Her Story
About Ciara
Ciara Benyard is a dedicated professional with 13 years of experience in hospital revenue cycle at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She began her career after completing medical assistant training, initially working as a medical assistant before developing an interest in insurance and billing. Her primary expertise lies in authorizations, where she verifies insurance benefits and ensures approvals for surgical and cardiology procedures while helping patients understand their coverage. Benyard maintains several professional credentials, including CRCR certification, certified medical holder, certified customer service representative, certified orthotics fitter, and certified mastectomy fitter. She is a member of the American Heart Association and founded JOINED, an essential service company that supports families and individuals with day-to-day necessities such as home care and insurance guidance. Benyard attributes her success to her mother as a role model and emphasizes values of integrity, respect, and outstanding customer service in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ciara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother. She was a big role model in my eyes. In the manner that I have spoken to you about, that is the manner that I've learned from her as well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I would say is no matter what your educational background or your experience, always carry yourself in a respectful, professional manner. Be open to learn new things. And just be an outstanding customer service goal beyond just medical. It goes in your everyday life. So treating the next person with the utmost respect will get you far. Because you already are going to put in the hard work. It's just about your professionalism and being that person that is welcoming to one another.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say keep an open mind, and never doubt yourself. If you want it, you have to go get it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is especially in this field is when you pretend Don't let the dollar amount choose the position you want to go into. Being open-minded and actually weighing out the pros and the cons and going into a position as if it were your last. Like, you want to end your career with this position. You have to look at everything, not just the dollar amount. Another challenge is being too critical of yourself. You want to have that confidence. And don't doubt yourself.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say integrity and respect. Family is also very important as I love spending time with my family and raising my kids.
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