Think Like a Coder: The 5 Mental Habits Every Great Medical Coder Develops

You can memorize all the guidelines in the book—but the best medical coders do more than just apply codes. They think differently. From reading between the lines of documentation to asking the right questions, great coders share key habits that set them apart. Whether you're just getting started or sharpening your skills, here are five mindset shifts that will level up your coding career.

1. They Treat Every Chart Like a Puzzle

Medical coders are problem-solvers. The documentation is the puzzle, and the correct codes are the solution. That means great coders don’t just skim—they analyze. They look for context clues, inconsistencies, and supporting details. They know that coding is as much about what’s not said as what is.

💡 Mental habit: Learn to slow down and think critically. Ask: What’s the full picture here? What’s missing? What else could this mean?

2. They’re Not Afraid to Query

If something is unclear or contradictory, great coders don’t guess—they clarify. Queries are tools, not accusations. Top coders understand that accurate coding relies on complete documentation, and they use queries to support both clinical accuracy and compliance.

💡 Mental habit: Normalize the query process. A well-timed, well-worded query can mean the difference between a vague chart and a complete, defensible record.

3. They Stay Curious About Guidelines

Coding guidelines change every year—and great coders don’t just memorize the updates. They stay curious about why the changes were made. Understanding the intent behind the rules helps them apply codes with greater confidence and consistency.

💡 Mental habit: Read updates proactively. Use courses like the annual ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Updates on HIAlearn to stay ahead of the curve.

4. They Recognize Patterns in Clinical Language

You don’t need to be a clinician to understand clinical indicators—but you do need to spot patterns. Successful coders learn to recognize the language that suggests a diagnosis, even when it’s not stated outright. That’s how they identify query opportunities and potential missed CCs or MCCs.

💡 Mental habit: Pay attention to phrases like “appears consistent with,” “suggests,” or “treated as.” These often signal conditions that may not be coded unless clarified.

5. They Balance Accuracy with Efficiency

Fast coders aren’t always great coders—but great coders eventually become faster. How? By building efficient habits without sacrificing accuracy. They use references wisely, flag problem charts quickly, and know when to dig in or move on.

💡Mental habit: Create a personal workflow that prioritizes accuracy first. With time, speed will follow.

Coding Is a Mindset, Not Just a Skill

Coding is more than just guidelines—it’s a mindset. By developing these mental habits, you’ll not only improve your coding accuracy but also grow into a more confident, adaptable professional. If you’re ready to sharpen your thinking, challenge yourself, and deepen your skills, explore the growing library of courses at HIAlearn.com. The right training makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a flexible, online education platform designed for today’s coders. With a growing catalog of AHIMA and AAPC-approved coding courses, HIAlearn supports both beginners and experienced coders looking to build confidence, accuracy, and CEU credits.

Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS, and are designed for multiple specialties including inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI.

To stay up to date, coders can explore our Coding Updates hub for the latest ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS changes. HIAlearn also supports organizations with group discounts and scalable team access, promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous professional development across departments.

The information contained in this blog post is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.