Jeanne M. McTernan, MA, OTR/L

Director of Billing and Utilization Review

Jeanne McTernan has worked with Sanford since they opened in 2014. She performed utilization reviews (presenting clinical cases to insurance companies) for Sanford, while working for another company. In fact, Jeanne’s master’s thesis was titled: Screening for Alcohol Abuse: patients who present with physical injuries or medical conditions. She received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and her master’s degree from Tufts University.

Jeanne taught Math/Science at high school and middle school levels prior to receiving her master’s degree. She says she wanted to choose a profession that would utilize her undergraduate education, while still remaining in a helping profession. And she chose Occupation Therapy due to their philosophy of treating the whole person and helping people live a meaningful life at their full potential. Jeanne has worked as a therapist in trauma hospitals; rehabs; and Pediatrics, Wound Care, and Psychiatric Units within hospitals. She has experience with inpatient as well as outpatient levels of care.

As Director of Billing and Utilization Review, Jeanne’s role is to create an internal billing department.  And although it is not direct patient care, it still offers her the opportunity to help clients behind the scene. Also, to pull from 20 years of experience in client care, and empathically help people obtain the services they need. In her free time, Jeanne likes to journal, create mosaics, and read.

Jeanne says, “It is great to be a part of Sanford, as they run quality programs at all levels of care.  I work in this field because I feel I am one among many who can make a difference in peoples’ lives. What I like most about Sanford is the staff – from all areas in the organization.  There is an upbeat team spirit.”