I Am AAPC: Teresa Nichols, CPC
- By Guest Contributor
- In career growth
- August 1, 2016
- Comments Off on I Am AAPC: Teresa Nichols, CPC
In 1998, I was in my mid-twenties and a single mother of two young children. I had been a stay-at-home military wife until that point and had not established a career. I took assessments through a job placement agency, and I found that clerical work was a good fit for me. I was fortunate to be hired in a medical business office because someone was willing to take a chance on me.
Finding My Professional Wings
I excelled at learning the necessary skills, and I enjoyed the medical field. I started in patient accounts, where I took payments and researched account balances. As I became more experienced, I took on additional responsibilities, including coding claims. I studied with co-workers and took my Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam in 2000, officially becoming credentialed in a field I love.
It Takes a Chapter to Raise a Coder
I flourished as a coder while experiencing various coding specialties, and I volunteered to be lead coder when an ambulatory surgery center was added to our physician group. I was never afraid to branch out and try something new because I knew, as an AAPC member, I had a whole network of fellow coders willing to help me navigate a different specialty. I called on many of them in my novice years.
It takes a chapter to raise a coder. It feels good to be a source of encouragement for those who are striving to grow professionally.
Giving Time and Gaining Friends
By 2006, I was regularly attending local chapter meetings and befriended other coders outside of my employment. They convinced me to become an officer, so I spent 2007 and 2008 as vice president and president consecutively. It was a very rewarding experience that opened a lot of doors through networking. Serving as an officer also opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes to keep a chapter running. I developed immense respect for my fellow coders who volunteer their time for these positions.
I am serving again as the Wichita, Kansas, local chapter president, and I have met a whole new group of wonderful coders. I am proud to give back to my chapter. I plan to expand my credentials and sit for the Certified Outpatient Coding (COC™) exam. I know I can pass because I have the support of my chapter to accomplish my goals.
- 2021 Brings Hospital Pricing Transparency - March 1, 2021
- 2020: A Year Like No Other - December 30, 2020
- Your Guide to Provider-Based Billing - October 1, 2020
AAPC's annual salary survey gives a good understanding of the earning potential within the medical coding profession.
See what actually is going on in the healthcare business job market.
Teresa good morning. Do you help individuals pass the CPT. Examine need help