Legal Nurse Consultant

Expert Witness No. 691

EDUCATION

1979-1981 Columbia University, New York - School of Nursing BSN

1971-1975 Brown University, Rhode Island BA - Theatre Arts

1967-1971 Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Washington, DC

WORK EXPERIENCE

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November, 1995 to present

A & G, Esq's.

Washington, D.C.

Legal Nurse Consultant

Review and summarize medical records to determine merit. Assist with depositions and interrogatories, interview clients and obtain experts. Perform medical literature searches and medical/nursing research. Assist with trial preparation - organizing notebooks, designing and cataloguing exhibits. Assist in preparation of testifying experts for trial. Perform case analysis. Manage high volume of medical records and supporting documents. Coordinate general medical malpractice screening for all A& G offices (4).

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March,1993 - May,1994

HealthPlus, Inc.

Greenbelt, MD

Claims Review Nurse - Cost Management Department

Reviewed claims suspended from Claims department for administrative and professional review. Calculated reimbursement allowances based on provider invoices or interpreting operative reports for correct CPT coding. Participated in research projects evaluating physician billing practices. Updated computer system for assistant surgeon reimbursement. Made recommendations for endoscopic procedure network. Developed preauthorization requirements for colonoscopies and Upper GIs performed in physician's offices. Acted as committee chairperson for Cost Management Department's quality assurance committee. Performed inservices for department claims analysts with respect to recent health policy changes and nursing information. Audited high cost hospital claims for overcharges. Served as contact person between HealthPlus and the company contracted to perform retrospective hospital bill audits.

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1991-1993

M. Leco and Associates

Pittsburgh, PA

Nurse Consultant

Involved in cost recovery project at Washington Hospital Center. Communicated with the hospital's departments to determine appropriateness of patient charges. Compiled monthly reports to bill auditing department showing in depth analysis of billing adjustments. Participated in retroactive study of laboratory billing procedures. Supervised records department and M. Leco audit activities to ensure availability of charts and bills. Handled patient billing inquiries. Recorded weekly company production for the office staff (three auditors). Managed postage to home office of same. Communicated with corporate office at timely intervals to evaluate company effectiveness at project site.

Performed "defense audits" with insurance auditors at George Washington University Hospital. Involved in George Washington University Hospital cost recovery project.

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1988-1990

Providence Hospital

Washington, D.C.

Emergency Room Nurse

Administered health care to patients in acute and non-acute situations within the emergency room. Assessed patients upon arrival to the ER via ambulance or walk-ins and directed them to appropriate treatment areas (triage). Maintained patient records as to treatment and nursing activities. Assisted with special procedures, i.e. echocardiograms, chest tube placements, x-rays. Performed EKGs and administered medications and performed venipunctures.

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1986-1988

Marymount University

Arlington, VA

Student Health Nurse

Administered health care to student residents and faculty. Updated student health records and filed charts from the previous day exams. Set-up appointments for students to see the physician on staff. Oversaw care of students who were admitted in the unit. Maintained clean environment, restocked supplies and performed counseling and crises intervention for suicidal, depressed students.

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1981-1986

Washington Hospital Center

Washington, D.C.

Renal Transplant Nurse

Critical Care Nurse

Assisted patients with peritoneal dialysis. Performed immediate post-operative care for renal transplant patients. Involved in patient teaching involving donor procedures and protocols. Assisted family with discharge planning for transplant patients and instructed them in follow-up with support services.

Performed one-to-one nursing care for critically ill patients. Specialized in patients with respiratory disease processes such as COPD.

District of Columbia Nurse's Association, former member

American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, former member

American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants - National Capital Area Chapter, Secretary

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

Washington Tennis Association - Public Relations Committee - 1997,

Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Chairperson - 1997

Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association - Grievance Committee, - 1997

member; Multi-Cultural Participation Committee, member - 1997

United States Tennis Association, member, Referee & Umpire - 1997