Ahtika Merricks
Marrero
Summary
Results-driven healthcare revenue cycle professional with 30+ years of experience in revenue integrity, billing, coding, denial management, and reimbursement optimization. Proven ability to identify revenue opportunities, ensure accurate charge capture, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and payer regulations. Highly analytical leader with extensive experience collaborating with clinical, operational, and financial teams to improve revenue performance and reduce denials.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Analyst / Revenue Integrity Lead
LCMC Health
New Orleans, LA
02.2018 - Current
- Manage one-time supply work queues to improve operational efficiency; review charge entry supply details and collaborate with clinicians and department leaders to ensure accurate and compliant billing.
- Assist with Charge Description Master (CDM) audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with state, federal, and third-party payer billing and reimbursement regulations.
- Review and process Charge Description Master (CDM) change requests to ensure accuracy and appropriateness; approve charge additions, deletions, and modifications, and provide guidance to facilities on requested changes.
- Evaluate charging and coding structures and workflows within clinical departments to ensure accurate charge capture, revenue optimization, and reporting accuracy.
- Monitor, analyze, and resolve Epic Revenue Integrity and charge edits to ensure accurate charge capture, billing compliance, and timely claim submission.
Manager, Billing & Coding
General Meyer Medical Clinic
New Orleans, LA
06.2015 - 10.2017
- Directed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow across medical departments.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced patient care and reduced wait times.
- Oversaw billing coding and chart review processes for all primary care services.
- Analyzed and addressed denied code claims and billing issues to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Streamlined processes to reduce aging medical claims by 30% within the first year.
- Streamlined and assessed office procedures to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Assisted in maintaining credentialing database for physicians and mid-level providers. Supported management of medical licenses, drug administration records, and malpractice insurance documentation.
Supervisor, Denials Management
Ochsner Health System
New Orleans, LA
04.2006 - 03.2015
- Supervised daily operations to enhance patient care and ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff in best practices for workflow efficiency and patient interaction.
- Utilized denial metrics to assess team performance and develop targeted improvement strategies.
- Analyzed claim data, denial codes, and payer trends to identify root causes of denials.
- Collaborated with revenue cycle teams to implement front-end edits and denial prevention strategies.
Manager, Medical Billing
Gastrointestinal Associates, PC
Washington, DC
01.2005 - 09.2005
- Developed training programs for staff, improving service delivery and employee performance.
- Implemented new processes to reduce A/R and improve cash flow.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Managed all billing functions including coding, charge validation, claims processing, and payment posting.
- Researched and reconciled accounts receivable, denials, and appeals.
Analyst, Accounts & Collections / Billing Specialist
Tulane University Medical Group
New Orleans, LA
01.1997 - 07.2004
- Analyzed healthcare data to identify trends and support clinical decision-making.
- Developed reports using statistical software to enhance operational efficiency in patient care.
- Ensured accurate capture of all billable services.
- Prepared and submitted claims; tracked and followed up on unpaid claims.
- Reviewed denied claims, submitted appeals, and monitored denial trends.
Office Manager / Coding Specialist
Si Tuan Nguyen, MD
New Orleans, LA
05.1995 - 12.1996
- Streamlined office operations to enhance workflow efficiency and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of patient appointments, ensuring optimal use of resources.
- Optimized reimbursement through accurate coding and billing.
- Processed Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance claims.
- Maintained provider enrollment and credentialing.
Education
Associate Degree - Applied Business
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA01.2017
Skills
- EPIC 3M CodeFinder Cerner Meditech ICD-10 NextGen CPT Navient Passport eClinicals IDX GHX Availity Navicure Emdeon FinThrive Cycare Microsoft Office
Affiliations
Member: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), New Orleans
Timeline
Account Analyst / Revenue Integrity Lead
LCMC Health
02.2018 - Current
Manager, Billing & Coding
General Meyer Medical Clinic
06.2015 - 10.2017
Supervisor, Denials Management
Ochsner Health System
04.2006 - 03.2015
Manager, Medical Billing
Gastrointestinal Associates, PC
01.2005 - 09.2005
Analyst, Accounts & Collections / Billing Specialist
Tulane University Medical Group
01.1997 - 07.2004
Office Manager / Coding Specialist
Si Tuan Nguyen, MD
05.1995 - 12.1996
Associate Degree - Applied Business
Tulane University
Core Competencies
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Revenue Integrity & Charge Capture
- CDM Audits & Maintenance
- Billing & Coding (ICD-10, CPT)
- Denials Management & Appeals
- Compliance (Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA)
- Staff Supervision & Training
- KPI & Metrics Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Provider Education