TARA CALLAHAN JOHNSTON
Houston
Summary
Dually-certified Remote Coder, Patient Account Representative and Client Services Specialist offering a 15+ years expertise collecting 7-figure claims from government and commercial payers. Extensive knowledge of Account Receivables (AR) and strategies to exceed production quotas, in addition. Ethical problem-solver who handles denial and credentialing issues, in addition to critical deadlines with positive results that increase revenue. Proficient with Software, portals and Web-Based Platforms inclusive of, Allscripts, IDX, Encoder Pro, THMP, Novitas, Navinet, United Health Care, CMS, EPIC (EMR), CARE 4, and ImageNow. Seasoned professional whose recommendations on identifying policy development, process improvements, strategies to increase overturned denials and motivating staff are highly valued by Senior Management, Executive Leadership, peers and key decision-makers.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Account Representative
UT Physicians
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Responsibilities as a Senior AR Representative in Revenue Cycle Management center on providing training, guidance and denial resolution strategies to less seasoned staff
- I am on leadership committees and work closely with management in the development of policies and procedures that document departmental, divisional and organizational workflows
- I identify opportunities for improvement and create processes to resolve deficiencies
- I am a top performer on my team and sought after as a subject matter expert in the areas of coding, denial resolution and managed care policies
Senior Billing/Coding Specialist
Harris County Public Health
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Oversees billing and coding responsibilities across four family planning clinics while conducting new employee training and maintaining ongoing communications with upper management regarding the financial status of accounts
Clinical Coding Associate
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2015 - 01.2016
- I was selected as part of a 5-member team created to respond to a recruitment mandate to receive accelerated Surgery Coding training in response to an aggressive hiring phase
Senior A/R Specialist
McKesson
01.2014 - 01.2015
- At the recommendation of the company's Senior Operations Manager, I was selected for a role designed to restore controls the minimize aged Accounts Receivable and guarantees optimum fiscal integrity prior to their year-end
- I supervised and trained 12 A/R Specialists
Coding Specialist
UT Health Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
01.2013 - 01.2014
- As a seasoned professional proficient in all systems and processes impacting management of the company's accounts receivable, I exceed production by resolving 60 denials per day
- I am responsible for managing coding verification and charge entry for 9 Oral Surgeons directly, in addition to monitoring Accounts Receivable for the entire Clinic
Senior A/R Specialist
McKesson
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Primary responsibilities include follow-up on assigned accounts, comprised primarily of complex and high-dollar accounts
- I handled special projects for all payers and attended payer compliance meeting
Patient Account Representative
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Initially recruited as a temp
- I concluded as many as 70 claims and related follow-up per day
- Hired as a permanent employee managing A/R functions to successful outcomes through patient verification and accountability
Skills
- Revenue Cycle Specialist
- Billing/Coding Specialist
Certification
- 2008, American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) - Member in good standing
- 2008, Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- 2018, Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- 2020, Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC
Timeline
Patient Account Representative
UT Physicians
01.2018 - 03.2020
Senior Billing/Coding Specialist
Harris County Public Health
01.2016 - 01.2018
Clinical Coding Associate
MD Anderson Cancer Center
01.2015 - 01.2016
Senior A/R Specialist
McKesson
01.2014 - 01.2015
Coding Specialist
UT Health Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
01.2013 - 01.2014
Senior A/R Specialist
McKesson
01.2012 - 01.2013
Patient Account Representative
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
01.2005 - 01.2012