October 7, 2024 • 15 mins
Howdy Coder Pro's! I'm taking a Coding break in the fall Windy City of Chicago!
Let's have a quick chat about some networking. strategies at a big conference. Connect with some very important people whether you are a newbie or seasoned coder.
To learn more about Medical Coding:
www.abrahahammedicalcodingcoac...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coding-break-with-tam-talk-podcast--4244224/support.
Let's have a quick chat about some networking. strategies at a big conference. Connect with some very important people whether you are a newbie or seasoned coder.
To learn more about Medical Coding:
www.abrahahammedicalcodingcoac...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coding-break-with-tam-talk-podcast--4244224/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Coding Break.
I am your Coding Breakcoast Tam Talk here to talk
about all things coding related, which includes the good, the bad,
and the indifference. So on today's episode, I want to
talk about the power of networking.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
That's right, the power of networking.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
So, for those of you who follow me on my
YouTube channel and you know that I was preparing to
take an actual coding break, not one where I step
away from the computer, but one where I actually go
somewhere and break.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Take a break from coding.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
So I was attending the Becker's conference in Chicago. That's right,
I'm in Chicago, and so I love attending that conference
because it puts me in the same room with healthcare executives,
it information technology leaders, other coders, as well as some
(01:01):
legal people as well.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
And so it's almost like it's.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
A brain I would say, a brain tank or think
tank type of environment where you're bringing all those parties
in to collaborate on ways to improve the healthcare systems,
such as the revenue cycle management. Of course, given the
way the day that we're in now, how do we
(01:30):
forge forward into digital health, virtual health, all the things
that are technology based and how it surrounds or is
related to healthcare. And so again I was able to
meet some.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Great individuals.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Again, the lists or the people attending range from executives
to coders, to nursing staff to it pretty much all
of the parties again that are needed to bring any
particular project as.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Relates to healthcare forward. So I wanted to talk about
the power of networking.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
What tools should you have in your bag as it
relates to networking, especially if you're new to the coding industry,
or perhaps you're somewhat of an introvert like myself and
you really not into the small talk. So one of
the things that I noticed and I actually tested it
(02:42):
maybe the second day of the conference, is having some
key questions or some key points to discuss as you
go about and again as you meet the different individuals
as well as even you visit the vendor booths, and
you know.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
What can you talk about?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
So what I recommend doing is create a list of
items that are like I don't want to say trending items,
but some items that are of some significance or importance
as of that particular day or as of today.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
And also those that.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Surround the purpose of the conference. So for example, you know,
we were there to talk about digital health, virtual health
as well as a revenue cycle. So of course we're
gonna talk about money as relates to healthcare, We're gonna
talk about virtual health, we're talking we're talking about technology,
(03:42):
and we're talking about you know, collaboration, you know.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Again the think tank. So you want to.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
One do your research on the various topics and then
too again formulate some questions or some statements.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
That you can speak to as you interact with different people.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Of course, you know, whenever you attend a conference or
an event, you're going to have like your badge and everything,
so people can kind of look and see who you are,
where you're from, and depending on the like the pertinent
information that is on that particular badge. So of course,
like I said, you know, talking about various things, and
(04:27):
so when you approach, for example, if you approach a
vendor booth, and again depending on what type.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Of you know, vendor your approaching or this.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Type of product or service that they are sharing with
you or promoting.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
With you, you.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
Want to have an idea of you know, how to
engage in that conversation. So for example, since this is
a coding podcast, we're talking about coding, I focus on
vendors that were specific to the medical co holding industry, right,
and some of them they were kind of awful little bit,
but I was able to kind of UH bring medical
(05:07):
coding back into their conversations, such as of course, the
revenue cycle revenue cycle management, coding is a major part
of that as well. So as I, you know, met
with different vendors and they talked about their.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Products, they talking about their services.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
So I ask a few key key questions again, as
a coder, how does the implementation of UH technology plays.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
A part into the role of a coder?
Speaker 1 (05:37):
So if, for example, if the vendor was f their
product was focused on medical coding, how is this helping
the medical coder?
