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Projects & Awards
A selection of my Professional Projects & Awards
EXCEL & POWERPOINT | Uncovering Billing Fraud: The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
In a recent project, I analyzed billing and claims data to understand provider performance and discovered a discrepancy between the data and operational assumptions.
Despite initial pushback from leadership, I trusted the data and investigated further. By engaging with operational leaders, I uncovered that the provider in question was consistently coding all patients as high-level established visits, regardless of their actual status, to maximize reimbursement and compensation. This practice not only misrepresented the provider's performance but also constituted Medicare fraud. The incident highlighted the importance of speaking truth to power, relying on accurate data, and understanding the sources of truth within an organization. Ultimately, the provider was removed from the practice, and patients and Medicare were reimbursed.
This experience reinforced the critical role of data-driven decision making in identifying and addressing unethical practices within healthcare organizations.
Despite initial pushback from leadership, I trusted the data and investigated further. By engaging with operational leaders, I uncovered that the provider in question was consistently coding all patients as high-level established visits, regardless of their actual status, to maximize reimbursement and compensation. This practice not only misrepresented the provider's performance but also constituted Medicare fraud. The incident highlighted the importance of speaking truth to power, relying on accurate data, and understanding the sources of truth within an organization. Ultimately, the provider was removed from the practice, and patients and Medicare were reimbursed.
This experience reinforced the critical role of data-driven decision making in identifying and addressing unethical practices within healthcare organizations.
TABLEAU | Variance to Budget CMIAA Adjusted
As a Tableau developer, I recently completed a project for a client that involved creating a custom dashboard for their monthly executive team meeting. The dashboard was designed to show the variance to budget in labor costs and included key financial indicators (KFIs) for case mix index (CMI), admissions, and length of stay (LOS).
To develop the dashboard, I first gathered requirements from the client to identify the KFIs that should be included and the types of visualizations that should be used. Based on these requirements, I created a custom dashboard that included graphs and charts to help executives visualize the data and identify trends.
The dashboard was designed to be interactive and allowed executives to drill down into the data for a more detailed view. It also included both actual and budgeted data to provide a real-time view of labor costs.
To ensure that the dashboard was accurate and up-to-date, I sourced the data from the client's financial system and updated it on a regular basis. I also tested the dashboard to identify any issues or bugs and provided ongoing support to the client to ensure that they could use the dashboard effectively.
Overall, the custom Tableau dashboard that I developed provided the client with valuable insights into their labor costs and helped them identify areas where cost savings could be achieved. The KFIs for CMI, admissions, and LOS allowed the client to track their performance in these areas and make informed decisions based on the data.
To develop the dashboard, I first gathered requirements from the client to identify the KFIs that should be included and the types of visualizations that should be used. Based on these requirements, I created a custom dashboard that included graphs and charts to help executives visualize the data and identify trends.
The dashboard was designed to be interactive and allowed executives to drill down into the data for a more detailed view. It also included both actual and budgeted data to provide a real-time view of labor costs.
To ensure that the dashboard was accurate and up-to-date, I sourced the data from the client's financial system and updated it on a regular basis. I also tested the dashboard to identify any issues or bugs and provided ongoing support to the client to ensure that they could use the dashboard effectively.
Overall, the custom Tableau dashboard that I developed provided the client with valuable insights into their labor costs and helped them identify areas where cost savings could be achieved. The KFIs for CMI, admissions, and LOS allowed the client to track their performance in these areas and make informed decisions based on the data.
TABLEAU | Labor Cost Per UOS
As a data analyst, I worked on a project to create an automated Tableau dashboard that made reviewing budget variance metrics for labor analytics a breeze. The dashboard was designed to sit directly on the GL server, providing real-time updates and freeing up more time for coffee breaks.
I worked closely with the client to develop a custom dashboard that met their needs and preferences. I automated the data extraction and transformation process, reducing the need for manual intervention and freeing up more time for... well, more coffee breaks.
The user-friendly dashboard included a variety of visualizations and charts that allowed users to easily review actual-to-budget metrics and identify trends in the data. It was almost as easy as sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
The project streamlined the labor analytics process, saving the client time and resources while improving their efficiency and productivity. By automating the process and providing real-time updates, the dashboard enabled the client to make better-informed decisions while allowing me to enjoy my coffee in peace.
I worked closely with the client to develop a custom dashboard that met their needs and preferences. I automated the data extraction and transformation process, reducing the need for manual intervention and freeing up more time for... well, more coffee breaks.
