Angie's Beyond the Lecture

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Welcome to the Health Info Hub!

This space is for current and aspiring HIM professionals, with a focus on medical billing and coding. Drawing on my background in Biology, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, and medical coding training, I share insights, reflections, and resources from my own journey into the field.

You’ll find curated industry professionals listed first, followed by blog-style entries tracking my progress, webinar notes, and learning reflections. These are genuine, unsponsored shares aimed at paying it forward.

Whether you’re starting your HIM journey or seeking deeper insights in compliance, coding, or healthcare data, this page is a supportive and educational space to explore and learn.

Industry Professionals I Follow

Bleu Garcia:
Creator of Medical Coding with Bleu, Bleu Garcia is a trusted voice in the coding community. With years of industry experience, she provides clear, actionable advice for those entering the field. Her YouTube channel and Patreon include study guides and tips especially helpful for newcomers preparing for certification or seeking a deeper understanding of coding principles. Bleu's YouTube channel.

Terry Fletcher:
Terry is a well-known expert in medical coding and healthcare compliance, with decades of experience in the industry. She produces high-quality educational content through her YouTube channel and podcast. Terry offers insights into industry trends, billing challenges, and the ever-evolving world of compliance, making her an invaluable resource for students and seasoned professionals alike. Terry's YouTube channel.

Sean Weiss – The Compliance Guy:
Sean is a leading expert in healthcare compliance, known for his candid and informative podcast, The Compliance Guy. With a strong background in auditing and regulatory matters, he breaks down complex issues in a way that’s both understandable and highly practical. His work is a must-listen for anyone interested in compliance strategy and real-world scenarios. Sean's YouTube channel.

Jennifer McNamara:

Jennifer McNamara is a respected leader in the medical coding field, known for her clear teaching style and deep expertise. I recently attended one of her webinars, which was packed with valuable, practical information. She frequently speaks at industry conferences and shares insights through her website and other platforms. Her work is an excellent resource for both new and experienced coders looking to stay current and grow in their careers. Jennifer's company website: Healthcare Inspired, LLC.

Stephanie Allard:

Stephanie Allard is a seasoned expert in medical coding, auditing, and compliance. She hosts the Auditing Antics podcast, where she tackles a wide range of real-world coding and compliance issues with insight and clarity. Episodes are released weekly and often feature current challenges and best practices relevant to today’s healthcare landscape. Stephanie also regularly appears on The Compliance Guy live show with Sean Weiss, adding her expertise to broader industry conversations. I follow her to stay informed on evolving trends, payer expectations, and audit strategies in the medical coding and billing field. Follow Stephanie's YouTube channel: Stephanie Allard Consulting, LLC.

Dr. Lisa Campbell:
Dr. Lisa Campbell is a powerhouse in the Health Information Management field. With decades of experience as an educator and industry expert, she blends technical expertise with authentic personal motivation. Her YouTube channel is an invaluable resource - especially for CCS exam prep - offering clear instruction, encouragement, and insight. Her dedication to student success and professional growth makes her one of the most inspiring voices in the HIM community. Follow Dr. Lisa Campbell's YouTube channel here.

Clarice Warner – The Girl with the Pearls:
Clarice Warner, founder of the Professional Reimbursement Network, brings energy, humor, and a deep knowledge of medical coding and revenue cycle management. She co-hosts Saturday Morning Tea with Jesse the Coding Nurse, where the duo covers industry trends, compliance tips, and professional updates with wit and style. Their “Church Announcements” segment is a must-listen—informative and fun, it’s a great way to stay connected to the HIM community. Follow Clarice at the PRN's YouTube channel here.

Jennifer Brewer – MedicalCodingByJen:
Jennifer Brewer, the expert behind MedicalCodingByJen, is an AAPC-approved instructor known for her thorough, student-focused approach to CPC exam prep. Her YouTube channel features in-depth practice exams, chapter-specific walkthroughs, and live webinars, especially helpful for mastering CPT coding. She breaks down complex material in a calm, encouraging style that supports learners at every stage. With affordable monthly memberships and a solid training program, she’s become a go-to resource for aspiring AAPC-certified coders. MedicalCodingbyJen YouTube channel.

Stacie L. Buck - RadRX:
Stacie Buck is a nationally recognized expert in interventional radiology coding and a trusted voice in the HIM space. With multiple credentials and decades of experience, she offers advanced insights on a complex area of coding many find intimidating. Active on LinkedIn and through her website, she regularly shares tips, articles, and educational content that benefit both seasoned professionals and those preparing for the CIRCC exam. Her clear explanations and deep expertise make her a must-follow for anyone in the coding community. Stacie's website linked here.

