Embracing Authenticity

How Your Unique Brain Can Enhance Your Career

01/19/2025

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, precision, persistence, and adaptability are essential skills. But have you ever wondered how the unique way your brain works—your quirks, preferences, and habits—might be helping (or hindering) your success in these roles?

Terms like neurodiverse and neurodivergent are gaining recognition. Initially coined in the 1990s to highlight the experiences of individuals with autism, neurodiverse has since evolved to describe the broad spectrum of how human brains function, encompassing everything from ADHD and dyslexia to more subtle variations in processing and behavior. Neurodiversity celebrates the idea that we all think, learn, and process differently—and understanding these differences can unlock new levels of personal and professional growth.

Understanding Your Unique Brain

I didn’t grow up with terms like neurodiverse or neurodivergent, but reflecting on my traits has been eye-opening. For example, I thrive on innovation and finding better ways to do things. This means challenging the status quo when processes seem outdated or inefficient. Yet, unexpected changes or shifts in routine can throw me off balance.

You're not alone if you’ve ever felt similar resistance to sudden policy changes or new technology. However, that discomfort often comes with a silver lining: people like us are particularly good at creating structured systems that prevent surprises from derailing workflows. Think about it—if you document every step in a billing process or create detailed checklists to manage audits, you’re not just keeping yourself organized; you’re helping your entire team stay on track.

Communication: A Superpower in Disguise

One of my defining traits is direct communication. I value clarity and often struggle with interpreting nonverbal cues like tone or body language. This trait can be a game-changer in medical coding and compliance, where precision is paramount. Providing unambiguous feedback or asking straightforward questions ensures nothing gets lost in translation.

How about you? Do you find yourself drawn to details others might overlook? Maybe you’re the person who always spots discrepancies in documentation or identifies patterns in claims that don’t add up. These traits aren’t just helpful—they’re essential to our work.

The Power of Curiosity and Focus

My insatiable curiosity has driven me to investigate the "why" behind processes, regulations, and policies. This relentless pursuit of understanding helps me connect the dots in complex systems—an invaluable skill for anyone navigating coding updates, payer requirements, or audit procedures.

On the flip side, I’ve also experienced the challenges of hyper-focus. I can become so absorbed in one task that I lose track of time or overlook other responsibilities. Sound familiar? While this intense concentration can make you an exceptional coder or auditor, it’s important to recognize when to step back and recalibrate. Learning to shift gears—sometimes by organizing my workspace or engaging in a creative hobby—has been crucial to maintaining balance.

How Neurodiversity Can Be a Catalyst for Change

Understanding your neurodiverse traits isn’t just about becoming a better professional—it’s about becoming a better human. When you recognize and embrace your quirks, you’re better equipped to empathize with others and foster a more inclusive workplace. For instance:

• If you struggle with multitasking, you might advocate for more transparent workflows or better time-management tools.

• If you’re highly detail-oriented, you can mentor colleagues who need help improving their accuracy.

• If you thrive on routine, you can help create repeatable processes that benefit the team.

Healthcare is fraught with improving efficiency and accuracy while ensuring patients receive the care they deserve. By understanding and celebrating how your unique brain works, you elevate your performance and contribute to a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Your Turn: Embrace Your Quirks

Take a moment to reflect: What quirks or habits set you apart? Are you the one who double-checks every claim for accuracy? The person who thrives on creating order out of chaos? Or maybe you’re the voice in the room asking, “Why are we doing it this way?”

These traits are more than quirks—they’re your superpowers. By identifying and leveraging them, you can transform how you work and approach challenges and opportunities in your career. Let’s face it: Healthcare is complex and constantly changing. But by embracing the way our brains are wired, we can adapt, innovate, and ultimately make healthcare better—for patients, providers, and ourselves.

So, the next time you notice one of your “quirks” at play, remember: That’s not just how your brain works. That’s your edge.

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Embracing My Authenticity

11/24/2024

As I began embracing my authenticity, I reflected on my journey and the moments when I was excluded simply because my personality didn’t align with the expectations of a group. Looking back, I realize that some of those paths were likely not right for me. As someone who has always felt different from the norm—without having the words to fully explain that divergence—I've come to understand the value of using the tools I’ve acquired to support others who feel the same.

Beyond Norms Compliance is where I share these experiences, offering practical strategies to make healthcare compliance programs more inclusive and supportive of neurodiversity. It’s also a space where I provide resources for those seeking to understand better and navigate this journey. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world.

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