Hello Everyone!
My name is Stefanie and I started the Medical Coding Course at the beginning of November 2013. I apologize it has taken me so long to introduce myself here and say hello. I just started reading the forums today and have felt so much encouragement and camaraderie from everyone here, I just HAD to write a few thoughts of encouragement myself. :)
I have been in the Medical Field my entire professional career (which is about 25 years). I just turned 45, so healthcare has been my life! I worked my way up from handwriting a CMS claim form when I was 20, to being a Reimbursement Manager right before I joined The Andrews School in November.
With that being said, I have seen MANY different kinds of specialties, outpatient facilities, hospitals, etc.........and let me tell you, being a professional coder IS THE FUTURE!! You have all made the right choice.........including myself. :)
Professional coders are needed for EVERY specialty and every company I have been associated with, and as ICD-10 is implemented this year, professional coders will be in even greater demand. I know this for a fact.
I just wanted to "throw that out there" so as we all enter some of the difficult tests/Modules, we can remember the "prize" at the end of the rainbow. I know I do that for myself, and hope this forum thread makes some of you smile and know you made the right choice.
I look forward to getting to know you all and am always here to listen and hopefully learn all I can from everyone.
Thanks for offering a great program Linda Andrews! And not to mention how wonderful Glenda has been and Instructor Debby. You all are appreciated more than you know.
Thanks!
Stefanie
We are so glad to have you here! I agree with you that Medical Coding is a great career. Thanks for your comments!
What you wrote was intersting. I am glad to hear it from someone who has been in the field for that long. My director said: "This is the year of the coder.....we ought to have a parade." I have lots to say about the Andrew's School on another post. Yep....yall picked the right career and the right school. I am done with the program and have received my CPC credential and my CCS credential. It is doable. Good Luck on your studies and your credential exams.
Thank you Linda!
Thanks for your comments Lana!