Sandra Johnson

I have been teaching in the medical field, specifically medical coding, billing, and transcription for 30 years. My work experience prior to teaching was in a clinical laboratory and later as a medical assistant in an internal medicine practice. I have a Bachelor of Science in Vocational/Technical Education and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development, both from Indiana State University in Terre Haute. I hold professional credentials as a medical assistant, CMA (AAMA), and a medical coder, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) through AAPC as well as Certified Coder Specialist-Physician (CCS-P) with AHIMA.

I am an active member of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). 

Publications

Co-author of Understanding Medical Coding, A Comprehensive Guide, 4th edition.

I also serve as a technical advisor with Cengage Publishers in the review and edit of medical coding/billing textbooks.

Writer/contributor of the "Coding Corner" articles in the Indiana Society of Medical Assistants (ISMA) Med-A-Scoop publication.  

Teaching Areas

I am the instructor for Medical Coding I and II, Physician Reimbursement, and other HIM courses. I have a teaching background in the area of medical assisting, focusing on the administrative aspects of the physician office.  

My initial work experience was in a medical laboratory, employed as receptionist, then progressing into the billing/coding department.  This interest in healthcare led me to Spencerian College Medical Assisting program.  My professional work experience as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA(AAMA) began immediately after completion of this program for an internal medicine practice in Jeffersonville, IN.  At that time, I also began as an adjunct instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, soon transitioning to a fulltime position teaching the administrative areas of medical assisting at both the Sellersburg and Madison campuses.   This is when I truly discovered my passion:  teaching!  After 25 years at Ivy Tech, I began teaching in the Allied Health Department in medical coding and healthcare documentation.  I have just celebrated my 15th year at IUS!

In addition to my medical assistant credential, I also am a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through AAPC and  Certified Coding Specialist for physician coding (CCS-P) through AHIMA.

Teaching is my true calling and passion!  There is no greater award than working closely with a group of students to help them reach their career goals!