AAPC Names 16th Annual Coder and Networker of the Year

By admin aapc
In AAPC News
April 1, 2008
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The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC, www.aapc.com), the nation’s largest medical coding training and certification association for medical coders, has named AAPC members Tammy Torres, CPC, CCP, of Seattle, as 2007 Coder of the Year, and Keith Russell, CPC, CPC-H, of Houston, as 2007 Networker of the Year. These prestigious, annual awards recognize AAPC members who exemplify the higher standards of coding set by AAPC. The winners were selected based on nominations, volunteerism, coding expertise and networking skills.
“Tammy and Keith are fine representatives of AAPC and of upholding a higher standard of coding,” said Reed E. Pew, CEO and president of AAPC. “They were selected by their peers and those in the medical profession – colleagues, fellow chapter members, employers and friends – which shows the great impact they each make on this growing profession.”
2007 Coder of the Year Tammy Torres, CPC, CCP, is a revenue-coding analyst at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle and is described by her colleagues as a role model of dedication in the coding profession. She is known for sharing her enthusiasm for coding with others. Torres’ career in health care began 23 years ago. Prior to joining Virginia Mason Medical Center, Torres worked at the University of Washington Physicians Group for eight years as a professional fee coordinator and a corporate compliance analyst, performing provider audits and developing educational presentations.
2007 Networker of the Year Keith Russell, CPC, CPC-H, works on Baylor College of Medicine’s compliance team, conducting reviews of clinical faculty chats to determine compliance with documentation requirements. He provides focused educational training to ensure that faculty members are confident billing at correct levels. Russell’s coding career began in the summer of 1993 when he worked as a financial counselor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Russell has been active in the local AAPC chapter in Houston for six years, serving as treasurer, president-elect and president.
Torres and Russell will be honored at the AAPC’s Orlando National Conference June 9-11. They are also featured in this month’s issue of “Coding Edge,” AAPC’s monthly member magazine.
About the AAPC
The AAPC is the nation’s largest medical coding training and certification association for medical coders. The AAPC provides credentials to medical coders in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient centers. The three certifications AAPC offers are Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Professional Coder – Hospital (CPC-H®) and Certified Professional Coder – Payer (CPC-P®) and they represent the gold standard certification for medical coding. AAPC provides a wide variety of benefits to its more than 65,000 worldwide members.