Desiree Brown
Desiree Brown is an experienced healthcare professional and dedicated educator specializing in medical billing and coding. Currently serving as an instructor at the International College of California, she develops and delivers comprehensive lesson plans that prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare billing industry. In addition to her teaching role, Desiree continues to work as a medical biller, where she has significantly reduced billing denials across multiple specialty groups by implementing proactive strategies and meticulous attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in various healthcare roles, Desiree has cultivated expertise in project management, patient support, and revenue cycle processes. She completed the 2021 UCLA Staff Enrichment Program, where she enhanced her skills in process improvement and trend evaluation, leading to a measurable reduction in billing errors within the Faculty Practice Group. Her problem-solving abilities, combined with her capacity to work effectively under pressure, make her adept at navigating the complex challenges of modern healthcare systems. Desiree’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to both patient care and education. From front-line clinical support to collaboration with physicians and management teams, she brings a holistic understanding of healthcare operations. Her dedication to mentorship and student success has earned recognition from her cohorts, and she continues to inspire the next generation of medical billing professionals. Desiree has a background in communications from Western Illinois University and aims to further advance her education in healthcare administration.
• An Introduction to How Generative AI Will Transform Healthcare
• Revenue Cycle Management
• Project Management
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to helping others understand professional billing. Guiding students, patients, and colleagues through complex billing processes has been both rewarding and central to my professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make room for “the new”. Change is inevitable, and while it can be challenging, it can also be rewarding. Many of my students have come from completely different workforces, so being open to potentially pivoting your career might be difficult, but it can also be a positive experience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remain persistent and explore the numerous opportunities available. Not everyone wants to be a nurse (like myself), and that’s perfectly fine! This is one of the best aspects of this industry, as there are so many different career paths to choose from.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant challenges in teaching this course is that some students feel discouraged. I believe helping students stay motivated and confident, while being able to relate to their challenges, helps me identify key opportunities for their success. My commitment is to mentoring and encouraging others to excel in this field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me, both in my work and personal life, are understanding diverse backgrounds and providing support. I am dedicated to assisting students from the WorkNow program who may be unfamiliar with the healthcare industry. Empowering others through education and mentorship is the core of my work, but also connecting with my cohorts makes them feel more valued.
Locations
International College of California
Valencia, CA 91355