TERESA SOMMERS
PRINCEVILLE
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in insurance verification, claims processing, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Committed to ensuring HIPAA compliance while navigating complex financial processes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Financial Navigator
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Peoria, IL
09.2015 - Current
- Navigated complex financial processes to assist patients in understanding billing and insurance options.
- Streamlined patient onboarding procedures, enhancing overall financial navigation experience.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure accurate patient financial assessments and eligibility verification.
- Educated patients on available financial assistance programs, improving access to necessary medical services.
- Collaborated with insurance providers to verify coverage and resolve billing disputes, improving patient trust and ensuring timely payments.
- Negotiated payment plans with patients experiencing financial hardship, minimizing write-offs while supporting continued access to care.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures related to patient financial navigation functions.
- Developed comprehensive financial plans for patients, taking into account individual circumstances and long-term healthcare needs.
- Assisted in reducing bad debt by closely monitoring delinquent accounts and initiating appropriate collection actions when necessary.
- Facilitated prompt resolution of patient billing inquiries by coordinating with internal departments and external agencies as needed.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by addressing financial concerns and providing personalized financial guidance.
- Increased efficiency in the financial clearance process by implementing standardized procedures for collecting required documentation from patients.
- Educated patients on available resources, payment options, and insurance benefits to promote informed decisionmaking.
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
- Followed document protocols to safeguard confidentiality of patient records.
- Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
- Compiled and maintained patient medical records to keep information complete and up-to-date.
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
- Resolved customer complaints using established follow-up procedures.
- Helped address client complaints through timely corrective actions and appropriate referrals.
Home Care Coordinator
Professional Therapy Services
Peoria, IL
09.2012 - 09.2015
- Implemented scheduling systems to optimize caregiver assignments and reduce client wait times.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline communication and enhance overall care coordination.
- Led initiatives to evaluate service effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement in care delivery processes.
- Enhanced patient care by coordinating and scheduling home healthcare services.
- Upheld strict confidentiality standards while handling sensitive personal information regarding patients'' health conditions.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Education
No Degree - Pharmacy Technician
OSF Home Infusion
Peoria, IL01-2026
EMS
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL02-1985
Skills
- Medicare expertise
- HIPAA compliance
- Claims processing
- Insurance verification
- Healthcare regulations
- Medicaid
- Verbal and written communication
- Medical terminology
- Punctual and hardworking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Caring and empathetic
- Insurance verifying
- Communicating to patients and families
- Medical insurance
- Insurance authorizations
- Financial assistance programs
- Software navigation
- Data entry proficiency
- Teamwork
- Time management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Patient Financial Navigator
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
09.2015 - Current
Home Care Coordinator
Professional Therapy Services
09.2012 - 09.2015
No Degree - Pharmacy Technician
OSF Home Infusion
EMS
Illinois Central College