Daniel Carreno
Downey
Summary
Strategic revenue cycle leader with over 14 years of expertise in healthcare finance, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional operational alignment within prominent health systems. Enhanced by a Harvard Online Certificate in Health Care Economics (HBS/Harvard Medical School), I bring nuanced insight into U.S. healthcare spending dynamics, economic incentives, and policymaker behaviors informing advocacy, reimbursement strategy, and system-level decision-making. Proven track record in improving operational efficiency through data-driven initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and reinforcing adherence to institutional and regulatory mandates. Adept at translating complex policy and economic concepts into actionable strategies to drive organizational performance and sustainable enterprise growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Counselor
UCLA Health
07.2024 - Current
- Manage a complex portfolio of high-value patient accounts implementing strategic interventions to resolve outstanding balances while optimizing workflow efficiency.
- Orchestrate payer negotiations and internal stakeholder communications to resolve discrepancies, interpret coverage complexities, and deliver tailored financial plans.
- Streamline discharge and post-acute care financial processes through proactive collaboration with clinical, financial, and discharge teams elevating operational synergy and patient experience.
- Curate industry informed practices by integrating policy updates, payer shifts, and systemic changes into everyday account management positioning the team for adaptive excellence.
Financial Counselor
Kaiser Permanente
02.2018 - Current
- Safeguard organizational compliance by enforcing Kaiser Permanente’s policies and relevant regulations, ensuring operational integrity across complex healthcare finance processes.
- Champion cross-functional collaboration with admissions and registration to identify alternate payer opportunities enhancing revenue cycle resilience through proactive financial strategies.
- Direct the Medical Financial Assistance (MFA) program, guiding staff and refining workflows to align with evolving policy updates, and enabling efficient patient support systems.
- Advocate for patients by navigating Third‑Party Liability (TPL) and Workers’ Compensation claims, and seamlessly connecting patients with critical social support services.
- Engineer eligibility workflows for Medi‑Cal and Medicare overseeing pre-authorization coordination, online system usage, and documentation to ensure audit readiness and policy alignment.
Front Office Supervisor
United Medical Imaging Healthcare
01.2018 - 02.2019
- Optimized front office operations by implementing continuous improvement initiatives in service delivery and operational workflows, enhancing team performance and patient experience.
- Led recruitment, training, and professional development of front office staff cultivating high-performing teams aligned with organizational policies and service standards.
- Ensured precise insurance verifications and authorizations, reinforcing compliance with payer regulations and safeguarding financial operations.
- Oversaw cash transaction management (deductibles and co-pays), maintaining accurate financial records and promoting fiscal accountability within the department.
- Resolved patient care and service challenges proactively, serving as a trusted escalation point and safeguarding both patient satisfaction and organizational reputation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Care Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH10-2026
Skills
- Strategic Advocacy & Policy Insight
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
- Media Savvy & Public Affairs
- Cultural & Political Leadership Awareness
- Stakeholder and Government Relationship Management
- Strategic Communication Excellence
- Senior Leadership Counsel
- Strong Background in Government Programs
Certification
- Health Care Economics, Harvard Business School
- Six Sigma Lean Black Belt Professional, Management and Strategy Institute
- Executive Management Certified, Management and Strategy Institute
- Project Management - Lean Process Certified, Management and Strategy Institute
- Six Sigma Champion Certified, Management and Strategy Institute
- Introduction to Probability Management, edX
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Financial Counselor
UCLA Health
07.2024 - Current
Financial Counselor
Kaiser Permanente
02.2018 - Current
Front Office Supervisor
United Medical Imaging Healthcare
01.2018 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Science - Health Care Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
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