If I Wanted to Become a Medical Coder in 2024, I'd Do This

Contempo Coding
14 Dec 202311:05
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRVictoria, a medical coder and educator, shares insider tips for restarting a medical coding career. She emphasizes the importance of online training, obtaining certifications through AAPC or AEMA, and the value of experience through internships. She recommends resources like Preppy for training and LinkedIn for networking, stressing the need for continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends for career success in medical coding.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Online training is recommended for modern medical coding education due to its flexibility and relevance to remote job environments.
  • 🎓 Certifications from AAPC (like CPC) or AAMA are highly valued by employers and are essential for career entry.
  • 💻 Continual learning is crucial in medical coding due to the ever-evolving nature of healthcare and technology.
  • 🌐 Remote job opportunities and competitive salaries are significant benefits of a career in medical coding.
  • 🏥 Medical coders translate medical records into codes, requiring knowledge of medical terminology but not direct patient care.
  • 🔍 Preppy is endorsed as a comprehensive online training platform for medical billing and coding, offering an externship for practical experience.
  • 📈 Professional development, including time management and productivity skills, is beneficial for medical coders to stay competitive.
  • 📋 Networking through platforms like LinkedIn and local AAPC chapters can significantly aid in job search and career growth.
  • 📝 A well-crafted resume and strategic job search are important for securing a position in medical coding.
  • 🎓 Continuing education credits are necessary for medical coders to stay current and marketable in the industry.
Q & A

  • What is the role of a medical coder?

    -A medical coder reviews medical records and abstracts medical codes for diagnoses, surgeries, medical equipment, and patient hospital stays. They don't handle patients directly but need to understand medical terminology and context to translate the information into codes.

  • How has the medical coding field changed since Victoria started her career?

    -The medical coding field has evolved with the advent of online classes, increased use of technology, and the need for continuous learning due to advancements in healthcare and the introduction of artificial intelligence.

  • What are some of the different roles within medical coding?

    -Roles within medical coding include education, auditing, and specialization in certain areas such as plastic surgery coding. There is also the potential for remote work and a variety of job settings.

  • What are the educational requirements for a career in medical coding?

    -While a degree is not a strict requirement for medical coding jobs, certifications through organizations like AAPC or AEMA are highly valued by employers. A bachelor's degree might be beneficial for career advancement or management roles.

  • Which certifications are most sought after in the medical coding field?

    -The AAPC CPC certification is highly regarded and considered a gold standard in the medical coding field. Other certifications from AAPC or AEMA are also valued.

  • How can someone get training for a career in medical coding?

    -One can get training through online courses, community colleges, or directly from organizations like AAPC. Preppy is recommended for its comprehensive training and externship opportunities.

  • Why is professional development important for medical coders?

    -Professional development is crucial for medical coders to stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and to enhance their job skills, which can improve their productivity and marketability.

  • What strategies can help a medical coding professional find a job?

    -Networking, having a robust LinkedIn profile, connecting with local AAPC chapters, and utilizing job search strategies such as spreadsheet tracking and resume optimization can aid in finding a medical coding job.

  • How can medical coders demonstrate their commitment to staying current in their field?

    -Medical coders can show their commitment by earning continuing education credits, attending industry meetings, reading relevant publications, and participating in educational sessions offered by medical coding organizations.

  • What resources does Victoria recommend for someone starting a career in medical coding?

    -Victoria recommends Preppy for training, AAPC for certification, and emphasizes the importance of professional development, networking, and staying updated with industry trends through various resources.

  • How has the introduction of artificial intelligence impacted medical coding?

    -Artificial intelligence has introduced new tools for medical coders, such as computer-assisted coding and search tools. However, human validation of AI scans is still necessary, and the increased complexity and volume of healthcare data require medical coders to continually adapt and learn.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Medical Coding and Career Restart

Victoria, a medical coder, auditor, educator, and content creator, shares insider tips for restarting a medical coding career. She discusses the evolution of entering the field, now favoring online classes over in-person ones, and the importance of adapting to changes in healthcare and technology. She explains the role of a medical coder, which involves abstracting medical codes from patient records, and emphasizes the need for continual learning due to advancements in healthcare. Victoria also highlights the growth potential and flexibility of medical coding jobs, including remote work and competitive salaries.

05:01
🎓 Training and Certification for Aspiring Coders

Victoria discusses the importance of training and certification for medical coding, recommending online training for its convenience and alignment with the digital nature of the job. She endorses Preppy for its comprehensive training and externship opportunities, which provide valuable experience. Victoria also stresses the significance of professional development, time management, and productivity skills, as well as obtaining certifications through AAPC or AHIMA. She shares her personal experiences with certifications and job search strategies, including the use of LinkedIn and local chapters for networking.