Jennifer McNamara's Webinar: What it Takes to be a Medical Coder

June 9, 2025:

Today I had the privilege of attending a truly insightful webinar led by Jennifer McNamara, a respected expert in the medical coding field. I’m incredibly grateful for the practical wisdom and encouragement she shared with us. Whether you’re new to the industry or continuing to build your career, this session offered valuable direction on how to grow with purpose and professionalism in medical coding.

Here are my top takeaways from today’s webinar:

✅ Being a coder is more than assigning codes - it’s about communication and compliance.
Core responsibilities include reviewing documentation, assigning accurate codes, ensuring compliance, and working directly with providers. These aren't just tasks - they require a sharp eye, good communication, and a collaborative mindset.

✅ Soft skills and professional conduct are just as critical as technical knowledge.
Jennifer emphasized the importance of time management, attention to detail, and the ability to respectfully speak up when rushed or when documentation needs clarity. Being a professional human being, not just a coder, really stood out as a theme.

✅ Technology and data analytics are shaping the future of coding.
Excel, eClinicalWorks, dashboards, AI tools, and data audits are part of the modern coder’s world. Jennifer pointed out that moving into analytics is a natural next step for coders looking to grow beyond production.

✅ Certifications and continuing education are essential.
AAPC and AHIMA certifications matter, and staying current with code set changes (via tools like Codify, Find-A-Code, or Optum360) is non-negotiable. She also recommended joining LISTSERVs and reviewing the NCCI manual regularly.

✅ Build your profile: resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio presentation matter.
Jennifer encouraged coders to showcase real chart experience, engage on LinkedIn, and bring portfolios to interviews. Highlight skills like typing speed, accuracy, coursework, and problem-solving - especially as the field becomes more competitive.

Angie's Capstone Project at Capella University

June 9, 2025:

I'm proud to share the capstone project I submitted to complete my Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at Capella University — a project that earned me "Distinguished" marks, the highest possible designation.

This presentation is just over 1 hour and 10 minutes, and I want to give viewers a heads-up that it’s thorough and detail-heavy. In this capstone, I cover:

An overview of medical coding and how it fits into the healthcare system
Common causes of claims denials and strategies to minimize them
An introduction to compliance in billing and coding
A breakdown of the watchdogs and regulators providers must answer to
Key metrics and KPIs used to evaluate performance
And specific recommendations based on the data I analyzed

While this video is a bit long, I believe it’s a useful example of what goes into creating a high-quality graduate-level project in the healthcare field - especially one that blends academic theory with real-world application.

I'll be posting a short follow-up video soon with more personal background on this project, including what I would add or adjust now that I’ve had more time to reflect.

Also, stay tuned! I’ll be adding more blog entries about my experience with the master’s program at Capella University, including what I found helpful, challenging, and what I’d recommend for others considering this path.

Thanks for watching and learning with me!

Jennifer McNamara and Maya Turner: Copy, Paste, Repeat: The Hidden Risks of EMR Documentation (Presented by Healthcare Inspired, LLC on LinkedIn)

June 25, 2025:

The 30-minute session focused on risks associated with copy-paste (cloning) in medical documentation.
One key issue discussed was failing to attribute the original author when parts of a previous note are reused in the medical record.
AI should augment and not automate documentation tasks. Human review by auditors and coders remains essential.
Cloning and excessive copy-pasting can lead to:
1. Federal and payer audits
2. Inaccurate data being further compounded by AI
Best practice tip: Maya Turner suggested reviewing E/M notes from 2 days before to 2 days after a visit to track for potential cloning behavior.
The webinar included real-world case examples (with identifying information removed) to illustrate the consequences of improper documentation practices.

Victoria Moll: Understanding NCDs and LCDs in Medical Coding (Presented by Contempo Coding on YouTube)

June 26, 2025:

NCD (National Coverage Determination) and LCD (Local Coverage Determination) are both maintained by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
- NCDs apply at the national level and relate to Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
- LCDs are specific to MAC regions (Medicare Administrative Contractors) and vary based on location, typically covering several states per MAC.
The Medicare Coverage Database (MCD) on CMS.gov allows users to search NCDs and LCDs by keyword or CPT code.
- Results include:
  - Coverage policies (NCD/LCD)
  - Related articles (with CPT and ICD-10-CM codes)
  - Group-specific ICD-10-CM guidelines; some procedures requirement certain ICD-10-CM codes from one group or another group or more than one group
  - Revision history (often only minor wording updates)
Private insurers often mirror Medicare/Medicaid coverage, making familiarity with NCDs/LCDs beneficial even outside government programs.
Coders should watch for missing diagnoses - particularly conditions not carried over from previous visits or omitted from surgical records.
Tools like SelectCode offer embedded access to coverage data and policies, streamlining the coding workflow.

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