The AAPC Podcast

Few things can cause a generational divide quite like social media can. Parents are puzzled by their teens’ TikToks and Instas, and teens roll their eyes when old-timers can’t seem to figure out a meme vs. a post. Behind these minor clashes are serious questions about whether social media isolates or connects us, and whether it’s a perilous influence or a potential force for good.. Who better to drive research into these questions than the generation that’s grown up on social media? At The Business School’s new Social Media Analytics Lab (SMAL), associate professor Adrienne Hall-Phillips and a group of undergraduate and graduate researchers are exploring how social media is changing our interactions with companies, organizations, and each other. SMAL combines undergraduate and graduate research to consider how the power of social media can be responsibly harnessed across various aspects of life, from mental health to consumer behavior. Social media began not long before the year 2000 and its evolution has not only influenced behavior in the countless apps and platforms that have been createdit has generated a vast trove of data. Hall-Phillips said it’s important to look at the data behind user habits for apps like TikTok and Instagram, for example. She added that SMAL’s findings could contribute to evidence-based development of products, services, and policies that improve daily life. To gather its data, the team is using information gleaned from application programming interfaces, or APIs, for apps like X, formerly known as Twitter, and Reddit. The undergraduate-focused research centers on experimental work tracking the social media habits of students who volunteer to share their usage data. SMAL’s research this year focuses on several areas, including “Paying Attention,” an undergraduate-led effort to look at how different interruptions—short- and long-form videos in particular—affects the subjects’ ability to recall information and perceive time. The study is also looking at interruptions through a mental health lens, researching how apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and escapism. “It’s data you can collect and observe to find out if social media is really giving people what they need,” Hall-Phillips said. “Is it helping them find their own communities? Are they finding resources?” Students leading the lab’s study found the subject matter intriguing and the research experience invaluable. “I started working in the Social Media Analytics Lab last summer as part of the Early Research Experience in E-Term (EREE) program,” said Ava Dickman ’25. “The lab has given me a space to express my creativity, explore my interests, and get to know more people in my department, while developing my research skills.” Dickman said early findings are already challenging some conventional wisdom surrounding social media use. She said, for example, that in a study that tracked social media interruptions, the group found its control variable--having students sit in silence for a “rest interruption”—actually had more of a negative impact on recall and time perception than expected. “It was still better than the results from the short-form video interruption, though not by much,” she said. SMAL is also looking at how social media affects our own sense of mental health and well-being. With “#BodyPositivity on Social Media: Impact on Mental Health,” a SMAL team is investigating the immediate impact of body positivity posts on Instagram on the body appreciation, self-esteem, and mood of consumers, through a survey containing stimuli and a pre- and post-study. Graduate researcher Roshni Harish said the study produced unexpected results. The group found that body positivity posts on social media improved users’ appreciation of their own bodies, but didn’t have much of an impact on their overall self-esteem. Hall-Phillips said having a mix of graduate and undergraduate students at SMAL creates an atmosphere that encourages mentorship and creativity. It’s interesting research, but she said there are real-life implications of social media that we are just now starting to understand. “It’s trendy, but social media has also changed the way we, as humans, consume anything,” she said. “It is definitely a news source for all things pop culture, but it’s also real life—it has become part of everything from politics to health care. It’s fascinating to study how it has infiltrated our lives.”

From Broadway stages to the business of healthcare, Matty Oaks-Dougherty’s coding journey is anything but ordinary.In the latest #iamaapc broadcast, Matty joins us to share how he went from professional dancer to medical coder, influencer, AAPC content contributor, and VILT teaching assistant. His story is a great reminder that there’s more than one path into this profession.We’re also joined by AAPC Director of Education Operations Kris Taylor, who shares why AAPC certified instructors are so important and how members can take the next step toward becoming one.Watch the episode and get inspired by two voices helping shape the future of medical coding education.#iamaapc #aapc #medicalcoding #medicalcodingcareer #medicalcoder #healthcarebusiness #revenuecycle #medicalbillingandcoding #aapccertified #medicalcodingeducation

