CATHLEEN SKJEI
Chattanooga
Summary
Results-driven Patient Access & Healthcare Operations Professional with 10+ years of experience in medical offices, behavioral health, and hospital settings. Proven ability to convert prospects into referral opportunities, streamline front-office workflows, and maintain accurate, compliant patient and provider records. Recognized as an independent thinker, strong communicator, and reliable team member who builds lasting relationships with patients, clinicians, and community partners.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Intake Specialist – Pre-Registration & Scheduling
Eisenhower Medical Center
Palm Desert
11.2019 - 11.2021
- Scheduled patient appointments across multiple departments, ensuring accurate pre-registration and efficient clinic flow.
- Completed detailed and accurate patient registrations, capturing demographics, insurance, and referral information in accordance with hospital policies.
- Verified insurance eligibility and benefits, obtained authorizations and pre-certifications to support timely treatment and reimbursement.
- Coordinated financial aid screening and completed point-of-service collections with professionalism and empathy.
- Prepared and communicated cash-pay quotes to patients, clearly explaining estimates and payment expectations.
Accreditation Supervisor
Desert Marriage and Family Counseling Inc.
Palm Desert
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Developed key partnerships with medical and community providers, contributing to a 54% revenue growth during tenure.
- Audited therapist and staff records to ensure licenses, resumes, and work history remained accurate and current.
- Monitored malpractice insurance coverage for all clinicians, ensuring minimum required levels were continuously maintained.
- Built and maintained an Excel tracking system for therapist credentials and documentation, improving visibility and compliance readiness.
Office Manager
Desert Surgical and Bariatric Specialists
Palm Springs
10.2011 - 01.2018
- Oversaw daily operations of a busy surgical and bariatric practice, including patient flow, front-office processes, and provider support.
- Streamlined office procedures to improve efficiency in client communications, payments, and document tracking.
- Maintained both electronic and physical filing systems for patient charts, billing records, and administrative documents.
- Recruited, interviewed, and helped onboard qualified candidates for open administrative positions.
- Managed patient scheduling to optimize provider calendars and ensure timely access to care and surgical resources.
Education
Medical Office Specialist - Medical Billing & Coding
Kaplan College
Palm Springs, CAHigh School Diploma -
Gloucester High School
Gloucester, MASkills
- Patient Scheduling
- Pre-Registration
- Medical Billing
- Coding
- Insurance Verification
- Authorization
- Surgery Scheduling
- Revenue Cycle
- Point-of-Service Collections
- Financial Aid
- Cash-Pay Quotes
- Office Management
- Staff Management
- Marketing
- Community Outreach
- EMR
- Electronic Chart Management
- Paper Chart Management
- HIPAA Compliance
- Medical Terminology
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Self-Motivated
- Independent Work Style
Timeline
Patient Intake Specialist – Pre-Registration & Scheduling
Eisenhower Medical Center
11.2019 - 11.2021
Accreditation Supervisor
Desert Marriage and Family Counseling Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
Office Manager
Desert Surgical and Bariatric Specialists
10.2011 - 01.2018
Medical Office Specialist - Medical Billing & Coding
Kaplan College
High School Diploma -
Gloucester High School