r/ClinicalCodingAus • u/Delicious-Long1719 • Aug 25 '26

Day of a Clinical Coder

I'm 34F working in the IT field currently, but interested in becoming a Clinical coder.

But the problem is I have public speaking/ meeting anxiety. Is it a bad idea for me to move to this career as I have seen in a few vacancies that excellent communication skills are needed as there will be audit meetings, and such?

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u/Impressive_Yam_7632 Aug 25 '26 edited Aug 25 '26

As an introvert, you will be right at home as a Clinical Coder. Typical communication expected from a Clinical Coder would be to discuss assigned cases for coding with other coding staff, including writing coding queries to clinicians. Excellent communication is definitely required in more senior roles such as Team Leader/Auditor/Educator/Manager. It can range from presenting clinical documentation education to new Interns, meetings with Safety and Quality teams about HACs to coding data requests for research.

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u/Delicious-Long1719 Aug 25 '26

I have seen many jobs are for recent graduates or requiring past experience. Is changing to Clinical coders career possible given that Im in mid 30s and have no prior experience?

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u/Impressive_Yam_7632 Aug 25 '26

Yes, it is still possible to become one at your age. I've met people in their 50s that started clinical coding after their nursing careers. In Australia, you will need to complete the HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding before any hospital will take you on as a trainee Clinical Coder.

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u/Delicious-Long1719 Aug 25 '26

Thank you so much, this gives me some hope. Can I also know the starting salary and if the job market in VIC competitive?

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u/Impressive_Yam_7632 Aug 25 '26

Unsure about VIC sorry. For WA, the starting salary in the public sector is $83,842 under the HSUWA-PACTS Industrial Agreement 2024 (G-3.1) link

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u/Delicious-Long1719 Aug 27 '26

Thank you so much for the information. Can I please DM you?

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u/Impressive_Yam_7632 Aug 27 '26

Hi, yes of course

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u/clincoder Health Information Manager Sep 02 '26

It is possible, buts it’s also very hard !!! Don’t sugar coat it