Coach of the Quarter – Melissa “Renea” Cloud

Melissa Cloud, a Provider Outreach and Education Supervisor, consistently finds ways to help her peers, staff, and other functional areas. She is always willing to assist others and her commitment to educating and leading employees while keeping the customer first is unparalleled. Melissa is a valued member of the team and well respected by her colleagues.

Process Improvement of the Quarter - Medicare Audit New UDR Template Swing Bed Rates Tab

The Medicare Audit team improved the uniform desk review (UDR) by adding new data sets to the existing Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) Swingbed Rate template. They added functionality to include rates not only for CAHs but for all providers with Swingbed sub-units. They also added the capability to report the provider's region and allow adjustments if applicable.

By eliminating the need to cross-check Swingbed rates, the process improvement saves approximately 20 hours of work each year. This increase in productivity earned the Medicare Audit team Process Improvement of the Quarter.

Team Members: Tamesha Bryant

Team of the Quarter – WCM3, New Websites, New to Medicare Team

When the need for a New to Medicare site was introduced, the WCM3, New Websites, New to Medicare team knew that the user interface, visuals, and communication must be a top priority for a successful relaunch of the websites. By working together with teams across multiple functional areas, the project site map was created, new content developed, and navigation simplified. Marketing announced the launch of the more user-friendly and streamlined websites for Jurisdictions J and M and Railroad Medicare.

Team Members: Brett Benton, Kathy Brannon, Angela Bryant, Kim Campbell, Gerald Eichelberger, Towanda Greene, Arvind Gunda, Kalena Hammock, Carol Harper, Steven Hester, Jason Hicks, Chris James, Jennifer Johnson, James Kirk, Marlowe Leverette, Belinda Marin, Katie McLean, Bonnie A. Miller, Liz Nettles, Gayle Patterson, Derek Roberts, Parker Roof, David Russell, Korene Smith, Wendy Weary, and Cara Wilkins Mia

Associates of the Month

January – Debra Goodman

Debra Goodman, a Policy Communications Specialist, is a determined, hard-working asset to her department. Debra makes sure that her team members are well prepared for any project by completing person-to-person training, coaching, and mentoring all while keeping a smile on her face and having fun.

February – Areka Freeman

As a Senior Provider Relations Representative, Areka Freeman always works with accountability, consistency and demonstrates a team approach. Areka is the backbone of the Part A team within the Provider Outreach and Education (POE) department. She leads teleconferences, delivers quarterly updates, and educates providers on events. Areka is focused on the Palmetto GBA strategic plan and specifically concentrates on our company's goals to deliver the best value. Areka has received positive feedback on her work demonstrating knowledge, creativity, and superior communication skills.

March – Bonnie A. Miller

Bonnie Miller, a Communications II Specialist, has been a key asset in major Palmetto GBA projects including the Palmetto GBA New to Medicare website development, WCM3, and Qualtrics Surveys deployment. To play a part in just one of these projects would be a huge undertaking, but to take the lead in all three is extraordinary and we're excited to announce Bonnie as our Associate of the Month.