The user-friendly dashboard included a variety of visualizations and charts that allowed users to easily review actual-to-budget metrics and identify trends in the data. It was almost as easy as sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
The project streamlined the labor analytics process, saving the client time and resources while improving their efficiency and productivity. By automating the process and providing real-time updates, the dashboard enabled the client to make better-informed decisions while allowing me to enjoy my coffee in peace.
TABLEAU | Variance to Budget Response Rate
As a data analyst extraordinaire, I took on a mission to create a Tableau dashboard that would measure work unit response rates. This dashboard not only provided a bird's eye view of response rates across the entire company, but also at the service line and executive level - talk about granular!
To make this happen, I utilized three data sources - the GL Server and two other sources that had never been combined before. By magically merging these sources, I was able to provide a more accurate and complete picture of response rates across the organization.
The dashboard was a thing of beauty, with all sorts of pretty charts and graphs that made it easy to analyze response rates. And the best part? The data was displayed in real-time, so we could quickly identify areas that needed improvement and take action to address them.
Overall, the project was a smashing success, giving our executives the data they needed to make informed decisions and drive the company forward. I'm proud to have played a part in this project, and I look forward to tackling even bigger and bolder projects in the future!
To make this happen, I utilized three data sources - the GL Server and two other sources that had never been combined before. By magically merging these sources, I was able to provide a more accurate and complete picture of response rates across the organization.
The dashboard was a thing of beauty, with all sorts of pretty charts and graphs that made it easy to analyze response rates. And the best part? The data was displayed in real-time, so we could quickly identify areas that needed improvement and take action to address them.
Overall, the project was a smashing success, giving our executives the data they needed to make informed decisions and drive the company forward. I'm proud to have played a part in this project, and I look forward to tackling even bigger and bolder projects in the future!
EXCEL | Service Line Prioritization Matrix
I led the development of a Service Line Matrix to help our organization make data-driven decisions about operational growth and investment choices.
This project involved analyzing 20 service lines individually and rating them on a 4-quadrant grid, measuring potential growth, needed maintenance, and need for reconfiguration.
As the lead data analyst, I worked directly with the Director of Operations to gather and combine data from multiple sources, including EHR, claims data, patient satisfaction scores, contribution margins, and historical growth rates. One of the main challenges was the lack of a unified data source, which required me to develop a rubric to organize all the data for each service line.
To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we graded each department on several key factors, including financial performance, clinical staff leadership and support, quality and satisfaction performance, market position and potential, and alignment with our mission. This involved calculating metrics such as inpatient and outpatient variable contribution profit per discharge, current contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, and forecasted volume growth.
Once the data was compiled and analyzed, I presented our findings to the advisory board, highlighting the insights gained from the Service Line Matrix. The project was so well-received that it was decided to update and re-present the matrix quarterly to inform ongoing strategic decision-making.
Throughout the project, I was responsible for managing the scope, requirements, and deliverables, ensuring that we met our objectives within the given timeframe. I collaborated closely with stakeholders from various departments to gather their input and validate the data, and I provided regular updates to the Director of Operations to keep the project on track.
The success of this project demonstrated my ability to lead complex BI initiatives, work with diverse data sources, and deliver actionable insights to drive organizational growth and improvement.
This project involved analyzing 20 service lines individually and rating them on a 4-quadrant grid, measuring potential growth, needed maintenance, and need for reconfiguration.
As the lead data analyst, I worked directly with the Director of Operations to gather and combine data from multiple sources, including EHR, claims data, patient satisfaction scores, contribution margins, and historical growth rates. One of the main challenges was the lack of a unified data source, which required me to develop a rubric to organize all the data for each service line.
To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we graded each department on several key factors, including financial performance, clinical staff leadership and support, quality and satisfaction performance, market position and potential, and alignment with our mission. This involved calculating metrics such as inpatient and outpatient variable contribution profit per discharge, current contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, and forecasted volume growth.
Once the data was compiled and analyzed, I presented our findings to the advisory board, highlighting the insights gained from the Service Line Matrix. The project was so well-received that it was decided to update and re-present the matrix quarterly to inform ongoing strategic decision-making.
Throughout the project, I was responsible for managing the scope, requirements, and deliverables, ensuring that we met our objectives within the given timeframe. I collaborated closely with stakeholders from various departments to gather their input and validate the data, and I provided regular updates to the Director of Operations to keep the project on track.
The success of this project demonstrated my ability to lead complex BI initiatives, work with diverse data sources, and deliver actionable insights to drive organizational growth and improvement.
