Yvonne Mejia
Tucson
Summary
Dynamic healthcare professional with over 25 years of diverse experience across multiple departments, specializing in patient admissions and care coordination. Currently serving as a Senior Admission Liaison, with expertise in referral coordination, pre-admission screening, insurance prior authorizations, and denial/appeal support for inpatient rehabilitation. Recognized as a trusted team resource, adept at building relationships and facilitating smooth transitions of care while enhancing staff training to promote timely admissions and drive census growth. Committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences and optimizing operational efficiency within healthcare settings.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Admission Liaison Senior
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
Tucson, AZ
04.2019 - Current
- Facilitated complex insurance authorization and appeals processes for challenging cases within the admissions team.
- Provided expert guidance to staff regarding prior authorization processes and payor-specific regulations to enhance compliance.
- Engaged with managed care and senior leadership to identify and mitigate obstacles to patient admissions.
- Evaluated denial trends and partnered with team to optimize documentation practices and increase approval rates.
- Conducted detailed onboarding sessions for new admission liaisons, focusing on referral intake, pre-admission screening, and insurance authorization workflows to ensure operational efficiency.
- Coordinated comprehensive training sessions for incoming staff in the West region to enhance understanding of 'Teamworks Best Practice.'
- Supported leadership with staff development and workflow improvements across the admissions team.
Patient Financial Service Senior Representative
Banner University Medical Center
Tucson, AZ
01.2008 - 04.2019
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions focused on skill enhancement for patient financial representatives.
- Oversaw pre-registration and registration operations to optimize efficiency across departments. Led efforts to verify insurance coverage and obtain necessary authorizations to streamline patient care delivery.
- Assisted in verifying insurance benefits to achieve accurate patient liability assessments. Supported cash flow improvement by collecting deposits and co-payments effectively.
- Facilitated communication between physicians and staff to resolve patient issues. Guided patients through financial service options to enhance satisfaction.
- Analyzed feedback and instituted improvements to optimize overall office efficiency and workflow.
Office Manager
Sonoran Health Center- Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Tucson, AZ
09.2006 - 12.2007
- Supervised front office operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Oversaw the financial medical billing aspects of the company, such as correspondence with medical insurances on behalf of the patients.
- Facilitated efficient office dynamics through the seamless cycle of patient scheduling, insurance verification, treatments and follow up care.
- Assisted with clerical tasks by answering multi-line telephones. Supported office operations through ordering supplies. Managed mailroom responsibilities and maintained organized filing systems.
- Engaged with patients to implement and support various therapeutic modalities under the guidance of Physician and Physical Therapists.
- Managed facility upkeep and supply inventory, ensuring cleanliness and operational efficiency in alignment with executive directives.
- Established relationships with vendors, ensuring timely delivery of promotional materials.
Unit Coordinator
Carondelet Health Network
Tucson, AZ
09.1998 - 09.2006
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team efforts in a 24-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit to ensure comprehensive patient support.
- Maintained electronic health records, upholding confidentiality and compliance standards.
- Managed patient chart accuracy and compliance with HIPAA regulations to safeguard sensitive information.
- Assisted in billing processes by verifying insurance information and submission of prior authorizations.
- Assisted in improving hospital admission processes as a member of rehabilitation unit on admissions committee. Collaborated with committee members to develop strategies for enhancing patient admission procedures. Contributed to streamlined patient admissions, positively affecting overall patient health outcomes.
Education
Diploma -
Palo Verde High School
Tucson, AZ01.1997
Skills
- Admissions & Referral Management
- Staff Training & Onboarding
- Education and coaching
- Workflow Optimization
- Process Improvement
- Clear Communication
- Adaptability in fast-paced settings
- Microsoft Word, excel and Outlook,
Awards and Recognition
2020 Encompass Health of Northwest Tucson Employee of the Year award.
Timeline
Admission Liaison Senior
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
04.2019 - Current
Patient Financial Service Senior Representative
Banner University Medical Center
01.2008 - 04.2019
Office Manager
Sonoran Health Center- Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
09.2006 - 12.2007
Unit Coordinator
Carondelet Health Network
09.1998 - 09.2006
Diploma -
Palo Verde High School