Transitioning from coder to quality team or leadership: A guide for growth

Transitioning from a coder to a quality team or leadership role is not an overnight process. As you begin to settle in with your coding skills and learn your company’s policies and procedures, other health information management (HIM) roles may open up. Whether it’s with a quality team that performs audits, fields coder questions, works on edits such as national coverage determination (NCD) or local coverage determination (LCD), or as a lead/supervisor, it’s expected that you will move to different roles within your career. Here are some tips to prepare for your next role:

1. Shine in your current role

Stay up to date with coding guidelines, coding clinics, and any internal policies. Make sure your quality and productivity meet or exceed company standards. Ideally, aim to exceed the current standards.

2. Make it known to your leader

During your one-on-one conversations, let your leader know your goals and career interests. Ask what roles fall within your goals and explore roles that don’t 100% align with your current goals.  As time passes, your goals and interests may change.  

3. Ask about internal tools or education modules

Many companies have educational software or tip sheets to better understand a role. Ask if you can speak with someone in the role to learn more about their day-to-day activities.

4. Read books about leadership

If you are aiming for a leadership position, I recommend reading "The 360º Leader" by John Maxwell. It’s a good book for leaders but also for anybody that wants to bring more value to their role.

By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for a successful transition from a coder to a quality team or leadership role. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, and being proactive in your development will open new opportunities for you.

Robert Franco, CCS, is a coding analyst at Solventum.