Most people are completely unaware of the IT and business mechanics that provide the foundations of the healthcare industry. It’s understandable. As a patient, you’re likely not thinking about how the payments are processed, you’re just hoping your insurance covers it. However, this side of the business employs thousands of people who are constantly looking for best practice and how to improve their operations and efficiency. That’s where Terry Fletcher comes in. Fletcher has over 25 years in the healthcare industry, specifically in coding, billing and compliance areas. She decided to share the discussion, news, and best practices with her CodeCast podcast.

CodeCast aims provide healthcare industry professionals and physicians maximize their earnings by understanding new rules, regulations, and reimbursement areas. Episodes typically range under 30 minutes and are formatted to provide listeners with actionable advice they can take back to their organization.

Discover Pods got a chance to meet Fletcher and discuss CodeCast, the differences with a business-focused podcast, and where she wants to take it from here. See below for our Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting?

FLETCHER: I teach a lot of online courses, but that is more about specific education for medical coding and billing for physicians and their staff. So I wanted to have a platform where I could have a real conversation about the Healthcare field, in regards to Coding, Billing, Reimbursement, and compliance, for people to listen to and think, “Wow, I would have never thought of that”. I wanted to create a more casual conversation about coding and reimbursement in the medical field.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners check out CodeCast?

FLETCHER: The insights I give into not only the reimbursement process for Healthcare, but also, the correct way to do things to be compliant and above scrutiny. The money comes when you do it right. I believe listeners can take these CodeCast podcasts and feel empowered and confident to present ideas to their physicians that will not only help their bottom line, but bring new revenue opportunities into these practices with my over 30 years of experience in the field of the business side of medicine. I want to be that authoritative reference for them.

DP: Are there podcasts that influenced CodeCast or that you wanted to model it after?

FLETCHER: Actually, I believe I found a niche podcast that isn’t out there. I looked for a few in this topic, and I did find some on regulations, and the cheer leading kind that focus on people wanting to break into healthcare field, or mergers in acquisitions. That is not the concept I was after. When I listed to those for a few minutes, I checked out. I don’t want my listeners bored. That is why I typically go from 18-36 minutes tops.

DP: As a business focused podcast, how does the creation process differ from something more broadly focused?

FLETCHER: It actually takes a lot of thoughtful process and research once I find a topic. I have to search out certain nuances to make sure it is updated, and current, as the genre of healthcare is updated and changing every day, as I am sure you can see just in the government news.

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast?

FLETCHER: I wanted this to really be for physicians and medical billing office staff, but I am hoping to have a reach to the public as well, to understand how the reimbursement process works. Even if you don’t work in the field, at some point you have been to the doctor. It is important for everyone to understand the process. So I am hoping my reach goes beyond just my initial intent. My main goal is this to be another platform to send people to my website to register for paid education sessions, Webinars, Audio Conferences, and live seminars. Also, to contact me for auditing and consulting needs.

DP: What’s the most difficult part of podcasting for you?

FLETCHER: Finding the right quiet space to sound good, and the technical aspects of creating a great CodeCast that people not only want to listen to, but that are excited about the next one. I have gone through several microphones, recording software changes, etc, to get the right sound. My music producer also spent hours with me on intro and exit music. I had no idea music played such a big role as much as content.

DP: What podcasts are you listening to now?

FLETCHER: Steel City Underground (I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I also podcast with them during the regular season and playoffs. But just listen to them in the off season). Also, I really like the Stoic Coffee Break. It is only 2-5 minutes a day, but it is like a daily devotions of positivity and thoughtful philosophical insight. I listen while I am having my coffee.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

FLETCHER: I think the one thing that has evolved for me in the 6 months I have been doing these (November 2017), is the fact that at over 8,000 downloads now, and 6 regular sponsors, listeners are giving me great feedback, but the number one thing they like is that they know a new episode is coming every Tuesday morning. (my producer jokes it’s TerryTuesday). Being consistent like that helps to build a following. I know many advertisers want someone who has 10K or more downloads a month, but that is hard to do when you are specialized into a certain niche.

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