I got a call from my sister one afternoon that started like bad small talk and ended as a full stop. She used to be a medical coder for a large clinic in Minnesota, and she said the company had just let go of 520 coders across multiple locations. She thinks it’s part of the larger shift toward medical coding automation, and after years on the job she decided to look elsewhere because the sense of security was gone.
How medical coding automation is changing work
That sentence — 520 people — lands differently depending on whether you know a name on the list. For me, it was my sister. For them, it was their entire day. Automation isn’t new to healthcare, but when it touches roles that were once thought safe and steady, it stirs a different kind of anxiety. The technology can save time and reduce errors, but behind every algorithm are people who used to do that work.
I want to walk you through what I learned from my sister, what coders can do next, and how to think about this kind of change without pretending it’s easy.
What actually happened at the clinic
From my sister’s perspective, the layoffs were sudden. They told people at a meeting, handed out separation paperwork, and sent them home with information about benefits. Nobody is claiming it was a happy day.
“It felt like the rug was pulled out. One meeting, a stack of forms, and they were gone. No ceremony, no time to breathe,” she told me.
Her view is that the clinic had been investing in software and workflow tools for a while. Some processes that used to require human review are now handled by rules-based engines and AI-assisted checks. That doesn’t mean the machines do everything perfectly, but enough of the routine parts are automated that a large number of positions were no longer justified.
What coders are feeling (and why it matters)
People who code medical records are proud of their accuracy and knowledge of complex billing rules. It’s not a simple data-entry job — it’s a role that combines clinical knowledge, legal awareness, and patience. Losing that kind of work affects wallets and identity.
- Financial strain: sudden unemployment means scrambling for benefits and new income.
- Emotional impact: a loss of routine and professional pride.
- Skill mismatch fear: wondering whether years of experience will translate to other roles.
Those feelings are real and valid. My sister described the uncertainty as worse than the layoff itself — not knowing if the next role will respect her expertise or simply expect her to do the same work but faster.
What to do next: a practical guide for displaced coders
If you’re reading this because you or someone you care about was affected, here are practical steps that came from conversations, research, and a lot of empathy.
Update credentials and document wins
Make a clear list of certifications, audits you’ve completed, error rates you’ve driven down, and any cross-departmental projects. Employers hire results — not just years. If you have certifications like CPC, CCS, or specialty credentials, highlight them.
Explore related roles and reskilling
Look beyond traditional coding jobs. Some logical pivots include clinical documentation improvement (CDI), revenue integrity, coding education, health information management leadership, or positions supporting the very automation systems that displaced you.
- Short courses in data analytics or healthcare informatics can open doors.
- Vendor training for specific EHR or coding platforms is often available and valued.
- Remote and freelance coding gigs can bridge income gaps while you upskill.
Is medical coding automation an existential threat?
Not necessarily, but it’s disruptive. Automation often takes over repetitive and rules-based tasks first. That means roles emphasizing judgment, complex case review, education, and system oversight are more durable. The most successful coders I’ve heard about are those who became the experts machines still need: people who interpret edge cases and train the systems.
How to approach job hunting in this moment
Be strategic rather than frantic. A few steps to consider:
- Network intentionally: reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and professional groups. Many jobs never make it to job boards.
- Customize your resume: show measurable outcomes. Put audits, accuracy rates, and process improvements front and center.
- Look for hybrid roles: positions that blend coding knowledge with IT, analytics, or compliance are growing.
Also, be honest about gaps and transitions. Employers value candor and curiosity more than a perfectly linear resume these days.
Emotional and financial triage
Layoffs are not just career events; they are life events. Here’s a short checklist that helped my sister and others:
- File for unemployment benefits right away and understand your health insurance options.
- Set a short-term budget and prioritize essentials.
- Lean on community resources: local coding groups, professional associations, and alumni networks can be surprisingly helpful.
- Consider temporary or contract work to keep cash flow while you plan a pivot.
Parting thoughts
My sister chose to leave that clinic and take a role elsewhere. It wasn’t because she loved change — it was because she wanted stability and respect for her expertise. Her story is one data point in a broader trend: as systems evolve, careers do too. For coders and healthcare professionals, the path forward will be a mix of protecting what you do best and learning how to work with new tools. Remember that medical coding automation isn’t just a loss — for some it will be an opportunity to move into higher-value work where human judgment matters most.
Q&A
Q: Will automation replace all medical coding jobs?
A: Not all. Automation tends to handle repetitive tasks first. Jobs that require interpretation, complex case management, and oversight of automated systems are likely to remain in demand.
Q: What are the fastest ways to reskill?
A: Short courses in health informatics, vendor-specific EHR training, certifications in clinical documentation improvement, and basic data analytics are practical and often well-regarded by employers.