Kerry Anne Stewart
Cunnamulla,QLD
Summary
Driven and dedicated professional with a strong ambition to excel in dynamic environments. Experienced Aboriginal Health Worker skilled in healthcare operations, adept at managing multiple priorities while ensuring smooth and efficient practice management. Possesses a keen ability to leverage strategic planning and process optimization to enhance clinic operations, alongside a solid understanding of regulatory compliance and quality assurance standards. Eager to contribute to a performance-driven team that values collaboration and continuous learning.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Practice Manager
Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health
10.2024 - Current
- Led operational efficiency initiatives to enhance patient care delivery and resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented strategic health programs tailored to community needs and priorities.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality service delivery across various health services.
- Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in improved workflow and reduced patient wait times.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to secure funding and resources for community health initiatives.
- Conducted staff training sessions to promote best practices in patient management and care standards.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive organizational growth strategies.
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to enhance service offerings and community engagement efforts.
- Addressed patient concerns promptly and professionally, demonstrating empathy and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Managed daily practice operations to optimize appointment scheduling, patient records management and billing functions.
- Ordered all office supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Facilitated communication between staff members, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Developed strong relationships with patients, ensuring a high level of care and satisfaction throughout their experience.
- Developed close working relationships with front office and back office staff.
- Evaluated practice workflows regularly to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes efficiently.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure that patient care plans were effectively implemented.
- Streamlined communication between different departments, leading to more cohesive patient care.
- Managed all aspects of billing and coding, reducing errors and improving reimbursement rates.
- Improved patient flow through office by redesigning check-in and check-out processes.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Clinic Manager
Carbal Medical Centre
04.2015 - 10.2024
- Works to ensure the smooth running of the Warwick medical clinic and oversee day-to-day management operations by.
- Overseeing the daily operations and handle clinic’s routine operations.
- Maximising Medicare Revenue through Medicare billing & PIP’s.
- Provide administrative support and oversee the hiring and training of staff members.
- Liaise with patients and healthcare professionals and coordinate patient care plans.
- Coordinate raining of new staff members.
- Design and implement business strategies to help the clinic meet organizational goals.
- Undertake General Practice Accreditation for the practice.
- Manage staff by assigning and delegating tasks as needed Develop protocols and procedures to improve staff productivity.
- Act as a liaison between patients, their families and additional care staff.
- Plan and manage the clinic's
- Approve Timesheets
- Conduct Perform reviews quarterly and annually on all employee and provide constructive feedback on their performance to help them meet professional goals.
- Ensure that all policies and procedures function in accordance with state and federal laws
- Create and execute clinic related human resource and finance objectives and customer service.
- Guide and support participation in patient care delivery regularly.
- Manage facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and resources in relation to cost containment.
- Execute clinical administrative policies and initiate action to enhance patient care programs.
- Examine and resolve complaints received from staff, visitors, patients and physicians.
- Support policy formulation and execute budget by providing financial projections during budget development.
- Execute productivity increase strategies and optimize clinical staff and procedural value.
- Explain good workplace behaviour and identify issues and use resources to resolve.
- Understand future staffing requirements and create, execute and support clinical staff recruitment and retention strategies.
- Identify position specific job responsibilities and core competencies to create clear job descriptions.
- Handle environmental health and safety by ensuring fire and safety.
- Supervise stock supplies.
- All other duties as required by CEO.
Aboriginal Health Worker
Carbal Medical Centre
02.2015 - 04.2015
- Perform consultations with clinic clients, including listening to their story, providing a basic physical examination and consulting with more experienced clinical staff as necessary, and to advice on the treatment and management of a client’s health problems.
- PIP & CTG sign up.
- Pt Screening (BP, BSL, Weight, Height ,Temp)
- Pt point of care testing (HBA1c, ACR, Urinalysis- urine Dip stick)
- Pt education
- Aboriginal Health Checks
- Sep up and assist GP with procedures such as implanon insertion and removal, wart removal, Punch Biopsy.
- Pt wound dressings
- Spirometer tests
- Suture Removal
- ECG
- Pt recall and reminders follow-ups
- Audit check on drug cupboards, emergency trolley & Dr Bags.
