Helana Russell is a versatile healthcare professional seeking a position that values drive and dedication to achieving results. She has over 15 years of experience in healthcare finance, including roles in revenue cycle management, accounts receivable, and bookkeeping. Russell holds a Master's degree in Health Administration with a focus on informatics. She is skilled in areas such as revenue cycle, accounts receivable, process improvement, training, and healthcare financial operations. Russell has a proven track record of implementing initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and resolve issues.
A former two-sport college athlete who believes in teamwork and hard work. Now a disciplined, financial leader with extensive knowledge of financial principles and business operations and significant management experience. Demonstrated ability to think strategically in analyzing existing operations, developing strategies for process improvements and implementing effective systems, resulting in increased profitability. Proven track record as a collaborative, proactive, engaging coach with excellent problem solving skills and strong communication and team building skills developed through years of hiring, training, coaching and mentoring various-sized accounting teams for companies ranging from small start-ups to large industry leaders.
Certified Virtual Facilitator whose experience includes knowledge of
ISO 9000, annual reviews, FMLA, Wage & Labor Act, HRIS, developing processes and procedures, recruiting and benefits, as well as, financial reporting, customer relations, event planning/organizing, problem solving, and management.
A former two-sport college athlete who believes in teamwork and hard work. Now a disciplined, financial leader with extensive knowledge of financial principles and business operations and significant management experience. Demonstrated ability to think strategically in analyzing existing operations, developing strategies for process improvements and implementing effective systems, resulting in increased profitability. Proven track record as a collaborative, proactive, engaging coach with excellent problem solving skills and strong communication and team building skills developed through years of hiring, training, coaching and mentoring various-sized accounting teams for companies ranging from small start-ups to large industry leaders.
Certified Virtual Facilitator whose experience includes knowledge of
ISO 9000, annual reviews, FMLA, Wage & Labor Act, HRIS, developing processes and procedures, recruiting and benefits, as well as, financial reporting, customer relations, event planning/organizing, problem solving, and management.
Accomplished, dedicated and highly knowledgeable business professional with specialization in healthcare/dental industry. Credited with 20-years of performance driven leadership to include both Practice and Office Management. Illustrate strengths supporting and managing projects to include customization of software and utilizing root cause analysis while leading as project manager to resolve revenue loss and safeguard moving forward. Offer strengths working cross-functionally and developing strong trusting business relationships with internal and external customers. Utilize human resource initiatives through managing and training personnel. Represent professionalism, integrity, mission and culture.
1. HELANA RUSSELL
Loganville, GA Phone: 770.380.0817
Linkedin.com/in/helanarussell Email: helana.russell@gmail.com
CARE E R PROFILE
A top-performing, versatile, self-directed professional with diverse experience in healthcare finance, change
management, accounting, and administration, seeks to bring talent and performance to an organization that values
drive, energy, and dedication to achieve results. Exceptional provider of solutions combined with proven ability to
perform an array of program development initiatives and coordination functions that improve efficiency and reduce
cost. Outstanding performer distinguished for proven leadership and high-performance team-building skills with
excellent analytics and coaching abilities. Accomplished in all areas of employee relations with keen ability to identify,
build, and maintain intra-organization and external relationships.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
 Revenue Cycle/Reimbursement
 A/R; Aged Accounts
 Process & Procedure Improvement
 Training & Coaching
 Informatics & Applications
 MS Office
 SOX & HIPAA Compliance
 Crystal Reports; Oracle
 Healthcare Financial Operations
 Change Management
 Customer Service
 Document Scanning/Imaging
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX, ATLANTA,GA 2013 – 2015
FULL-TIME STUDENT
Engaged in continuing education initiatives with a full-time pursuit of Masters of Health Administration degree with a
concentration in informatics.
Key Accomplishments:
 Completed all course work with a focus on high academic achievement and timely completion of all assignments
and tasks required for issuance of degree that resulted in a 3.95 GPA.
 Relevant coursework: Health Information Systems, Financial Management in Health Care, Data Management and
Design, and Health Care Strategic Management.
