Thanks...Good luck to you too in nursing..(sm)

Thanks...Good luck to you too in nursing..(sm) [2008-05-09]
If I wasnLOL!

That's a good question. Try the coding board [2008-02-01]
at MTChat. You may get an answer there on the Andrews School board, and I think there is another. The instructors sometimes give great answers.

Good Question [2007-04-18]
Hi confused: I am currently a medical Transcriptionist and am looking to get into coding as well. I am getting ready to start an Associate degree program with North Dakota State College of Science Health Information Technician class in June. I choose this school because I can take it online and it was recommended by the AHIMA. I spent the last few months researching and finally narrowed it down to either DeVry or there. I had just finished some classes with University of Phoenix and decided I would rather go with NDSCS. Anyway, I wish you luck! Paulette

What is a good Coding program? [2006-09-18]
I would like to study from home/online. What are the best programs out there, that employers recognize/respect. I saw a program from Brighton College (which is home based) that was Medical Transcription and Coding, all in one. Is this legit? Or too good to be true? Any assistance with this would be great. Thanks!

Grass greener? [2008-07-24]
Hey everyone, I'm currently working at home as an MT (both me and my wife do this so that when we start our future family we can raise our own kids instead of having daycare do the same). Anyway. I've been thinking about adding coding to my skills, are there any coders who were MTs or visa versa. Is coding any better as far as how companies treat you, benefits etc? I dont want to spend money on school, invest the time, only to find out that coding is no good either. I appreciate your input.

rhit [2008-06-21]
It just seems to make sense for a Transcriptionist to venture into HIM, but the problem is there are so many peolple I am hearing who are having a terrible getting an entry-level position in the field. Most people can ill afford to waste several years out of their life in education and come out without a job or one that pays the same as working as a bank teller, which requires no advanced education. I realize in most fields one must pay their dues and make lower pay in entry level positions but what I am hearing is pretty low pay if you can even get the foot on the door and find an entrylevel job. Those coders making really good money seem to have many years of experience and are not entry level.I suppose if one has a good second income you might be able to wait it outuntil someone gave you ashot and makeverly little while paying dues. Just asI supecta fewlucky peole fall in to good paying entry level positions. There are always exceptions but what a gamble considering what most are saying. Outsourcing/Offshoring is another definite concern. Look what it has done to transcription. Ten years ago I easly could get a good hourly wage in a hospital with benefits. Now not one hospital in my area has onsite transcription. I for one will run like the wind from any job/career that pays production pay. To me it If I bust hump I can make more than the hourly wages I was once offered right now, but afer years of thatit is an exhausting lifestyle for the sole breadwinner in a famiy working full time that way. Also my goodness what career do you know that pays people this way?. It.You have to wonder who started the trend AND why on Earth transcriptionists accepted it. Understood the possbility of more money but you are essentially dooming yourself to sweat shopt like menatlity and value of quantity over quality when the field decided to go this way. My concerns with coding going the same path and I can see already there is some outsourcing and offshorting there already.

Herzing College [2008-06-17]
Herzing College is on the AHIMA approved list and that is the school that I go through for my education. Thay are great. You can apply for financial aid. Good luck.

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!

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.

NOISE!!! [2008-05-15]
I work at a hospital in the Health Information Management office. There is me, about 6 other transcriptionists, 3 coders and 5 clerks. It gets VERY loud. I know it gets frusturating, but you Also, if you could invest in (or get your company to buy) a pair of Bose headphones, you will be amazed at what a difference it makes. It cuts out probably 2/3 of the noise. Good LUCK!!!

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.

Re: post from Maria [2008-05-10]
I see both part-time (and prn) and full-time jobs for coders; and good that you coding career courses - be aware! Good Luck

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.

Question for billers and coders..(sm) [2008-04-28]
I know next to nothing about billing and coding. First of all, which is better to pursue, billing or coding, or both? Is one better than the other? ls there any waybilling and coding will go the way of MTing and be outsourced, or is it starting to already? Sorry, but like I said, I know practically nothing about it and after 18 years I am ready to get out of MTing. IMT companies who have plentyof work where I can actually start making good money again.I am seriously thinking of switching to billing or coding. Any input into this will be much appreciated. TIA.

