Work From Home Proposal

RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: “Work-from-home-choice is here to stay at Sanford Health. Flexible work began as a temporary policy during the pandemic. It’s now a built-in benefit.”

Article written by Mick Garry (Sanford Marketing) on 3/14/2023

Care managers Customer service representative

Patient Access Respresentatives

Coding Specialists

Administrative assistants Associate Insurance Representative

These are all examples of current work-from-home positions available at Sanford Health.

I have taken this new role (CAA) without training or working knowledge of the process. I have developed it into an efficient system. Doing this did not happen without obstacles and moving forward will always have minor road blocks, which I am ready to overcome. I have found and utilize medication formulary lists put out on-line by several high profile insurance companies. I have developed relationships with pharmaceutical reps that can assist with prior authorizations for their drug via email. I have established relationships with pharmacy staff across the city/state. I have added additional clinics taking care of their prior authorization and prolia benefit verifications since the inception of this role. All while enjoying the shuffling of paper, detective work searching the chart and final resolution and determination from insurance companies.

As a preceptor for this role I have successfully trained 3 individuals to adapt what they have learned into their individual roles. I spent time in October 2024 training a CMA out of Dickinson to make prior authorization management her work-from-home career.

PRO: the lack of interruptions while working remotely would allow increased focus – more PA’s completed

PRO: I work extremely well in positions that I can work independently

PRO: communications are all electronic; Webex, email, right fax, etc – no lapse in communication with clinic

PRO: I already have a home office that is HIPAA compliant equipped with internet/Bluetooth/wifi, fax and scanning capabilities

PRO: all me to improve on my technical and communication skills

PRO: without a daily commute, office chatter and gossip, I would be available to work those extra minutes which could mean more prior authorizations submitted in a day

PRO: without my need for employee parking, someone else could benefit from my parking pass

PRO: I could get myself a stand/sit desk and possibly a under desk treadmill.

CON: not working side by side with my colleagues, but that’s a PRO as well

CON: easily misread cues from electronic communications, communication will be spot on

CON: home office set up, might get spendy

I would remain available during work hours via email, Webex, zoom, and of course telephone, COMMUNICATION IS KEY, I WILL BE AVAILABLE! I would be able to remain HIPAA compliant as I would have a private room and desk dedicated to my job, plus no one is home.

I am not looking to change roles or find a new career , I am only looking to better balance the one I have. I have ZERO doubts that I can be just as successful in this role…from home.

Of course, I am invested in the success of the clinics I serve as well as Sanford as a whole. I believe the longevity of my employment of 13+ years speaks volumes, I would like to continue this relationship.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Jennifer Lewis

Clinical Administrative Assistant / RMA - Internal Medicine / Family Medicine

Initially, I submitted a similar proposal over a year ago, which fell on deaf ears. Or did it? I spent months hoping and waiting for someone to responded...crickets. Fast forward a couple more months it was "self-employee evaluation" time. We were asked come up with goals for the next year. Usually, I'd come up with something like; "be more diligent in two patient identifiers before drawing blood" or "double checking the immunization order vs the one I give." Don't get the wrong idea, I didn't make those errors causing me to say this!! This year, my one and only goal was to make my positions work-from-home!!

I tweaked my original proposal to what you see to the left! Tick, tick, tick...I waited for a month or two and still didn't hear anything. This time I started asking questions. Did you get my self- eval? Did you read it? What do we do now? Unfortunately, no one had laid eyes on it yet. WHAT? This was literally my one and only goal to talk about. After asking that the eval be read I was told that the proposal has been taken up the ladder. COOL!!

Honestly, I don't know what that means or who is up that ladder. But, I did get a response letting me know they were willing to make my job remote, but the catch is that I have to be "hard-wired" into a router. Well, that makes it difficult since the RV isn't stationary. At this time I thought this "rule" just killed my future. Say it ain't so!? Then, I was asked that if a position/team was created as an enterprise role doing exactly what I do now, if I'd be interested? YES! YES! Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to respond.

Fast forward a bit and with our leave date coming up faster than enterprise can hire employees for this team. The clinic I work for has responded with the nod to take my current role on the road until enterprise is ready to train.

This crazy turning around of events and the way things are happening are literally all thanks to Jesus! I truly believe that non of this would be falling into place without his hand involved. THANK YOU!

I will be getting my laptop, "soft phone" capabilities and camera in the next couple of weeks. My last day at clinic is 9/4/25 and my first day of working from home is 9/8/25. WHEW! We leave Bismarck in 9/18/25!

HERE IS MY SET UP FROM THE RV!!