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