Speaker 2 (05:46):
For example?
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Is it taken away from taking the job away from
a coder? Is it enhancing or streamlining their role? Tell
me more, how can I how can your product or
service help me as a medical coder?
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And so.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Again, because I had formulated like maybe two or three
questions to kind of carry the conversation, and I think
it makes the vendor comfortable as well because it allows
them to again focus on to talk more about their
product or service that they're trying to promote, and it
goes well because One, it looks like you know what
(06:28):
you're talking about.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
I mean, of course I knew what I was talking
about because I work.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
In the industry and I have experience and all that
good of stuff, and so it looks One, it looks
like you know what you're talking about, too, I've done
my research. And Three, it allows the vendor to uh
promote their service and it allows you to assess their
knowledge of the product of service that they are promoting.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
So again this is specific to like vendor booths.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
So what have you Now when you're meeting someone, like
say from another facility, lety one thing that I don't do.
And I don't know if this is a good or
bad thing, especially if I'm representing another facility. Like if
I'm representing my personal business or my personal brand, that's
(07:18):
one thing. But if I'm representing another facility, I'm very
careful about the information that I share. One is it
my information to share?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Too? Was I in a room when this type.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Of information was being discussed or disseminated. Is it my
place to share this information with other people that I
just met, right, and so I do take notes, like
general notes as it relates to conversations or discussions that are.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Discussed, because again.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
This conference was more of a tank and where you're
bringing into different parties of different collaborators to discuss or
come up with a solution or possible solution to a
particular problem, like in the revenue cycle in healthcare. But
at the same time, like I said, so you're I'm
very observant. I take notes as it relates to certain
(08:20):
things that certain people may discuss, or certain vendors may recommend,
like with the services or products that they are offering
that may be beneficial to a system, for perhaps the
one that I'm employed with, or beneficial to my brand
or my business. So that's something that you want to
(08:43):
keep in mind.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
Now, if you are again.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
New to coding and you're looking for a coding role,
this is the opportunity for you, especially when you're meeting
different different leaders from different I would say, hospitals, clinics,
entities that are specific to coding, like they if you
(09:07):
listen to them, and it's okay to ask if they
have like a coding department, if they are looking for
a colder.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
And again this is.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Just not for new coders, this is also for season colders.
Perhaps you're trying to pivot into a different I would
say arena or especially as it relates to coding or
and therefore you may have some experience in a particular area,
or you're looking to depth to dip your toe into
(09:36):
another area.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
And so someone you may.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
Meet, may you know, be in that particular area, and
so it's good to network with them. And this is
your opportunity to promote your stuff, not too much, but
to just kind of share what it is that.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
You do, what your interests are as relate.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
To I would say, the revenue cycle, the medical coding industry,
and how the skills that you have have could impact
their particular facility or department.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Now, for those who are.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
New again, it's okay to ask the questions, are you
looking for colders? I know that, and I would say
I know that. You know we're moving and moving toward
digital health, virtual health, So how are you all utilizing
coders like the cultures that you have. Are you looking
for new coders? And more likely they'll tell you that
(10:32):
they're looking for someone to kind of go into an
auditing room. And I've shared this before, if not on
the podcast, but definitely on my YouTube channel about artificial intelligence.