10:01
🌐 Staying Updated and Job Search Strategies

Victoria emphasizes the necessity of staying updated in the medical coding field through continuing education and staying informed about industry trends. She suggests various ways to maintain up-to-date knowledge, such as attending chapter meetings and reading relevant publications. For job search strategies, Victoria recommends creating detailed spreadsheets of job applications, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and engaging with local AAPC chapters for networking and job leads. She concludes by encouraging viewers to check out additional resources for starting a career in medical billing and coding.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Medical Coding
Medical coding is the process of converting healthcare services and diagnoses into standardized medical codes. These codes are used for billing and record-keeping purposes within the healthcare industry. In the video, the speaker discusses the role of a medical coder, emphasizing that it does not involve direct patient care but rather the interpretation and translation of medical records into codes for various services rendered.
💡Online Training
Online training refers to educational programs and courses delivered through the internet, allowing for flexible learning and accessibility from any location. In the context of the video, the speaker suggests that online training would be their preferred method for entering the medical coding field today, as it offers convenience and the opportunity to familiarize oneself with the online environments where medical coding is often performed.
💡Certification
Certification in the context of medical coding is a formal recognition of an individual's competence and knowledge in the field, often awarded by professional organizations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or AEMA (American Medical Education Association) as these are highly valued by employers in the medical coding industry.
💡Externship
An externship is a form of experiential learning where individuals gain practical work experience in their field of study, often serving as a bridge between education and full-time employment. In the video, the speaker highlights the value of externships in gaining real-world experience in medical coding, which can be crucial for job seekers to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.
💡Professional Development
Professional development refers to the process of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and experiences that contribute to an individual's career growth. In the video, the speaker suggests that in addition to formal training and certification, medical coders should focus on professional development through activities like continuing education, networking, and enhancing soft skills to stay competitive and advance in their careers.
💡Job Search Strategy
A job search strategy is a systematic plan that individuals use to find and secure employment. It typically involves identifying job opportunities, tailoring applications to specific roles, and networking with industry professionals. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out job search strategy, including creating an effective resume and leveraging professional networks, to increase the chances of landing a medical coding job.
💡Networking
Networking involves building and maintaining professional relationships to exchange information, advice, and opportunities. In the medical coding field, as discussed in the video, networking can be particularly beneficial for discovering job openings, gaining insights into the local healthcare industry, and receiving guidance from experienced professionals.
💡Continuing Education
Continuing education refers to the ongoing learning and development activities that professionals engage in to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. For medical coders, as mentioned in the video, this is essential to stay current with industry trends, changes in medical coding practices, and to meet the requirements for certification renewal.
💡Medical Coding Masterclass
The Medical Coding Masterclass is an online training program mentioned in the video, designed to teach individuals about the medical coding career path and provide them with the necessary skills to become medical billers and coders. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical advice, time-saving strategies, and resources for career advancement without incurring student loan debt.
💡AAPC
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a global organization that provides certification and education for medical coders, billers, and other healthcare professionals. In the video, the AAPC is presented as a leading certification body in the medical coding field, offering various certification options that are widely recognized and sought after by employers.
Highlights

Victoria shares insider tips and essential steps for starting a medical coding career.

The transition from in-person to online medical coding training due to changes in accessibility and cost.

Overview of a medical coder's role in abstracting medical codes from diverse healthcare services.

The constant need for medical coders to adapt to healthcare advancements and technology.

The rising demand for medical coders despite the advent of artificial intelligence.

The appeal of medical coding careers due to their flexibility, remote job opportunities, and competitive salaries.

The minimal educational requirements for starting a career in medical coding.

The importance of obtaining certifications from AAPC or AHIMA for career advancement in medical coding.

Victoria endorses Preppy for comprehensive online medical coding training with internship opportunities.

Emphasizing the need for proficiency in medical terminology and anatomy as foundational skills.

The role of professional development and productivity training in enhancing job skills.

The strategic approach to job searching and resume building in the medical coding field.

The value of networking through LinkedIn and local AAPC chapters to find job opportunities.

The necessity of staying updated with continuing education credits to remain competitive.

Victoria’s comprehensive roadmap for transitioning into a medical coding career through Preppy's training program.

Transcripts

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Medical CodingCareer RestartOnline TrainingCertificationAAPCJob SearchProfessional DevelopmentNetworkingContinuing EducationHealthcare Industry