Contempo Coding Podcast

Curious about how a temporary job can lead to a lifelong career? Join us as we welcome Corella Lumpkins, a healthcare revenue cycle expert with over 35 years of experience. Corella’s journey is truly captivating—from stepping into a coding position unexpectedly to becoming a seasoned professional even before AAPC was founded. We'll explore her fascinating story and discuss the vital role of certifications in establishing credibility within the industry. Corella's experience underscores the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the evolving landscape of medical coding.

Ever wondered how a strong foundation in medical billing and coding can open doors to various career paths? This episode sheds light on Corella's transformative journey from entry-level roles to leadership and teaching positions, illustrating the limitless possibilities that come with expertise in this field. Listen in as we discuss the challenges she faced, the importance of finding the right job fit, and how adapting teaching methods for different audiences can make a significant impact. Learn about initiatives like Project Xtern that provide invaluable opportunities for graduates and discover the evolving career landscape of healthcare.

Balancing work and personal life is crucial, and Corella shares her insights on how to recharge through her passion for concerts and dancing. We discuss the ongoing efforts within the National Advisory Board, including the significance of mentorship programs and the challenges of expanding initiatives like Project Xtern. Networking and community-building are key themes, and we highlight ways to get involved and support these initiatives. Don't miss this enriching conversation with Corella Lumpkins as she imparts her vast knowledge and experience in the healthcare revenue cycle.

In this podcast, I sit down with Crystal May, a seasoned professional in the field of medical coding and auditing, to discuss her extensive experience and insights. Crystal shares her journey from starting in medical transcription to becoming a recognized expert and educator in healthcare information management. We delve into the significant changes in the industry, such as the transition to ICD-10, and discuss the impact of AI on medical coding. Crystal also talks about her passion for mentoring the next generation of coding professionals and the importance of continuous learning in this ever-evolving field. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the future of healthcare and the vital role of medical coders.

In this podcast, I talk with Angelika Bodie, a seasoned medical auditor and AAPC-approved instructor. With over eight years of experience, Angelika shares her journey from a local call center to her current role as an auditor for Norwood. We discuss the critical skills needed to thrive in diverse industries, the importance of mentorship and education in medical coding, and practical advice for newcomers facing the job market. This video is packed with tips on career planning, staying adaptable, and the evolving standards in medical documentation. Don't miss out on this invaluable conversation for anyone looking to succeed in healthcare coding and auditing!

In this podcast, I sit down with Natasha Timberlake, an experienced professional in revenue cycle management with over 13 years in the healthcare sector. Natasha shares her journey, starting from front office operations, medical assisting, billing, and coding to her current role as a clinical provider auditor at Elevance Health. She discusses how her mother's career in medical coding influenced her path and highlights the importance of understanding every aspect of healthcare administration. Natasha's dedication to her field is evident as she talks about the challenges she has faced, including the need for better communication across different roles within healthcare management. Her extensive knowledge and certifications, such as CPC, CRC, and COC, have played a significant role in her success. Join us as Natasha provides valuable insights into the intricacies of medical coding and auditing, and offers advice for those looking to advance in this field.

Melissa, an expert in medical billing and coding, shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of the field. We discuss the crucial role of education in ensuring compliance and preventing legal issues, explore the impact of technological advancements like e-books on professional training, and gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and solutions in current practices. 

This episode shines a light on the dynamic changes in the industry, including a significant 70% rise in AAPC membership dues over the past decade. We explore how these changes impact coders and CEU providers, offering a clear, insightful perspective on the industry's current state and future direction.

But there's more! There is positive shift towards remote work in healthcare, a game-changer for many professionals. This transition not only boosts financial savings by eliminating commutes but also brings fresh challenges and opportunities in medical coding. We delve into the complexities and benefits of this new era, from maintaining up-to-date knowledge to enjoying a healthier lifestyle and better work-life balance.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Alison Gibson, a seasoned health information executive with an impressive 15-year journey. From her humble beginnings in accounts receivable to a medical billing maestro, Alison's story is one of self-education, determination, and a passion for the healthcare industry. We'll follow her career trajectory, highlighting her coding journey, her notable achievements in value-based care, and her experience working with AI in the healthcare industry.

We dig into Alison’s fascinating work in value-based care and medical billing operations, her time developing products for Optum, and her invaluable experience in concept research and development. Listen as we explore her work with medical cost savings, her interactions with medical directors to better understand coding rules and regulations, and her seamless transition to in-person work and continued growth in the field.

Alison talks about her exciting future plans — including her upcoming presidency of the AAPC chapter in her local community — and offers her views on the dynamic field of health information management. Join us for an intriguing conversation and gain insights from an expert who's seen the healthcare industry evolve in real-time.

Promised to be a treasure trove of information, today's episode invites you to navigate the intricate world of medical billing and coding alongside our esteemed guest, Pam Vanderbilt, owner of Knowledge Tree Billing. An industry veteran, Pam uncovers the layers of this dynamic field that's constantly evolving, emphasizing the essentiality of keeping abreast with the rapid changes in regulations and the transformative power of automation. As Pam so aptly puts it, it's not about cramming the answers, but it's about knowing where to search for them.

Navigating further, we tackle the compelling task of enhancing medical documentation and crystallize the significance of collaborative networking. The conversation meanders through the critical process of defining the medical necessity of a visit, crafting a narrative through notes, and circumventing provider burnout. We spotlight the balancing act between minimal medical documentation and reaching an exemplary level of detail.

Moving into the future, Pam shares her enriching experiences from various medical coding conferences and retreats while highlighting the importance of self-investment and forward planning. We uncover some unique benefits of attending retreats over conferences and the convenience of virtual learning and online resources. As we delve deeper into healthcare challenges, Pam shares her progression towards catering affordable education for healthcare providers, coders, and billers. So, buckle up for an enlightening journey through the complexities and future possibilities of medical coding and billing with Pam Vanderbilt.

Ever wondered how someone transforms their passion into a thriving career? Christine Hall, President and Senior Consultant at Sterling Global Solutions and instructor for the AAPC, Florida Atlantic University, and more, has done just that. Starting from a humble job in a hospital billing office, she climbed her way up to lead her very own healthcare consulting firm. Christine's journey is not just inspiring; it's a testament to how dedication and a deep love for the industry can lead you to places you've never imagined.

But that's not all Christine is here to talk about. Throughout her illustrious career, she has championed the importance of medical practice compliance, ensuring fairness in the revenue cycle process. With an extensive background in transitioning to practice management systems, Christine offers invaluable advice on formulating an effective compliance plan. So, if you're in the healthcare industry, especially in the realms of medical coding and billing, you wouldn't want to miss this episode. Tune in as Christine unfolds her inspiring journey and shares her wealth of knowledge that promises to enlighten and educate.

What happens when a licensed practical nurse becomes a Coding Improvement Coordinator? Find out as I chat with Myra Simmons, who has embarked on a special journey from nursing to medical coding. Myra shares her story of how she transitioned into the world of medical coding, the trials and triumphs, and how she used her expertise to help those who are homeless. Her life revolves around her career in medical coding, and she finds joy in every medical situation as a chance to apply her skills.

Learn how Myra tackles the diverse aspects of her career in medical coding. She stresses the difference between merely learning and truly understanding the subject matter, and also highlights how crucial it is to apply what she learns in her day-to-day work. She also shares her current goal of becoming proficient in both pro-fee and facility coding. This conversation with Myra is a testament to her dedication, her passion for teaching, her drive to educate others, and her unwavering belief in service.