Heather Winchester
Littleton
Summary
Healthcare professional with expertise in patient access and record management. Proficient in team collaboration, data entry, and patient education regarding financial responsibilities. Committed to enhancing patient workflows and optimizing access processes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Access Representative
Conifer Health
Glendale
10.2025 - Current
- Greeted patients and visitors, accurately verifying personal and insurance information to ensure smooth registration.
- Managed patient records, maintaining confidentiality per regulations.
- Assisted with registration forms, clarifying questions and concerns.
- Answered phone calls promptly, addressing inquiries and providing necessary information.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline patient access workflows, improving overall patient experience and satisfaction.
- Educated patients on financial responsibilities and payment options, enhancing their understanding of available resources.
- Utilized electronic health records to update patient information efficiently.
- Applied HIPAA privacy regulations while handling patient data.
Lead Dental Assistant
Dental Clinic
06.2020 - 10.2025
- Assisted dentists during procedures by passing instruments and managing suctioning tasks.
- Managed patient records using dental practice management software, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care for enhanced recovery.
- Maintained sterilization protocols for dental instruments and equipment to ensure safety.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling and follow-up communications, improving patient flow and satisfaction.
- Trained new dental assistants on office procedures and effective patient interactions, fostering a competent support team.
- Monitored inventory levels for dental supplies and placed orders to prevent shortages.
- Documented patient vital signs, including blood pressure and temperature, in charts accurately.
Ambulance Dispatcher
Lifewest Transport
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Monitored radio communications to ensure clear, effective information flow.
- Maintained comprehensive records of calls and responses to support operational analysis.
- Utilized computer-aided dispatch systems for efficient resource allocation.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork or entering data into computer systems.
- Facilitated communication between medical professionals, patients, and families during transport.
- Received and processed emergency calls from the public, determined nature of call and dispatched appropriate personnel.
- Communicated effectively with field personnel regarding updates on patient conditions or changes in destination.
- Maintained accurate records of all incoming calls and dispatches.
- Documented all relevant information pertaining to each dispatch including vehicle type, crew members, estimated arrival time.
- Collaborated closely with other departments within the organization such as police, fire rescue, hospital staff.
- Monitored ambulance status to ensure optimal resource availability for patient care.
- Utilized mapping software programs to monitor location of ambulances in real time.
Transfer Center Coordinator
ConnectDocs
Scottsdale
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Facilitated safe transfers for patients between facilities and medical departments, ensuring continuity of care.
- Coordinated with nursing staff to ensure timely patient transfers and discharges, enhancing patient flow.
- Adhered to hospital policies and procedures related to transferring patients safely.
- Reviewed patient instructions given by doctor or nurse prior to initiating any transfer procedure.
- Supported physicians, nurses, and healthcare personnel with administrative tasks, improving operational efficiency.
Dental Assisting
Dental Clinic
09.2013 - 01.2020
- Assisted during dental procedures by taking radiographs, preparing patients, and providing chair-side support.
- Maintained dry field using suction devices throughout dental procedures for optimal results.
- Executed sterilization processes for instruments per OSHA regulations, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of dental instruments and procedural techniques, enhancing efficiency during operations.
- Completed continuing education on dental assisting topics, focusing on radiology safety protocols and HIPAA guidelines.
- Ensured patient comfort by greeting and seating individuals prior to treatments.
- Managed inventory by ordering essential supplies for dental operations, supporting seamless workflow.
- Oversaw patient records, accurately entering information into the system for easy access.
Education
High School Diploma -
Arizona Charter Academy
Surprise, AZ05-2006
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Phoenix, AZ04-2026
Patient Care Tech -
U.S. Career Institute
Fort Collins, CO04-2026
Skills
- Electronic health records
- Medical terminology
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient identity verification
- Insurance verification
- Registration and admissions
- Fee collection
- Hospital computer applications
- Data entry
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Patient care
Certification
- American Heart Association BLS/CPR
- EMTALA training
- HIPAA training
- Level 1 Fingerprint Card
Timeline
Patient Access Representative
Conifer Health
10.2025 - Current
Lead Dental Assistant
Dental Clinic
06.2020 - 10.2025
Ambulance Dispatcher
Lifewest Transport
01.2020 - 06.2020
Transfer Center Coordinator
ConnectDocs
01.2020 - 06.2020
Dental Assisting
Dental Clinic
09.2013 - 01.2020
High School Diploma -
Arizona Charter Academy
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Patient Care Tech -
U.S. Career Institute