Nikki Martinez
Managed Care Contracting Specialist/Sr Manager, Patient Financial Services
Houston, Texas, United States
Professional Overview
Nikki Martinez is an experienced healthcare professional with over 20 years of expertise in managed care contracting, patient financial services, and provider relations. In her current role as Managed Care Contracting Specialist/Sr Manager, Patient Financial Services at Harris Health System, she plays a pivotal part in negotiating and managing complex payer contracts, while also overseeing patient financial services operations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Managed Care Contracting Specialist/Sr Manager, Patient Financial Services at Harris Health System, Nikki is responsible for leading the organization's managed care contracting and credentialing efforts. She plays a key role in strategically negotiating and maintaining favorable payer agreements that ensure the financial viability of the health system. Additionally, she oversees the patient financial services team, implementing efficient processes and driving revenue cycle improvements.
Under Nikki's leadership, the managed care contracting team has successfully renegotiated several high-value payer contracts, resulting in increased reimbursement rates and improved financial outcomes for the organization. She has also spearheaded the implementation of advanced contract management software, streamlining the contract lifecycle and enhancing the organization's ability to track and optimize contract performance.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Nikki served as a Contract Specialist and Managed Care Contracting and Credentialing specialist at Harris Health System, where she gained deep expertise in navigating the complexities of the managed care landscape. Before joining Harris Health System, she held positions as a Senior Network Account Manager at UnitedHealth Group and a Contract Specialist at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Nikki's comprehensive experience across various healthcare organizations has equipped her with a thorough understanding of the industry's evolving dynamics and the ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver tangible results.
Academic Background
Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston, where she graduated cum laude. Her academic achievements and dedication to continuous learning have been instrumental in shaping her professional development and ability to tackle complex healthcare challenges.
Areas of Expertise
- Managed care contract negotiation and optimization
- Payer credentialing and provider network management
- Revenue cycle management and patient financial services
- Healthcare regulatory compliance and policy implementation
- Cross-functional collaboration and strategic project management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Nikki has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive positive change and deliver measurable results. Her contributions have been recognized by her peers, as evidenced by her selection to serve on industry advisory boards and her participation in various professional development programs.
Conclusion
Nikki Martinez is a seasoned healthcare professional with a proven track record of success in managed care contracting, patient financial services, and revenue cycle optimization. Her depth of industry knowledge, strategic problem-solving skills, and commitment to continuous improvement make her a valuable asset to the Harris Health System and a respected leader in the healthcare community.
