Medical Coder Profile: Suzanne Rowe Porter, CPC

Since July 2012, Suzanne has worked as a coding intern for Dr. Samuel W. Gehring, PSC – a Kentucky-based family medicine practice. While there, she has maintained knowledge of the evaluation and management process, while actively researching Local Coverage Determinations and evaluations/corrections of EOB rejections. She works with the evaluation and management coder of documentation principles, handles implementations of CMS, and other state regulations that impacts this primary care office.

We talked with Suzanne about her professional and personal life.

Medical Coder Profile: Suzanne Rowe Porter, CPC

Do you use paper manuals or online encoders? I am currently using manuals, but have seen encoders that I am considering purchasing.  I have heard mixed reviews from other coders about both.

What are your thoughts about specialty credentialing? Is the AAPC doing enough? As I continue to work in medical coding, I feel that one or two areas will prove to be my best and favorite.  At that time, I will choose to specialize.  I do believe that the AAPC consistently endeavors to keep up with the ongoing changes in the medical industry.

Tell me about your experience with CodingCertification.org.  I was so blessed to find CCO online and purchased the Blitz Review right away.  I truly believe this purchase is the sole reason I passed the CPC on the first try!  I refer back to each DVD often as each day presents new coding questions.  I truly appreciate the webinars and the free CEU each month as well.

What do you like least/most about medical coding? I love the challenge of medical coding because each day is different and offers opportunities to learn something new.  However, the job market can be very frustrating when trying to gain experience to land that remote coding position.  I was fortunate to be offered a coding intern position at Dr. Gehring’s office and have gained an enormous amount of coding experience.

What advice can you offer to people just getting started in their medical coding careers? Study hard and don’t give up.  Make friends with your manuals and take multiple practice exams before taking the CPC exam.

What are your future career goals? Short term is to find full-time employment and long-term is to code remotely and specialize when the time comes.

What are your hobbies outside of work? I work out, scrapbook, crochet and paint.

How does your personality help you in your job? I am very driven and self-motivated.  I love to learn, have leadership characteristics and hope that helps me in this field.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.  I watch Bob Ross’s “Joy of Painting” every Saturday morning on Kentucky Educational Network.  Ha!

Is there anything else you would like to add?  I have been married for 26 years to my wonderful husband, Alan. Together we have three children – twin 24-year old daughters, Paige and Katelynd, and one 18-year old son, Luke.

More Related Content about Medical Coder

Medical Coder Profile: Sara Gomez Benefits from Internship
AAPC – Medical Coding Classes