Jim NIKAS

Managed daily operations of the Patient Access department, ensuring safe, timely, and accurate processing of patients through the workflow. Implemented process improvement initiatives to achieve organizational and client goals while managing the department budget and costs.

Provided oversight of Patient Access operations at four acute care facilities, coordinating initiatives to ensure standardization and sharing of best practices. Developed, deployed, and directed complex programs and processes within Patient Access, and redesigned staffing structures to improve operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Provided oversight and support for the transition of clinic acquisitions as it relates to revenue cycle operations. Analyzed current clinic clerical processes and created billing strategies and best practice scenarios for oncoming practices.

Led Patient Access, Customer Service, Centralized Scheduling, Insurance Verification, and Financial Counseling for two hospitals and multiple clinic services. Acted as a liaison to Patient Financial Services and front office personnel to ensure ongoing improvements to key revenue cycle indicators.

Led, directed, and evaluated Patient Access Operations and staff in patient registration, scheduling, pre-registration, pre-certification, insurance verification, collections, telecommunications, and billing customer service. Monitored data collected in the admission process and ensured compliance with departmental, institutional, and national policies.

Identified and initiated resolution of errors in medical coding, inappropriate or erroneous medical charges, and incorrect payer processing. Reviewed denied, delinquent, and unpaid insurance claims, submitting formal written appeal letters based on account analysis and contract review.

Collaborated with students and parents of varied age ranges to meet their personal and professional music performance goals. Integrated various aspects of musical exploration, including improvisation, composition, and reading, into daily routines and lesson plans.

Managed a team of 28 remote call center employees responsible for pre-registration, insurance verification, and upfront collections across five market facilities. Fostered a strong sense of team spirit and cohesiveness, exceeding department goals through a participative management style.

Initiated collection actions with customers to resolve outstanding balances and mitigate customer dissatisfaction. Resolved customer account inquiries to improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability.

Provided technical support and direction to 17 employees responsible for patient access, registration, verification, quality assurance, and financial counseling. Achieved and exceeded team objectives by developing the team into a highly productive unit.

Supervised 38 employees responsible for registration and financial counseling to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and superior customer service. Monitored patient flow to assure timely patient processing and led staffing for the emergency department admitting office.

Supervised 22 employees responsible for registration, verification, and central scheduling to ensure efficient, orderly, and respectful patient processing. Provided education to admitting staff and all hospital employees with registration access in the use of Meditech patient registration software.

Provided financial counseling by offering support and advice to patients facing financial difficulties with their healthcare expenses. Assisted patients in accessing financial support options, such as Medicaid or charity care programs, to cover medical costs.

Reviewed insurance vouchers for appropriate account distribution and analyzed and certified cashier and administration tapes of daily cash. Investigated credit balances and over-payments on patient accounts, arranging credit payment or transfer of funds to overpaid accounts.

Obtained Quickbooks Certification from the National Bookkeepers Association (NBA) in 2013. This certification demonstrates proficiency in using Quickbooks for various bookkeeping tasks.

Studied Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Administration at William Paterson College from 1988 to 1990. Gained foundational knowledge in business principles and practices.

Pursued Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Administration at Bergen Community College from 1988 to 1990. Developed a strong understanding of business concepts and general education.

Earned a Diploma in Music Performance from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, in 1986. Focused on developing advanced musical skills and performance techniques.