7 Mental Health Tips for Medical Coders

There’s a difference between mental health medical coding and mental health FOR medical coding.

The former is a real set of codes, also known as CPT codes. It can involve everything from anxiety to depression and ADHD.

That’s not what we’re talking about today, however. We’re going to be focusing on the people behind the codes (i.e. YOU).

Mental health is just as important for medical coders as it is for anyone else in a potentially stressful work environment these days.

The good news is that there are ways to bounce back from mental health issues and prevent them from happening again in the future.

Here are some mental health tips for medical coders:

1. Start Strong

How our days start is a big indicator of how stressful the day will go. Try to avoid stress in the morning and stay calm when getting kids ready, driving to work and consuming breakfast. If you can at least mentally start in a good place, you’ll be set up for the rest of the day. Meditation and silence for a few minutes is a good idea.

2. Establish A Routine

With routines, there is less uncertainty. With less uncertainty, there is less stress. Try to schedule out a daily routine, such as when you stop for breaks, snacks and even when you’ll dedicate time to “heads down” work. Consider blocking off time on your calendar regularly as well.

3. Know What’s Expected

Not knowing what is expected of you on the job can be stressful. If you’re new, review your job responsibilities and check yourself on them every so often. But, more importantly, have a discussion with your supervisors to know what is and isn’t expected of you. Don’t put too much on your own shoulders if you don’t need to.

4. Keep Your Environment Comfortable

Try to maintain a serene environment, especially if you work from home. Listen to music if that helps you focus. Invest in a comfortable chair. Ensure there is enough natural light to brighten your spirits. Do what is comfortable for you.

5. Take Breaks

Be intentional about stopping to clear your mind and take a break. As mentioned above, you can schedule out your breaks and add them to your calendar to help co-workers know not to bug you during that time. Just 10-15 minutes a day can do wonders for your mental health.

6. Keep Learning

The more knowledge you have about medical coding, the more empowered you’ll feel. If you’re interested in gaining knowledge and expanding your credential set, another medical coding course may be in order. Or, you may just want to attend one to keep your skills sharp, as guidelines and best practices are always changing.

7. Stay Organized

At the end of the day, if you stay organized, the other items on this list will be easier to manage and you’ll be in a better place mentally. Seek out tips from fellow medical coders on staying organized and ask for training from your company if needed. Organizations is important for medical coders!

If you’re interested in getting the best medical coding education where instructors really do care about your success and mental health, visit the official MCA Online website today!