Her Story
About Ramona
Ramona Porter is the Manager of Coding Education and Policy at HCCS, Healthcare Coding and Consulting Services, where she brings extensive experience in healthcare coding, auditing, consulting, education, and policy development. She began her career as a school teacher before transitioning into healthcare coding, a move that allowed her to combine her passion for education with her interest in healthcare. Starting at HCCS as an outpatient coder, she advanced through roles in auditing, consulting, and management, building a strong foundation in professional fee and outpatient coding.
Throughout her career, Porter has developed expertise in evaluation and management coding, radiation oncology, diagnosis coding, auditing, clinical documentation, and provider education. In her current leadership role, she provides coding education and policy guidance, conducts audits, trains coders, and works with healthcare professionals to promote accurate and compliant coding practices. She also delivers educational presentations to healthcare organizations, including rural and critical access hospitals, helping professionals navigate the complexities of healthcare coding and reimbursement.
Porter holds a BA in Education from Morehead State University and has earned multiple professional credentials, including CCS, CPC, CRC, CHONC, CPMA, and CCDS-O. She is a member of AAPC, AHIMA, and ACDIS and remains committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Porter believes that respect begins with listening and strives to bring empathy, integrity, and professionalism to every interaction. She encourages those entering healthcare coding to take the first step even when they feel uncertain, explore areas of specialization that interest them, and recognize the many opportunities available to build a rewarding career in the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ramona
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, perseverance, education, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I have always embraced opportunities to learn, challenge myself, and share my knowledge with others. My background as an educator taught me the importance of making complex information understandable and meaningful, while my experience in coding, auditing, consulting, and policy development has strengthened my ability to adapt and grow. I believe every new role and challenge is another opportunity to expand my expertise, and I have consistently invested in professional development and continued education to stay current in an evolving field. Most importantly, my success comes from trusting my ability to learn, remaining open to new opportunities, and using my knowledge and experience to help others succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I believe the best career advice I have received has come through the example and encouragement of two remarkable women in my life. My sister, Evelyn, who recently retired after 45 years as a nurse, has always been a role model, demonstrating what is possible through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others while staying true to your roots. Pam, the owner of Quality Medical Solutions and the instructor who introduced me to professional medical coding, recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue a new career path. Her mentorship taught me the importance of investing in yourself, embracing opportunities to learn, and, just as importantly, helping others recognize their own potential. Their examples have reinforced for me that a successful career is built not only through hard work and continuous growth, but also through empowering others along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare coding is simple: do it scared. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from taking the first step. Start with a course, give yourself the opportunity to learn, and see how you respond to the work. If you discover that you enjoy it, continue building your knowledge by specializing in an area that interests you or broadening your expertise. Healthcare coding offers a wide range of career opportunities and allows you to build a rewarding career while remaining in an area of healthcare that you genuinely enjoy.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in healthcare coding are the continued need for knowledgeable professionals and the ability to build a career in an area that aligns with your interests. At the same time, the field can be challenging because healthcare regulations, coding guidelines, and reimbursement requirements are constantly evolving, making continuous education essential. I see these changes as opportunities to keep learning, expand my expertise, and help others navigate a complex industry. My experience has taught me that effective communication is equally important, and I believe listening with patience and respect creates an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning. In a field that requires accuracy and adaptability, there is tremendous opportunity for professionals who are willing to stay informed, continue developing their skills, and approach others with respect.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My advice to young women entering the healthcare coding industry is to do it scared. Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from taking the first step. Start with a course, give yourself a chance to learn the fundamentals, and see how you do. If you discover that you enjoy the work, continue building your expertise by specializing in an area that interests you or broadening your knowledge across the field. Healthcare coding offers strong career opportunities and the flexibility to build a rewarding career while remaining connected to the area of healthcare you enjoy.
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