And so if you haven't done so already, you may
want to kind of tap into just kind of learning
learning more about it, or even becoming certified.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
In that through a PC.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
And so that will that you're apart from some another
coder who just has the coding certification. And I know,
I know, I've talked about like not having too many
certifications or whatever, and so however, you want to have
the certification that you can actually utilize.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Right, you don't wanna go out and get like.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Fifty certifications, fifty coding certifications and you're not utilize them.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
But you wanna be strategic.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
In your pursuit of coding certifications. For example, if you
want to go into an auditing role, you may want
to become, you know, pursue an auditing credential, or you
may want to you know, artificial intelligence certification because that's
where we are to kind of tap in a little
(11:46):
bit on the technology side of healthcare or medical coding.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
So that's what I mean.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
But just to say, okay, I'm just gonna get this
just in case, I'm just gonna get this just to
have it just to sow, because it's the saddest thing.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I would not recommend doing that. Get something that you're.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Able to apply and utilize, you don't be practical about
your security, your certification. So anyway, I deviated from the
original thought. So again, that's a question, or these are
questions you want to ask someone that you meet at
a conference, like, you know, ask them what are they
looking for and then share what what you offer, you know,
(12:29):
exchange information.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
That's the purpose of the badge.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
That's the purpose of virtual business cards, a purpose, that's
the purpose of physical business cards, is to exchange information
so that you can follow up with that individual later
on once you leave the conference. So yeah, so again
I'm gonna wrap this up. So I would recommend during
(12:56):
your research, you know, if you know what the title
or the topic is, they're trying to topic gifts for
that particular conference, to your research on that particular trend
or topic, formulate at least three talking points. Again, I
spoke about revenue cycle, I spoke about technology. I spoke
about coding, right, because that was the trending topics or
(13:18):
trending topics of this particular conference. And then and when
you meet with the vendor, again incorporate medical coding into
your questions to see how their product or service is
considerate or if it's considering medical coding. Some may or
(13:39):
may not have thought about medical coding, and so they
may have to go back to the drawing board now
that you've brought that.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
To their attention. You know, another thing I would recommend
is again.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
Just again asking questions for those in the particular facilities.
You may meet someone that's in the same state. You
may meet someone in the state that you're looking to
move to, or a city that you're looking to move to.
And another thing that again, like I said, depending on
what's being discussed, are you in the position to have
(14:18):
that conversation? Are you in a position to disclose that
information to strangers?
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Again for me, if it's something that's specific to my
business or my brand and I feel comfortable with sharing that,
then I will do so. If I'm with employed with
the facility, you're again, was I privy to the conversation?
Is my Is it my place to discuss that information?
(14:49):
So these are things that you have to think about
before you start communicating. So yeah, so that is the
power of networking. You're not pouring on too thick and
you're not leaving without having the opportunity to talk. So
it's kind of like a mixture of extrovert introvert. It
gives you that healthy balance of two of the two.
So those are my quick tips or things that I
(15:13):
thought about.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Again as I did this particular conference.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
So with that being said, I'm gonna go head and
get it together and head out, all right, So as always,
colde on and I'll see you at the next coding break.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Tootles
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Coding Break.
I am your Coding Breakcoast Tam Talk here to talk
about all things coding related, which includes the good, the bad,
and the indifference. So on today's episode, I want to
talk about the power of networking.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
That's right, the power of networking.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
So, for those of you who follow me on my
YouTube channel and you know that I was preparing to
take an actual coding break, not one where I step
away from the computer, but one where I actually go
somewhere and break.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Take a break from coding.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
So I was attending the Becker's conference in Chicago. That's right,
I'm in Chicago, and so I love attending that conference
because it puts me in the same room with healthcare executives,
it information technology leaders, other coders, as well as some
(01:01):
legal people as well.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
And so it's almost like it's.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
A brain I would say, a brain tank or think
tank type of environment where you're bringing all those parties
in to collaborate on ways to improve the healthcare systems,
such as the revenue cycle management. Of course, given the
way the day that we're in now, how do we
(01:30):
forge forward into digital health, virtual health, all the things
that are technology based and how it surrounds or is
related to healthcare. And so again I was able to
meet some.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Great individuals.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Again, the lists or the people attending range from executives
to coders, to nursing staff to it pretty much all
of the parties again that are needed to bring any
particular project as.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Relates to healthcare forward. So I wanted to talk about
the power of networking.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
What tools should you have in your bag as it
