Recorded at HEALTHCON 2025 in Orlando, FL
This session dives into the many ways healthcare professionals can grow beyond traditional coding roles — exploring how to enter the field, transition careers, and pursue leadership opportunities across the revenue cycle.
Panelists share their diverse journeys, from government and hospital work to education, compliance, and policy, offering guidance and inspiration for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Career journeys and experience
Kyosha – From investigator to education manager
Kyosha began her career over 20 years ago as a disability determination specialist for the Florida Department of Health, later becoming a Medicare fraud and abuse investigator.
She has since worked across insurance, education, and hospital settings — now serving as a Coding Operations Education Manager at HCA Healthcare.
Her story highlights how curiosity, lifelong learning, and openness to new roles can lead to a fulfilling and well-rounded career.
Matty – From broadway to coding
Matty, a former Broadway performer with an MFA from NYU, transitioned into healthcare during the pandemic after completing AAPC’s self-paced CPC course.
He started as a medical coding specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and now works for Oscar Health in their Special Investigations Unit.
Drawing parallels between performing arts and coding, he explains that both involve storytelling — interpreting the “script” of a patient’s medical record to uncover meaning and intent.
Jamie – From billing to field reimbursement management
Jamie started in billing for pathology and lab services before moving into auditing, compliance, and ultimately becoming a Field Reimbursement Manager for a medical device manufacturer.
She works closely with hospitals and payers to support accurate billing and positive coverage policies for urology devices.
Her experience reveals how coders can transition into policy, reimbursement, and advocacy — fields that blend business acumen with patient impact.
Christine – From pegboards to compliance consulting
Christine entered healthcare in 1988, beginning in patient accounts before advancing to practice management, owning a billing company, and becoming a compliance consultant.
She now works with practices and law firms to ensure documentation accuracy and ethical billing while teaching virtual coding courses.
Her passion lies in education — simplifying complex concepts and empowering others to understand the “why” behind coding and compliance.
Finding passion and direction
Christine discovered her calling early, realizing that understanding the business side of healthcare was key to making a difference. Her love for the field grew through constant learning and evolution.
Matty faced challenges convincing employers of his value when switching from performing arts to coding. By reframing his creative skills as analytical strengths, he found his confidence and purpose.
He reminded new coders that successful career pivots come from connecting your past experiences to your new goals — embracing who you were while growing into who you want to become.
Advice for new coders
Kyosha encouraged new professionals to actively promote their skills, stay visible, and build connections within the industry.
She advised keeping resumes updated, attending AAPC meetings, and engaging in conversations that showcase your strengths and ambitions.
Her key message: persistence matters more than perfection — and the “A” next to your credential doesn’t define your potential.
Exploring new opportunities
Jamie shared insight into the expanding world of medical device reimbursement and health policy, describing it as a growing but underexplored area for coders.
She emphasized the importance of understanding how payer decisions affect patient care and how professionals can help shape those policies.
Her journey shows that coders can have influence far beyond data entry — impacting innovation, access, and healthcare equity.
Key takeaways
There is no single path to success in healthcare — careers evolve through curiosity, adaptability, and courage to try new roles.
Transferable skills from any background — communication, analysis, storytelling, or teaching — can add value and create opportunity.
Networking and visibility are essential to career advancement; success often comes through connection and community.
Continuous education and engagement with professional organizations like AAPC empower professionals to stay relevant in a rapidly changing field.
Every story shared in this session underscores a simple truth: the healthcare industry thrives on growth, flexibility, and the willingness to learn something new.