Rachel Payton

Senior HIM and Coding Quality executive with a 15+ year record of leading large, multi‑site coding, audit, and compliance operations. Expert in strengthening documentation accuracy, reducing compliance risk, optimizing workflows, and developing scalable education programs that elevate coder performance and revenue integrity. Recognized for turning around underperforming teams, modernizing outdated processes, and building cultures of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Adept at partnering with clinicians, revenue cycle leaders, and operational executives to align coding practices with organizational strategy. Skilled in leveraging emerging AI‑enabled coding technologies to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

Coding Educator, HIM Department (Hybrid) at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System (2023-01 – Present)

Leads a system‑wide coding education strategy, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and organizational quality goals. Serves as a coding SME supporting coders, auditors, clinicians, and operational leaders.

• Modernized the coding department's procedure manual, replacing outdated content with current regulatory guidance and best‑practice workflows.
• Built cross‑training pathways that expanded coder versatility across service lines and specialties.
• Strengthened documentation consistency and coding interpretation through collaborative education initiatives.

Quality Manager, Outsourced Coding Services (Remote) at 3M Health Information Systems (2022-01 – 2023-12)

Directed senior auditors and QA analysts supporting 100+ client sites. Served as a compliance SME guiding coders, account managers, and clients through audit findings and regulatory interpretation.

• Reduced compliance risk by redesigning client guideline formats and coaching teams to adopt compliant coding practices.
• Improved 3M coding assistance products by identifying logic errors and submitting corrective findings, increasing accuracy and first‑pass code selection.

Coding Manager & Interim Quality Director (Remote) at eCatalyst Health (2021-01 – 2022-12)

Oversaw inpatient, outpatient, and professional fee coding operations across multiple client sites. Directed auditors, managed productivity and quality, and resolved client dissatisfaction through targeted performance improvement strategies.

• Protected revenue and client retention by implementing action plans, coaching coders, and replacing underperformers to restore quality and trust.

Coding Manager (Remote) at TruBridge (2020-01 – 2021-12)

Managed coding operations, client onboarding, and implementation of new services. Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and maintained productivity and quality expectations.

• Led outsourcing and workflow development for a new freestanding emergency facility and physician clinic, educating providers on documentation requirements and regulatory compliance.

Manager, Coding Quality (Remote) at CIOX Health (2014-01 – 2020-12)

Directed two large audit teams (up to 80 auditors) performing inpatient, outpatient, and professional fee reviews. Oversaw forecasting, P&L activities, client engagements, and audit workflow development.

• Increased departmental profitability by 30% through expense reduction, staffing realignment, and workload optimization.
• Built comprehensive audit workflows and training materials that improved consistency, efficiency, and onboarding.
• Automated audit processes and KPI tracking, enabling faster turnaround, improved trending, and enhanced client reporting.
• Strengthened team performance and client satisfaction through strategic coaching and elevated service standards.

Inpatient Coding Manager (Remote) at MModal (2013-01 – 2014-12)

Managed inpatient coding operations and trained outpatient coders transitioning into inpatient roles.

• Developed foundational educational materials that bridged knowledge gaps and supported coder advancement.

Director, Coding Services (Remote) at Health Revenue Assurance Associates (2011-01 – 2013-12)

Led managers, supervisors, auditors, and 70+ coders delivering multi‑site coding services. Oversaw onboarding, analytics, KPIs, and performance evaluations.

• Doubled client volume within one year by building a highly skilled coding and audit workforce.
• Reduced service gaps through cross‑training programs that expanded coder capability across specialties and patient types.

Corporate Compliance Director, CCS Coding Manager, CCS Coding Specialist at Community Health Systems

Adjunct Faculty at Dyersburg State Community College

Master of Health Informatics in Health Information Management – Purdue Global University (2028-12)

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management – Purdue Global University (2025-12)

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Dyersburg State Community College (1999-12)