Employee Spotlight: Keren Provost, Cardiology Medical Coder
We’re so excited to introduce our employee spotlight for the month of June. Meet Keren Provost! Dive into her Q&A to learn more her career journey and hobbies outside of work.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work! What initially drew you to the healthcare industry, specifically medical coding?
I have been working in the healthcare industry for about 25 years. I started working in EMS as a Flight Medic for about 10 years as well as a wildland firefighter for a short time. I decided I wanted to help people prevent the illnesses I was so often responding to, so I earned my B.S. degree in Kinesiology and Nutrition and started my own personal training and nutrition consulting business in San Diego. After I moved, I continued on in corporate wellness health coaching until I decided I wanted to work more behind the scenes and became a medical coder about 6 years ago.
Tell us about a proud moment in your career (or life!)
A proud moment(s) in my career is I realized I can do whatever I want to do and made it happen (multiple times). While working in corporate wellness I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people. While coaching them I also learned there was so much stress associated with their jobs and I decided I never wanted to be in that position so I created the professional life I wanted by obtaining my medical coding certification and finding a job where I can work from home. I have also been able to surround myself with amazing and positive coworkers and supervisors.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the people I work with. I feel very supported and appreciated which is so valuable.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I usually start work relatively early in the morning and the day just flies by. Before I know it, it is time to clock out. I spend most of my workday on my own working autonomously but with the availability of support from coworkers and supervisors if needed.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in medical coding?
I would advise them to dip their toes in as many specialties as they are able to so they can see which they click with the most. I would also advise them to say yes as much as possible because you never know when an opportunity will arise that they did not expect. I would also advise them to always keep a positive attitude, in a medical coding career and just in general.
What do you like to do in your free time? What passions and/or hobbies do you enjoy?
I love spending time outdoors. I am a big-time nature lover and feel most at home and in my element when I’m outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. I also love to spend time with my two sons who are now 11 and 14 years old. They are so much fun!
What are you looking forward to most this summer?
I am excited to go to Boy Scout camp with my sons. We go every summer and it’s an opportunity for us to spend some distraction free quality time together in nature and connect with each other.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m watching the Naked and Afraid series. I have become pretty obsessed with survivalist skills and even went to a survival school for a few days last month where I learned all sorts of skills.
Favorite meal?
Sushi every day.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Anywhere where there is a beach. I grew up in San Diego surfing and swimming in the ocean on a daily basis. I’m not sure how I ended up in the Midwest, but I really miss the beach and am ready to plan a trip!
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Don’t forget to check back each month to get to know our featured employee of the month! We love sharing the different stories and personalities behind OnPoint, and we hope you enjoy learning more about our team.