EXCEL | FTE Request Process
I recently completed a project that involved creating a comprehensive FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) Request Approval process for a client. Basically, I helped them figure out if they needed more people or if they were good to go.
To do this, I developed a fancy Excel workbook that combined data from Human Resources, The Organization's General Ledger, budget documentation, and feedback from specific departments. All data sources were previously in seperate locations and had never been combined into a single source.
But wait, there's more! The workbook was designed to allow multiple users to access and update the data simultaneously. That means no more waiting around for Susan from accounting to finish her updates before you can get to work.
And here's the best part: the workbook was presentation and distribution ready. This means the client's executives could easily share the data with stakeholders without worrying about anyone's eyes glazing over from boredom.
Overall, I'm proud to say that my FTE Request Approval process helped the client make better decisions about hiring new employees. No one can predict the future, but with my workbook, the client was well-equipped to handle whatever came their way.
To do this, I developed a fancy Excel workbook that combined data from Human Resources, The Organization's General Ledger, budget documentation, and feedback from specific departments. All data sources were previously in seperate locations and had never been combined into a single source.
But wait, there's more! The workbook was designed to allow multiple users to access and update the data simultaneously. That means no more waiting around for Susan from accounting to finish her updates before you can get to work.
And here's the best part: the workbook was presentation and distribution ready. This means the client's executives could easily share the data with stakeholders without worrying about anyone's eyes glazing over from boredom.
Overall, I'm proud to say that my FTE Request Approval process helped the client make better decisions about hiring new employees. No one can predict the future, but with my workbook, the client was well-equipped to handle whatever came their way.
CARES Award Nominee
Our outstanding faculty and staff are our greatest resource and allow UW Medicine to achieve our mission of improving the health of the public. Service excellence is core to who we are and what makes UW Medicine so special.
The UW Medicine Cares Awards were established in 2013 to formally recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and teams who consistently exemplify our UW Medicine Service Culture Guidelines. Nominees go above and beyond to support other members of the UW Medicine community, both patients and colleagues.
In your work and interactions with colleagues and the public, you have shown that you understand and embrace the principles of service excellence.
The nomination reads:
Cassandra is always happy to help. No matter how busy she is, she takes the time to meet with you and walk you through your data, do some background work, and follow up with you in a timely manner. I am impressed with her professionalism and kindness.
On behalf of UW Medicine, please accept our congratulations and thanks.
Sincerely,
The UW Medicine Patient Experience Team
The UW Medicine Cares Awards were established in 2013 to formally recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and teams who consistently exemplify our UW Medicine Service Culture Guidelines. Nominees go above and beyond to support other members of the UW Medicine community, both patients and colleagues.
In your work and interactions with colleagues and the public, you have shown that you understand and embrace the principles of service excellence.
The nomination reads:
Cassandra is always happy to help. No matter how busy she is, she takes the time to meet with you and walk you through your data, do some background work, and follow up with you in a timely manner. I am impressed with her professionalism and kindness.
On behalf of UW Medicine, please accept our congratulations and thanks.
Sincerely,
The UW Medicine Patient Experience Team
WORKDAY CERTIFICATION | Workday In Action
The Workday In Action Certification from Coursera demonstrates proficiency in using Workday, a leading cloud-based ERP system.
This program equips professionals with practical skills to optimize business processes, covering Workday's architecture, core HR and financial management functionalities, and talent management features.
Through this certification, I've gained additional expertise in navigating Workday's interface, configuring modules for specific business needs, generating and analyzing reports, and implementing best practices.
This qualification, in addition to my years of Workday experience, prepares me to contribute effectively to organizations using Workday, streamline HR and finance processes, provide data-driven insights, and support Workday implementation and optimization.
By earning this certification, I've shown my commitment to leveraging modern business technologies to drive organizational efficiency and success.
This program equips professionals with practical skills to optimize business processes, covering Workday's architecture, core HR and financial management functionalities, and talent management features.
Through this certification, I've gained additional expertise in navigating Workday's interface, configuring modules for specific business needs, generating and analyzing reports, and implementing best practices.
This qualification, in addition to my years of Workday experience, prepares me to contribute effectively to organizations using Workday, streamline HR and finance processes, provide data-driven insights, and support Workday implementation and optimization.
By earning this certification, I've shown my commitment to leveraging modern business technologies to drive organizational efficiency and success.
Note: Identifying details have been anonymized for client confidentiality
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