Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Virginia Ortego

Krotz Springs

Summary

Advanced Medical Assistant with 31 years of dedicated experience providing

exceptional patient care and clinical support in various healthcare settings. My extensive background includes proficient patient assessment, assisting with medical procedures, and ensuring efficient administrative processes for optimal patient experiences. I have proven success in both clinical and administrative leadership roles within fast-paced medical environments.

I possess a strong track record of enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining workflows, and implementing process improvements that directly improved patient care and staff productivity.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Town Clerk

Town of Krotz Springs
12.2023 - Current

- Issuing licenses and permits

- answering public inquiries

- handling correspondence and acting as

a point of contact for residents

- collecting and recording fees and payments

- billing of gas and water utilities

- answering calls, responding to emails,

managing mail.

- organizing and ordering inventory/supplies

- scheduling usage of facilities as well as

organizing events.

- receive and process citizen request/complaints

- supporting the Town Clerk in coordinating

administrative functions and managing municipal operations effectively.

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

Arbor Family Health
12.2009 - 12.2023

- assigning standardized codes

(ICD 10, CPT, HCPCS) to medical diagnosis,

procedures and treatments based on patient

documentation.

- preparing and submitting medical claims

to insurance companies (Private, MCD, MCR)

- tracking the status of claims, following up

on unpaid claims, and addressing denials

or errors.

- posting payments received from insurance

companies and patients to the appropriate

accounts.

- handling patient inquiries about their bills,

explaining charges and setting up payment

plans

- adhering to healthcare regulations including

HIPAA, and staying up to date on coding

guidelines and insurance requirements

- tracking billing metrics, reviewing claims

for accuracy, and preparing reports on

billing practices

Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist

Chachere Provost Medicine
11.2006 - 11.2009
  • Administered medications, injections and vaccinations according to physician directives.
  • Assisted in patient examinations and documented vital signs accurately.
  • Managed patient scheduling and coordinated follow-up appointments
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Obtained patient medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
  • Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
  • Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
  • Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
  • Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
  • Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
  • Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
  • All functions of the medical office clinical and clerical

Office Manager

Salon Jolie by Glenna
05.2006 - 11.2006
  • Streamlined scheduling process to enhance client appointment management and staff efficiency.
  • Managed inventory systems, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste in salon operations.
  • Coordinated team training sessions to improve service delivery and enhance employee performance.
  • Developed customer feedback protocols, fostering continuous improvement in service quality.
  • Oversaw financial reporting processes, maintaining accuracy in budgeting and expense tracking.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
  • Mentored junior administrative staff, promoting professional growth and enhancing team productivity.
  • Optimized office space utilization, leading to more efficient and productive work environment.
  • Managed scheduling and coordination of all office meetings to ensure smooth operations and minimal conflicts.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Children’s Clinic
11.1998 - 04.2006
  • Administered patient care, ensuring comfort and safety in clinical environment.
  • Assisted physicians with examinations, procedures, and patient education initiatives.
  • Managed patient records using electronic health record (EHR) systems for accuracy and compliance.
  • Coordinated scheduling of appointments, optimizing physician availability and patient access.
  • Conducted patient intake assessments and recorded medical histories accurately.
  • Assisted healthcare providers during examinations, ensuring efficient workflow and patient comfort.
  • Administered medications and injections per physician's orders, maintaining strict adherence to protocols.
  • Educated patients on treatment plans, medication usage, and preventative care strategies effectively.
  • Managed appointment scheduling and follow-up communications to optimize patient flow.
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Managed prescription refills requests promptly resulting in better medication adherence among patients.
  • Supported successful treatment plans by preparing patients for examinations, discussing treatment options, and providing clear instructions on medication usage.
  • Ensured accurate diagnoses by proficiently collecting lab specimens and conducting routine tests.
  • Assisted with patients, supported physical, and emotional needs across multiple sites and locations.
  • Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
  • Prepared and administered medications to alleviate patient symptoms.
  • Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
  • Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
  • Reviewed physician's calendar and scheduled patient appointments by telephone and in-person.
  • Supported clinic''s vaccination program by administering immunizations, tracking patient records, and providing information on vaccine schedules.
  • Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
  • Collaborated with medical and administrative personnel to maintain patient-focused, engaging, and compassionate environment.
  • Updated inventory, expiration and vaccine logs to maintain current tracking documentation.
  • Oriented and trained new staff on proper procedures and policies.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Dr. Khalid Dibbs OB/GYN
01.1996 - 10.1998
  • Demonstrated expertise in performing EKGs, phlebotomy procedures, injections administration ensuring accuracy in each procedure performed.
  • Facilitated continuity of care through timely coordination of referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as directed by the attending physician.
  • Conducted pre-authorization checks for insurance claims, ensuring timely reimbursements and minimizing denials.
  • Enhanced clinical operations by assisting physicians with patient examinations, diagnostic tests, and treatments.
  • Maintained a clean and safe clinical environment through diligent sterilization of medical equipment and adherence to infection control protocols.
  • Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Supported duties for diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
  • Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
  • Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
  • Explained procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and increase patient cooperation.
  • Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
  • Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
  • Conducted patient intake assessments and recorded medical histories accurately.
  • Administered medications and injections per physician's orders, maintaining strict adherence to protocols.
  • Educated patients on treatment plans, medication usage, and preventative care strategies effectively.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Expedited check-in processes while maintaining a high level of privacy by gathering pertinent information from patients before their appointments began.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by providing knowledgeable education on procedures, medications, and other physician instructions.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as nurses and pharmacists to coordinate optimal care plans for patients.
  • Strengthened team collaboration by actively participating in staff meetings, sharing insights on process improvements, and offering assistance to colleagues when needed.
  • Comforted anxious patients before procedures and listened to concerns, offering support, and compassion.

