FORT CAVAZOS, Texas  –   Bleu Garcia, a Medical Records Technician Coder at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, spends her days translating physician notes into numerical codes — a task that may sound simple but carries significant weight in the world of healthcare.
“I read physician documentation and translate what they’ve documented into codes for insurance and statistical purposes,” Garcia said.
Garcia has been in the field for 17 years — 16 of those at CRDAMC — and her passion for the work is evident. Unlike some coders who work behind the scenes, Garcia prefers a hands-on approach, working closely with physicians to help them improve their documentation practices.
“I love what I do,” she said. “I’m very hands-on with my providers. I educate them regularly, and they learn from me.”
For Garcia, accurate coding isn’t just about billing — it’s about ensuring patient records are reliable and transferable, which is especially critical for soldiers and their families.
“This is their health on paper,” she said. “These codes are what the next physician will see. They also contribute to broader health data used for things like preventative planning, education, and identifying trends in specific populations.”
Garcia also tackles common challenges, particularly when working with new providers unfamiliar with coding expectations.
“Sometimes all the documentation isn’t there,” she said. “Being very specific helps capture all procedures and diagnoses. Occasionally, I face resistance because providers might wonder why a coder is telling them how to document. But I do this because I know the rules.”
“Ms. Garcia is an invaluable asset and the go-to subject matter expert for our clinic,” said Dr. Rebecca Smith, a podiatrist at CRDAMC. “Medical coding is an art of its own, and her expertise ensures our records are accurate and our work is properly reflected. I am so grateful to have her just down the hall.”
Her drive to educate doesn’t stop at CRDAMC. Garcia runs a successful YouTube channel, Medical Coding with Bleu, which boasts over 45,000 subscribers. She created the channel to guide aspiring coders and shed light on the realities of the profession.
“There are a lot of fast-paced coding programs out there selling a dream,” she said. “They make it sound easy — work from home, make money — but they don’t tell you how hard it really is. 
You need to understand medical terminology and anatomy. You have to study like a doctor, without going to medical school.”
Her candid and motivational approach has earned her a loyal following — and even unexpected recognition.
“I got an email saying I was mentioned in Forbes,” Garcia said, still surprised by the acknowledgment. “It was shocking. I didn’t know I was featured until someone sent me the article.”
While the spotlight is rewarding, it’s the messages from viewers that mean the most.
“People tell me, ‘I don’t have anyone to support me, but your videos gave me the tough love I needed,’” she said. “That means everything.”
To those considering a career in medical coding, Garcia offers both encouragement and a reality check.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” she said. “It takes dedication, hard work, reading, and more reading. But it pays off. You can’t get bored in this career — there’s always something new. And even if you’re shy, like I am, you can thrive in this field.”