Legal Nurse Expert Witness

Expert Witness No. 691

Education

1979-1981 Columbia University, New York - School of Nursing BSN

1971-1975 Brown University, Rhode Island BA - Theatre Arts

1967-1971 Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Washington, DC

Work Experience

November, 1995 to present

A & G, Esq’s.

Washington, D.C.

Legal Nurse Consultant

Review and summarize medical records to determine merit. Assist with depositions and

interrogatories, interview clients and obtain experts. Perform medical literature

searches and medical/nursing research. Assist with trial preparation - organizing

notebooks, designing and cataloguing exhibits. Assist in preparation of testifying

experts for trial. Perform case analysis. Manage high volume of medical records and

supporting documents. Coordinate general medical malpractice screening for all A& G

offices (4).

March,1993 - May,1994

HealthPlus, Inc.

Greenbelt, MD

Claims Review Nurse - Cost Management Department

Reviewed claims suspended from Claims department for administrative and

professional review. Calculated reimbursement allowances based on provider invoices

or interpreting operative reports for correct CPT coding. Participated in research

projects evaluating physician billing practices. Updated computer system for assistant

surgeon reimbursement. Made recommendations for endoscopic procedure network.

Developed preauthorization requirements for colonoscopies and Upper GIs performed

in physician’s offices. Acted as committee chairperson for Cost Management

Department’s quality assurance committee. Performed inservices for department

claims analysts with respect to recent health policy changes and nursing information.

Audited high cost hospital claims for overcharges. Served as contact person between

HealthPlus and the company contracted to perform retrospective hospital bill audits.

1991-1993

M. Leco and Associates

Pittsburgh, PA

Nurse Consultant

Involved in cost recovery project at Washington Hospital Center. Communicated with

the hospital’s departments to determine appropriateness of patient charges. Compiled

monthly reports to bill auditing department showing in depth analysis of billing

adjustments. Participated in retroactive study of laboratory billing procedures.

Supervised records department and M. Leco audit activities to ensure availability of

charts and bills. Handled patient billing inquiries. Recorded weekly company production

for the office staff (three auditors). Managed postage to home office of same.

Communicated with corporate office at timely intervals to evaluate company

effectiveness at project site.

Performed "defense audits" with insurance auditors at George Washington University

Hospital. Involved in George Washington University Hospital cost recovery project.

1988-1990

Providence Hospital

Washington, D.C.

Emergency Room Nurse

Administered health care to patients in acute and non-acute situations within the

emergency room. Assessed patients upon arrival to the ER via ambulance or walk-ins

and directed them to appropriate treatment areas (triage). Maintained patient records

as to treatment and nursing activities. Assisted with special procedures, i.e.

echocardiograms, chest tube placements, x-rays. Performed EKGs and administered

medications and performed venipunctures.

1986-1988

Marymount University

Arlington, VA

Student Health Nurse

Administered health care to student residents and faculty. Updated student health

records and filed charts from the previous day exams. Set-up appointments for

students to see the physician on staff. Oversaw care of students who were admitted in

the unit. Maintained clean environment, restocked supplies and performed counseling

and crises intervention for suicidal, depressed students.

1981-1986

Washington Hospital Center

Washington, D.C.

Renal Transplant Nurse

Critical Care Nurse

Assisted patients with peritoneal dialysis. Performed immediate post-operative care for

renal transplant patients. Involved in patient teaching involving donor procedures and

protocols. Assisted family with discharge planning for transplant patients and instructed

them in follow-up with support services.

Performed one-to-one nursing care for critically ill patients. Specialized in patients with

respiratory disease processes such as COPD.

Memberships & Affiliations

District of Columbia Nurse’s Association, former member

American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, former member

American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants - National Capital Area Chapter,

Secretary

Hobbies & Interests

Washington Tennis Association - Public Relations Committee - 1997,

Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Chairperson - 1997

Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association - Grievance Committee, - 1997

member; Multi-Cultural Participation Committee, member - 1997

United States Tennis Association, member, Referee & Umpire - 1997