Linda Barron
Kokomo
Summary
Results-oriented patient access and reimbursement specialist adept at streamlining operations and maximizing revenue. Expertise in managing complex prior authorization workflows for high-cost specialty medications, ensuring continuity of care. Experienced in guiding provider education and compliance to foster effective patient support and operational success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Practice Operations & Financial Assistance Manager
Retina Care and Research
Eugene
10.2023 - Current
- Managed end-to-end patient financial assistance portfolios, enrolling eligible patients in non-profit foundations and complex pharmaceutical co-pay programs to enhance access to vital medications.
- Directed billing management, monitored accounts receivable, and ensured compliance with AMA billing requirements to maximize revenue capture and support financial health of practice.
- Optimize multi-provider clinical operations by managing complex daily clinic schedules, eliminating bottlenecks, and improving overall patient throughput.
- Oversaw surgery scheduling, coordinating clinical staff, surgical facilities, and preoperative requirements to streamline surgical workflows and improve patient care delivery.
- Lead the provider credentialing process, ensuring all practitioners maintain current, uninterrupted compliance with commercial insurance panels, Medicare, and hospital networks.
- Navigate intricate medical and pharmacy benefits to secure timely prior authorizations for high-cost specialty Anti-VEGF medications, protecting continuity of care for critical patients.
Billing & Prior Authorization Specialist
Oregon Eye Consultants
Eugene
08.2018 - 09.2023
- Secured complex, time-sensitive prior authorizations for high-cost specialty medications, including Anti-VEGF drugs, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted patient treatment plans.
- Managed specialized medical billing and coding for complex surgical procedures, ensuring compliance with AMA guidelines and minimizing claim denials.
- Investigated, corrected, and resubmitted denied insurance claims, recovering outstanding revenue and improving accounts receivable turnover.
- Posted Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), reconciled accounts, and identified payment discrepancies, enhancing practice's revenue cycle management.
Financial / Prior Authorization Coordinator
Rethwill Chiropractic
Eugene
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Secured prior authorizations from diverse insurance carriers to ensure seamless care delivery.
- Billed medical insurance precisely using AMA billing and coding guidelines to minimize claim denials.
- Managed proactive patient and insurance collections, minimizing outstanding balances.
- Determined patient benefits for upcoming medical procedures and communicated coverage details clearly to alleviate financial anxiety.
- Negotiated sustainable payment plans for patients experiencing financial hardships.
Medical Office Specialist / Financial Coordinator
Emerald Sleep Disorder Center
Eugene
06.2012 - 04.2016
- Verified insurance benefits and managed prior authorization requests to ensure timely patient access to care.
- Processed insurance claims and verified patient eligibility for treatments.
- Oversaw billing processes and followed up on outstanding insurance claims to support clinic financial stability.
- Managed patient scheduling and coordinated appointments for sleep disorder evaluations.
- Assisted healthcare providers with preparing documentation for patient consultations.
Front Office Coordinator
Acorn Optical
Eugene
04.2010 - 04.2012
- Coordinated front desk operations, managed patient schedules, and performed initial insurance verification to ensure smooth clinic workflow.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling and ensured optimal patient flow throughout the office.
- Managed front desk operations and maintained a welcoming environment for clients.
- Assisted with patient check-in and verification of insurance information promptly.
Administrative Assistant / Billing Clerk
Women’s Care
Springfield
08.2008 - 03.2010
- Processed specialized medical billing paperwork, facilitating accurate patient billing and supporting front office patient coordination.
- Coordinated appointments and scheduled meetings for medical staff and patients.
- Assisted with patient intake processes and ensured accurate data entry.
- Managed daily office operations and maintained organized filing systems.
Medical Office Staff
Pain Consultants
Eugene
06.2007 - 06.2008
Patient Operations Support
Urgent Care
Cottage Grove
05.2006 - 05.2007
Billing & Operations Specialist
Summit Medical Management
Salinas
01.2005 - 05.2006
Office Coordinator
Front Office Coordinator
Hollister
10.2004 - 12.2005
Education
Billing/Coding Certificate -
Central Coast College
Salinas, CAUSAF Avionics Training -
Chanute AFB
Chanute, ILHigh School Diploma -
Northwestern High School
Kokomo, INSkills
- Specialty Prior Authorizations
- Anti-VEGF Approvals
- Patient access management
- Specialty Pharmacy Navigation
- Benefits Investigation
- Reimbursement strategy
- Revenue Cycle & Billing
- Claims denial resolution
- Appeals & Denial Resolution
- EOB Posting
- Medicare billing
- Formulary & Coverage Navigation
- Manufacturer Patient Support Programs
- Patient Access Solutions
- Healthcare Provider Relationship Management
- Crisis Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Provider Office Education
- Specialty Drug Programs
Earlier Career History
- Server and Bartender, Inn at Tres Pinos, 01/01/04, 05/31/05
- Store Manager, McAbee Feed, Hollister, CA, 05/01/02, 05/31/05
- Purchasing Manager, Corbin Motors, Hollister, CA, 06/01/01, 05/31/02
- Purchasing Manager, SMP Technology, Scotts Valley, CA, 11/01/00, 03/31/01
Additional Healthcare Experience
- Pain Consultants, Eugene, OR, Medical Office Staff, 06/01/07, 06/30/08
- Urgent Care, Cottage Grove, OR, Patient Operations Support, 05/01/06, 05/31/07
- Summit Medical Management, Salinas, CA, Billing & Operations Specialist, 01/01/05, 05/31/06
- Front Office Coordinator, Hollister, CA, Office Coordinator, 10/01/04, 12/31/05
Timeline
Practice Operations & Financial Assistance Manager
Retina Care and Research
10.2023 - Current
Billing & Prior Authorization Specialist
Oregon Eye Consultants
08.2018 - 09.2023
Financial / Prior Authorization Coordinator
Rethwill Chiropractic
03.2017 - 07.2018
Medical Office Specialist / Financial Coordinator
Emerald Sleep Disorder Center
06.2012 - 04.2016
Front Office Coordinator
Acorn Optical
04.2010 - 04.2012
Administrative Assistant / Billing Clerk
Women’s Care
08.2008 - 03.2010
Medical Office Staff
Pain Consultants
06.2007 - 06.2008
Patient Operations Support
Urgent Care
05.2006 - 05.2007
Billing & Operations Specialist
Summit Medical Management
01.2005 - 05.2006
Office Coordinator
Front Office Coordinator
10.2004 - 12.2005
Billing/Coding Certificate -
Central Coast College
USAF Avionics Training -
Chanute AFB
High School Diploma -
Northwestern High School