Jacqueline Payton, RHIA, CCS, CPMA, CEDC, CEMA, CPPM

I attribute my success to gaining experience across multiple healthcare settings and being willing to learn in different environments. Throughout my career, I've worked in almost every type of healthcare facility - from university physician billing to acute care, mental health, nursing homes, dental insurance, and hospital systems. I tell people it's good to have a variety of things, and I feel blessed that God has blessed me to work in different places and be associated with almost every type of specialty. This broad exposure has given me a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations and compliance requirements. I've also learned the importance of adaptability - I've worked through major changes like the privatization of mental health services, the transition to remote work at Highmark, and the development of new systems like DRG coding in nursing homes. At this point in my career, I realize that my extensive experience is most valuable when I'm in a position where I can guide teams, improve processes, and ensure things are done correctly, which is why I'm seeking supervisory, managerial, or educational roles.

My career has been shaped by a variety of leaders and professional experiences across different healthcare systems. The opportunity to work in diverse roles and environments has played a significant part in my growth, allowing me to expand my knowledge, strengthen my expertise, and develop a well-rounded perspective within the industry.

I encourage young women entering the healthcare field to seek experience across multiple areas, remain adaptable, and commit to continuous learning throughout their careers. Gaining exposure to different roles, systems, and specialties not only strengthens your skill set but also gives you a deeper understanding of how the industry operates as a whole.

I believe that this broad, well-rounded experience creates a solid foundation for long-term success and positions you for future leadership opportunities. Stay open to growth, embrace change, and never stop learning—those qualities will set you apart and help you make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

The biggest challenge I see in healthcare right now is when processes aren't done efficiently and correctly, and you don't have the authority to change them. When you have so much experience and you know what should be done correctly, but it's not done in an efficient way and there's nothing you can do about changing it, it becomes frustrating. That's why I've realized at this point in my career that I need to be in either some type of supervisor, managerial role, or educational position, so that my days are not frustrating. The opportunity I see is for experienced professionals like myself to step into leadership, education, and training roles where we can guide teams, improve processes, and ensure compliance. There's a real need for people who understand how healthcare systems should work across different settings and can train others to do things the right way.

God is the center and the head of all my life - that's it. I believe wholeheartedly in serving God with all my heart and with all my soul. In my work, I value doing things correctly and efficiently, which is why I'm drawn to compliance and ensuring processes meet the standards they should. I also deeply value people and relationships. Because I've lost all of my immediate family - everyone I grew up with has passed away - I've learned that I cherish people and don't throw them away. If you get mad with me, I don't care how mad you get with me, I may get mad with you, but I still love you, because I've lost people in my life and I know how valuable people are. I also value integrity and being a representative of Christ in everything I do. For example, when I had an argument with a pizza shop manager, even though I felt I was right, I called her back and apologized because I am a child of God and I represent Christ. The Word of God makes you look in the mirror at yourself, and studying Scripture helps me change the things that are wrong with me. My faith, my service to others through my church and youth ministry, and my commitment to treating people with love and respect are what guide both my work and personal life.