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Doctors Hospital
07.1994 - 01.1996
  • Assisted in sample preparation and analysis, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
  • Conducted routine laboratory tests, maintaining accuracy and consistency in results.
  • Trained new laboratory personnel on equipment operation and safety regulations, fostering a knowledgeable team environment.
  • Handled hazardous materials responsibly following proper waste disposal procedures to minimize environmental impact.
  • Actively participated in lab safety inspections, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions promptly.
  • Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
  • Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
  • Enhanced lab safety measures by conducting regular equipment maintenance and implementing updated protocols.
  • Reduced sample contamination risks through rigorous adherence to proper specimen handling techniques.
  • Prepared samples for shipping and disposed of bodily fluids in proper containers.
  • Served as a reliable source of information for colleagues seeking assistance or clarification on laboratory procedures or equipment use.
  • Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining sample processing and data recording procedures.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date laboratory records, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and facilitating audits when necessary.
  • Trained new laboratory personnel on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistent performance across team members.
  • Contacted physicians, nursing stations, or reference laboratories for resolution assistance with unusual test orders.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively by tracking supply usage and placing orders for required materials before depletion.
  • Maintained safe, tidy and organized laboratory environment for accurate test results.
  • Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
  • Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
  • Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
  • Performed venipuncture and capillary draws to collect blood samples efficiently.
  • Ensured compliance with safety protocols during specimen collection and handling.
  • Trained junior staff on best practices for blood collection and patient care.
  • Oversaw inventory management of phlebotomy supplies, ensuring availability for daily operations.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to streamline patient flow during high-volume periods.
  • Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
  • Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
  • Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
  • Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
  • Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
  • Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
  • Organized daily work based on collection priority.
  • Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
  • Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
  • Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
  • Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • Adhered to HIPAA standards and maintained patient confidentiality in all interactions.

Education

Certificate / Diploma - Medical Assistant

Harcourt Learning Direct
Massachusetts
10.2001

Diploma / Certification - Phlebotomy / Lab Assistant

Delta Career College
Lafayette, La
04.1994

Diploma - Secondary Education

Livonia High School
Livonia, La
05.1987

Skills

  • Document preparation
  • Administrative support
  • Recordkeeping
  • Legal compliance
  • Information processing
  • Problem-solving
  • Money handling
  • Researching skills
  • Document management
  • Records management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Excellent communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Office administration
  • Professional ethics
  • Office management
  • Self motivation
  • Payment collection
  • Telephone etiquette
  • Workflow coordination
  • Continuous improvement
  • Professionalism
  • Activity coordination

Accomplishments

    Ordained Minister since 2019

Certification

Reiki 1 & 2 Certified Practitioner

Timeline

Assistant Town Clerk

Town of Krotz Springs
12.2023 - Current

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

Arbor Family Health
12.2009 - 12.2023

Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist

Chachere Provost Medicine
11.2006 - 11.2009

Office Manager

Salon Jolie by Glenna
05.2006 - 11.2006

Clinical Medical Assistant

Children’s Clinic
11.1998 - 04.2006

Clinical Medical Assistant

Dr. Khalid Dibbs OB/GYN
01.1996 - 10.1998

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Doctors Hospital
07.1994 - 01.1996

Certificate / Diploma - Medical Assistant

Harcourt Learning Direct

Diploma / Certification - Phlebotomy / Lab Assistant

Delta Career College

Diploma - Secondary Education

Livonia High School