Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Gilgen is a healthcare revenue cycle and medical coding professional with more than two decades of experience across the industry. Currently serving in coding, CDI, and revenue cycle leadership at CSI Companies, she oversees multiple projects, supports coding resources, delivers client reports, leads internal and client meetings, and builds coding education programs based on quality review findings. Before moving into coding, Melissa spent roughly 15 years in direct patient care, working as a nurse assistant and surgical support technician, experience that continues to inform her hands-on, people-centered approach to revenue cycle work today.
Her academic path includes several years at the University of Utah studying Exercise Physiology, followed by a formal Certificate in Medical Coding from the US Career Institute. She went on to earn her Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation and her Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) credential, and she completed additional coursework as a Revenue Cycle Management Specialist. Melissa remains an active member of the AAPC and has previously given her time as a volunteer with the Daniels Fund, the organization that once awarded her a scholarship. In recognition of her professional contributions, she was named one of the Influential Women representing Salt Lake City, Utah, for 2026.
Throughout her career, Melissa has been guided by a people-first philosophy, believing that kindness and genuine care for others are what ultimately drive strong results within a team. She encourages young women entering healthcare to push past self-doubt and imposter syndrome, embrace opportunities even when they feel underprepared, and confidently claim their place in leadership conversations. Looking at the industry today, she recognizes an ongoing tension between traditional credentialing paths and the rise of technology-driven alternatives like AI, and she hopes to see the field find greater alignment between these two approaches moving forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for healthcare and my willingness to adapt whenever my path didn't unfold the way I originally planned. That flexibility has allowed me to stay true to my passion while adjusting my career in ways that continue to work for my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to say yes, even when I don't feel fully ready or qualified. Taking chances matters, because we learn as we go. Fear can make us feel unprepared, but I've come to realize that I'm often more capable than I give myself credit for.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell young women not to let intimidation hold them back. Imposter syndrome is common, especially in healthcare, where leadership is still largely male-dominated. It's important to be willing to fake it until you make it and to never be afraid to speak up and be a voice in the room.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is the tension between traditional mindsets and newer technology, like AI. Some people still believe a conventional path, such as a nursing degree, is the only way in, while others feel anyone can enter the field with the help of AI. I think there needs to be more common ground between these two perspectives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Putting people first and leading with kindness are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. I want to be remembered as someone who was kind and considerate, even when I'm not in the room. I've found that when you prioritize people and treat them with kindness, they naturally deliver the results you're looking for.
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