MT versus coding

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.

Starting out in Coding or billing [2008-10-06]
Hi, I've been an MT for about 8 years but would like to learn medical billing and coding procedures. I plan on teaching myself as much as possible (and asking people that I know who are professional coders questions) and then taking the 4 day boot camp & take the CPC-A (apprentice) exam. What would you ladies suggest I start with? A CPC study guide? I am about 90% sure I can obtain a job in my hospital once I actually have a certification. Thank you so much in advance! By the way, I already have med term., a&p I and II w/ labs, and have an extensive knowledge about anatomy. The thing I need brushing up on are meds/surgical instruments, etc... Thanks again for your help!!

E-learning training for billing coding and transcribing [2008-09-26]
I work for the number one E-learning provider in the world. We have been providing students with training since 1991. We offer the cca exam training for coding the cmcp exam training for billing and the RMT and CMT training for transcribers. I would love to work with anyone seeking a great cost effective option to achieve their objectives. We will not be the cheapest choice. We will be a fraction of the cost of a regular school though. Please call me robert guess 1-800-653-4933 ext 3175 mon-fri 9-6 est time zone for details. Thank you. We train in a see it do it test it environment allowing you to learn the material at your own pace and supplying you an environment conducive to learning the material and knowledge needed to one pass the exams but allowing you to practice in the environments (a type of flight simulation) which you will see in the real world.

Is it important that a coding school offer ICD-10 [2008-09-26]
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Good online medical coding school [2008-09-21]
I would like to know if anyone could recommend a good medical coding school and how is the outlook for medical coding? Will these jobs eventually be outsourced to India? Any info would help.

Outlook for coding [2008-09-21]
The outlook for coding is very good. There is an increasing need for coders, due to the type of reimbursement system used in the United States and an ageing population which requires more medical care, among other things. There are already a huge number of coding positions going unfilled due to a shortage of coders. Within the next several years, the United States will likely be switching to a more complex coding system. It is expected that many older coders will choose to retire and less competent coders will seek other work rather than try to make the switch. It is thought that a huge number of jobs will open up just prior to the changeover to ICD-10. Large-scale outsourcing the jobs to India is unlikely. There has been an actual decrease in interest in this, with some of the federal sector healthcare entities banning offshoring entirely. It is expected that the private sector will follow. Unlike some other jobs, there is a high need for control of the coding and reimbursement process. Coding has a critical effect on reimbursement, with errors resulting in lost income and the potential for huge fines and criminal sanctions. Offshore workers cannot be held liable for this, which has served to squelch interest in offshoring. Recent developments in privacy and security requirements (HIPAA), with the threat of medical identity theft, are cooling interest in offshoring, as well. As an occupation, coding offers good potential for advancement. Even if it becomes possible to assign codes via software, the higher level jobs will still be necessary and available. Coders will move easily into other roles.

I want to switch from MT to coding, where are the jobs posted? [2008-09-18]
I have been a Transcriptionist for 12 years and want to do something else. Where do you find the job postings to apply for these jobs?

home coding [2008-09-13]
I can't speak to billing, but there is an abundance of home coding jobs. Do you have any credential? without credentials, you would not be able to get one of the home coding jobs. With a credential, the market is wide open. Try reading Advance for HIM or the Journal of AHIMA. Advance is a free publication and you and you get on electronic transmission for this one. The Journal you would have to subscribe but might find at the library. There is another free one but I can't remember the name, think it's something with Forward. Anyway, they all have classifieds and you would find many, many coding opportunities. I work for a company based in Florida, live in Wisconsin, and have done home coding for them for 6 years, but i know they will not hire without a credential.

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

Re: coding jobs [2008-08-31]
It can be hard to get a coding job right out of school, and I am always telling people I know with the same question; if you I have known people to work their way in by doing this. I did it myself over a year and a half ago, and I am now the clinic division Billing coordinator for a hospital system. Also, let your schooling intentions be known to those you are applying to.Get all the practice you can with coding, from practice workbooks. There are quite a few available from Ahima, AAPC websites bookstores, Borders online, etc... You need to know what you and once you have one of those, getting a job should be easier. But, the exam is not easy! So again, practice, practice, practice.

