How to Become a Medical Coder in 2026 | What I’d Do Differently
Want to know how to become a medical coder in 2026? After more than 10 years in medical coding, risk adjustment, auditing, training, and healthcare AI, I’m sharing exactly what I would do if I had to start my medical coding career all over again today.
In this video, we’ll talk about what medical coding actually involves, which certification I would consider first, how I would choose medical coding training, why practicing real medical records matters, and how I would approach getting that first medical coding job.
I’m also sharing some things I would NOT spend money on too early—and why getting certification after certification isn’t necessarily the best way to build your career.
We’ll cover:
• What medical coders actually do
• Medical coding training options
• CPC and CRC certification
• How to practice medical coding
• How to get your first medical coding job
• Why experience matters
• Mistakes new medical coders should avoid
• Remote medical coding expectations
• How AI and technology are changing medical coding
• How to build a long-term medical coding career
I’ve spent more than a decade in this field, and my career has taken me from medical coding into risk adjustment, auditing, training, team leadership, subject matter expert work, and healthcare AI. My goal with Coded Life with Shay is to show you not only how to get into medical coding, but where this career can take you.
💬 Where are you in your medical coding journey? Are you researching the career, currently in school, already certified, or trying to land your first coding job? Let me know in the comments.
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