 Capstone Project: Created a strategic plan for the expeansion of telemedicine in a home health care organization.
Specific detail to the following categories: Organizational Structure, Environmental Analysis, Finanaical Planning,
Implemenation, and Evaluation and Control.
PEDIATRIC SERVICES OF AMERICA, NORCROSS,GA 1999 – 2013
REVENUE CYCLE MANAGER, (2011 – 2013)
Actively led as Manager with $20M+ per month operations and oversight of systemic improvement initiatives,
training, month end posting, reconciliations, billing, claims, and patient records.
Key Accomplishments:
 Directed and coordinated key initiatives to eliminate operational redundancies which led to 50% increase in cash
application production and improved accuracy.
 Reviewed and identified revenue cycle issues and collaborated with IT and A/R management for resolution.
 Restructured posting, auditing, and reporting processes to improve workflow of reimbursement of service
receipts, and reduce outstanding account receivables.
 Developed and implemented optimal SOPs for universal company-wide records storage, access, and retrieval of
billing, collections, imaging, and cash reporting.
 Streamlined resources required for daily operations to reduce overtime leading to savings of $5k+ in monthly
payroll and $60k annually.
 Established metrics and provided root analysis of reported denials to improve follow-up and appeal process for
resolution of aged accounts.
2. HELANA RUSSELL Resume, Page 2
REVENUE CYCLE SUPERVISOR, (2004 – 2011)
Charged with supervision over A/R imaging., patient accounts, customer resolution with insurance denials and
service, month end reconciliations, SOX, and HIPAA compliance.
Key Accomplishments:
 Developed and implemented SOX compliant process and procedures for accurate reporting of revenues and
HIPAA initiatives to further safeguards for patient information.
 Created productivity metrics reporting to identify weekly, month, and quarter end contribution of cash.
 Trained and coached new hires and staff with operating systems, procedures, and processes to maintain quality
assurance protocols.
 Actively participated in the implementation of new audit and posting procedures.
CASH REIMBURSEMENT ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR, (2002 – 2004)
Performed as Assistant Supervisor over daily operations, scanning issues, billing, claims, customer service and
training initiatives for staff, new hires, and related employees to improve quality and productivity.
Key Accomplishments:
 Collaborated with management to train Cash Applications Department staff and fill gaps in skills with process,
procedures, and quality initiatives.
 Resolved customer billing and related issues with problem accounts while maintaining high-quality service.
BOOKKEEPER, (2001 – 2002)
Provided Bookkeeper functions with oversight of medical insurance payments, electronic payment processing, funds
transfers, credits, debits, and reconciliations.
Key Accomplishments:
 Monitored, processed and recorded intra-company payment transfers and refunds utilizing Encore software tool.
 Balanced medical insurance payments leveraging Excel spreadsheets and reconciled patient payments with
Encore software.
 Acquired and processed relevant documents for electronic payments.
A/R CASHIER, (1999 – 2001)
Served as Cashier over accounts receivable with posting cash, receipt generation, deposit preparation, log entries, and
check verifications prior to processing.
Key Accomplishments:
 Reviewed and verified questionable checks for cash-keyers utilizing Encore and Docutrieve imaging software.
 Confirmed receipts with logging, entries, and transfers into corporate accounts.
 Sorted and balanced monies from lockbox prior to cash posting.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Health Administration, Informatics Concentration, University of Phoenix, Atlanta, GA (2015)
Bachelor of Science, Business Accounting, University of Phoenix, Atlanta, GA (2005)
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
HFMA, Member of the Georgia Chapter (2016)
HIMSS, Member of the Georgia Chapter (2015)
Breast Cancer Awareness, Volunteer, Dekalb Medical Center (2015)
Fundraiser, Volunteer, Lawrenceville Elementary School (2009 - 2012)
March of Dimes, Participant, Walk-A-Thon (2006 - 2012)
Fundraiser, Volunteer, Girl Scouts (2002 - 2008)
Holiday Secret Santa Program, Volunteer, PSA Patients (2001 - 2006)