Isabel Centeno

Revenue Cycle Executive with over 30 years of extensive healthcare experience and an in-depth understanding of billing principles and procedures. Forward-thinking and goal-oriented, with a flexible and diligent approach. Strong attention to detail with excellent planning and problem-solving abilities.

Achieved repeated success in supporting and enhancing revenue cycles for HMO'S, private practices, and FQHC facilities. Performed ongoing trend analysis of third-party payers' payment levels to ensure that reimbursements are in accordance with allowable amounts stated in contract agreements. Actively implements and monitors collection procedures, minimizing contractual bad debt, write-offs, and maximizing cash collection.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Excellent knowledge of the entire revenue cycle financial performance metrics. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Able to foster open communication, team building, and encourage and maintain team morale. The ability to actively participate in budget development and carry responsibility for the achievement of budget targets. Extensive knowledge of AR workflow and a strong understanding of charge entry, clearinghouse functions, and the appeals process.

Developed strategies to grow the practice's empanelment and sustainability.

Director of Revenue Cycle at Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (2024-02 – 2025-10)

• Decreased billing cycle turnaround time by 50% by implementing automation in the process and revamping interdepartmental workflows.
• Work closely with ASC, Registered Nurse Director, Operations Director, Chief Finance Officer and other members within the organization to convey issues and propose solutions to improve efficiencies.
• Actualized the billing legacy system (Athena) ICD-10 and CPT coding directory.
• Audit the fee schedule master file to improve rates in accordance with rate standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators and collections goals, resolve billing issues and ensure timely payments.
• Maintained good communication between department heads, medical staff, and attended monthly provider meetings to discuss interdepartmental functions.
• Improved and supported the development of the revenue cycle workflows (patient access, insurance verification, charge capture, payment posting, self-pay and patient follow-up management, credentialing, and ASC surgical schedules).
• Optimization, auditing, and setup of work queues for charge capture reconciliation, denial management, clearinghouse, claims management, and posting payments, as well as data mining to improve collection turnaround time.
• Spearhead the transition of Billing/EMR systems from Athena to Epic, Care Connect.
• Developed department goals, procedures, and objectives.
• Developed policies and procedures for the Billing Department.

Director of Revenue Cycle & Billing at Clinica Msr. Oscar A. Romero (2013-07 – 2023-04)

• Grew the Managed Care Membership empanelment by 15% each year based on set projected goals (starting at 7500 lives to 28100 YTD).
• Work closely with Operations Director, Chief Finance Officer and other members of the Executive team, as well as other departments within the organization, to convey issues and propose solutions that will improve efficiencies and/or reduce costs.
• Decreased billing cycle turnaround time by 40% by implementing automation into the process.
• Established and maintained open communications with contract facility customers. Monitor key performance indicators and collections goals, resolve billing issues, and ensure timely payments.
• Maintained good communication between department heads, medical staff, and governing boards by attending board meetings and synchronizing interdepartmental functions.
• Document and support the development and refinement revenue cycle workflows (patient access, insurance verification, charge capture, payment posting, self-pay, and patient follow-up management).
• Optimized, audited, and set up work queues for charge capture reconciliation, denial management, clearinghouse, claims management, and payment posting.
• Supervise the Enrollment Department which include 10 Certified Enrolling Coordinators (CECs).
• Supervised the billing department, which included two coders and five billers.
• Supervised Front Office Department at three locations.
• Negotiated capitation rates with existing contracted IPAs and increased them by 30%.
• Contracted four additional IPAs for the medical practice and two dental contracts that contributed to the expansion of the organization.
• Provided oversight of the provider credentialing process to ensure physician participation is accurate and in compliance with medical, dental, mental health, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and optometry.
• Develop and defined department goals, procedures, and objectives.
• Develop strategies and monitor revenue cycle performance metrics to drive continuous improvement efforts in all areas of the revenue cycle providing regular updates to senior management to ensure prompt attention to areas of concern.
• Handled financial analysis and reporting of billing revenue cycle and practice operations.
• Monitored revenue progress against benchmark front-end metrics and accounts receivable targets, and the resolved actual-to-budget variances.
• A team player; a highly collaborative, team-oriented process. Leads development of opportunities and management of team resources to grow the business.
• Mentor employees, conducts performance evaluations, counsel and provide corrective actions to assigned personnel, and work to facilitate individual and team development that drives positive results.
• Participate in the audit and execute recommendations for the improvement of revenue cycle systems.

Medical Billing/Coding & Claims Examiner – American Career College (2001)

Certified Revenue Cycle Representative – Healthcare Financial Management Association (2023)

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration – Western Governors University (2024)