Sydne Cushman

I began my career in medical billing in 2012, starting with a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company before moving into a billing assistant role at another DME organization. In 2017, I transitioned into the physical therapy field, where I started as a front desk specialist, advanced into a medical billing specialist role, and eventually worked my way up to billing manager.

What initially drew me to this field was the investigative side of billing. I genuinely enjoy analyzing denials, identifying the root cause of issues, and finding solutions that lead to successful payment outcomes. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect and the challenge of navigating complex insurance processes. My day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the needs of the clinics and patients. A typical day may involve assisting directors with patient concerns, troubleshooting authorization or insurance issues, helping patients better understand their bills, posting payments, and working denials to keep aging accounts under control. I also meet regularly with my team to prioritize urgent issues, delegate tasks effectively, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. The most rewarding part of my work is being part of a patient-centered organization and helping patients advocate for themselves. Many patients, especially elderly individuals, are unfamiliar with the complexities of insurance coverage and medical billing, which can create confusion and stress. I believe it’s important to help patients understand their benefits, financial responsibilities, and even how to recognize potential insurance scams so they feel informed and supported throughout the process.I also truly value teamwork and collaboration. I enjoy working alongside my team, sharing ideas, learning from each other’s strengths, and problem-solving together to provide the best possible experience for our patients. Making patients feel heard, respected, and cared for, rather than like they are a burden or inconvenience, is something I take great pride in.