Emmalou Torres-Cabrera
* ********* **. ****** ****, NJ 07305•201-***-****•***************@*****.***
Profile
Nursing professional with extensive experience in quality improvement in a managed care organization. Broad
scope of responsibility includes regulatory compliance, strategic planning, staff management and project
management. Demonstrated successful operations specific to HEDIS reporting. Proven in-depth knowledge of
continuous quality improvement processes and recognized as a subject matter expert in clinical standards that
drives organizational best practices.
P rofessional Experience
June 2008 to Dec 2010
Healthfirst New York, NY
Director, Quality Improvement PHSP
Responsible for the development, implementation, coordination, monitoring and oversight of clinical
quality improvement programs for the PHSP line of business (Medicaid, CHP, FHP).
Directed annual HEDIS operations, specifically the medical record review process and final reporting
of the rates. Ensured integrity of data while maximizing submissions.
Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements. Participated in audits as part of contractual
obligations with the federal, state, city and external peer review agencies. Responded to Quality Matrix
and Corrective Action Plans. Prepared annual work plan and reported annual program evaluation.
Submitted required clinical focused studies.
Actively participated and reported in quality committee meetings and board meetings. Advised
committees on current standards and clinical practice guidelines.
Assisted in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to QI programs.
Oct 2005 to June 2008
Senior Manager, Clinical Quality
Spearheaded series of QI initiatives designed to improve quality scores. Instrumental in transforming
the company and turning into one of the leading health plans based on quality performance indicators.
Introduced process improvements and created metrics to maximize productivity.
Provide leadership to staff and hold full management responsibility. Recruited, trained and mentored
staff to achieve full potential.
Oct 2001 to Oct 2005
QI Clinical Manager
Conceptualized and launched QI programs to assigned clinical measures in an effort to turnaround
declining HEDIS rates. The multi-faceted interventions resulted in an increase in rates from below
statewide average to at least statewide average within two years of implementation. Ensured sustained
improvements by ongoing measurement, tracking and trending of statistical data.
Conducted medical record reviews, abstraction and data entry into QI specific software for HEDIS
reporting in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Developed and implemented strategies to improve provider and member compliance with the clinical
quality measures.
Aug 2000 to Oct 2001
RN Case Manager
Coordinated with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure service delivery through an integrated
case management approach with utilization review and case management activities. Developed patient-
focused care and managed the process across the continuum of care episodes.
Authorized request for admissions and vendor services using clinically proven criteria to make
consistent care decisions. Use of industry standards and benefit plan design, clinical knowledge and
critical thinking to administer cost efficient covered services.
Assisted with discharge planning and care coordination to ensure optimal outcomes.
1998 - 2000
Local 32BJ Health Fund New York, NY
Physician Referral Service Nurse
Assisted union members in finding the appropriate physician that best meets their medical needs based
on their selected geographic area. Ensured that members are connected with the physician's office and
facilitated securing an appointment. Educated the members regarding their benefit coverage to assist
them in making informed health care decisions.
1996 - 1998
Jersey City Medical Center Jersey City, NJ
Staff Nurse
Provided direct care to patients in the Postpartum and Nursery Unit through application of the nursing
process in accordance with approved standards. Delivered a complete range of services from admission
to discharge in collaboration with members of the healthcare team. Performed patient assessments,
assisted physicians with treatments and procedures, initiated and maintained intravenous therapy,
administered medications and monitored patient status. Coordinates discharge planning and provided
patient teaching, counseling and health education.
1994 - 1996
United Staffing Agency Elmhurst, NY
Per Diem Nurse
Assigned at various ambulatory care facilities and outpatient department in the hospitals. Provided
triage, direct patient care and referrals to appropriate providers. Managed multispecialty clinics that
include Urgent Care, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Surgery,
Urology, Pulmonary, ENT and Endocrinology. Maintained and organized patient medical records.
Education
1989-1993
Manila Central University Manila, Philippines
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2003-2005 New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey
Completed coursework towards Masters in Healthcare Administration
Licensure
Registered Nurse Licenses: California – License# 699623 Exp. 10/12; New Jersey – License# 26NR08615900
Exp. 5/12; New York – License# 461024 Exp. 8/11