Heather Vaughn
Apison
Summary
Results-oriented director with a strong background in strategic planning and policy implementation. Experienced in improving organizational efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance, while effectively managing and training teams to achieve operational goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Chambliss @ Apison Elementary
Apison
08.2020 - Current
- Directed daily operations, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations to mitigate risks and uphold standards.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
- Oversaw daily operations, fostering a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
- Recruited and trained new employees, aligning skills with job requirements to enhance team capability.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Dental Insurance Coordinator
Robin Smith DDS
Chattanooga
02.2010 - 06.2019
- Verified patient insurance coverage and eligibility for dental services.
- Educated patients on their dental insurance benefits and coverage.
- Coordinated with insurance providers to resolve claims and inquiries.
- Processed insurance claims within established timelines to ensure timely patient access to services.
- Communicated with dental team regarding patient insurance issues.
- Resolved any discrepancies between patient billing statements and insurance reimbursements.
- Updated patient records to reflect changes in coverage or benefit levels.
- Corresponded with patients, providers, and insurance companies to ensure timely processing of claims.
- Assisted patients in understanding their benefits packages, including co-payments, deductibles.
- Processed requests for pre-authorization of treatments from providers on behalf of patients.
- Tracked overdue payments from insurance companies to expedite reimbursement for services rendered.
- Generated monthly reports detailing the number of claims processed by provider and insurer.
- Maintained relationships with third party payers in order to obtain timely payment on submitted claims.
- Informed patients of claims status after filing insurance claims.
- Secured pre-authorizations and pre-certifications for minor surgical procedures performed in office settings.
- Filed insurance claims by obtaining and entering data related to patient, insurance provider, and medical code for procedures and services provided.
- Obtained maximum reimbursement by following up on unpaid claims and reviewing monthly aging reports.
- Efficiently managed collections and receivables, referrals process and billing to meet revenue goals.
- Assessed patient eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, and other government assistance programs.
- Managed appeal process for denied claims, ensuring timely submission of documentation and follow-up to maximize recovery.
- Resolved insurance billing issues by liaising between patients, healthcare providers, and insurers.
- Answered customer questions to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Processed invoice payments and recorded information in account database.
- Monitored past due accounts and pursued collections on outstanding invoices.
- Reviewed claims coding for accuracy against ICD-10 standards.
- Reviewed claims coding for accuracy against ICD-10 standards. for accuracy with ICD-10 standards.
Secretary
Hale & Lattimore Attorneys
Chattanooga
01.2001 - 06.2009
- Coordinated communications, taking calls, responding to emails and interfacing with clients.
- Responded to incoming phone calls, assisting callers and providing information.
- Responded to client inquiries via phone and email, providing timely information and support.
- Coordinated client meetings and prepared all necessary materials in advance to facilitate productive discussions.
- Managed attorneys' schedules and calendars to optimize time allocation.
- Maintained filing systems for legal documents, enhancing organization and accessibility.
- Drafted and edited legal documents for client cases and internal communications.
- Assisted in billing processes, preparing invoices for client services rendered.
- Assisted with accounts receivable and accounts payable to ensure accurate financial record-keeping.
- Arranged and categorized office supplies and equipment to streamline access and usage, ensuring a well-functioning work environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Whitwell High School
Whitwell, TN06-2000
Skills
- Operations management
- Strategic planning
- Policy implementation
- Regulatory compliance
- Team performance management
- Staff training
Timeline
Director
Chambliss @ Apison Elementary
08.2020 - Current
Dental Insurance Coordinator
Robin Smith DDS
02.2010 - 06.2019
Secretary
Hale & Lattimore Attorneys
01.2001 - 06.2009
High School Diploma -
Whitwell High School