Recorded April 8, 2026Join us for the latest AAPC Social Hour featuring Katherine Abel as she introduces AAPC’s new Certified Value-Based Administrator (CVBA) credential. Also joining us is Betty Hovey, an AAPC member since 1996. Betty shares her career journey and reflects on how AAPC has evolved over the years. Betty is also featured in the April edition of AAPC The Magazine.Learn more about the CVBA here: https://www.aapc.com/certifications/certified-value-based-administrator-cvba-certification#aapc #medicalcoding #valuebasedcare #healthcarecareers #aapcsocialhour

Attending HEALTHCON is an investment in professional growth, but it also creates meaningful value for the organizations attendees represent. In this episode of Countdown to Conference, Pam Warren, who serves on the HEALTHCON Education Committee, and Nicole Egbert, Director of Inside Sales–Member Success at AAPC, join the conference team to talk about how to position conference professional development as a win for the employer, not just the employee. From stronger skills and fresh industry insight to greater confidence and improved performance back on the job, they explore what companies stand to gain when they support attendance at HEALTHCON.🎧 Tune in for practical perspective on how HEALTHCON education benefits both professionals and the organizations they serve.Learn more about HEALTHCON: www.healthcon.com#healthcon #healthcareconference #healthcareeducation #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #revenuecycle

Recorded March 25, 2026From industry insights to inspiring career journeys, this episode of AAPC Social Broadcast brings you two voices you will not want to miss.Join us as Ava Johnson, member of AAPC’s National Advisory Board and a familiar face on YouTube, TikTok, and beyond, shares her perspective on the industry and the content that has made her a standout voice in the space. We are also joined by Charisse Marshall, featured in the March edition of AAPC The Magazine, as she shares her story and experience in the business of healthcare.Tune in for a great conversation with two professionals making an impact in the industry.#aapc #medicalcoding #healthcarecareers #medicalbilling #healthcareindustry

Recorded March 11, 2026On this edition of AAPC Social Hour, we’re joined by Kristy Swinehart, an AAPC member and social media coding influencer, who shares her journey into the industry and what she hopes to accomplish through her videos. We also hear from Jessica Diaz, who discusses her article in the March edition of AAPC the Magazine, “Starting a Medical Coding Career?”, and offers insight for those exploring a future in medical coding.#medicalcoding #aapc #medicalcoder #healthcarecareers #careergrowth #aapcsocialhour

Recorded February 25, 2026 In this episode of AAPC Social Hour, we’re joined by longtime AAPC member and legend Sharon Oliver and Amber Simon, who shares her journey in healthcare.#aapc #medicalcoding #healthcarecareers #aapcsocialhour

Nos alejamos de la actualidad informativa clásica y buscamos, sin complejos, el entretenimiento más puro y divertido. Con Lucía Semedo y Elías Denche.

Education is at the heart of HEALTHCON, but how do we decide what makes it on stage?In this episode of Countdown to Conference, Conference Education Committee members Jaci Kipreos and Christopher Chandler take you behind the scenes of how sessions come together. From identifying emerging industry trends to selecting speakers who truly understand the day-to-day of medical coding, they share why thoughtful education planning matters and how it helps ensure every attendee walks away with real value.🎧 Tune in to hear how HEALTHCON education is built.#healthcon #healthcareconference #healthcareeducation #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #revenuecycle

RECORDED FEBRUARY 12, 2026How does AAPC keep exams aligned with new code sets each year? And why is exam integrity so critical to protecting the reputation of CPC credential holders? In this episode of Social Hour, AAPC Senior Director of Content Katherine Abel joins us to discuss:• How exams and curriculum are updated annually with new code sets• Why maintaining exam integrity matters for every credential holder• Physical books vs. eBooks — what members should considerWe’re also joined by National Advisory Board members Ellen Hinkle and Missy Kirshner, who share the latest on AAPC’s Virtual Summits — free to members and a great opportunity to earn CEUs.If you value the strength and credibility of your credential, this is a conversation worth watching.AAPC Virtual Summit: https://aapc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jKwVlKcdQT6bq32qgTOfoQ#aapcsocialhour #medicalcoding #aapc #cpc

