KAREN EDWARDS
Chesapeake
Summary
Oncology social worker specializing in patient-centered care and case management. Expertise in developing customized care plans and advocating for client rights to ensure access to essential services. Strong background in interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Oncology Social Worker
Usoncology
Norfolk
03.2024 - Current
- Conducted client assessments to identify needs and develop personalized care plans, enhancing client engagement in their treatment.
- Coordinated services with healthcare providers and community resources to ensure comprehensive support for clients, improving access to critical services.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to enhance emotional well-being.
- Advocated for clients' rights and access to essential services and support.
- Documented client progress while maintaining accurate case records in compliance with standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to effectively enhance client care strategies.
- Facilitated workshops to promote mental health awareness in the community, fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing challenges.
Patient Financial Advocate
US Oncology Network
Norfolk
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Educated patients about financial assistance programs and resources to empower informed decision-making.
- Assisted patients with financial inquiries regarding treatment costs and insurance coverage.
- Coordinated with insurance providers to verify coverage and benefits for patients.
- Communicated financial policies clearly to patients and family members.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure accurate billing and coding practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes affecting patient billing processes.
- Supported the development of training materials for new staff on financial advocacy processes.
- Assisted patients with completing necessary paperwork for insurance coverage and reimbursement.
- Provided financial counseling to patients on payment options to facilitate manageable healthcare costs.
- Advised patients on eligibility requirements for government assistance programs.
- Collaborated with medical staff to determine the best plan of action for resolving billing disputes.
- Educated patients on the importance of understanding their health insurance benefits.
- Collaborated with other departments to enhance patient service delivery.
- Resolved any conflicts that may arise between parties involved in the billing process.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing healthcare billing practices.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing patient account activity and financial status.
- Performed periodic audits of patient accounts to verify accuracy of balances due.
- Collaborated with clinical and administrative staff to meet patient needs.
- Counselled patients on financial liabilities and payment requirements to enhance their understanding of obligations.
- Reported liabilities and risk management concerns to supervisor for review.
Clinical Data Coordinator
Virginia Oncology Associates
Norfolk
08.2014 - 01.2020
- Coordinated clinical trial documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to guidelines.
- Managed patient data entry, enhancing accuracy in electronic records for reliable study outcomes.
- Collaborated with research teams to streamline data collection processes.
- Facilitated communication between clinical staff and external partners, optimizing collaboration for trial execution.
- Oversaw patient recruitment efforts to meet enrollment goals for studies.
- Reviewed study protocols to align with Virginia Oncology Associates' standards and guidelines.
- Reviewed source documents for discrepancies between collected data and entered information into database.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12-2025
MBA - Organizational Leadership
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VASkills
- Patient-centered care
- Case management
- Client assessment
- Needs assessment
- Client needs assessment
- Patient advocacy
- Motivational interviewing
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Resource navigation
- Community resources
- Case documentation
- Mental health training
- Social services
- Training development
- Social services
Certification
Professional Life Coach
Affiliations
Volunteer YWCA
Work Preference
Salary Range
$65000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Oncology Social Worker
Usoncology
03.2024 - Current
Patient Financial Advocate
US Oncology Network
01.2020 - 03.2024
Clinical Data Coordinator
Virginia Oncology Associates
08.2014 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Phoenix
MBA - Organizational Leadership
Regent University