Katrina A. Gunter, RHIT, CDIP, CCC, CCS-P

By: Katrina A. Gunter, RHIT, CDIP, CCC, CCS-P

Background

Katrina A. Gunter, RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P is a 2022 graduate of San Juan College with an associate's in health information management. After earning my bachelor's in business administration from Cameron University in 1993, I always knew I would eventually return to school to pursue a degree in HIM. While working in the medical records department during college, I knew health information would be my future. I spent over 10 years as an office manager at an OB-GYN practice in Dallas before earning my first certification, the CCS-P. Once I earned my CCS-P, I worked several years remotely for the Schumacher Group as an ED Coding Specialist I and II. I was always passionate about coding and knew that was the direction in Health Information that I wanted to pursue. I always wanted to earn my associate’s degree and qualify for the RHIT exam. After my daughter graduated from high school, I set my goals and pursued my HIM degree and the certifications I wanted. I found a flexible online HIM program at San Juan College, which allowed me to work full time while completing my degree and preparing for the RHIT exam. It was a long journey, but well worth the wait for a successful outcome. I was truly on a mission with obtaining my certifications. I passed my RHIT exam before graduating in 2022, having already earned my CCS and CCS-P certifications. During my educational journey, clinical documentation was one of the areas that really piqued my interest, so I decided to study and sit for the CDIP a year after I passed my RHIT. I love HIM and the many avenues you can take in this field. I commend all my San Juan instructors and their excellent curriculum for continuing to ignite my passion for HIM and coding. I am truly filled with so much appreciation for all my educators and advisors that have continued to offer their guidance and other solicited advice. I am presently the Coding Supervisor at Comanche County Memorial in Lawton, OK as well as a part time ED coder for Gebbs. Since graduation, I have had the privilege of serving on the San Juan HIT Advisory Board as well as serving on other local Advisory committees. 

Challenges and Opportunities in HI in 2024

It’s an exciting time for HI with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). With many EHRs integrating AI into their workflows, the benefits in coding and clinical documentation could include quicker coding outcomes, improved accuracy, and increased efficiency. Despite these advancements, coders will still be essential for reviewing accuracy and handling complex cases. As AI tools become more integrated, medical coders are reinventing their roles by developing soft skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, and the ability to embrace these changes with a positive attitude. 

The opportunities in HI are increasing in 2024, driven by the rapid growth of AI. As organizations continue to invest in the advancement of what technology is offering, the careers in HI will continue to grow. Coding and clinical documentation opportunities will be more for those professionals that not only adapt but embrace the changes that are coming in this new era of technology. The transformation of AI in collaboration with HI will offer solutions to lighten the burden of documentation, improving clinical workflows and patient care, which remains the ultimate goal. 

Actions to Impact Healthcare in 2024

As HI professionals in 2024, we need to embrace our role as caretakers of PHI with pride and dignity. It’s essential that we continue to evolve and expand our skills for the roles we choose. Whether it’s inpatient or outpatient coding, data analysis, release of information, cancer registry, claims adjudication, or clinical documentation improvement, we must continuously refine our abilities. Strengthening these skills will be crucial as we adapt to the changes ahead. 

Steps for HI Students to Thrive in 2024

To thrive and excel students should continuously enhance the essential skills required for this profession, including analytical, communication, and technical skills. Additionally, students should actively seek to expand their knowledge base, as this will significantly enhance their marketability in a competitive professional environment. 

Additional Advice

I love this profession. And I encourage all HI students and professionals to commit to giving back whether through volunteer work, mentoring, or just being a positive influence on others around you. We can all make a difference. Let's help others learn to thrive, and not just survive, in this career path that we have chosen.