Skip to main content

Medical Coding Initiative Helps Carbon County Family Grow Jobs

Gayla Houskeeper is one of several graduates of the Medical Coding Initiative sponsored by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Utah State University (USU) in Blanding.  With a certification in professional coding, granted through the initiative, Houskeeper has launched a new career that provides her a stable income, time with family, and freedom to live and work in a small rural community.

Houskeeper has been selected to receive a Small Business Recognition Award from the SBDC.  “The whole start-up process, from beginning to end, has taken Gayla over four years.  Through it all, she never lost sight of her dream,” said Bill Olderog, SBDC Director.  “Her perseverance, positive outlook and ability to overcome challenges, deserves recognition.”

Before starting the CPC training and launching the business, Houskeeper helped her husband manage his coal mining repair business, however struggled to maintain a regular income.  After hearing about the medical coding program through her niece, Houskeeper and three of her daughters enrolled in the program.   Her daughters also now run their own medical coding businesses and have been successful at securing a number of contracts to sustain the business as a result of the training.

While participating in the USU Medical Coding Initiative, Houskeeper and her daughters studied medical coding theory, participated in simulated coding experiences, completed advanced practicum’s and engaged in virtually based internships.

“The education was very good, “said Houskeeper.  “We were always provided excellent teachers and mentors.  The first teacher we had, Beth, went out on a limb to teach us something new every day and helped us examine where we were going and what we needed to know to achieve success.”

Houskeeper also participated in ongoing training provided by the SBDC.  “The ongoing training has been one of themost beneficial aspects of the Medical Coding Initiative,” said Houskeeper.   “The SBDC was always available to answer my questions and the training has helped me to keep my skills sharp.”

Following a successful internship with Aviacode and passing the CPC exam, Houskeeper launched her business in 2009 and proceeded to secure additional contracts and virtual work.

“It has been great to watch my income grow every year,” said Houskeeper.  “I can now work around my family’s schedule directly from home.  I have seven kids and fifteen grandchildren—there is no way that I would have been able to do what I do as a mother and grandmother without this job!”

Comments

  1. haad dataflow
    Hi

    We are Right Career Move Pvt Ltd (www.rightcareermove.com) and we focus on recruiting and training for HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) exams. We provide online coaching for test preparation for Nurses/Radiographers/Therapists/General Practitioners/Technicians etc. We guide each candidate individually through the entire process. We have tie-ups with most of the large HAAD hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and have successfully placed candidates in Abu Dhabi for the past several years. We were formerly known as Global NursesNetwork. Our new name is RightCareerMove! Please visit us online and feel free to contact us.
    Thanks
    HR, RightCareerMove

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is so impressive how those who have medical coding courses have better life because of it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great post, very clear. Personal experiences can often say a lot more than a brochure, etc.
    Medical billing and coding programs


    ReplyDelete
  4. The most motivational blog...
    Thank you so much for these informative lines.
    Dear here are some confusions i am facing through,
    ICD-9-CM codes are part of CPC-10 or CPC-09?I have prepared for CPC-09 and my trainer told me that ICD-09 is not essential for my selected exams. Isn't?
    Secondly cpc-exam-help explains CPC-10 have required some prior experience. this is true?

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin...

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resourc...