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 Kathy Pride, Director, Coding Solutions.
We spoke with Kathy 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?
My introduction to healthcare began when I was a unit secretary in a hospital. Although that role wasn’t the right fit, it led me to return to school, where I discovered the field of Health Information Management (HIM). That’s when I realized that medical coding was the career path I wanted to pursue. I thrive in dynamic environments and consider myself a lifelong learner, which is why medical coding turned out to be the perfect match for my skills and interests.
2. What are you most proud of about your journey with Harmony Healthcare?
My biggest accomplishment—and the one I’m most proud of—was being part of a small team that revolutionized the mid-revenue cycle of operations within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care system. When I was first introduced to the VA in 2002, their entire process was paper based. Over the course of just a few years, our small team of 10 developed and implemented a customized coding and billing solution that was implemented in every VA in the country and transitioned the VA from a manual, paper-driven system to a fully electronic workflow that to my knowledge, is still used in the VA today.
3. What is the biggest takeaway you’ve gained from your career thus far?
The most valuable takeaway from my career has been the importance of networking. While there are many talented HIM professionals in the field, what truly elevates your career is having a strong network of peers you can rely on for support, guidance, and collaboration—and being just as willing to support them in return.
4. What are the top Coding trends that you think people in the industry need to be prepared for?
AI is a major topic of conversation these days, and I recently heard a quote that stuck with me: “AI is here to stay, and if you don’t embrace it, you will be left behind.” While AI has received some negative attention, I believe it’s a powerful tool meant to enhance our work—not replace it. When used effectively, it will support and improve the way we do our jobs.
5. What advice would you give professionals in the Coding industry?
My advice to other professionals is this: embrace the journey. Don’t get too caught up in what your career should look like—allow it to evolve and lead you in new directions. There are many non-traditional paths available to coders and HIM professionals. Commit to being a lifelong learner, but you don’t need an alphabet soup of credentials after your name; the core certifications and your experience can open more doors than you might expect. Focus on being a critical thinker—aim to solve problems, not be one. And most importantly, build a strong network of HIM professionals for support, insight, and collaboration.
6. Tell us a little about Kathy outside of your professional life. How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m a big fan of sporting events—football, hockey, softball, baseball, basketball—you name it. I’m lucky that my sister works in college athletics, which has given me the chance to attend some amazing events, including two NCAA Basketball Final Fours. And when it’s time to relax, you’ll find me at my happy place: by the beach.
7. What’s a fun fact about Kathy that most people don’t know?
Fun fact: I’ve visited 49 out of the 50 U.S. states—and Idaho is the last one standing! I’m on a mission to check it off soon so I can officially say I’ve been to all 50.
8. Anything else you’d like to say, advice to give, etc?
My advice for a successful career is to have a strong work ethic, be humble, and give back by mentoring and helping others grow.
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.