- Ordering of medical supplies/purchase orders.
- Cold Chain Monitoring.
- All other clinic duties as required by GP’s.
Chronic Disease Health Worker
Mandalay Medical Centre
01.2015 - 02.2015
- Review chronic disease identification, care and recall practices to ensure effective process implementation and continuous improvement.
- Review systems utilization, reporting processes and outcomes.
- Review referrals processes and care pathways in line with identified health assessments and/or GPMPs / TCAs needs.
- Work alongside Clinicians and trainees on the job to develop the specific skills required to perform effectively in their role at the relevant level of training / certification.
- Provide education for clients regarding the roles of various providers involved in their care, reasons for referral and importance of follow up care.
- Support clients with information, resources and advice in response to specific requests and / or identified need
- Assist with Health checks and client support as required
- Coordinating and monitoring all chronic disease patients to ensure they have current GPMP, TCA, ATSI Health Check, and making sure they are having reviews of GPMP(732), TCA(732).
- Coordinating PIP & CTG sign up.
- Coordination of all chronic disease patients to ensure they are maximising all allied health service providers.
Senior Aboriginal Health Worker/ Chronic Disease
Bidgerdii Community Health Service
07.2014 - 12.2014
- Review chronic disease identification, care and recall practices to ensure effective process implementation and continuous improvement.
- Review systems utilization, reporting processes and outcomes.
- Review referrals processes and care pathways in line with identified health assessments and/or GPMPs / TCAs needs.
- Work alongside Clinicians and trainees on the job to develop the specific skills required to perform effectively in their role at the relevant level of training / certification.
- Foster a high level of professionalism amongst Clinicians/AHWs.
- Support effective implementation of the role of health workers in the model of care, providing education and support for team members.
- Provide education for clients regarding the roles of various providers involved in their care, reasons for referral and importance of follow up care.
- Support clients with information, resources and advice in response to specific requests and / or identified need
- As part of a team provide delivery of Primary Health Care, undertake basic health assessments and screenings, specifically undertakes observations, assessments and treatments including but not limited to dressings, venipuncture /specimen collection.
- Assist with Health checks and client support as required; as part of scheduled programs.
- Provide follow-up monitoring and care through referrals following health assessments and / or GPMP / TCAs, coordinating as required with other relevant internal, visiting, and external providers
- Undertake assigned recall activity; including check list names, check eligibility, make calls, manage and record outcomes.
- Provide home visits when necessary.
- Maintain Treatment / Consulting Room ensure fully stocked, checked and tidied after each client.
- Comply with Clinic Procedures Manual in the delivery of services.
- Actively encourage client/family/community to engage in practices conducive to optimizing health outcomes.
- Coordinating and monitoring all chronic disease patients to ensure they have current GPMP, TCA, ATSI Health Check, and making sure they are having reviews of GPMP(732), TCA(732).
- Coordinating PIP & CTG sign up.
- Coordination of all chronic disease patients to ensure they are maximising all allied health service providers.
- Data entering of all referrals on to Prac Soft to ensure maximum Medicare income is received.
- Coordinating all CCSS referrals for our Chronic Disease patients to CQ Medicare Local.
- Coordinate all referrals for home medication review and communicate and advocate to pharmacist on behalf of our clients.
- Coordinating all Bidgerdii’s visiting specialist clinics such as ENT, Endocrinologist, Cardiac Outreach, Respiratory Outreach, and IDEAS Van.
- Provide day to day health service activities to the designated communities within the context of Primary Health Care in a professional, confidential and culturally safe manner.
- Work in partnership with other health care professionals to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to health care.
- Undertake assigned recall activity; including check list names, check eligibility, make calls, manage and record outcomes.
- Conducts opportunistic screening in line with client care plans.
- Maintain universal precautions in line with Infection Control policies
- Provide Health checks and client support as required; as part of scheduled programs
Clinical Health Worker/Chronic Disease Spearhead
CQRAICCHO
05.2014 - 07.2014
- Perform clinical duties in all areas of the health service; this includes the general clinic, child health programs and particular community based programs.
