Tonya Cozart
Ft Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Capable Patient Access Associate experienced working in challenging environments. Excited about the opportunity to take the next career step with Baptist Health South Florida. Capable Patient Representative dedicated to providing superior support for patients in need of reliable information regarding insurance coverage, finance options, and documentation requirements. Well-versed in scheduling and database management functions for streamlined communication and reduced correspondence backlogs. Excels at identifying client needs and concerns to improve engagement strategies and overall service. Detail-oriented Patient Access Representative with extensive medical services background and strong work ethic. Managed patient-related accounts receivables at a large medical facility and achieved a 60% repayment rate. Excellent communication skills and an empathetic nature enabled the achievement of positive outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Access Associate 2
Baptist Health of South Florida
04.2022 - Current
- Prepares patient files (EMR) for clinic days
- Assist with billing, coding, and collections
- Pulls appropriate reports daily from Soarian Financials
- Communicated with physicians and medical providers to clarify and facilitate clinical requests
- Advised patients on available services and community resources, based on current information
- Collected insurance information and scanned identification cards for accurate billing purposes
- Built and maintained strong team relationships, fostering a positive work environment
- Assisted patients with completing necessary paperwork before their appointments began
- Explained financial policies and procedures to patients or their representatives
- Navigated various software programs including appointment scheduling, electronic health records, and insurance verification systems
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve any registration or scheduling issues that arose
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA regulations to safeguard patient privacy
- Facilitated communication between patients, providers, and other staff members as needed
- Referred appropriate cases to financial counseling for follow-up and consultation
- Supported training of new Patient Access Representatives by sharing knowledge and experience
- Followed up on outstanding balances due from patients in accordance with established procedures
- Contributed ideas and actions to continuously improve patient access-related processes
- Obtained and updated patient personal and financial information
- Developed strong relationships with insurance providers, streamlining claim submissions and ensuring timely reimbursement for services.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance providers, streamlining claim submissions and ensuring timely reimbursement for services provided.
- Enhanced accuracy of demographic data collection by implementing thorough review processes before finalizing registrations or admissions documentation.
- Participated in cross-training initiatives, enhancing the team''s ability to provide comprehensive support across various departments within the hospital setting.
- Boosted overall organization productivity by effectively managing multiple priorities and tasks within a fast-paced hospital environment.
- Supported hospital objectives by participating in quality assurance audits, identifying areas for improvement within the Patient Access department.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for improved care coordination, resulting in better patient outcomes overall.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients, addressing concerns and answering questions regarding admissions process.
- Contributed to increased hospital revenue by diligently verifying insurance coverage and obtaining necessary preauthorizations.
- Demonstrated adaptability by readily adjusting to new software systems, policies, or procedures as required for organizational success.
- Ensured seamless coordination of patient appointments, admissions, and discharges through effective communication with various departments and medical professionals.
- Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently registering and verifying insurance information, leading to a streamlined admission process.
- Facilitated a smooth billing process by promptly identifying and resolving discrepancies in patient accounts.
- Assisted in maintaining HIPAA compliance by carefully handling sensitive patient information and protecting privacy during interactions.
Health Benefits Administrator
WexHealth, Inc
01.2021 - 08.2022
- Maintain and assist with administration of all benefits and retirement programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k) plan
- Assist with enrollment and questions
- Verifies all insurance billing, compliance, and HIPAA
- Coordinated meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for executives
- Evaluated proposals against budgetary requirements and resource constraints to plan for change and operational improvements
- Collaborated with IT department to troubleshoot technical issues affecting office equipment or software
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling bank statements and processing invoices
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies
- Drove continuous improvement strategies, implementing enhancements to increase profit margins
- Coordinated logistics plans to provide teams with supplies for day-to-day operations and special projects
- Assisted employees with benefits-related inquiries, ensuring prompt resolutions and increased satisfaction levels.
- Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information related to benefit plans and personal circumstances.
- Reviewed benefits paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
- Managed continuous enrollment processes, as well as yearly enrollment periods.
- Managed leave of absence requests, collaborating closely with HR colleagues to ensure proper documentation and adherence to company policies.
- Collaborated with HR team members to design competitive benefits packages, attracting high-quality talent.
- Supported payroll department by verifying accuracy of deduction amounts for various benefit plans prior to each pay period processing cycle.
- Managed annual open enrollment process, coordinating efforts across departments to ensure a smooth experience for all employees.
- Streamlined benefits enrollment procedures for improved employee experience and reduced processing time.
- Facilitated seamless onboarding experiences for new hires by providing comprehensive benefits orientation sessions.
- Directed and controlled 401K, medical, dental, and vision benefit packages.
- Managed employee benefits program, working with vendors, providers, and staff to maintain strong portfolio of insurance and retirement options.
- Partnered with third-party vendors to resolve issues related to benefit plans and streamline administrative tasks.
- Developed effective communication materials to educate employees on available benefit options and changes in policies.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations by conducting regular audits of benefit programs.
- Coordinated wellness initiatives, fostering a healthy work environment and promoting employee engagement in personal wellbeing.
- Improved data integrity in benefits administration by implementing robust audit and review processes.
- Conducted comprehensive benefits audits to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, mitigating non-compliance risk.
