Check some local hospitals ... (sm)

Check some local hospitals ... (sm) [2008-04-01]
If that have electronic medical records, they most often have remote coders. Good luck!!!

I would check out Andrews instead. [2007-12-23]
Last I heard, the CS coding course was for outpatient coding only, and it would not prepare you for a job working in a hospital setting. Andrews, however, has a great program and has grads that are passing the certification exams right after graduation (some even before).

if you REALLY want to teach yourself coding [2008-10-07]
Start out with Faye Brown's ICD-9-CM Coding Handbook. It is a definitive learning tool and can be purchased on the AHIMA website, www.AHIMA.org. Then get yourself a copy of the Official Coding Guidelines (they might be included in the book, not sure). The Guidelines were just updated and are effective 10/1/2008. AHIMA will be a good starting place for study materials. A review guide is not the place to start because it is what it says, a review guide, which assumes you already know how to code. AHIMA has the basic books to learn both ICD and CPT coding. You will need to learn both. I am a coder in a large level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital in the midwest. Around here, you can get a job with a CCA but for outpatient coding only. You do need a CCS for inpatient coding, Most hospitals here prefer AHIMA credentials over AAPC.

Thanks so much for the advice on books [2008-10-07]
Thank you cj for your help. I will check into the CCS and what is AHIMA? Do you have to attend classes or is it the same as taking the CPC type exams? Are there two different governing boards?

AHIMA [2008-10-07]
AHIMA is the Association for Health Information Management. They are the credentialing body for CCAs and CCSs as well as RHIT and RHIA. CCA is certified coding associate, entry level credential, and CCS is certified coding specialist. The CPC exams and credentials are from an organization AAPC which I am not sure but I think is American Assoc of Professional Coders. AHIMA does actually offer an on-line coding program, but that is not actually the focus of the organization. I don't know what is more prevalent in your area, but in my area generally hospitals are looking for AHIMA credentials. That may not be true in your area. If you look at the review books for both CCS and CPC you will find the CPC is more CPT coding and CCS is more ICD coding. They do both, however, cover both ICD and CPT. Advance for HIM is a publication that is available on line and I believe for free as is Just Coding News, both of which might provide some useful info for you. There are others, but the names escape me right now. Boot camp is 4-day intensive but really not the best investment if you have no coding knowledge at all.

You can sit for the exam with NO course. [2008-10-01]
You seem to be confused about the exams and credentials. You are warning others to be careful of which school they pick because just because you finish a coding course doesn That's not correct. You can sit for any CODING certification offered by AHIMA or AAPC even if you DON'T finish a coding course. You don't even have to start! They only require a high school diploma. AHIMA doesn't even require experience. You do need to be careful of what school you pick because some of them don't produce employable coders. As for you, your course is a 2-year RHIT program. You DO need the course in order to sit for the RHIT exam. However, an RHIT program is not a degree in management. It is a technical degree. ThatT is for--technician. It will qualify you to be a worker bee in a medical records environment--the same job people off the street can get. You can put together patient records, shelve and retrieve them, make photocopies to release patient information, check reports for signatures, etc. A better job would be coding. It pays better and it's more interesting. It takes less time, too. You could do all the coding first, then get a job while you do the rest. The RHIA is the management degree. There are RHITs who work their way up into management in small facilities, but most of them end up filing records or coding. RHIAs run the show.

A Career as a Medical Transcriptionist [2008-09-09]
You’ve very likely heard of someone who is making a good living as a medical transcriptionist. He or she might even be working from the comfort of their home. And you’ve probably asked yourself if this might be a career option for you. It may well be. Let’s take a look at the facts. What exactly is medical transcription? In the course of their work, doctors and other healthcare professionals make dictated recordings of various things including physical examination observations, patient history, operative reports, referral letters, discharge summaries, observations regarding imaging data and so on. A medical Transcriptionist listens to these recordings and transcribes them into medical reports, correspondence, etc. She listens to a segment of recording, pauses the playback and keys in what is said before moving on to the next segment. She may do some editing for better grammar and clarity. The transcribed document is sent back to the health care provider who then reviews it for accuracy and gets it signed. These documents become part of the patient’s medical history records and perhaps insurance records. Many distance education programs, colleges and vocational schools offer post-secondary training in medical transcription. Having a degree is not essential. With a home-study course, you can usually pick up the necessary knowledge within a year, often in less than nine months. You can find work in hospitals, laboratories, physician’s offices, firms offering transcription services, government medical facilities and so on. Working from home is also a possibility and many employers offer work-at-home options for transcriptionists. Apart from that, many individuals work as independent contractors. What equipment would you need, if you wanted to do medical transcription at home? Not very much -- a computer with a medical spellchecker, printer, a transcriber and reference books are about all you need. To help you save on the actual typing, a word Expander utility might help. If you are on a tight budget, buy second hand equipment will do just as well. Medical transcription work does call for certain skills and mindset. Apart from basic computer skills, you must be detail oriented. If detail work bores you to tears, this might not be the career for you. You must know typing, although speed will come with practice. You should also have excellent listening skills and grammar skills. If you’re planning to work from home, it is essential to be comfortable with working alone and meeting deadlines. You must be a self-starter who can work consistently without being driven by a boss. For More Visit our sites With Best Regards Linda