Your first HEALTHCON can be different depending on where you’re at in your career. That’s what makes it special. In this video, Sarah Adkins and Paul Daddona share what their first HEALTHCON experience was like from two very different starting points. Paul attended as a new CPC-A who hadn’t yet worked in the field. Sarah came in with industry experience and a different set of expectations. Same conference. Very different journeys. Both walked away changed.Learn more about HEALTHCON: www.healthcon.com#healthcon #medicalcoding #firsthealthcon #codingcareer #cpc #cpca #medicalcoders #careerjourney #codingcommunity

We’re kicking off our Countdown to Conference series with a conversation about why conference matters.In this first episode, AAPC’s President of Membership, Raemarie Jimenez, and AAPC National Advisory Board President, Rhonda Buckholtz, share what makes HEALTHCON more than just an event. From career-changing education to community you can’t find anywhere else, hear directly from AAPC leaders on why HEALTHCON continues to be a must-attend experience for medical coders at every stage of their journey.🎧 Tune in and start your countdown to HEALTHCON.

DOJ Investigates Fed Chair Powell as Gold Hits $4,600 — Is the Dollar Breaking?

Recorded December 11, 2025In this episode, we dove into REVCON 2026, happening virtually on Feb 24–25, with a dynamic panel of REVCON speakers sharing what attendees can expect from this year’s premier revenue cycle event. Learn more: https://www.aapc.com/events/revcon We also welcomed Shannon Cameron, who highlighted her December AAPC The Magazine article, “Remote Staffing in Healthcare.”We explored the benefits and challenges of remote coding teams and what leaders need to know to make them thrive.To close things out, Stephanie Lupien joined us to discuss her December article, “Unlock Your Potential With ADA Accommodations.” We covered common accommodation types and how AAPC supports examinees who need them.Catch the full conversation and get ready for an incredible REVCON!

In the latest AAPC Social Broadcast, we’re joined by AAPC The Magazine contributor Sandra Pierce, who breaks down the key ideas from her article, “Knowing Your Professional Worth.” Sandra shares why coders must stop underselling their value and how to confidently advocate for fair compensation.We’re also joined by former AAPC National Advisory Board member Brian Boyce, who walks us through his remarkable journey from healthcare clinician to revenue cycle expert. This episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways for every coding professional.#aapcsocialhour #healthcare #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #revenuecycle #careers

In this edition of AAPC Social Hour, we connect with NAB President Board President, Rhonda Buckholtz, who shares insights from her Regional Conference experience and updates from the NAB. Plus, we welcome Brittney Rubottom, featured in the October issue of AAPC The Magazine, as she tells the story of her inspiring career journey. Join us for a mix of fun, community, and professional growth you won’t want to miss. #AAPC #AAPCSocialHour #MedicalCoding #AAPCMembers #AAPCMagazine #AAPCChapter #HealthcareCommunity #CareerJourney #CodingLife #AAPCEvents #HalloweenFun

Recorded September 25, 2025.Join us for this episode of AAPC Social Hour as we welcome Raemarie Jimenez, AAPC’s President of Membership and Content. Raemarie encourages members to take the annual AAPC Salary Survey and gives important updates on what’s happening across the organization. We’re also joined by Kimberly Thomas, who is featured on the cover of the September issue of AAPC The Magazine. Kimberly opens up about her journey in the business of healthcare, sharing the experiences that shaped her career and what has helped her succeed. #aapc #medicalcoding #aapcsocialhour #aapcsalarysurvey #healthcarecareers

Recorded September 10, 2025 In this AAPC Social Hour, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Melissa Hardy, CPC, COSC, as she shares her journey into healthcare and medical coding, also featured in the September issue of AAPC The Magazine. Following Melissa’s interview, members of AAPC’s National Advisory Board join a panel discussion on potential career paths and positions within healthcare that can help new coders remove their apprentice (CPC-A) status.

