Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Awards

Margaret Haines

UPMC Altoona
Altoona
29
years of professional experience

Dynamic healthcare professional with over 17 years of experience in patient access and financial counseling. Proven ability to resolve conflicts, ensure HIPAA compliance, and train new team members, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Work History

Patient Access Representative

8 Years
UPMC Altoona | 08.2018 - Current
  • Verified insurance eligibility and benefits, improving accuracy of patient information.
  • Provided excellent customer service through active listening skills, understanding patient needs, and offering tailored solutions where applicable.
  • Managed challenging situations effectively by remaining calm under pressure while resolving conflicts or addressing dissatisfied patients professionally.
  • Obtained payments from patients and scanned identification and insurance cards.
  • Enhanced patient experience, ensuring a welcoming environment from the first point of contact.
  • Trained new hires on department procedures, policies, and software systems, ensuring consistent quality service delivery from all team members.

Patient Financial Counselor

2 Years 11 Months
UPMC Altoona | 09.2015 - 08.2018
  • Coordinated with insurance providers to verify patient coverage and benefits eligibility.
  • Educated patients on financial assistance programs and options for care affordability.
  • Conducted thorough audits of patient accounts to identify discrepancies and prevent potential revenue loss.
  • Streamlined communication between financial counseling department and clinical staff, ensuring unified approach to patient care.
  • Engaged with patients to provide critical information, specifically Trauma patients and obtaining auto and workman's comp insurances.

Patient Access Representative

6 Years 1 Month
Altoona Regional Health System | 08.2009 - 09.2015
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships among colleagues, promoting teamwork, and sharing best practices.
  • Supported clinical staff by preparing accurate patient documentation and records ahead of appointments.
  • Maintained high standards of confidentiality and privacy, strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations.
  • Enhanced patient experience, ensuring a welcoming environment from first point of contact.

Diet Clerk

11 Years 7 Months
Altoona Regional Health System | 01.1998 - 08.2009
  • Coordinated dietary services to ensure patient satisfaction and compliance with nutritional guidelines.
  • Assisted in menu planning, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences for diverse patient populations.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction with their meals by collaborating with kitchen staff to ensure quality food preparation and presentation.
  • Resolved patient concerns or complaints regarding meal quality or service efficiently, providing equitable solutions that prioritize patient satisfaction.
  • Maintained accurate patient meal records, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to prescribed diets.

Education

High School Diploma

Bishop Guilfoyle High School | Altoona, PA

No Degree - Health Policy And Administration

Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA
  • Relevant Coursework: Insurance 101 and, Death and Dying with Dignity

Coding Certificate

Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center | Altoona, PA

Medical Terminology Certificate

Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center | Altoona, PA

Skills

HIPAA compliance
Appointment scheduling
Patient advocacy
Customer service
Effective problem solving
Conflict resolution
Attention to detail
Multitasking Abilities
Organizational skills
Team management
Training and mentoring
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability and flexibility

Timeline

Patient Access Representative

UPMC Altoona
08.2018 - CurrentRead More

Patient Financial Counselor

UPMC Altoona
09.2015 - 08.2018Read More

Patient Access Representative

Altoona Regional Health System
08.2009 - 09.2015Read More

Diet Clerk

Altoona Regional Health System
01.1998 - 08.2009Read More

Bishop Guilfoyle High School

High School Diploma
Read More

Pennsylvania State University

No Degree from Health Policy And Administration
Read More

Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center

Coding Certificate
Read More

Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center

Medical Terminology Certificate
Read More

Awards

Received Guardian Angel award and UPMC Aces award.

Margaret Haines