Are there any at home coding jobs?? [2008-09-08]
Hi everyone! About 5 years ago I completed some courses through my local college for medical coding/billing and transcription. I liked the billing much better and did that for a busy family practice for 5 years. For the past 2 years I've been home with my kids. I would really like to work but with the rising price of gas it would not pay for me to get an outside job. I live out in the country and the closest doctors office or hospital is 35 miles away. Are there companies that offer a home based billing opportunity? Thanks! Amanda

That's a different story. [2008-08-23]
What you had, then, was a poor documentation issue rather than a coder problem. Billers have a long tradition of thinking the coders are terrible and also of thinking the job isn't as complicated as it actually is. It's a lot like having the receptionist think the billers' jobs are easy and that she could do it without training because all she sees is typing and she can do that. That's not saying YOU are seeing it that way, but just pointing out that the situation from the coders' side might not have been quite what you thought. Coders code only from what is in the documentation. You donled to do so, in which case it was still not ok. Hospitals are constantly being investigated and sanctioned for this. Just having a supervisor approve it is no guarantee that it's ok--a supervisor and some other corporate sorts from 30 miles south of me are in federal prison right now for doing the same thing. But, if you are able to know what should have been coded from seeing a bill, then you might be an expert already. In that case, try taking the CCS exam and see what happens. If you pass and can get a job, then you're ahead of the game. If you can't, then you'll know you need more education. I can say with some certainty that you will not get a job working from home coding inpatient records without on-site experience, even with a CCS. It's even less likely to occur with a CCA, and your chances of being hired at all for inpatient coding with a CCA aren't great. Keeping the job would present a difficulty, too, considering the productivity requirements employers have. In truth, your chances of getting a job doing remote billing are better. It would certainly be less trouble.

You are correct [2008-06-21]
that RHIT training and the credential allows one to do a lot more than coding. Usually the RHIT or RHIA are preferred for management level positions. You would get training in every aspect of an HIM office, computer systems, ROM, legal problems, transcription, teaching, etc. The HIPAA laws created new positions that RHITs/RHIAs were sought to fill. But I dont think it includes much more than the basics in cancer registry...that is a different program. I got my RHIT in 1989 and my RHIA in 1992. I was a director of HIM in two small, rural hospitals and learned I dont like management. I had always done a lot of coding and a little transcription and grew to much prefer transcription. However my credential allowed me to start at a higher than entry level salary. Coding has too much interference from Medicare and other insurance companies for my taste. Medicare can drive you nuts! I have not coded in nearly a year now, so I might be way out of touch with it, but I have not heard of an off-shoring threat. In my area the only outsourcing there usually is is for backlogs. I have also done my internships and then coded three years at a huge big-city hospital. That hospital now has the coders working from home, but they still dont outsource. Another field to get into with HIM is DRG validation. That might be more big city, but still something an RHIT student would learn. Also, in the huge hospitals, there is a separate filing dept and usually a credentialed person manages that. Since I like filing, I always thought that would be interesting. I guess what I am trying to say is the RHIT or RHIA credential does open more windows than coding alone, and if you think you would like to ever get into managment one or both of these credentials is most likely mandatory. I would be glad to talk further with you.

