On the first day of my first coding job (radiology coding), I didn’t know what I was doing. I really didn’t. I never coded a real radiology report before. I guess I read a few in my coding classes, but it was something that wasn’t focused on.

Everything I knew about radiology was just based on my life experiences up to that point. I knew what a wrist x-ray was because I needed one before (broke my wrist rollerblading). I knew what an ultrasound was because I have kids and had my fair share of prenatal ultrasounds.

I kind of knew what an MRI was because the machine looked scary to me and I couldn’t see myself ever being brave enough to go in one if needed. I didn’t know what a CT was. Never heard of a CTA or MRA. Didn’t know what spectral doppler was. Needless to say I was confused at my first coding job. I didn’t know what any of this stuff was. I was fortunate enough to have an awesome mentor who helped me with CPT coding and even some diagnosis coding here and there.

But I know not everyone is as lucky as I was. Not everyone has a mentor. Or maybe you don’t feel comfortable asking a coworker for help. Even though I’m not a new coder anymore, I didn’t forget what it was like being new. How I was afraid of coding everything wrong. How I was afraid that I really did not know what I was doing and was not going to make it as a coder.

Fast-forward a few years--I've been working as a medical auditor for a long time now. But all of this was a career change for me--I used to be a teacher. But even though I don't work in the classroom anymore, I still really love teaching and helping people learn to reach their full potential. That was my motivation for putting my own coding 'educational consultant' business. Everything is geared towards new coders or people still in coding school, who want to learn more about diagnostic radiology coding. I don't want people to feel as lost as I was in the very beginning.

I have a few different websites available where you can learn more about Midnight Medical Coding and the awesome coding stuff we offer. Please see links below. If it turns out that you love our products as much as we do, please sign up for our newsletter (last link below). I only send 2 to 3 awesome emails a month and never, ever annoying spammy emails.

Thanks for reading!
Lindsay Della Vella BS, COC