Spotlight on a Medical Coder: Shelly F.

Here at SMC Academy, I am invested in my students, both those who are current and those who have passed their exams years ago. I want to hear from them, from you. I want to celebrate you as both an individual and a student. If you would like to be featured or share your story, please email us at [email protected] with your interest in participating in our new blog, Spotlight on a Medical Coder. Let us celebrate each other: our successes, our quirks, our tips and tricks, and more.

Shelly F.

About You 

• What’s your name, and where are you from?
  • Shelly F. – Madisonville, Texas

• How long have you been in the medical coding field?
  • I was certified in February 2025…took the course October – December 2024

• What first got you interested in medical coding?
  • I have a Bachelor of Science degree and have taught high school science for 19 years
• Did you have a career before coding, or is this your first one?
  • High School Science Teacher (Chemistry for 19 years)

Your Career Journey

• What was your very first coding job?
  • Where I work now Avera since July 2025
• What’s your current role and what does a typical day look like for you?
  • I code Radiology…mornings log on…clear up any mistakes that are kicked back to me from day before…start coding.
• What certifications do you hold?
  • CPC
• Any fun or unexpected skills you’ve picked up along the way?
  • I’m learning insurance…my daughter just graduated college and does insurance…she helps me with insurance questions and I help her with coding questions lol

The Real Scoop

• What’s one thing you wish people knew about medical coding?
  • It takes a lot of brain power, critical thinking, and detail.
• What’s the most challenging part of your job?
  • Researching why patients are getting particular scans so coding is correct. That part can be time consuming
• What’s the most rewarding part?
  • Learning new things…there are days I feel so smart 🙂

Your Favorites

• Favorite coding tip or trick you swear by?
  • Utilize Google in conjunction with an encoder or the book…it helps so much
• Favorite “productivity hack” that keeps you focused?
  • I invested in a standing desk and a walking pad and I love being active while working…that keeps me so focused. And I listen to podcasts

For Future Coders

• What’s your best advice for someone just starting out?
  • Utilize ALL your resources and know it will take a lot of time studying. The more you do the more it will start to make sense.You have to know how you learn and then do it. I have to write stuff down and see videos…it takes a lot of time but that is what helped me be successful.Start CEU’s as soon as you are certified. I was lost half the time but that did help me get familiar with some coding concepts. NETWORK and apply or everything!!

Just for Fun

• If you weren’t a coder, what would you be doing instead?
  • Working on a horse breeding farm.