Medical transcription & Other Healthcare Jobs [2008-06-17]
If you are already working, but the wages cannot satisfy you you are seeking for a home job which will fulfil that demand, medical transcription will be the perfect choice for you. It does not ask from you any highly expensive equipment or any high profile quality. If you hold interest in this matter this article will assist you provide enough information about medical transcription. Medical transcription has turned into a special vocation for many people for its flexible way of income. Here an individual gets enough liberty to perform any time according to his convenience with a deadline has turned into a resourceful avenue of income along with his primary profession. According to the various source of research, the trend to work as a Medical Transcriptionist is consecutively growing up day-by-day.If you are efficient as a Medical transcriptionist you have a lot of demand for work. All the important medical institutions like clinics, hospitals, physicians colleges etc. employ Medical transcriptionist. Working within the appropriate office environment, the job of Medical transcription is no less rewarding. A Medical transcriptionist, working from home, is expected to be equipped with only a computer with a modem, a fax, a phone, a printer, dictating equipment with the headset, etc.Generally, you are expected to have a decent skill on computer keyboard should be aware of the functions that the keys offer. You should keep it in the mind that all the organisations, hiring Medical transcriptionists are inclined for those people who are already polished with experience in the clinic, or hospital setting. Though it is not uncommon that a company asks for newly a fresher applicant but prior experience in this field will facilitate your work pressure. It is prudent for those employers who are employing Medical transcriptionists, expect a sound knowledge on anatomy, physiology and pharmacology terminology, as well as competent English. If you want to shine yourself as Medical transcriptionist you must go through a medical course which you can continue being physically present in an institution but the better option for you will to attain aonline course on that. Specially, if you are a worker already, online course will save your time. After the course is over you should work under the supervision of a medical practitioner in the first one or two years to gather experience.The remuneration of a medical transcriptionist may cheer you up with the earning of $40 per hour, depending on which country you are working. With the time you bag up experience, it will help to increase your income $1000 to $3000 per month. With Best Regards Maria

Not sure if its true, but.. [2008-06-17]
I was told by an advisor from a local school that one cannot even sit for an RHIT credential until you have at least a year in-house experience as a coder. I was enrolled to get my associate degree as a coder, but decided not to because I, too, was scared off from coding because I didn't want to have to spend a lot of money in student loans only to be told that I have to have more experience than what I learned in school.

Coding School [2008-06-16]
I earn my Associates degree in medical billing and insurance coding all online at Herzing College. It is a great accredited college and I will be starting classes there again in July for my Bachelor’s degree in HIM. Check them out. Here is the link to some information. http://www.herzingonline.edu/programs/Health-Care-Management Good Luck in your future.

That book is worthless... Sm [2008-06-16]
I really hate having to break the news to you, but after you finish with this book, you will in no way be prepared to transcribe anywhere. I know this because I took a course from a techonology school and they utilized this book. After finishing the course, I went and tested for a local transcription company and total BOMBED the test. I was horribly embarrassed. So, I enrolled at Everett Community College and took the Career Step course through there. Nine months later after completing the course, I went back to the same transcription company and aced the test with 100%. I was offered a job that day. This was about 4 years ago, maybe they have changed some things in that book, but I know from my experience with it. It wasn I don I wish you the very best in your endeavors. Good luck to you!

Ideas for letter [2008-06-09]
Hello, I was just wanting a little help. I am finishing up my program in about two weeks. I am having a problem finding a job because I have no medical office experience. I am currently writing a letter to Medical offices, clinics and hospitals seeking employment. I would like to know if anyone on here has done this and if you have any special wording or ideas I would really appreciate it. I plan on attaching my resume to the letter. I am even open to an internship of some sort just to get the experience. I just can It's the old you need experience but, how are you going to get experience if no one will let you try. Again, any help I would really appreciate. Thanks!!

Coding [2008-05-26]
Hello: YOu may want to look into yout community college for courses. I live in California and there is an omline course that you can take at Santa Barbara City College; and you live in the state of CA it is 20.00 per unit (classes are usually 3 units per semester); for out of state it is a bit higher - check it out..

rhit [2008-05-16]
It seems a lot of people have a hard time breaking into coding. Does having a RHIT and then possibly going on to RHIA make you more marketable? I am 40 and don I have considered clincal work (PTA or RN) but as a single Mom with a disabled child these types of programs would be a real hardship on my family (we have a mortgage and going to school full-time for 2years isn An RHIT and then RHIA proram seems feasible and a good transition for an experienced MT but really wonder if there are jobs available. I am in econmically crunched Michigan as well. Please would love some responses.

