Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Tervalon Kelly, RN, BSN, is an accomplished healthcare professional, utilization review nurse, and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in the medical insurance industry. She currently works in utilization review, where she applies her extensive knowledge of claims administration, clinical care, medical necessity, and healthcare operations to evaluate authorizations and medical records. Lisa began her insurance career as a claims examiner and steadily advanced into supervisory leadership, spending nearly 20 years reviewing and managing claims across multiple organizations. Following a personal family tragedy, she made the courageous decision to pursue nursing, beginning with an accelerated Licensed Practical Nursing program and later earning her Registered Nurse and Bachelor of Science in Nursing credentials.
Lisa’s diverse clinical and administrative background has given her a well-rounded understanding of both patient care and healthcare reimbursement. Her nursing experience includes working as a floor nurse with multiple healthcare organizations and agencies, as well as serving as an MDS nurse specializing in payment and case-mix processes. She eventually transitioned into utilization review, where she evaluates medical authorizations, clinical documentation, medical records, and medical necessity for a broad range of services, including durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, chemotherapy, genetic testing, inpatient care, and retrospective reviews. Earlier in her insurance career, she also developed expertise in identifying and correcting authorization errors, preparing approval letters, conducting retroactive reviews, and updating overturned appeals.
In addition to her healthcare expertise, Lisa is the Owner of G&L 24hr Welding Service & Repair LLC, a fencing and welding contracting company she has operated since 2020. Her entrepreneurial experience reflects her ability to apply strong organizational, operational, and leadership skills beyond the healthcare industry. Lisa earned her Associate of Science in Registered Nursing from Excelsior University and has continued to advance her education throughout her career. She also holds an associate degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Computer Science from Delgado Community College. Her career is distinguished by resilience, continuous professional development, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in both healthcare and business.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of self-motivation. I am goal-driven and detail-oriented, always striving to maintain high standards while continuously looking for opportunities to grow and improve. I genuinely enjoy working with people and building meaningful relationships, which has strengthened my ability to collaborate, lead, and serve others effectively. Above all, I am motivated by the desire to make a positive difference each day, both professionally and personally, and to leave a meaningful impact through the work I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to remain resilient, no matter what challenges or setbacks I encounter. I believe that the more you learn, the more you grow, both personally and professionally, so I continually seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and develop new skills. I also believe in creating the change I want to see rather than simply waiting for it to happen. Most importantly, I have learned to embrace my individuality, remain authentic to who I am, and use my unique strengths and experiences to make a meaningful difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to lead with kindness, respect, and professionalism while remaining confident in your own abilities. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by others or by challenging environments; instead, trust your knowledge, recognize your value, and have the courage to stand up for what you believe is right. Most importantly, be your own advocate, speak up for your ideas and accomplishments, and never be afraid to pursue opportunities that align with your goals and values.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is continuing to navigate changes within the medical insurance industry while ensuring that hospitals and patients receive the support they need. Through utilization review, I have the opportunity to help evaluate services, promote appropriate patient care, and contribute to efficient healthcare processes. I remain committed to staying informed, adapting to industry changes, and giving my best each and every day to serve healthcare organizations, providers, and the patients who depend on them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and leading by example. I believe in giving my best effort every day, holding myself to high standards, and demonstrating through my actions the commitment I expect from others. I value being a dependable team player who supports and encourages those around me, while remaining positive and focused even when challenges arise. Most importantly, I believe in never giving up, continuing to push forward, and always striving to grow and make a meaningful difference.
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