Leading with Humility: Mentorship in Medical Coding
Article Reference Code: NAMAS.02.27.2026
Written by: Allyson Woolard, MBA, RHIA, CPMA, CPC, CPB, CMRS, CMCS, CDBS, CDC
In an industry fueled by constant change, complex regulations, and guidelines that seem to evolve overnight, where we often work remote (without someone right beside us to ask questions) – one of the most powerful tools we have is each other – through PEER LEARNING.
Peer learning among medical coders isn’t new. We’ve always leaned on one another, like most other industries; however, what we tend to forget is what it felt like when we first started out! We were full of questions, unsure who to ask, and wondering if speaking up would make us sound “too” inexperienced for the job or even worse-unintelligent. I’ve been there. More than once (and guess what? This still happens today), but I’ve been blessed to have people around me now and in the past who are patient, supportive, and willing to help and explain without judgment. Those positive experiences shaped how I’ve learned in the past, how I continue to learn, and how I try to positively mentor others today.
For background, I’ve spent more than 20 years teaching and mentoring, both in traditional educational settings and through compliance auditing and consulting. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals brand new to healthcare, experienced billers and coders, auditors, consultants, and providers themselves. I’ve worked with some of the most knowledgeable in the local industry, some known across LinkedIn as industry leaders, some of the nicest and best doctors around and well, some of the TOUGHEST doctors I’ve ever experienced. Yet across all of those roles and environments, one thing has remained true: people learn best when they feel supported.
Some of the most rewarding work I’ve done has been with those just entering the medical billing and coding industry. They’re excited. They’re motivated. They want to do things the right way, but they don’t always know where to start. Watching the lightbulb come on when a concept finally clicks never gets old. Those moments are reminders of why mentoring matters to me!
One of the most meaningful full-circle moments in my career is working today at DoctorsManagement, LLC alongside a former student of mine, someone from one of the very first groups I ever taught. Looking back, I can admit I didn’t come from a formal education background. I taught from what I knew, based largely on office experience, and I sometimes cringe at how much I didn’t know back then, but you know what? The students probably didn’t even know how nervous I really was about my new role and how uneducated I felt in actually educating people on a topic that I was familiar with.
That student, however, grew into an incredible professional. She’s worked multiple jobs, served alongside me as an officer in our local AAPC chapter, and consistently shown up with a work ethic and attitude that are hard to match. Watching her grow into this industry, and where she now works beside me, makes me incredibly proud of her growth and perseverance through her career. It’s rewarding, and it’s also humbling. It’s proof that mentoring isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, offering guidance, and growing together. I love that I can go to her and ask questions and there is no judgement, even today, though I’m her “old instructor”, a veteran of our industry, and I should know the answer to questions….she won’t judge me. She’s going to help me.
My time as an AAPC officer has also reinforced that lesson. At our in-person chapter meetings, you could feel the energy, especially from newer coders who came in excited and a little nervous, looking up to those of us who had been in the industry for years with strings of credentials behind our names. They might have known our names from our Facebook group or LinkedIn – and some admitted to having a “fan” moment with us because they “always wanted to meet us,” BUT being a “veteran” wasn’t about acting like we knew everything. It was about being approachable, helpful, and willing to answer questions without making anyone feel uncomfortable.
Peer learning is most effective when curiosity is welcomed and questions are encouraged.
So, what does peer learning that is done right actually look like to me?
First, lead with humility. No matter how long you’ve been in this industry, there is always more to learn – things change. Staying teachable sets the tone for any mentoring relationships and encourages collaboration rather than defensiveness – especially when working with providers, and let’s be honest: there’s no need to feel threatened by someone else’s growth or knowledge. This profession isn’t a competition.
Second, focus on clarity, not criticism. Explain the “why.” Avoid language that feels punitive or dismissive or “like they should have known that”. The goal is understanding—not embarrassment. All of us who are experienced coders now, were once new too.
Third, be patient and present. Sometimes what someone needs most is reassurance that they’re on the right track. A calm explanation, a smile, or simply taking the time to listen can make a bigger impact than you realize.
And finally, recognize the value of giving back. Mentoring strengthens the profession as a whole. On a personal level, it also brings a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I’ve spent many years helping coder after coder, auditor after auditor figure out their next step. Every experience has been rewarding in its own way. So, I’ll leave you with a few questions: Will you consider mentoring someone? Will you offer patience when a fellow colleague asks a question? Will you collaborate so you can both grow?
Peer learning isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about working together and supporting each other’s growth. When coders mentor coders with humility and kindness we all benefit, and honestly, there’s no better feeling than helping someone else learn while still being open to learning right alongside them. Be teachable. Be helpful. Be a great mentor!
Contact Allyson on LinkedIn by Clicking her Name Below:
Allyson Woolard, MBA, RHIA, CPMA, CPC-I, CPB, CMCS, CDC
Passionate, dedicated, life-longer learner in all things medical and dental billing, coding and auditing. I have devoted 20 years of service to the healthcare industry and revenue cycle management as a manager, business owner, coder, auditor, educator, and consultant….and I love what I do!
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― Mark Twain.
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