Harmony Healthcare provides healthcare organizations with the talent and resources needed to succeed today as well as the foresight to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. In this employee spotlight, we’re excited to highlight Brandi Russell, Principal Consultant, Coding Solutions.
We spoke with Brandi to share her advice for clients and coding professionals as well as insights from her career journey.
1. Tell us about your journey in healthcare?
In 2003, after graduating from a coding program, I started as an intern at a local hospital. I was a file clerk, receptionist, ROI clerk, and an outpatient coder. I quickly moved into the quality and compliance areas of coding, performing audits, and educating coders and physicians. In 2018, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health information management and now do consultative work with Harmony Healthcare, helping health systems and physician groups maximize their workflows and revenue while also mitigating risk.
2. What are you most proud of about your journey with Harmony Healthcare?
I’m proud that leadership saw my potential and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and grow professionally. I’m most proud to be part of an amazing team of intelligent, capable, humble, and supportive people. I love what I do, and I enjoy going to work every day, which says a lot about the culture at Harmony.
3. What is the biggest takeaway you’ve gained from your career thus far?
The biggest takeaway is that no one knows everything. Being in healthcare means you’re constantly evolving, whether through changing regulations and guidelines or keeping up to date with new technology. The only constant is change.
4. What are the top Coding trends that you think people in the industry need to be prepared for?
I recently attended an all-day coding seminar, and every session was about Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is inevitable at this point; it’s just a matter of what it’s going to look like for coding. Personally, I think AI will support humans in this area and not replace us. Many people were worried about the ICD-10 implementation but look at us now! When computer-assisted coding came about, many were worried that it would be the end of the coding profession. If anything, it has proven why coders are so important. It will be the same thing with AI – our role may be a little different, but our expertise will still be vital.
5. What advice would you give professionals in the Coding industry?
Never be afraid to ask a question and embrace change. Our profession is constantly evolving, and there are many paths a coder can take. Always keep learning and improving yourself professionally.
6. Tell us a little about Brandi outside of your professional life. How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading mysteries, preferably on a beach somewhere. I also love live music – the smaller the venue, the better. My favorite thing to do to relax is embroidery, specifically cross-stitch. One year, I used a photo of my niece playing soccer as a guide and stitched it for her for Christmas. It took me eight months, and it’s still my favorite project I’ve completed.
7. Anything else you’d like to say, advice to give, etc?
My parting wisdom is that it’s never too late and you’re never too old. You only get one ride on the carousel of life.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your organization’s medical coding operations or are looking for a new coding job, Harmony Healthcare can help. Reach out to us to see how we can support you.
