Wanda Cherry
Summary
Dependable Inpatient Financial Counselor serving diverse needs of patients through active communication and responsive engagement with healthcare services and policymakers. Skilled at analyzing case files and databases to speed up inquiry response times and guide information through appropriate personnel channels. Maintains highest standards of ethics, professionalism and regulatory compliance to ease common stressors and de-escalate potential conflicts.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Financial Counselor
VCU Health
10.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by effectively explaining financial options and answering billing inquiries.
- Streamlined insurance verification processes for increased efficiency and reduced errors.
- Reduced hospital bad debt through proactive communication with patients about their financial responsibilities.
- Increased patient confidence in the billing process by providing clear explanations of insurance benefits and coverage limitations.
- Conducted thorough audits of patient accounts to identify discrepancies and prevent potential revenue loss.
- Contributed to departmental goals by consistently meeting or exceeding established performance metrics.
- Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
Patient Financial Counselor
Bon Secours
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
- Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
- Offered simple, clear explanations to help clients and families understand hospital policies and procedures.
Patient Access Representative
Bon Secours
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Collected and entered patient demographic and insurance data into computer database to establish patient's medical record.
- Explained estimated cost for medical treatments and answered patient questions to promote good understanding of proposed services.
- Processed payments using cash and credit cards, maintaining accurate records of transactions.
- Obtained patient's insurance information and determined eligibility for benefits for specific services rendered.
- Received patient deductibles and co-pay amounts and discussed options to satisfy remainder of patient financial obligations.
- Identified insurance payment sources and listed payers in proper sequence to establish chain of payment.
Prior Authorization Specialist
Ensemble/VCU Health
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Input all patient data regarding claims and prior authorizations into system accurately.
- Reached out to insurance carriers to obtain prior authorization for testing and procedures.
- Reviewed insurance coverage for patients to determine which party was liable for payment.
- Prepared and distributed denial letters, detailing reasons for denial and possible appeal measures.
- Collaborated with requesting departments to process patients lacking coverage for planned procedures.
- Provided prior authorization support for physicians, healthcare providers and patients in accordance with payer guidelines.
Schegistrar/Call Center Agent
VCU Health
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Used computer programs and registration systems to schedule, register, verify pre-authorization and referrals on file, for routine and complex appointments, surgeries, and/or medical consultations.
- Documented patient medical information, case histories and insurance details to facilitate smooth appointments and payment processing.
- Managed master calendar and scheduled appointment for multiple providers based on optimal patient loads and clinician availability.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Adhered to company policies and scripts to consistently achieve call-time and quality standards.
Medical Administrative Assistant
VCU Health
05.2015 - 05.2018
- Managed master calendar and scheduled appointments for providers based on optimal patient loads and clinician availability.
- Scheduled surgeries for multiple surgeons and booked operating rooms.
- Maintained and updated patient records for accurate, current medical histories.
- Answered incoming calls, routed messages and resolved patient inquiries within target timeframes.
- Supported office staff and operational requirements with administrative tasks.
Surgery Scheduling Coordinator
VCU Health
09.2013 - 05.2015
- Expertly managed planning, scheduling and coordination of inpatient and outpatient procedures.
- Coordinated with facilities to set up surgeries for multiple Plastic Surgeons.
- Verified insurance coverage and obtained pre-authorizations.
- Collaborated with assistants and doctors to prepare and set up rooms with adequate supplies and equipment.
- Arranged pre-operative and post-operative appointments for surgical patients.
- Resolved scheduling conflicts to maintain high-quality patient services.
Education
Career Studies Certificate - Health Records Coding Technician
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA04.2005
Certificate - Nursing Assistant
Career Training Center
Richmond, VA01.1991
High School Diploma -
Varina High School
Richmond, VA06.1989
Skills
- Electronic Health Records Systems
- Benefits Explanations
- Income Verification
- Customer Inquiries
- Patient Advocacy
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Reviewing Patient Information
- Balancing Daily Deposits
- Financial Counseling
- Document Uploading
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Patient Registration
- Patient Follow-Up
Certification
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Healthcare Financial Management Association - completed 6/21/21
Timeline
Patient Financial Counselor
VCU Health
10.2023 - Current
Patient Financial Counselor
Bon Secours
08.2022 - 09.2023
Patient Access Representative
Bon Secours
03.2022 - 08.2022
Prior Authorization Specialist
Ensemble/VCU Health
08.2019 - 10.2021
Schegistrar/Call Center Agent
VCU Health
05.2018 - 08.2019
Medical Administrative Assistant
VCU Health
05.2015 - 05.2018
Surgery Scheduling Coordinator
VCU Health
09.2013 - 05.2015
Career Studies Certificate - Health Records Coding Technician
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Certificate - Nursing Assistant
Career Training Center
High School Diploma -
Varina High School
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