Whoever gets an answer from someone about coding..(sm) [2008-05-07]
please let me know too. I am ready to leave MTing after 18 years.IIA tech school I checked into in my hometown said I would have to take the full course despite being an MT for 18 years and it would cost $4000. So if you find out any info on a good online accredited school, please let me know.I am desperate to get out of MTing.

I think the pay is about the same for coders as MTs..(sm) [2008-05-07]
I see jobs advertised for coders a lot at 2 local hospitals around where I live. There are other hospitals in outlying smaller towns that have jobs occasionally. I haven It may be hard to break into coding,but even at age 55, I want to try. III have to earn regular money and not just when work happens to be in the system. I still think I will continue to look into switching to coding.

medical coding [2008-04-27]
I am going to do the same thing. I went into transcription 17 years ago, because at that time the pay was better than medical assistant, which I went to school for. Over that time, I have tried to change careers and even have a degree in visual communications (a lot of technology, etc) and am a senior at a big 10 school finishing a degree, BUT, because of the stereotypes of transcriptionist, it is very difficult. I am going to finish the BA degree as well as getting a medical coding certificate from this same big 10 school. (ICD-9 and CPT, etc. -- not medical billing and coding). What do you think about that? Are there many 32-hour part-time jobs or 36 hours jobs for coders in hospitals? I have worked in hospitals for 17 years.

Medical coding career is better than MT [2008-04-01]
For those MT's who are planning to get in to medical coding, i would like to say that medical coding is far better career than MT. I was a MT for two years and then switched to coding. I feel like jumping into a heaven. Moneywise, coding is 10 times better than MT. The job is cool and once you finish your training and OJT period, then everything becomes fine. So go for coding. Job prospects are good. There is huge shortage of medical coders in US. Also, coders are required in Pharma industry and Clinical Research, so growth prospects are also good. for more info on medical coding check http://medicalcodingindia.blogspot.com/

Re: getting a coding job [2008-01-19]
No, you donas release of information, and transcription editing. In this time I have inquired to other medical records depts at other hospitals and am finding that the coding students are getting jobs as new coders if they are already working in the medical records depts or in clinics, where the mgr in fact, one of my co-workers in the office was recently asked to become the new biller. Work your way in and let your studies be known, and don

CareerStep [2007-12-26]
I graduated from Career Step last May and took the CPC test and passed on the first try. I am retiring from my current job in June and will be seeking a coding position. I work from home as an MT and went into coding hoping to make more $. From what I can tell, it is difficult getting your foot in the door with the coding. I am planning on doing an internship with our local hospital next summer in hopes that it may lead to something. If not, I will at least have some experience. I also am signing up with temp agencies. I was told by one local one, that they get requests for coders almost every day. I do believe that working in a hospital setting my increase your chances of getting into coding because they will know you and that he half the battle. I found the CS program very good and user friendly. Their on line teacher is great. Any question I had, he answered very quickly via email. It took me about 8 months to complete the course. If you have any specific questions that I can answer, please email me. yogagirl.

You may have her start here.. [2007-12-01]
She can go onto the AAPC website and look up her local chapter and perhaps they could point her in the right direction as to who offers coding classes etc. http://www.aapc.com/localchapters/index.aspx

Andrews teaches both. [2007-11-05]
I'd check that school out.

help with codes sm [2007-10-16]
Do not have a coding book,the lab work has codes as follows handwritten, want to double check, from cardiologist. 272.0 411.1 (looks like) V58.69 but the V could be a 1, I think it's a V though. I think it's lipid and heart but want to look it up to be sure, e-mail or here is okay.

Here's what I know.. [2007-09-20]
I have been doing medical insurance billing for doctor offices for over 10 years. I also do transcription. In the scope of my duties as a biller, I have to code diagnoses etc..So, I do have to have that experience and it goes hand in hand and at one job I had a monthly salary and at another I was paid hourly. You can go specifically into coding and become certified. I could also do it this within my billing but it wouldn Usually, certified coders are hired for hospitals and you would purely be coding so billing and do their thing. These kinds of coders are very detailed as you might have to code diagnoes of someone who is a critical patient with multiple diagnoses etc..so that is why hospitals hire certified coders. They may have other credentials that you get for further education in this area but I am not sure. So, it is all if you want to go small-time i.e. in a doctor's office versus going in a hospital and strictly into coding. I hope I helped a little. Please feel free to ask anymore questions and I'll do my best to answer.