Coding Jobs [2008-08-25]
I What are the chances of getting a work-at-home coding job? I am currently working as an MT from home, and the company I work for seems todo coding, but it really isn

Coding programs [2008-08-24]
Andrews has a coding program, but it might be more comprehensive than what you are looking for.

biling vs coding [2008-08-20]
I have seen on this forum in addition to multiple other the difficulty which new coders are having gaining entry-level employment. Is this also true in medical billing or is billing easier to get a foot in the door with training but no experience? What is the difference in pay for billers vs coders?

How with no experience do I get a billing/coding job? [2008-08-11]
Ok I have a two year degree in coding and transcription and training in coding/billing. How do I get a job in billing/coding if no one wants to hire you? They all say we hired someone who had both the billing and coding experience. It is so frustrating for entry level people like me. I have 1-1/2 month experience in coding thanks to a temporary position with the city. Other than that I just have my two year degree and certification. Anyone have any ideas or advice? Thanks! Coder/biller with little experience

coding [2008-07-02]
I am currently an MT wishing to go into. Just how hard is it to get into and will be like MT and eventually go offshore to India or be replaced by electronic medical records? I am interested in the field and just want to know what to do?

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.

Rhit vs strictly coding [2008-06-12]
I have asked this question a few times but have not gotten any responses.so thought I would try again. I am considering going for RHIT degree and later for RHIA. I have been scared off the HIM field a bit by a lot of people who have found it difficult to find entry-levels positions in coding. However, it was my understanding that RHIT enabled one to do more than just coding, that while entry-level coding was taught other opportunities such as cancer registry and release of information were also incluced in RHIT curriculum. My question is then is it easier to break into the HIM field with RHIT degree rather just coding certification and looking for only coding positions? This would bea career change for me. I am 40 and have been a MT for 10 years. I need to have more stable income and benefits than MT is providing asI am a single parent. My concerns for coding is also off shoring. Is coding going to go eventually the way of MT in your opinions? I am not sure I should be investing time and money into this course if I cannot find an entry-level position or if the field is outsourced/off-shored such as MT has done, left people either without a job or jobs with reduced pay and benefits. Thanks and I really would like some insights. Please respond on boards or privately.

billing/coding from home [2008-06-03]
I have over 12 yrs experience in medical billing/coding. I am wanting to work from home to supplement my income.

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..

coding jobs [2008-05-22]
Any ideas on how to get in the door for coding? I am finishing up my schooling in June and every where I see jobs they want 2-5 years experience. Where should I look to get a job? Any advice I would appreciate. Thanks

What's the top coding schools? [2008-05-21]
I I was wondering which online schools were reputable.

For those wanting to kow about Coding [2008-05-10]
TO answer the burning question upfront, Ihascharts showing averages for coders based on city, state, etc... but II am in northern IL and the average arond here isaround $16/hr starting, and once you have at least 2yrs exp. you can expect a nice increase in that number as well as offers to do coding from home. I have been working in a multi-specialty clinic for a year now as a receptionist, were among other duties, I also code. I let it be know whenI began there that I was in school for coding and did not plan to stay forever unless they could incorporate me into exclusively a coding position (within resonable time.) Happily, I am now transitioning to that very position as soon as a replacement is found for me at thefront desk. I have always told othersa good way to get into coding is to find at least a part-time jobin a clinic or medical records dept somewhere, while in coding classes; let your future intentions be known, ask if you can help with any coding along the way (in some clinics it is the receptionists doing all the coding because of shortness of coders). Secondly, if you go to Ahima.org you can get a national list of approved coding programs according to type of certificate/degree level, online vs on-site,etc... If anyone has more questions feel free to email me as I don't come here too often.

MT versus coding [2008-05-08]
Every now and then I see Transcriptionist jobs around this area but the pay is usually around 9 an hour, way too low. I too have had it with transcription and have applied to the community college here for the nursing program. Too much knowledge in my noggin to waste it. Good luck to you with the coding, I hope it works out for you.

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.

MT versus coding [2008-05-07]
From everything I am hearing, it is just too difficult to break into coding. And where I live in south MS, the pay is not that great, about the same as I make transcribing.

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.