Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Timeline
Accomplishments
Certification
Quote
Software
Languages
Interests
Affiliations
Languages
Interests
Interests
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Hester A Dittmer

Hester A Dittmer

Medical Administration
Worcester,Western Cape

Summary

Focused Medical Billing professional with 37 years of experience in Hospital, Clinic or Medical Practice industry. Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and the ability to thrive under pressure, significantly improving billing times and data integrity. Accomplished in taking on tasks within strict deadlines while prioritizing urgent needs. Smart and talented with proficiency in Medical Billing Software and supportive attitude. Proven history of efficiency, accuracy and detail-oriented work. Well-organized, diligent and focused professional. Demonstrates attention to detail and problem-solving abilities spotting and resolving discrepancies. Focused on completing accurate and timely work. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Medical Biller or Billing Assistant position. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Medical Billing Clerk & Debt Controller

Wound Clinic Worcester
Worcester, South Africa
11.2022 - 05.2024
  • Meticulous and accurate billing of all invoices on Billing Software, VeriClaim
  • Electronic submission of claims
  • Monitored cash flow, tracking incoming payments, and managing outstanding balances to maintain optimal financial stability.
  • Minimized risk of errors by accurately processing invoices, payments, and other financial transactions.
  • Strict adherence to confidentiality rules in maintaining data integrity and protecting clients.
  • Attention to detail in follow-up and collection of outstanding accounts.
  • Written and verbal communication with Medical Funds, are done with strict upholding of data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Provided month-end closing processes by preparing necessary journal entries, account analyses, and supporting schedules.
  • Provided excellent customer service when addressing inquiries related to billing or account issues, resolving disputes efficiently and professionally.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable, ensuring all transactions were recorded accurately and on time.
  • Documented financial data, files, and records for contracted vendors.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to resolve any discrepancies in financial records or reports.

Practice Manager

Oak Tree Health
05.2022 - 08.2022
  • Setting up new consulting rooms for three individual, independent Healthcare Professionals.
  • Oversee the division project of a guest-house for dual use as a private practice and for Clinic in-patients use as group session, dining room and gym facilities.
  • Oversee the procurement and installment of all practice necessities, ie printer/fax/scanner, telephone and Wi-Fi system, etc
  • Manage the following on behalf of Healthcare Professionals:
  • Managed daily practice operations to optimize appointment scheduling, patient records management and maximise daily patient flow.
  • Book and assist with authorization before admission to Pines Clinic
  • Receive and handle all referrals from General Practitioners or Psychologists confidentially and professionally
  • Assist with Laboratory request with retrieving results from their website as soon as available
  • Addressed patient concerns promptly and professionally, demonstrating empathy and excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Assist with scripts, chronic medicine application or PMB application to each patient's medical aid.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients, ensuring high level of care and satisfaction throughout their experience.
  • Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry standards and best medical practices.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance projects, ensuring safe and comfortable environment for both patients and staff members.
  • Communicated closely with patients, ensuring medical information was kept private..
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to Health Professionals, staff and patients for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Taking care of any administrative tasks, filing, or any request by Healthcare Professionals.
  • Managed daily practice operations to optimize appointment scheduling, patient records management and billing functions.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients, ensuring a high level of care and satisfaction throughout their experience.

Admin Co-Ordinator / Administration Manager

Pines Clinic (Life Path Health)
12.2000 - 04.2022
  • First appointed Admin Co-Ordinator at the fist Clinic in a growing group of Private Psychiatric Clinics.
  • Welcome patients to the reception area with professionalism, dignity and respect.
  • Accurate capturing of patient and demographic information, including Medical Aid details and proof of identity
  • Detailed explanation of all signed documentation before admitting patient to the ward.
  • Provide Psychiatrists with the correct DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) based on different Medical insurance companies
  • With attention to detail in written and verbal communication, the DSM with patient details is submitted to Medical Aids to obtain authorization
  • Telephonic follow-up is conducted to ensure receipt and processing at the Medical Aid
  • Progress reports are provided to Psychiatrists to track patient recovery and motivate extended length of stay.
  • Accurate billing procedures are kemp up to date during the patient's stay, including the correct authorization number, tariff, ICD, CPT and Nappi codes.
  • Upon the patient's discharge, the account is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy before electronic submission for payment
  • Claims are tracked at least once a week to confirm the correct processing of claims and indication of preliminary settlement.
  • If any rejections or short payments are perhaps indicated, the claim is promptly revised and re-submitted for settlement.
  • A weekly report is submitted to direct department head for review and acknowledgement of any irregularities.
  • As Admin Manager, my task mainly comprised of Managerial duties:
  • Ensuring admission and discharge procedures are done according to company standards and norms
  • Ensuring Admin Staff (2) complies with all admin policies and procedure
  • Provision of quotes for admission of private patients with consideration to length of stay, admitting psychiatrist, patient diagnosis, possible medication, group attendance and more.
  • Collection of fees before the patient is admitted to the Clinic.
  • Manage timely and accurate billing using correct ICD and CPT codes to ensure prompt payment by Admin Staff.
  • Manage daily release and submission of accounts within allotted timeframe according to company rules.
  • Weekly updating of billing reports with submission to direct line manager.
  • With good time management and planning, monthly reports, as specified by Group Management, were consistently submitted punctually and with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Various checklists were kept up to date, which included maintenance, catering and cleaning, among others.
  • Coached employees through day-to-day work and complex problems.
  • Participated in workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development.
  • Set priorities and problem-solved workflow issues to maintain rapport with customers and managers.
  • Monitored performance metrics consistently and implemented corrective actions when needed, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Managed budgets skillfully by tracking expenses diligently based on priority needs.
  • Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
  • Ensure all creditors accounts are according to quotation, invoices are confirmed on statement before sending to Group Management for payment.
  • Coordinated with human resources department to handle payroll and personnel databases.
  • Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
  • Organized meetings for executives and coordinated availability of conference rooms for participants.
  • Maintaining good and professional relationships with all Healthcare Providers and contracted service providers.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
  • Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.

