For example, meet Billie Ward, Executive Assistant to the Director of Nursing. ‘Keeps Us Running’ “Billie keeps CCH running,” said Ward’s boss, Chief Nursing Officer Danielle Berard, RN-BSN, CPCO. “She oversees all insurance communications for veteran patients in the Emergency Department, as well as all inpatients and swing bed patients. Her efforts ensure we are reimbursed for those stays.” Ward does her work not just because it’s her job, but also because she came to Covington County Hospital in 1993 to help people. She initially worked as a nurse’s aide and later as a physical therapy technician. “That’s what means the most to me, making sure that the patient is getting everything they need and getting stronger,” she said. A Closer Look To understand the importance of her role, let’s look at what she spends more time on than anything else: insurance precertification for swing bed patients. When a hospital admits you for an injury, illness, or other urgent medical condition, or for recovery from surgery, that kind of short-term treatment is called acute care. After a few days, insurance coverage for acute care ends. But what if you need more treatment? Or just more time to recover your strength before you can safely go home? Swing Bed Program That’s where the Swing Bed Program comes in. Small, rural hospitals like CCH can use their beds for either short-term acute care or longer-term skilled nursing care, which offers rehabilitation as well as treatment. Precertification involves submitting all the paperwork and clinical reports from doctors to justify skilled nursing care in advance. That way, when the insurance company approves, your bed “swings,” uninterrupted, from a cute coverage to skilled nursing coverage. You stay right there in that bed, continuing to get the care you need. Patient Can Appeal Sometimes an insurance company thinks a patient is ready to go home, but the patient and the caregivers disagree. The patient can appeal the decision, with supporting clinical information from the hospital. That’s when it’s great to have Billie Ward in your corner – someone who knows exactly what the insurance companies need and who cares deeply about the patient. “She is responsible for approving time for multiple departments, ensuring that everyone gets paid. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in keeping the nursing department organized and running efficiently,” Berard said. “She is an exemplary employee who sets a high standard for attendance, punctuality, attitude, and how to treat others!” Visiting Miss Billie Everybody at CCH knows “Miss Billie.” Most seem to stop by her desk just about every day. They all leave with a smile. “Since the day I walked into this building in ’93, I’ve loved this place,” Ward said. “It’s been good to me. It’s given me a chance to advance. I just could not ask for a better place to work. I love this hospital.” For information scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CCH Swing Bed Program 601.698.0130 or 601.698.0132 CovingtonCares 15
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