Tara Desando
Springfield,OR
Summary
Detail-oriented medical coder with over 13 years of extensive experience in diverse coding environments. Expertise in Evaluation and Management (E&M) coding for primary, specialty, and urgent care, complemented by specialized knowledge in spinal neurosurgery and radiology professional services. Proven ability to navigate complex coding scenarios in clinic, inpatient, outpatient, and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) settings. Committed to ensuring accuracy and compliance while optimizing revenue cycle management for healthcare providers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Medical Coder
Salem Radiology Consultants
07.2024 - Current
- Reviewed and abstracted relevant information from hospital and clinic documentation to ensure accurate code assignment
- Worked closely with billing department to resolve any coding-related issues or denials in a timely manner
- Coded various types of encounters including outpatient visits, surgeries/procedures, emergency room visits, and inpatient stays
- Investigated denied claims related to incorrect codes and provided necessary documentation for appeals process
- Conducted regular audits of coded data to maintain high levels of quality assurance.
Certified Medical Coder
Coded Note
04.2025 - 10.2025
- Analyzed medical records for primary care physicians and ensured accurate coding and compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to resolve coding discrepancies and ensure proper documentation.
Certified Medical Coder
KeiperSpine PC
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Ambulatory Surgery Center and IP/OP spinal neurosurgery coding as well as E&M OV coding for a 3 MD 3 PA spinal neurosurgery practice
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to resolve discrepancies in patient documentation.
- Aided in reducing backlogs of incomplete charts or unassigned codes through focused efforts during periods of high volume or staffing shortages.
- Utilized advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to accurately assign codes for complex or rare diagnoses and procedures.
- Conducted ongoing self-audits to identify areas requiring additional education or resources in order to maintain a high level of coding accuracy and proficiency.
Certified Medical Coder
River Road Medical Group
09.2023 - 06.2024
- E&M coding for primary care clinic
- Analyzed medical records for accurate coding and compliance with industry standards.
Quality Review Specialist
Optum
08.2015 - 09.2023
- Worked on various quality review projects throughout the year, including HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) and PSV (Prime Source Verification)
- Reviewed provider documentation for specific care goals, looking for any gaps in patient care that need to be addressed by the provider to meet standards for reimbursement
Certified Medical Coder
Monarch Medical Weight Loss Center
01.2019 - 08.2023
- ICD-10 E&M coding for weight loss clinic
- Maintained a high level of productivity while meeting quality standards for coding accuracy and completeness
Certified Medical Coder
Oregon Man Clinic
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Established billing and coding protocols for start-up men's health clinic
- Coded and submitted claims to insurance companies, resolving any denials or discrepancies.
Certified Medical Coder
Eugene Urgent Care Clinics
07.2012 - 01.2016
- Coded various types of encounters including primary care and urgent care visits, procedures, radiology, and minor trauma
- Developed strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and medical terminology
- Achieved an average accuracy rate of 98% on monthly internal audits conducted by the quality assurance team
Education
CPC - Medical Coding
Allied Medical School
Remote01.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Medical field prerequisites, Healthcare
Lane Community College
Eugene, ORHigh School Diploma -
Henry D Sheldon High School
Eugene, OR06.2003
Skills
- ICD-10, CPT, and DME Coding
- Understanding of the revenue cycle
- Corrections and appeals
- MVA and workers compensation
- Payments and adjustments
- Continuing education commitment
Certification
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Awarded by American Academy of Professional Coders
- Feb 2012 - Oct 2026
Timeline
Certified Medical Coder
Coded Note
04.2025 - 10.2025
Certified Medical Coder
Salem Radiology Consultants
07.2024 - Current
Certified Medical Coder
KeiperSpine PC
09.2023 - 07.2024
Certified Medical Coder
River Road Medical Group
09.2023 - 06.2024
Certified Medical Coder
Monarch Medical Weight Loss Center
01.2019 - 08.2023
Certified Medical Coder
Oregon Man Clinic
01.2017 - 01.2019
Quality Review Specialist
Optum
08.2015 - 09.2023
Certified Medical Coder
Eugene Urgent Care Clinics
07.2012 - 01.2016
CPC - Medical Coding
Allied Medical School
Some College (No Degree) - Medical field prerequisites, Healthcare
Lane Community College
High School Diploma -
Henry D Sheldon High School
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
- AANS Spine focused coding course - completed Oct 2023
- AAPC Evaluation and Management course - completed 2015
- ICD 10 Code set course - completed 2016
- 36 hours of continuing education completed yearly to maintain CPC certification
EHR Systems
Familiar with the below EHR systems and coding software:
- Epic
- Athena Health
- Advanced MD
- eClinical Works
- one Touch
- Practice Fusion
- EncoderPro
- Codify
- CodeFinder
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