Jan Hailey, MHL, CMC, CMCO, CMIS, CMOM, CMCA-E/M has spent her career in the heart of the healthcare industry, driven by a passion for improving patient care and operational efficiency. After several years as the Director of Quality and Care Management with St. Joseph Health System, Jan boldly decided to step away from her full-time role in 2022. Now, through her business, Practice Matters, LLC, she provides specialized healthcare consulting, focusing on billing, coding, compliance, and management for practices nationwide. Her transition from employee to entrepreneur wasn’t without risks, but Jan hasn’t looked back.
A New Chapter Built on Experience
Jan’s journey into healthcare consulting didn’t start with a grand plan—it evolved naturally over the years. Her expertise in healthcare management, coupled with her work teaching courses through the Practice Management Institute, created a solid foundation for her eventual career shift. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when most businesses struggled to stay afloat, Jan noticed a surprising trend: demand for her consulting services grew. With people more comfortable working remotely and healthcare providers needing guidance on compliance and coding, the timing was perfect for Jan to launch Practice Matters.
“I thought the consulting would dry up during the pandemic,” Jan recalls. “But it was the opposite. People needed help navigating the new landscape, and remote work made it more accessible.”
The Unique Edge: Comprehensive Expertise & Partnerships
What sets Jan apart from many other healthcare consultants is the breadth of her certifications and her strategic partnerships. Holding multiple certifications in management, billing, coding, compliance, and insurance management, she offers a well-rounded approach to addressing the complex needs of healthcare providers. “There are a lot of consultants out there, but not many who can offer such a wide range of services,” Jan explains. Her long-standing relationship with the Practice Management Institute has been a significant asset, allowing her to teach and develop courses while simultaneously expanding her network. “The collaboration with PMI has been invaluable,” she says.“I’m able to teach while being part of a community of experts who share the same goal of improving healthcare operations.”
Making a Difference One Practice at a Time
Jan’s consulting services are diverse, ranging from billing optimization and coding accuracy to compliance audits and patient experience enhancement. She frequently works with practices to refine their front desk processes, improve revenue cycles, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. “Many providers are great at patient care but struggle with the business side,” Jan notes. “That’s where I come in—to help them navigate the complexities of billing and compliance.”
Her work often begins when a practice reaches out with a specific issue, such as billing inefficiencies or coding errors. These one-time consultations frequently evolve into long-term partnerships. “I’ll come in to solve one problem, and then they’ll see the value and ask for help with other areas,” Jan shares. “It’s rewarding to know that I’m making a lasting impact.”
Embracing Change and Challenges
Transitioning from a stable, full-time role at St. Joseph to running her consulting firm came with its share of risks. “It was a big leap, but I realized that the work I was doing part-time was what brought me joy,” Jan reflects. “It made sense to make it my full-time focus.” One of the significant challenges Jan faces is keeping up with the constant changes in healthcare regulations, especially with Medicare and other insurance guidelines. “Things change frequently,” she admits. “I always double-check information before advising because what was true last week might not be true today.” Her meticulous approach ensures that her clients receive the most current and accurate guidance, preventing costly compliance mistakes.
A Vision for a Comprehensive Future
Looking ahead, Jan is working on expanding Practice Matters into a comprehensive consulting firm. Her goal is to partner with other experts, bringing in specialists in areas like credentialing, care management, and even physician recruitment. “I don’t want to be the only expert,” she explains. “I want Practice Matters to be a one-stop solution for all non-clinical healthcare needs.”
By building a network of trusted professionals, Jan envisions a future where any practice, regardless of size, can access the resources they need to thrive. “Healthcare is constantly evolving, and practices need support to stay compliant, efficient, and financially viable,” she says. “I aim to provide that support, so providers can focus on what they do best – caring for patients.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start a business, especially in healthcare consulting, Jan offers practical advice: “Don’t just dream – plan. Develop a strategy, set a timeline, and stick to it.” She stresses the importance of being prepared for the challenges that come with entrepreneurship, particularly in an industry as regulated as healthcare. “You have to stay on top of the latest updates and regulations,” she warns. “and always be ready to pivot because things can change quickly.”
A Legacy of Learning and Teaching
Teaching remains one of Jan’s true passions, and as Practice Matters grows, she intends to keep education at the core of her business. “I love teaching because I’m able to empower others,” she says. “If I can help a practice improve their processes or understand a new regulation, I know I’ve made a difference.” Whether she’s leading a workshop, developing new training materials, or mentoring practice managers, Jan finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and watching others grow.
Jan Hailey’s focus extends beyond resolving immediate challenges. Through Practice Matters, she is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, helping practices adapt and grow over time. Her guidance equips healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge they need for sustained success, enabling them to confidently navigate the evolving demands of the industry. As she continues to teach, guide, and support, Jan’s work is shaping a future where healthcare practices can thrive. Email Jan at jnthailey@gmail.com
Written by Eleni Owens | Photos by Gary Riggs Photography