Receptionist & Accounts Clerk

Drs E De Wet & J Du Plooy
11.1988 - 10.2000
  • Handling reception and incoming calls professional and with proper telephone etiquette.
  • Book appointments for patients in rooms or theatre bookings for minors.
  • Accurate invoicing with electronic submission of claims.
  • Regular follow-up with Medical Aids whether claims were received and when payment can be expected.
  • Regular follow-up with Private patients to ensure prompt settlement of accounts.
  • Receipting of all monies received with necessary depositing of cash or cheques.
  • Ordering of supplement stock as per request by dentist.
  • Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.

Receptionist / Ward Secretary

Worcester MediClinic
01.1987 - 10.1988
  • Greeted patients in a warm but professional manner and put them at ease.
  • Accurate capture of patient details and geographic information, including proof of identity and Medical Aid details on the Hospital software.
  • Careful explanation of all forms the patient has to sign relevant to their admission and according to criteria and standards.
  • Handling reception and incoming calls (4 incoming lines)with professionalism and proper telephone etiquette.
  • Accurate billing of ward or pharmacy stock issued to each patient.
  • Confirmation that all stock issued, have been recorded for billing.
  • As ward secretary my duties included answering incoming calls to the Nurse's Station and relaying messages to Nursing Staff.
  • Compiling patient folders with all relevant forms.
  • Ensuring that results from any test or x-ray are filed in the patient file for doctors rounds.
  • Assist with any other administrative task assigned to me or offering my help with Pharmacy stock take after hours or during a weekend.

Education

No Degree - National Secretarial Certificate - Medical

Stellenbosch Technical College
Stellenbosch, South Africa
12.1987

Skills

  • Data Entry
  • Invoicing procedures
  • Attention to Detail
  • Works Well Under Pressure
  • Telephone Etiquette
  • Deadline Adherence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Punctual and Dependable
  • Effective Multitasking
  • Strong Work Ethic

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Medical Billing Clerk & Debt Controller

Wound Clinic Worcester
11.2022 - 05.2024

Practice Manager

Oak Tree Health
05.2022 - 08.2022

Admin Co-Ordinator / Administration Manager

Pines Clinic (Life Path Health)
12.2000 - 04.2022

Receptionist & Accounts Clerk

Drs E De Wet & J Du Plooy
11.1988 - 10.2000

Receptionist / Ward Secretary

Worcester MediClinic
01.1987 - 10.1988

No Degree - National Secretarial Certificate - Medical

Stellenbosch Technical College

Accomplishments

    I was privileged to be one of the first group of Administrative Staff members when MediClinic opened its 1st Clinic in Worcester, South Africa (January 1987). In the beginning, trial and error was the order of the day as no systems was in place, not even the Hospital Software was working properly.

    Then in 2000 I was again part of a team opening the 1st Private Psychiatric Clinic in Worcester, Pines Clinic. We later formed part of the Life Path Health Group, a group of Psychiatric Private Hospitals in South Africa. My dedication and commitment is shown in my 22 years of service with them.

Certification

I am currently doing an online courses via Udemy to advance my exposure to the international medical billing industry.

The courses are: Medical Biller (Beginners) with the follow-up course: Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in Medical billing.

For further professional development and confidence, I also signed up for an online Excel training.

Quote

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston S. Churchill

Software

VeriClaim - an integrated web-based Practice Management system designed for South African Specialists

Elixir Live - Cloud based practice management software

Clinic Manager - Windows-based, fully integrated hospital management software (South Africa and surrounding areas)

Languages

English

Interests

Gardening

Affiliations

  • None

Languages

English

Interests

Gardening

Interests

Gardening

Spending time outdoors with my dogs

Reading

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hester A DittmerMedical Administration