I Am AAPC: April Roy, MBA, CPC

I’ve always been drawn to medical coding because of anatomy, physiology, and the mysterious world of diagnosis coding. I love how medical charts tell a story; it’s fascinating how numbers and letters translate into a person’s medical storyline. Some 20 years later, after pursuing a certification in medical coding, I know I made the right career choice.

Looking Back

I began working in the medical office environment in 2005 as a payment poster for Concentra’s CBO in Addison, Texas. I later moved to medical bill review, where I got more exposure to coding systems. Shortly after that, I moved to utilization review.

I got my first medical coding job offer as a risk adjustment coder. I found it fascinating, and it was nice to focus on diagnosis coding, especially chronic conditions. It was part time, though, so I pursued other full-time employment, which led me to managed care, claims adjusting, and workers’ compensation insurance, until I found myself back in the risk adjustment world as a full-time risk adjustment coder working remotely.

Looking Forward

My life changed in January 2025, however. I got devastating news that I had breast cancer and would require treatment for at least a year, consisting of chemo, a mastectomy, and radiation. I would also require medication for the five to 10 years following treatment.

It’s been a journey like no other. I began to really appreciate being a coder because there aren’t many fields in which someone can work remotely with flexible hours. During this challenging year, I was able to maintain a source of income by having a flexible employer that allowed me to work a schedule that aligned with my physical limitations — all while doing work that I enjoy and find interesting. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Medical coding has kept me afloat throughout one of my hardest challenges in life thus far. I recommend this field to anyone who is considering making a change in their career. It’s rewarding, interesting, and has great income potential.

During one of the darkest periods of my life, I can say I’m both honored and blessed to be a coder!

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We want to feature you in AAPC the Magazine! Tell us in fewer than 500 words why you became an AAPC member, how your AAPC credentials have helped you in your career, and the best part of being an AAPC member. Send your story and a digital photo of yourself to iamaapc@aapc.com.