Sarah Adkins' journey into medical coding and billing is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community support. At the end of 2019, she transitioned from being a stay-at-home mother to a single mother, navigating the challenges of survival during the pandemic.

To make ends meet, she cleaned houses and drove for Uber while searching for a more stable career path. A close friend, a cardiology coder, introduced her to medical coding, explaining its flexibility and work-from-home potential. Inspired, Sarah researched AAPC and quickly enrolled in training, determined to build a future for herself and her children.

She enrolled in CPC training in early 2022 and earned her certification later that year. Just six weeks after passing her exam, she secured her first job at a company that has since provided her with growth opportunities and leadership training.

Sarah quickly advanced in her career, moving from coding and claims entry to working in accounts receivable, appeals, and billing. Within a year, she was offered the chance to become a billing manager.

She credits her success to her willingness to work hard, embrace challenges, and the strong support systems around her — both in her personal life and within AAPC. She found AAPC’s instructor-led courses invaluable in helping her understand medical coding concepts and built lasting connections with classmates through study groups.

Now passionate about leadership and patient financial education, Sarah hopes to integrate health equity into her work by helping patients understand their medical bills and advocating for financial transparency. She believes that financial stability is crucial to overall health and wants to play a role in bridging that gap. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the supportive community that AAPC fosters.