In this episode of AAPC Social Hour, Lindsey Bush joins us to discuss her article from the July issue of AAPC The Magazine: "Maintain Office Compliance With These HIPAA Tips." We dive into key security risks in the digital space and how to stay compliant. Then, a panel from AAPC’s National Advisory Board shares insights on the theme “No Job Too Small,” exploring how roles outside of coding can build skills, open doors, and move you closer to your dream career.#aapcsocialhour #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #aapc #aapcnab 

 In this episode of AAPC Social Hour, Katherine Abel shares insights into the Job-Ready program and how AAPC is helping students succeed beyond certification. Plus, Corrella Lumpkins brings a group of Project Xtern alumni to discuss how the program gave their careers a powerful head start.

In this episode, Raemarie Jimenez shares insights from her recent meeting with the AMA’s CPT Editorial Panel, and Gabriel Moberg discusses the latest updates to telemedicine codes. We also chat with Gabriel about how his nursing background supports his work as a medical coder. This episode was recorded on June 11, 2025.

Recorded on May 28, 2025 – In this episode, we chat with AAPC’s 2024 Officer of the Year, David Umpierre, about his journey into medical coding and his experiences in Puerto Rico. Later, Jamie Hardeman joins us to share insights from her AAPC The Magazine article, "Advice for New Medical Coders." Follow AAPC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/206425/ Like AAPC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAPCFan/ Follow AAPC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aapc_official/ Follow AAPC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aapcstaff

In this episode of AAPC Social Hour, we chat with Erica Simpson, AAPC's Placement Director, about the latest updates to the Project Xtern program and share tips to help new CPC-As land their first job. Plus, we talk with Kelly Shew about her feature article in the May 2025 issue of AAPC The Magazine: Principal, Chronic, and Complex Care Management Pay Off. #medicalcoding #healthcarecareers #cpcjourney

Meet Paul Daddona—last year he attended AAPC’s HEALTHCON as a newly certified CPC-A with no job experience, just determination and a dream. He came to learn, network, and take the first steps in his career. Shortly after the conference, he landed his very first position in the healthcare revenue cycle. In this follow-up interview at HEALTHCON 2025, Paul shares where his journey has taken him over the past year, what he’s learned, and his best advice for students and new coders entering the field.

Meet Kim Steffenhagen—she started at the front desk and never imagined where it would lead. In this interview, Kim shares how her curiosity, hard work, and a little nudge from fate brought her to medical coding. Hear how she prepared for the CPC exam with AAPC and why she never looked back. #medicalcoding #aapc #cpcexam #careerjourney

In this edition of AAPC Social Hour, Sabrina Skeldon shares how to give physicians a financial literacy checkup, while Heather Greene dives into the key performance indicators that define a top-notch CDI team.

Join us for a discussion with Jacqueline Bloink on medical liens and the vital role medical coders play in them. Plus, Wendy Cox shares expert tips on how to start your career as a medical coder!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dominic Chavez, like many others, sought a career change. Encouraged by his mother, he decided to explore medical coding—a field completely new to him. Learning the language of healthcare took time, but with persistence, he found a path full of possibilities. Watch as Dominic shares his journey in this episode of #iamaapc.

Join us as Missy Kirshner and Angela Clements discuss global surgery, with Melinda Craig joining to share insights on coding quality. Plus, we’ll explore ways AAPC members can get more involved with the organization!

Todas las tendencias del Rock y el Metal Nacional e Internacional en un formato ecléctico y sin prejuicios respecto a subgéneros y etiquetas. Con Pedro Barroso.

Join us as we introduce Yvonne Ellison, the new AAPCCA Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) Executive Chair! Yvonne shares her background and vision for the CAB during her tenure. We’re also joined by William (Bill) Fiala, who discusses his article, Legitimizing Psychedelic Medication Therapy, featured in the February 2025 issue of AAPC The Magazine.