relates to networking, especially if you're new to the coding industry,
or perhaps you're somewhat of an introvert like myself and
you really not into the small talk. So one of
the things that I noticed and I actually tested it
(02:42):
maybe the second day of the conference, is having some
key questions or some key points to discuss as you
go about and again as you meet the different individuals
as well as even you visit the vendor booths, and
you know.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
What can you talk about?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
So what I recommend doing is create a list of
items that are like I don't want to say trending items,
but some items that are of some significance or importance
as of that particular day or as of today.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
And also those that.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Surround the purpose of the conference. So for example, you know,
we were there to talk about digital health, virtual health
as well as a revenue cycle. So of course we're
gonna talk about money as relates to healthcare, We're gonna
talk about virtual health, we're talking we're talking about technology,
(03:42):
and we're talking about you know, collaboration, you know.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Again the think tank. So you want to.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
One do your research on the various topics and then
too again formulate some questions or some statements.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
That you can speak to as you interact with different people.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Of course, you know, whenever you attend a conference or
an event, you're going to have like your badge and everything,
so people can kind of look and see who you are,
where you're from, and depending on the like the pertinent
information that is on that particular badge. So of course,
like I said, you know, talking about various things, and
(04:27):
so when you approach, for example, if you approach a
vendor booth, and again depending on what type.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Of you know, vendor your approaching or this.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Type of product or service that they are sharing with
you or promoting.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
With you, you.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
Want to have an idea of you know, how to
engage in that conversation. So for example, since this is
a coding podcast, we're talking about coding, I focus on
vendors that were specific to the medical co holding industry, right,
and some of them they were kind of awful little bit,
but I was able to kind of UH bring medical
(05:07):
coding back into their conversations, such as of course, the
revenue cycle revenue cycle management, coding is a major part
of that as well. So as I, you know, met
with different vendors and they talked about their.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Products, they talking about their services.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
So I ask a few key key questions again, as
a coder, how does the implementation of UH technology plays.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
A part into the role of a coder?
Speaker 1 (05:37):
So if, for example, if the vendor was f their
product was focused on medical coding, how is this helping
the medical coder?
Speaker 2 (05:46):
For example?
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Is it taken away from taking the job away from
a coder? Is it enhancing or streamlining their role? Tell
me more, how can I how can your product or
service help me as a medical coder?
Speaker 2 (06:04):
And so.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Again, because I had formulated like maybe two or three
questions to kind of carry the conversation, and I think
it makes the vendor comfortable as well because it allows
them to again focus on to talk more about their
product or service that they're trying to promote, and it
goes well because One, it looks like you know what
(06:28):
you're talking about.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
I mean, of course I knew what I was talking
about because I work.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
In the industry and I have experience and all that
good of stuff, and so it looks One, it looks
like you know what you're talking about, too, I've done
my research. And Three, it allows the vendor to uh
promote their service and it allows you to assess their
knowledge of the product of service that they are promoting.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
So again this is specific to like vendor booths.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
So what have you Now when you're meeting someone, like
say from another facility, lety one thing that I don't do.
And I don't know if this is a good or
bad thing, especially if I'm representing another facility. Like if
I'm representing my personal business or my personal brand, that's
(07:18):
one thing. But if I'm representing another facility, I'm very
careful about the information that I share. One is it
my information to share?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Too? Was I in a room when this type.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Of information was being discussed or disseminated. Is it my
place to share this information with other people that I
just met, right, and so I do take notes, like
general notes as it relates to conversations or discussions that are.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Discussed, because again.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
This conference was more of a tank and where you're
bringing into different parties of different collaborators to discuss or
come up with a solution or possible solution to a
particular problem, like in the revenue cycle in healthcare. But
at the same time, like I said, so you're I'm
very observant. I take notes as it relates to certain
(08:20):
things that certain people may discuss, or certain vendors may recommend,
like with the services or products that they are offering
that may be beneficial to a system, for perhaps the
one that I'm employed with, or beneficial to my brand
or my business. So that's something that you want to
(08:43):
keep in mind.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
Now, if you are again.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
New to coding and you're looking for a coding role,
this is the opportunity for you, especially when you're meeting
different different leaders from different I would say, hospitals, clinics,
entities that are specific to coding, like they if you
(09:07):
listen to them, and it's okay to ask if they
have like a coding department, if they are looking for
a colder.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
And again this is.
Speaker 1 (09:15):
Just not for new coders, this is also for season colders.
