LiveHelp Chat, email correspondence, and inbound call center operations
  • Served diverse clientele across multiple insurance groups and plan types, delivering consistent, high-quality service
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resolving complaints and answering queries promptly.
  • Expertly addressed complex inquiries regarding claims processing, benefit interpretation, eligibility verification, and plan specifications
  • Executed timely distribution of confidential documentation to members and healthcare providers, prioritizing materials with regulatory deadlines or urgent clinical implications
  • Gained and maintained department product knowledge to facilitate customer service.
  • Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills when resolving member and provider concerns, maintaining professional demeanor during challenging interactions
  • Ensured strict adherence to HIPAA regulations and privacy protocols in all communications and documentation handling
  • Maintained thorough documentation of all member and provider interactions to ensure continuity of service and compliance with organizational standards
  • Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics for call resolution time, customer satisfaction, and accuracy of information provided
  • Collaborated effectively with internal departments to expedite resolution of escalated issues and ensure comprehensive service delivery
  • Assessed and resolved customer service problems and executed solutions.
  • Managed specialist team to provide technical assistance and customer service.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, resolving client issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Provided excellent customer service while meeting challenging time goals.
  • Resolved customer service issues related to pricing or discounts.
  • Managed high call volume while maintaining exemplary customer service standards.

Customer Service Operator

H & R Block
01.2009 - 04.2011

    Seasonal Jan 2-Apr 20th each year Customer service:

    • Managed comprehensive front office
    • Provided expert triage services for tax-related inquiries
    • Maintained efficient office workflow
    • Processed accounts receivable transactions
    • Executed document management responsibilities
    • Maintained strict compliance with HIPAA and Personal Information (PI) protection protocols
    • Performed essential office maintenance duties
    • Welcomed new and returned clients while efficiently managing office duties
    • Utilized strong organizational skills

Education

Certified in Airport Operations -

International Air Academy
Vancouver, WA
12-1990

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Portland Community College
Portland, OR
05-1990

High School Diploma -

Woodrow Wilson High School
Portland, OR
06-1989

Skills

  • Proficient in simultaneous task execution
  • Outlook, Teams, MS Office (Word/Excel), Adobe
  • Leadership
  • Point of sale operations
  • Data Entry
  • Proficient in managing multi-line phone systems
  • Extensive background in customer service for 20 years
  • Strong verbal communication
  • Management Experience
  • Administrative support
  • Effective time management
  • Statistical research
  • Improving interpersonal skills
  • Composing formal correspondence
  • Keyboard proficiency at 50 wpm, 10-key
  • Professional demeanor

Certification

Fraud-Waste-Abuse, Ethics in the work place, Excel I, II, III (2001), GYM-CERT (I, II, III), GYM-CERT Safety Basic Preschool Development Program

Timeline

Appeals Specialist

Regence Blue Shield of Washington
06.2011 - Current

Customer Service

Regence Blue Shield of Washington
06.2011 - Current

Customer Service Operator

H & R Block
01.2009 - 04.2011

Certified in Airport Operations -

International Air Academy

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Portland Community College

High School Diploma -

Woodrow Wilson High School
Tannette Russell