- Work in a way that is appropriate to gender sensitivities operating in the Aboriginal community.
- Be respectful to clients and treat all information about the client with strict confidentiality.
- Follow the procedures documented in a formal policy and procedures manual for the health service.
- Work with more qualified staff in clinical aspects of the work; it will be the AHW’s responsibility to seek assistance in all situations where s/he has some concerns about her/his capabilities.
- Assist other health staff requiring community, cultural and/or linguistic assistance with clients, except where culturally inappropriate.
- Participate in the development, presentation and monitoring of health programs as.
- Participate in on-going training provided by the health service and other agencies.
- Competently use the computerized clinic database and enter relevant data into that system consistently and accurately.
- Perform consultations with clinic clients, including listening to their story, providing a basic physical examination and consulting with more experienced clinical staff as necessary, and to advice on the treatment and management of a client’s health problems.
- Work in collaboration with AMS Clinic Manager and staff in the central Queensland region to help them better understands the chronic disease programs and items associated with an AMS.
- Work with nurses and Aboriginal Health workers and Clinic Managers in developing and undertaking pars of a GPMP and TCA to assist the GP.
- Train Medical Receptionist on the MBS Chronic Disease item numbers and frequency of claiming and also upskill them in the IUIH model of care.
- Train Nurses, AHW in conducting 715 Health Checks and Point of care testing.
Clinic Manager
Bidgerdii Community Health
02.2013 - 05.2014
- Assisting in the establishment\implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and systems for all operational areas of the clinic.
- Assisting in the development and implementation of long-range plans.
- Operate and Implement the IUIH Model of Care to increase Medicare income.
- Participating in the selection, training and supervision of all clinic staff.
- Planning and coordinating daily work assignments and operations.
- Evaluating performance, recommending merit increases and disciplinary actions.
- Problem Solving.
- Working with medical staff to ensure quality patient care and services are provided
- Gathering and reporting data for, statistical and analysis purposes.
- Administrative and operational duties (including the maintenance of clinic property, computer systems and installed software applications) and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Assisting in the development\implementation of cost effective policies and procedures for all administrative and operational areas.
- Serving as a liaison between clinic and external agencies.
- Maintaining the strictest confidentiality
- Roll out organization policies, procedures to staff.
- Planning, organizing, delegating and supervise staff work schedules
- Gathering and interpreting data for reporting purposes.
- Maintaining effective working relationships with staff, patients, public and external agencies
- Prepare reports or other correspondence as require
- Performing other duties as assigned
- Apply for all GP Provider numbers and any other paper work for Medicare purposes.
- Checking all DR Registrations for currency.
Medicare Officer
Bidgerdii Community Health
05.2010 - 05.2013
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Increase knowledge of the Medicare claiming and Supplementary Services Program associated with the Closing the Gap initiative.
- Provide information to health professionals and patients in a timely manner to ensure cultural awareness and Medicare relate information is current and appropriate.
- Work closely with general practitioners and practice staff, specialists and Allied Health Professionals to support maximum claiming for Medicare Benefits Items including care planning and continuity of care across the service were being met.
- Work closely with patients, carers, and the patient’s primary health care team, actively contributing to the development of individualised care plans and team care arrangements.
- Work collaboratively with the Indigenous Health Program Officer, the Indigenous Outreach Worker and other Care Coordinators, along with health professionals and community organisations to promote the value and viability of Medicare related items and claiming.
- Ensure that all information provided to the patient and carers is given in a culturally sensitive manner and in terms that are understood by all parties as demonstrated by their improved health literacy.
- Identify potential interactions with other Allied health Providers.
- Increase practice and patient awareness and knowledge around Medicare item numbers especially chronic disease related item members including health care options and the values of medication compliance.
- Improve the quality and consistency of follow-up care for patients managing a chronic health condition.
- Work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Adhere to all Bidgerdii Policies and Procedures.
- Assist in quality assurance through the maintaining of accurate, quality documentation and systems.
- Observe and promote best practice principles within Occupational Health and Safety at all times.