Perhaps you're trying to pivot into a different I would
say arena or especially as it relates to coding or
and therefore you may have some experience in a particular area,
or you're looking to depth to dip your toe into
(09:36):
another area.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
And so someone you may.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
Meet, may you know, be in that particular area, and
so it's good to network with them. And this is
your opportunity to promote your stuff, not too much, but
to just kind of share what it is that.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
You do, what your interests are as relate.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
To I would say, the revenue cycle, the medical coding industry,
and how the skills that you have have could impact
their particular facility or department.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Now, for those who are.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
New again, it's okay to ask the questions, are you
looking for colders? I know that, and I would say
I know that. You know we're moving and moving toward
digital health, virtual health, So how are you all utilizing
coders like the cultures that you have. Are you looking
for new coders? And more likely they'll tell you that
(10:32):
they're looking for someone to kind of go into an
auditing room. And I've shared this before, if not on
the podcast, but definitely on my YouTube channel about artificial intelligence.
And so if you haven't done so already, you may
want to kind of tap into just kind of learning
learning more about it, or even becoming certified.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
In that through a PC.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
And so that will that you're apart from some another
coder who just has the coding certification. And I know,
I know, I've talked about like not having too many
certifications or whatever, and so however, you want to have
the certification that you can actually utilize.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Right, you don't wanna go out and get like.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Fifty certifications, fifty coding certifications and you're not utilize them.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
But you wanna be strategic.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
In your pursuit of coding certifications. For example, if you
want to go into an auditing role, you may want
to become, you know, pursue an auditing credential, or you
may want to you know, artificial intelligence certification because that's
where we are to kind of tap in a little
(11:46):
bit on the technology side of healthcare or medical coding.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
So that's what I mean.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
But just to say, okay, I'm just gonna get this
just in case, I'm just gonna get this just to
have it just to sow, because it's the saddest thing.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I would not recommend doing that. Get something that you're.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Able to apply and utilize, you don't be practical about
your security, your certification. So anyway, I deviated from the
original thought. So again, that's a question, or these are
questions you want to ask someone that you meet at
a conference, like, you know, ask them what are they
looking for and then share what what you offer, you know,
(12:29):
exchange information.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
That's the purpose of the badge.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
That's the purpose of virtual business cards, a purpose, that's
the purpose of physical business cards, is to exchange information
so that you can follow up with that individual later
on once you leave the conference. So yeah, so again
I'm gonna wrap this up. So I would recommend during
(12:56):
your research, you know, if you know what the title
or the topic is, they're trying to topic gifts for
that particular conference, to your research on that particular trend
or topic, formulate at least three talking points. Again, I
spoke about revenue cycle, I spoke about technology. I spoke
about coding, right, because that was the trending topics or
(13:18):
trending topics of this particular conference. And then and when
you meet with the vendor, again incorporate medical coding into
your questions to see how their product or service is
considerate or if it's considering medical coding. Some may or
(13:39):
may not have thought about medical coding, and so they
may have to go back to the drawing board now
that you've brought that.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
To their attention. You know, another thing I would recommend
is again.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
Just again asking questions for those in the particular facilities.
You may meet someone that's in the same state. You
may meet someone in the state that you're looking to
move to, or a city that you're looking to move to.
And another thing that again, like I said, depending on
what's being discussed, are you in the position to have
(14:18):
that conversation? Are you in a position to disclose that
information to strangers?
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Again for me, if it's something that's specific to my
business or my brand and I feel comfortable with sharing that,
then I will do so. If I'm with employed with
the facility, you're again, was I privy to the conversation?
Is my Is it my place to discuss that information?
(14:49):
So these are things that you have to think about
before you start communicating. So yeah, so that is the
power of networking. You're not pouring on too thick and
you're not leaving without having the opportunity to talk. So
it's kind of like a mixture of extrovert introvert. It
gives you that healthy balance of two of the two.
So those are my quick tips or things that I
(15:13):
thought about.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Again as I did this particular conference.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
So with that being said, I'm gonna go head and
get it together and head out, all right, So as always,
colde on and I'll see you at the next coding break.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Tootles
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