About Us

I founded WHS Consulting after leaving PA school once I realized I prefer the business side of medicine over the clinical side. PA school taught me the clinical side that coders/billers rarely if ever get, giving me insight that helps me ensure comprehensive charge capture to increase client revenue. I have experience in: General Surgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Cardiology, Ambulatory Infusion, Orthopedics, Hand & Wrist surgery, etc. and have clients in several states. During COVID I was the Director of Revenue Cycle Management for a practice in NC and SC with 20+ locations and I worked directly with State representatives and Congress to allow patients to maintain continuity of care via telehealth as I will stop at nothing to get my providers paid for the work they do for their patients. More recently I served as the Director of Revenue Cycle and Operations for the largest physician owned multi-specialty surgical group in the US, overseeing in excess of $1M/day in charges. I have a passion for training and enjoy teaching front desk staff the importance of obtaining accurate patient demographics and insurance information as this is a critical step to ensuring timely payment. I only employ domestic staff and am committed to providing excellent RCM services to enable my clients to focus on what matters most – excellent patient care. 

– Hunter Smith, Founder & CEO

In college I thought I would pursue a career in the medical profession.  Life events changed that pursuit and I later became a business owner/operator then later, an accountant and California CPA.  As time passed, I thought about my earlier interest in medicine.  When I entertained the idea of helping medical practitioners (whom I respect and admire), and how they have to fight to get claims paid, I thought I could help with my business and accounting background.  Fate soon connected me with Hunter Smith and WHS Consulting.  Within a couple months I obtained my CPC license and began working with and harnessing Hunter’s vast knowledge of the coding/billing industry.  Each day I look forward to maximizing reimbursements for practitioners, handling their insurance disputes and helping to streamline workflow procedures where possible.

I serve WHS Consulting as the West Coast Regional Manager.  I am 8 years remarried in a deeply enriching and respectful, marriage.  I have a 22 year old daughter whom I love and adore.    

– Mike Rodgers, West Coast Regional Manager

I am a seasoned Medical Billing Professional with 15 years of experience in claims processing,
accounts receivable/payable, appeals management, and patient advocacy. I handle claims
processing and patient account management for one client and oversee the scheduled
statement run and patient account management for another. I work with our clients on various
insurance or patient issues while helping team members with training or billing issues. I’ve been
with WHS Consulting for almost 5 years. When I’m not working, I’m off adventuring with my
husband, whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a cozy coffee date, and soaking up quiet
moments with my cats, who rule the house with fluffy charm.

– Deanna Merickel, Billing Manager

I am a Medical Coder with 7 years of experience working for WHS Consulting. I live in
Green Cove Springs, Florida, and graduated college from Auburn University in
Alabama. I currently handle medical billing coding for 2 clients. I definitely enjoy this
career and my fellow coworkers. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to
many more years of this career.

– Amy, Medical Coder