- Managed benefits renewal process, assessing proposals and recommending plan changes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of benefits trends and legislation, applying best practices to current processes.
- Fostered strong relationships with benefits providers, negotiating cost-effective contracts that enhanced the overall benefits package.
Senior Pension Administrator
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
12.2016 - 04.2020
- Responsible for over 250 pension plans, including Delta Pilots and American Airlines
- Trained and mentored Junior level administrators
- Processed Power of Attorneys for the Agency
- Responsible for completing Pension audits as overseen by the Financial Service Authority
- Managed and coordinated a team of 10 pension reviewers and ensured that all procedural and service levels were achieved
- Maintained regular client contact with participants to resolve any issues and updated case information
- Developed training materials for new Pension Administrators entering the role
- Calculated benefit payments based on participant data and plan provisions
- Interpreted complex plan documents and applied provisions accurately when calculating benefits
- Assisted employees with questions about their pension benefits and available options
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes affecting pensions
- Prepared annual pension statements for all eligible employees
- Communicated effectively with employees, management, and vendors regarding pension matters
- Updated employee records to reflect changes in personal information or pension plan options
- Managed pension plan enrollments for new employees
- Researched and resolved issues related to pension calculations or discrepancies in participant data
- Contributed significantly towards enhancing cybersecurity measures for sensitive participant information.
- Evaluated and recommended updates to outdated pension administration policies, ensuring alignment with current best practices in the industry.
- Led efforts to automate manual tasks within the department, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced processing times for benefit transactions.
- Assisted in the successful transition of acquired pension plans, ensuring minimal disruption to plan members and stakeholders.
- Championed an interdepartmental initiative that improved collaboration among various teams involved in pension administration.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by staying up-to-date on industry changes and adjusting policies accordingly.
- Played a key role in business development activities, contributing to significant growth in client base over time.
- Enhanced the efficiency of pension administration processes by implementing new software solutions and streamlining workflows.
- Reduced errors in pension calculations by conducting thorough audits and identifying areas for improvement.
- Assisted with the design and implementation of various employee benefits programs.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, delivering exceptional service while adhering to strict deadlines and performance metrics.
- Improved client satisfaction rates with personalized service, addressing individual needs, and resolving issues promptly.
Education
Master of Science - Health Service Administration/ Public Health
Barry University
Miami, FLBachelor of Science - Psychology
Barry University
Miami, FLMedical Assistant Technician Certificate -
Florida Career College
Miami, FLPara Legal Diploma -
Blackstone Career Institute
Allentown, PASkills
- Team collaboration
- Workflow Optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Process improvement
- Insurance Verification
- HIPAA compliance
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Strong empathy
- HIPAA Compliance
- Patient confidentiality
- Claims Processing
- Patient Registration
- Data entry proficiency
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid Training, 01/01/23
- Opioid Overdose Recognition and Response Narcan Training, 01/01/23
- Basic Life Support (CPR), 01/01/23
- Florida Poison Control Certified, 01/01/22
- Florida Campus Compact AmeriCorps
- VISTA Recognition (MDC), 01/01/08
References
- Tamica Ramos, Campus Director, Miami Dade College, 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, tramos@mdc.edu, 305-237-7470
- Kimberly Tupy, Student Life Director, Miami Dade College, 1776 W. 49th St Room 2101-10, Hialeah, FL, k.tupy@mdc.edu, 305-237-8871
- Corrine Lockamy, Campus Director, Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus, 1776 W. 49th St Room, Hialeah, FL, Corrinne.lockamy@mdc.edu, 305-237-8867
- Dr. Jeffery Ritter, 11300 NE 2ave, Miami Shores, FL, jritter@barry.edu, 305-899-3289
- Vianca Monroe, Case Manager, Charlee Program, 155 South Miami Ave Suite 700, Miami, FL, viancamonroe@msn.com, 786-395-6382
- Karen Vassell, Director Business & Development, Baptist Health, 9555 SW 152nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33196, karenva@baptisthealth.net, 786-467-3405
Timeline
Patient Access Associate 2
Baptist Health of South Florida
04.2022 - Current
Health Benefits Administrator
WexHealth, Inc
01.2021 - 08.2022
Senior Pension Administrator
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
12.2016 - 04.2020
Master of Science - Health Service Administration/ Public Health
Barry University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Barry University
Medical Assistant Technician Certificate -
Florida Career College
Para Legal Diploma -
Blackstone Career Institute
Similar Profiles
Jim BuianiJim Buiani
Senior Systems Engineer at Baptist Health Of South FloridaSenior Systems Engineer at Baptist Health Of South Florida
Megan TroikeMegan Troike
Medical Assistant II at Baptist Health Of South Florida OrthopedicsMedical Assistant II at Baptist Health Of South Florida Orthopedics
MANUEL GONZALEZMANUEL GONZALEZ
Registered Nurse - Emergency Room at Baptist Health Of South FloridaRegistered Nurse - Emergency Room at Baptist Health Of South Florida
Yohandra FuentesYohandra Fuentes
AVP, Development and Physician Network Services at Baptist Health of South FloridaAVP, Development and Physician Network Services at Baptist Health of South Florida
Genevieve BusbyGenevieve Busby
Personnel Cruise Consultant at Norwegian Cruise LinePersonnel Cruise Consultant at Norwegian Cruise Line