Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tonia Brinson

Santa Rosa

Summary

Dynamic UM Specialist with a proven track record at Azure Acres Recovery, excelling in patient assessments and securing timely authorizations. Expert in documentation management and relationship building, I enhance client outcomes through effective communication and compliance monitoring. Committed to quality assurance and fostering teamwork, I drive improvements in patient care and recovery rates.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

UM Specialist

Azure Acres Recovery
12.2017 - Current

Completed patient assessments and obtained prior authorizations in a timely manor. Completed concurrent reviews for patient's, while ensuring all documentation meets the medical necessity guidelines. Maintained accurate records of authorizations, and completed follow up calls to the insurance, while working within multiple systems such as Medhost, Bestnotes and Sales Force. Communicated with the primary counselors and therapists about any insurance concerns or follow up questions. Informed clinical of any peer reviews or ares of concern. Maintained positive professional relationships with the insurance care managers. Completed SDI, FMLA and physician statements for the patients. Submitted appeals when necessary to avoid unauthorized services. Maintained open communication with all administrative, clinical and medical staff. Conducted trainings for staff to ensure patient care. Followed all HIPPA, code of conduct and ethics required by law. Completed chart to charge and audited patient's medical records to ensure documentation was complete and accurate

UM Specialist/Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Front Office Manager

Campobello CDRC
01.2009 - 12.2016

Utilization and Review Specialist-Completed patient assessments and obtained prior authorizations with insurance companies, such as Blue Cross, UBH, Aetna, UFCW and ILWU. Completed timely concurrent reviews and discharges. Maintained accurate records, and authorizations. Maintained professional relationships with the insurance care managers, completed follow up calls, and conducted peer reviews with the insurance companies doctors. Completed SDI for the patients and provided support when necessary. Maintained front office Supervisor duties, interviewing potential employee's. Answered incoming calls from potential admits, returned calls from families and potential patients, as well as phone calls for patient's that were already admitted, while always keeping patient's HIPPA. Facilitated groups that focused on relapse prevention, CBT, DBT, case management and aftercare planning. Conducted room searches and random urinalysis . Completed timely CIWA, COWS and blood pressure checks. Observed patient's while they administered and took their scheduled medications. Completed rounds and 15 minute checks. Provided resources for aftercare and discharge planning.

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Marin Service For Women
02.2007 - 11.2008
  • Assisted colleagues in case management tasks when necessary, contributing to a supportive work environment that prioritized teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients, addressing underlying mental health issues alongside addiction treatment.
  • Kept up-to-date on current research in the field of addiction counseling through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities.
  • Improved client recovery rates by developing and implementing individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

Education

Human Services Alcohol And Drug Certificate - Human Services Alcohol And Drug

Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa
06-2009

High School Diploma -

Piner High School
General Education
06-1989

Skills

  • Customer relations
  • Expert problem solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Documentation management
  • Quality assurance
  • Management collaboration
  • Advanced communication
  • Proficient in [software]
  • Quality assessment
  • Emergency response
  • Team collaboration
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Multitasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Task prioritization
  • Relationship building
  • Active listening
  • Conflict resolution
  • Reliability
  • Professionalism

Certification

Human Services Alcohol and Drug Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College.


CADCII license

Timeline

UM Specialist

Azure Acres Recovery
12.2017 - Current

UM Specialist/Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Front Office Manager

Campobello CDRC
01.2009 - 12.2016

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Marin Service For Women
02.2007 - 11.2008

Human Services Alcohol And Drug Certificate - Human Services Alcohol And Drug

Santa Rosa Junior College

High School Diploma -

Piner High School
Tonia Brinson