I Am AAPC: Brenda Edwards, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC
- By Brenda Edwards
- In Industry News
- November 1, 2015
- Comments Off on I Am AAPC: Brenda Edwards, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

“I Am AAPC,” and I have realized that each member who shares his or her story could impact a member who is struggling, or somebody who is contemplating becoming a coder, in a positive and motivational manner. So my challenge for each of you reading this is to share your “I Am AAPC” story.
My Story Begins with a Stumble
I had no idea I would “grow up” to be a medical coder, auditor, and educator. I stumbled into this career when the family practice my mom managed needed somebody to type envelope addresses (yes, before computers). That led to filling in for various business office roles and, eventually, filling in for the coder, Barbara Naab. I fell in love with the whole process of coding, billing, and reimbursement.
My husband is an actuary, so we go where his work takes us — New Orleans, Madison, and Topeka. I used to fret about what I would do, but there is always a need for coding and auditing. I mention this because there are many newer members to our profession who want to throw in the towel too soon. If this is your chosen career, your profession, you have to stick with it for the long haul. For example, I started out typing envelopes, filing claims, working the front desk, pulling charts, running statements, and the list goes on. I wanted to learn everything I could about the entire process, and I found my niche to be auditing and education.
Be Your Best You
Our last move to Topeka, Kansas, led me to become very involved with AAPC. My colleague said, “We need a local chapter in Topeka. Why don’t you start one?” So we did. I have obtained many credentials, and most recently earned the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC™). I’m not sharing this to brag, but to encourage each of you to be all that you can. I used to sit at conferences in awe of those presenting and speaking, and now I am the one presenting and teaching. Last year, I finished serving as chair on the AAPC Chapter Association board of directors. I encourage each of you to dig into AAPC and become involved. It’s one of the most incredible and life changing experiences. I have coding family in every state and friendships that will last my entire life.
The Sky Is the Limit
The sky is the limit in the future for our profession — whether it’s called coding, auditing, or any other term. Former AAPC CEO Reed Pew once said, “We will keep doing good until there is no good left to be done.” Mentor and encourage along your coding career path. And please don’t give up!
Now, it’s your turn. What’s your story?
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Thank you for writing your story. I’m researching coding & billing as a possible mid-life career. I have so many questions to those of you who are seasoned professionals in this critically important field. Would it be possible to contact you to ask questions? I need to find some answers before I invest my time, money, heart & soul into a career that may or many not be the right path for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Joann,
I am so sorry-I did not know this was here. I am happy to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to contact me at brenda.edwards@aapcca.org.
Brenda, I wanted to thank you for your presentation on bullet proof documentaction at the Anaheim 2016 convention. I will be able to use the advice at my work. This was my first Conference and I am so glad I came