Elizabeth Comma-Watson began her healthcare journey as a medical transcriptionist. Initially, she considered nursing—until a class involving a cat dissection changed her mind due to her deep love for felines. She took on various hea lthcare roles to support herself, eventually finding positions that intersected with medical coding. A co-worker’s suggestion sparked her interest, leading to the career she thrives in today. Discover Elizabeth's inspiring path on this edition of I Am AAPC. #iamaapc #healthcare #healthcarecareers #medicalcoding #medicalcoders

Join us as we talk about the 2024 Salary Survey and our new policy change allowing eBook use during exams.

Join us for a conversation with Rhonda Buckholtz, AAPC's new National Advisory Board President. Rhonda shares her journey with AAPC and discusses her vision and initiatives for the board. Plus, get a sneak peek from HEALTHCON presenters as they share insights into their upcoming sessions this April! Learn more about HEALTHCON at healthcon.com.#heatlhcare #healthcareconference #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #healthcareeducation #healthcarecareers #aapc #aapcnab #aapcnationaladvisoryboard

In this edition of AAPC Social Hour, Terry Fletcher discusses updates to Telehealth 2025 and the final rule. We’re also joined by members of AAPC’s National Advisory Board to explore the Emerging Leaders program, now accepting applications through January 31, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://www.aapc.com/training-and-events/emerging-leaders-program#telehealthcare #finalrule #aapc #aapcemergingleaders #medicalcoding #medicalcoder  

Victoria Vo, CPC, COC, CPMA, CRC, CPFC, CPCD, CPRC, CEMA, AAPC Approved Instructor, and AAPC Fellow, didn’t always have a clear career path. However, her determination and passion for medical coding transformed her journey. Discover how she rose to prominence as a respected medical coder and one of the industry's most influential voices in this inspiring interview.

Join us as we gear up for Thanksgiving! In this video, we dive into everything you need to know about AAPC exams, including what to expect on test day, essential items to bring, and plenty of helpful tips to ensure you're prepared. Don't miss out!

Join us as Leigh Poland talka about her article in the November AAPC Magazine, High-Risk Debridement Coding and Documentation. Kathrine Abel from AAPC's content team also joins the broadcast to share updates on AAPC's education and exams.

Meet Maddie Banerjee, a former teacher who launched her medical coding career later in life. With postgraduate degrees in English Literature and Education, she found her path to coding through a local community college. Discover her inspiring journey on this episode of #iamaapc. #medicalcoding #medicalcoder #healthcare #revenuecycle

Watch Corella Lumpkins and Annie Barnaby join us to talk about resume writing and the Project Xtern program. 

Join us as we speak with a panel of experts from the AAPC national office about the new code updates for 2025. 

Join us as we talk about the great time we had in Philadelphia for our HEALTHCON Regional Conference. We also talk about our upcomong DOCUCON conference. https://www.aapc.com/training-and-events/docucon

 After a fulfilling career as a veterinary technician, Jenipher Swanson was ready for a new challenge. Her curiosity led her to discover medical coding, and she quickly became passionate, spending hours each day learning everything she could about the field. It wasn't long after she officially began her CPC studies that she passed the CPC exam. Discover more about Jenipher’s inspiring journey in this episode of #iamaapc.

Politicians and hedge funds that push “Environmental, Social, and Governance” (ESG) scores and investing do so with the notion of improving social welfare. What they fail to realize is that these concerns are accounted for in human action already.Original article: ESG Undermines Social Welfare  

Join us for this edition of Social Hour as we chat with Trenton Strode about landing his first job and how healthcare employers should reconsider hiring for CDI roles. We also have a conversation with the National Advisory Board about the Emerging Leaders Program.

Join us as we speak with officers from the 2023 AAPC Chapter of the Year, the Minneapolis, MN chapter.

Join us as we get to know AAPC's 2023 Chapter Officer of the Year, Tonda Dawson. We also talk about our upcoming HEALTHCON Regional Conference in Philadelphia.

Join us as we talk about our HEALTHCON Regional Conference in Philadelphia, this coming August. Learn more about the event at this link: https://www.aapc.com/training-and-events/healthcon-regional-2024-philadelphia

Join us this week as Sonal Patel clarifies G2211 and we learn about becoming an inpatient coder.