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Receive and convey messages in writing, verbally and electronically
- Liaise with patients and their families in a compassionate manner
- Liaise with GPs, other Allied health professionals and their staff
- Communicate & Liaise with Medicare Australia on patients/doctors behalf
- Regularly checking patients eligibilities for item numbers (715, 721, 723, 732)
- Process CTG Requests (Close The Gap)
- Online Medicare Billing
- Batch, Process, Resolve & receipt all Medicare claims on a daily basis
- Fax documents
- Scan documents
- Type documents as required with a high level of accuracy
- Maintain a clean work station
- Place orders for stationery and/or referrals and script paper as required maintaining a working supply at all times.
- Book and organize staff and/or doctors meetings as directed
- Any other duties as directed by Practice Manager.
Senior Health Worker Chronic Disease
Bidgerdii Community Health
05.2013 - 02.2013
- Pt Screening (BP, BSL, Weight, Height ,Temp)
- Pt point of care testing (HBA1c, Urinalysis, urine Dip stick).
- Pt education
- Aboriginal Health Checks
- Facilitate and run Living Strong program for Chronic Disease Patients.
- Coordinate the implementation of the Chronic Disease Health Programs including data management and reporting.
- Care co-ordination of all chronic disease patients to ensure they are maximising all allied health service providers.
- Coordinate and book all allied health clinics with in Bidgerdii and coordinate all allied health appointments with other allied health service providers with in the Rockhampton community.
- Assist GP to do CCSS referrals for all Chronic Disease patients to Medicare Local.
- Liaise with government and community partners with respect to the Chronic Disease care and related programs including attending meetings and workshops where required.
- Contribute to the maintenance of relevant data, records and statistics in accordance with privacy and confidentiality protocols specifically in relation to key Chronic Disease care.
- Coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of Chronic Disease initiatives for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in line with organisational priorities and desired health outcomes.
- Provide culturally appropriate health care to meet the needs of the community.
- Provide assistance in clinical care and support for Chronic Disease clients, promote child health, undertake basic clinical assessment, refer appropriately and provide treatment in an Aboriginal health care setting in consultation with Bidgerdii Clinical Team.
- Prepare an annual work plan in consultation with the Health Promotions Manager and produce regular performance reports in accordance with the requirements of Centre’s Individual Work Plans, performance management, and reporting systems.
- Comply with organisational as well as governmental reporting framework requirements as directed by the CEO on a regular basis including in relation to funding, budgeting and planning.
- Contribute to the effective management of the Centre’s patient care plan systems, including participating in patient care conferences, managing patient follow-up procedures, and maintaining appropriate and adequate documentation in accordance with established guidelines.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate health promotion, education and awareness programs that contribute to the effective achievement of the Centre’s strategic and operational plans.
- Contribute to a team environment, working collaboratively in sharing and generating ideas.
- Contribute to regular staff meetings.
- Communicate effectively and openly in the workplace.
- Complete tasks in a timely manner and meet strict deadlines.
- Participate in professional development including self-directed learning and required training.
- Demonstrate knowledge of occupational health & safety, and equal employment opportunity and comply with associated organisational policies.
Medical Receptionist
Kambu Medical Centre
04.2006 - 01.2010
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Answering telephone in a courteous and professional manner within 3 rings
- Receive and convey messages in writing, verbally and electronically
- Liaise with patients and their families in a compassionate manner
- Liaise with GPs, other Allied health professionals and their staff
- Patient Recall and reminders as requested by GPs & other allied health providers
- Communicate & Liaise with Medicare Australia on patients/doctors behalf
- Regularly checking patients eligibilities for item numbers (715, 721, 723, 732)
- Process CTG Requests (Close The Gap)
- Booking appointments for GPs & Other Allied Health Professional’s.
- Online Medicare Billing
- Batch, Process, Resolve & receipt all Medicare claims on a daily basis
- Fax documents
- Scan documents
- File documents
- Prepare documents for mail-out
- Open, stamp appropriately and distribute incoming mail
- Type documents as required with a high level of accuracy
- Maintain and clean waiting rooms in between Doctors lunches and in afternoons
- Maintain a clean work station and reception area
- Place orders for stationery and/or clinical supplies as directed OR Monitor Stationery and/or clinical supply levels and place orders as required maintaining a working supply at all times.