Re: Medical Coding Career [2008-04-24]
I was in your same shoes a couple years ago. Newly single mom of three young kids - one with a disability - and nursing school was no longer possible. Thatt finishe yet, but I am already coding for a clinic. I started there as a receptionit and when they found out what I was in school for I kept getting asked to fill out forms needing codes. More and more later, I am now being transitioned into a billing/coding position, and am able to flex some of my position from home. Plus, since it is work related, my employer will pay for my books, certification exam fee. My advice for newcomers to the field is to get a job at least part time at a clinic, privte doctors office somewhere. That's where most coders I know, and myself, have gotten their foot in the door. And it is well worth it in the end.

entry-level coding tought to get into? [2008-04-23]
This is good news. However, the concerns I have is tons of postings I have found online of entry level coders trying to get a first job. It seems most places want several years experience and it's difficult to get if no one will give you a shot. I guess this is the same complaint many MTs had as well. However, 9 years ago when I became an MT I found a job right away. But I think entry-level MTs nowdays have a really difficult time too. I have considered coding. I was pre-nursing but as a single mom of 2 (one child with a disablity) and a mortgage I just cannot consider 2-year of full-time school for RN. Coding seemed a good alternative but I was wary due to the difficulty in landing a entry-level positon. Any thoughts?

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/

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

Medical transcription school [2008-03-13]
Do the M-Tec program. I am by no means a recruiter or anything of the sort. I am an M-Tec graduate and have had job offers coming out my ears and it all started with my good solid education with M-Tec not to mention M-Tec still after all these years sends me emails with places contacting them to hire their grads. Not the cheapest program, not the most expensive, just the best by far. You will not be sorry if you choose them.

MT Training [2008-03-09]
Career Step is just as good for transcription training and it is cheaper.

MT schools [2008-02-25]
Career Step is good. I took their coding course, and it was tough but very good. I graduated from M-Tec Inc. for transcription. I did the research, and nationally there are really only three online programs that are worth anything. If you graduate from one of them, you will have no problem finding a transcription job. Those three are Andrews, M-Tec, andCareer Step. M-Tec has a wonderful Career Opportunity Council that keep you hooked up with jobs that come up for the rest of your life. I am not sure if the other companies have this feature. Career Steps coding course is very good. I passed the CPC test on the first try. Hope to be working doing both coding and transcription from home. yogagirl

Question about MT required to do the coding at new job [2008-02-24]
Hi everyone, just a quick question to all the coders and billers out there...I just started a new job at a facility where one of the responsibilities of completing the EMR record for each patient...I am to also assign the coding (not too comfortable with this, as I have only very, very limited knowledge of coding after unfortunately paying for an online course, only to realize it really was not something I would enjoy, or be very good at?)...is this legal?.... I feel like the prior transcriptionists were at times making their best guess (which seems very dangerous and costly to the company, etc....)... if this is not something I should be doing...should I respectfully bring this up to my new supervisor (who has herself taken over the MT department, as it was run by another level as part of their nonprofit, government funded mental health facility. Thank you for all of your insight... I appreciate your time. Sincerely, Jen

healing [2008-02-04]
My oldest daughter is 7 weeks pregnant. She is diabetic and was told that she will have to give herself insulin shots, in the stomach, 4 times a day. She is terrified about the shots. She is also fighting a cold and fever. Please pray for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Also, pray that the Lord opens a door for her husband to get a good job. Thank you.

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.

Kaplan University [2007-12-19]
I am considering taking a coding course online. I have been doing MT work for 8 years at homeand am not making what I would like. Ithought maybe coding would be a good option to work in a hospital and hopefully make more money. Has anybody had any experience with Kaplan University?

CPC-P Exam [2007-11-29]
Congratulations! Can I ask you what all was on the exam, types of questions? I'm graduating next Spring with an AS degree in HIT and I will be taking my RHIT exam. I've been wondering if I should take a coding exam as well to start, like CCA. What's your professional opinion? Is this a good time to get into billing? I've been an MT for almost 10 years now. Thanks!

school [2007-11-22]
I have been coding for about 12 years and had on the job training. I borrowed some books from a friend who had taken the AAPC course and studied her books..took the test back in September and did not pass it, ordered the CPC-P study guide studied it and retook the test on the 10th and passed. AAPC has a good independent study program and they offer classes at different sites. The website is AAPC.org (If that isn't correct you can type in American Academy of Professional Coders and get the link from there. Sandy