Meet an HIM Student

Hayes Steele is a first year HIM student at Montgomery College. We wanted to know what her first impressions are and any advice for students considering HIM.

DCHIMA: How did you hear about medical coding and HIM? 

Hayes Steele: My cousin has a friend that is in the HIM field and was telling me about her experience and about how much she loves it. From there, I went onto google and started researching more in depth and found that it really sparked my interest. Previously to enrolling in the HIM program at MC, I was a massage therapist and had already taken a ton of anatomy and physiology classes. I have always found the human body to be fascinating and I enjoy constantly learning new things about it. 

DCHIMA: You mentioned you started coding classes this Spring. What are your first impressions?

Hayes Steele: Not going to lie, these classes have been tough! The amount of information packed into these classes is a lot and it is definitely overwhelming. However, I love a challenge and am confident that once I start to get the hang of it I am really going to enjoy it.  

DCHIMA: What is something that you learned in your classes that surprised you? 

Hayes Steele: I had no idea that there were so many codes in the ICD-10-CM book! That book alone is full of things I did not know existed in terms of diagnoses. I also had no idea that there were so many rules and guidelines around coding so that took me by surprise as well. Another thing that surprised me a little bit was the amount of extra study time and dedication that is needed for these classes in order to do well. 

What do you like most about your HIM program?

Hayes Steele: I am really enjoying just how much I am learning about the human body and all of the different diagnoses that are out there. I look at it as if I am learning a new language, so it’s been pretty cool to learn something that is somewhat specialized. It has been eye-opening personally as well, because having this knowledge gives me the opportunity to be a source of advocacy not only for myself, but for friends and family. 

Hayes Steele: What advice would you give fellow students who are thinking about going into HIM?

Hayes Steele: The biggest thing I will say to prospective students is to stick with it once you are in the program. Put in the time and dedication even though you will have to make sacrifices along the way. Time management is really important as well because it is easy to get overwhelmed very quickly. Also, use your classmates as resources. Everyone is in it together and probably just as nervous or confused as you are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! No question is too silly or stupid, just get out of your comfort zone.  

For any article ideas, please contact Filipe Telles at DCHIMA@DCHIMA.org.