- Book and organize staff and/or doctors meetings as directed
- Participate in ongoing professional development activities
- Contribute equitably to maintaining the cleanliness of the practice
- Any other administrative duties as directed by Practice Manager
Education
CERT IV - ATSI Primary Health Practice
Health Industry Training
Brisbane, QLDSkills
- Leadership abilities
- Organizational management skills
- Medicare compliance understanding
- Patient assessment skills
- Healthcare administrative proficiency
- Strong organizational skills
- Experienced in software utilization
- Effective communication
- Excel spreadsheet management
- Microsoft
- Detail-oriented data management
- Medical software experience with Communicare, Medical Director & Pracsoft and Best Practice
- Data reporting proficiency
- Cost management proficiency
- Policy implementation
- Records management
- Policy and procedure development
- Employee performance
- Strategic planning
- Practice management
- Staff management
- Workflow management
- Electronic health records
- Staff development
- Budget oversight
- Supplies ordering
- Workflow planning
- Human resources
- Medical personnel recruitment
- Policy development
- Strategic consulting
- Client consulting
- Managing medical practices
- Training and mentoring
- Staff supervision
- Critical thinking
- Patient relations
- Patient education
- Problem identification
- Employee work scheduling
- Clinical staff management
Certification
- Current Cert IV in Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Practice.
- Current - Certificate of Training and Competency in Point of Care Testing (Siemens DCA QAAMS Program)
- Living Strong Facilitator Training
- Cert III in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- Cert III in Medical Reception
- Cert II in Business Administration
- Current Senior First Aid / CPR
- Current Blue Card to work with Children
- AGPAL RACGP Standards Training
- Hand Hygiene Australia
- Cancer Care Training with Cancer Care Team.
- Good Medicine Better Health (General Medicines)
- Good Medicines Better Health ( Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension)
- Face – Focus Action Cultural Education training
- Communicare Systems Pty Ltd Electronic Health Record Management System.
- MD & Pracsoft & BP competency.
- Removal of wound staples Training
- Medicare Training
- Wound Care and Bandaging Training
- 20/20 Integrated Solutions completing Quality Coordinator – Introductory Training.
- Influenza & Pneumococcal Training Session
- General Evacuation and First Response Training
Timeline
Practice Manager
Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health
10.2024 - Current
Clinic Manager
Carbal Medical Centre
04.2015 - 10.2024
Aboriginal Health Worker
Carbal Medical Centre
02.2015 - 04.2015
Chronic Disease Health Worker
Mandalay Medical Centre
01.2015 - 02.2015
Senior Aboriginal Health Worker/ Chronic Disease
Bidgerdii Community Health Service
07.2014 - 12.2014
Clinical Health Worker/Chronic Disease Spearhead
CQRAICCHO
05.2014 - 07.2014
Senior Health Worker Chronic Disease
Bidgerdii Community Health
05.2013 - 02.2013
Clinic Manager
Bidgerdii Community Health
02.2013 - 05.2014
Medicare Officer
Bidgerdii Community Health
05.2010 - 05.2013
Medical Receptionist
Kambu Medical Centre
04.2006 - 01.2010
CERT IV - ATSI Primary Health Practice
Health Industry Training
Professional Assets
- Proven ability to provide self-esteem, health promotion/education and prevention strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families.
- Self-motivated with the ability to plan, organise and meet deadlines
- Outstanding communication skills, complemented by strong interpersonal abilities with the added capacity to relate to people at all levels, across cultural boundaries and whilst building productive and responsive relationships
- Highly flexible, able to operate independently and as an enthusiastic, willing and supportive member of a team
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills complementing the ability to prioritise competing responsibilities and to deliver within demanding deadlines whilst maintaining a strong client focus and commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Personal Attribute
- Motivated
- Reliable
- Flexible
- Adaptable
- Team Player
- Keen and willing to learn
- Fast learner
- Hard worker