Transitioning careers can be a daunting prospect, especially after dedicating years to a specific field. For many healthcare professionals in 2017, the question of finding a fulfilling and stable career path outside of direct patient care was a significant consideration. Medical coding emerged as a viable and attractive option for many, leveraging their existing medical knowledge in a new and dynamic direction. But was medical coding truly a good career choice in 2017? Let’s delve into the experiences of a seasoned professional who made this very transition and discover the insights that can help answer this question.
After an extensive 35-year career as a registered respiratory therapist, Pamela Schulman sought a change from bedside care while staying within the medical field she knew so well. Her journey highlights the potential of medical coding as a rewarding career transition. Initially exploring options within her hospital, Pamela’s clinical expertise proved to be a valuable asset when she moved into a Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) program. This pivotal moment exposed her to the world of medical coding and set the stage for her career transformation.
Leveraging Clinical Skills in Coding Compliance
Pamela’s clinical background, initially seen as unconventional for a coding-related role, quickly became her strength. Her deep understanding of medical terminology, procedures, and patient care scenarios proved invaluable in the CDI program and subsequently opened doors to new opportunities. This unique blend of clinical knowledge and analytical skills positioned her perfectly for a compliance role focusing on evaluation and management (E/M) auditing and physician education.
Recognizing her potential, a forward-thinking manager offered Pamela a position as an E/M auditor/educator, contingent on her obtaining the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) credential within a year. This challenge not only solidified her commitment to medical coding but also propelled her further into the field of compliance. Pamela didn’t just achieve her CPC®; she went on to earn the Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO™) and Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) certifications through the AAPC, demonstrating her dedication to mastering the complexities of medical coding and compliance.
Finding Purpose in Painting the Patient’s Story Through Codes
Currently serving as the senior compliance coding educator/auditor for both ambulatory and inpatient services at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Florida, Pamela has found her niche and passion. She emphasizes the dynamic nature of coding and auditing, highlighting her enjoyment in learning about constant updates and changes in the field. A significant aspect of her role is educating new coders, residents, and physicians on the critical importance of accurate documentation and correct coding practices.
Pamela describes her work as her “dream job,” finding rejuvenation in those moments when she witnesses understanding dawn on the faces of physicians she educates. Phrases like “paint the picture of the patient” and “put on paper what is going on in my head” resonate deeply, signifying a successful connection and comprehension of the crucial link between clinical documentation and accurate medical coding. For Pamela, medical coding has unlocked a new and fulfilling chapter in her medical career, allowing her to remain a vital contributor to the healthcare industry for years to come.
Was Medical Coding a Good Career in 2017? Pamela’s story strongly suggests yes. Her transition illustrates several key advantages of pursuing medical coding as a career, particularly in 2017 and continuing into the present day:
- Leveraging Existing Medical Knowledge: For individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, like Pamela’s respiratory therapy experience, medical coding provides a pathway to utilize their expertise in a different but related setting.
- Career Stability and Demand: The healthcare industry is consistently growing, and with it, the demand for skilled medical coders. In 2017, as healthcare systems became more complex, the need for accurate coding for reimbursement and compliance was paramount, ensuring job security for qualified professionals.
- Intellectual Stimulation and Continuous Learning: Medical coding is not a static field. The constant updates to coding guidelines, regulations, and healthcare policies ensure that medical coders are continuously learning and engaged intellectually, as Pamela highlights in her experience.
- Making a Difference in Healthcare: While not directly involved in patient care, medical coders play a crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem. Accurate coding ensures proper reimbursement for healthcare services, impacts data collection for public health, and supports the overall efficiency of healthcare operations.
- Diverse Career Paths: As Pamela’s journey shows, medical coding can lead to various specialized roles, including auditing, compliance, education, and management, offering career growth and diversification.
In conclusion, Pamela Schulman’s experience provides a compelling testament to the merits of medical coding as a good career choice in 2017. For those seeking a transition within the medical field, or individuals looking for a stable, intellectually stimulating, and impactful career, medical coding presented, and continues to present, a promising and rewarding path. Her story underscores that medical coding is not just about numbers and codes; it’s about accurately representing the patient’s story and ensuring the smooth functioning of the healthcare system.
