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Coding [2008-11-06]
Oh great, more confusion to look forward to eh? Actually, I am working part time in coding and I am able to “train” on my time on harder charts that are already done, see how I do, then compare to what is coded. I love orthopedics, but the things I cannot find are because the docs call it one thing, and it is listed in the book as something else. For instance, cubital tunnel release. Yes, yes, I research heavily to find the cubital tunnel, and the operation, but I can’t seem to pull the trigger on the correct answer in actuality. I know the answers are all there.
Redpen, do you teach coding anywhere? [2008-11-05]
Thanks.
Coding is [2008-11-03]
I like coding because it
It is truly a rare bird that calls coding straightforward and clear! It is straightforward and clear to you. I doubt there are many very experienced coders who would use those words to describe coding. You are a rare bird.
I am learning coding, it is very difficult and [2008-11-01]
I am not sure I like it, in fact I hate it some days. I canI love coding so far. I do see people saying that! If you love coding, why? I can't see it from here.
Why I like coding [2008-11-01]
[quote]I am not sure I like it, in fact I hate it some days. I canI love coding so far. I do see people saying that! If you love coding, why? I can't see it from here. [/quote]
I like coding because it's very straightforward and clear. I enjoy reading medical documentation and figuring out what diagnoses should be coded. I also enjoy reading operative reports and figuring out what exactly they did so that I can code it.
You say you can't find the answers sometimes. I know it sounds weird to say this, but the answers are all there. If you can't find them, you're probably not looking for them the right way. You might have the wrong concept of what to do or the wrong expectations.
That's not meant to diminish your feelings or make you feel bad, but to point out that you might not have been shown how to do this correctly.
What are you studying now and in what setting? What book? CPT? ICD-9-CM? Commercial course? Online college course? Trying to teach yourself?
Do you have an instructor? Is the instructor a certified coder? What do they say about this?
If this is a college course, my guess is that you're trying to make heads or tails of course materials and trying to get a computer program to accept your answers. It probably seems like a random guess process to you. If so, that could be your problem. It might not be YOU, but the fact that you can't figure out what to do because you aren't getting any reliable feedback from the computer or the instructor who can't code!
If you're learning ICD-9 diagnosis coding right now, there is a certain process to use that will enable you to find the right code. It's not torturous, but it can involve cross-referencing. However, if you keep track of what you're looking at (write it all down) you can keep it straight. The more of it you do, the easier it becomes and the less you'll have to write down. You have to develop your skill with regards to this. It's exactly like learning to ride a bicycle.
Coding certifications [2008-10-22]
It is getting so that you really will want a certification to enhance your chances of getting a best-paid job. Employers are looking more toward certifications, since using certified coders helps them ensure accuracy, reduce training costs, and demonstrate that they did everything they could to ensure compliance with standards.
Which certification you would want will depend on the type of coding you wish to pursue.
Right now, there are fewer inpatient coding jobs (understandably) than outpatient. That's going to affect your choice.
The AAPC CPC certification is primarily for outpatient coding, so that's a good place to start if you want to do outpatient coding.
If you want to do inpatient coding, then you'd go for an AHIMA CCS. That's another good place to start.
The AAPC CCPC-H and AHIMA CCS-P can be added on, as well.
The best plan is to get one from each organization. That way, you're covered no matter whether the prospective employer is more familiar with AHIMA or AAPC credentials.
If you're leaning toward hospital or medical center coding, an AHIMA certification will help. For outpatient clinic settings, AAPC certifications are far more common.
Where can you find Medical coding/billing jobs online? [2008-10-22]
I will be graduating with a diploma for Medical Billing and Coding at the end of next month. I was so excited until I found out how hard it is to find online jobs! My current family situation will not allow for me to be able to work away from the home so if I can't find something online then I would have just racked up $25,000 in student loans for nothing. I would appreciate any feed back!! Thanks so Much!
I'm currently taking a diploma course for medical coding and billing... Here are the books I am u [2008-10-22]
Step-By-Step Medical Coding by Carol J. Buck
Step-By-Step Medical Coding Workbook by Carol J. Buck
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office by Marilyn T. Fordney
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office Student Workbook by Marilyn T. Fordney
The Language of Medicine by Davi-Ellen Chabner
Quick Guide to HIPAA for the Physician's Office
Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary by Elsevier Mosby
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) by AMA (American Medical Association)
ICD 9 CM (I believe the ICD 10 has come out but I haven't gotten that one yet)
ICD 9 CM stands for International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification
by PMIC
HCPCS ( Health Care Procedure Coding System)
National Level II Medicare Codes by PMIC
Like I said I am currently enrolled in a colege course for medical billing/coding, and will be recieving a diploma and these are all the books I have needed (for the coding part, I have also had anatomy, pycology, and several other regular courses, but the above books are all I needed for the coding parts)
I hope this info helps! I wish I knew you didn't have to go to school for it, I would have saved $2500o, well minus the prices for the books. From what I have been reading recently all you need to do is be able to pass the certification test, so you should be able to teach your self with these books!
Coding test [2008-10-21]
I stopped coding about 6 years ago when I came home to work and before that, I was doing inpatient and clinic coding which is what the test will consist of, mainly inpatient. The only thing she told me about the test is that I will be given a few charts and will have to code them so I am hoping it will all come back to me.
coding review [2008-10-21]
Get yourself a copy of the Official Coding Guidelines and study those. Google official coding guidelines. The new ones have an effective date of 10/1/2008. Really study those well. All the rules are right there.
Coding test [2008-10-21]
Thanks for the suggestion, found them, will study hard, and go see if coding is like riding a bike...
Coding test for job... [2008-10-20]
Open question, I have been transcribing for 14 years, have 6 years experience in coding but not recent. I have an opportunity for a coding position which requires testing, any tips from current coders on how to do well on this test? TIA for any help.
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]
nm
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?
Since you were curious . . . [2008-11-04]
It's not a factor. I work for a very large, university affiliated, tertiary care facility.
I think the problem is that I am talking about *learning coding,* while you are talking about everything else that goes with coding, especially with knowing what you're seeing on a day to day basis. Yes, new procedures crop up constantly, CMS changes its policies constantly, physicians document poorly constantly . . . those things you deal with as they occur. As it happens, I'm one of the people at my organization who determines how to deal with them, so I'm aware just how much of that there is.
However, I took the original poster's question as an inquiry about *learning coding,* not all the other stuff.
Let's look at what the OP asked about. She's STUDYING coding, so she's not seeing level 1 trauma and the newest procedures on the block. She's just having trouble learning to code--trouble learning to use the code sets. That might be ICD-9 or CPT, but the things she's trying to code are textbook examples, and those aren't cutting edge.
It looked to me as though she was having trouble finding, say, 401.9 when asked to find hypertension or the code for a hernia repair or a chest x-ray. At that level, it's only difficult if there is something gone wrong. I offered help with that, because I believe it doesn't have to be that hard.
I am just curious ... [2008-11-03]
about the size of the facility you work for and if that has some bearing on your answer. I work for a very large teaching hospital with 100s of clinic and a level 1 trauma center as well as a medical college facility, which also means we are using cutting edge technology and the newest of procedures and techniques as well as the most challenging diagnoses. People come from nationwide to some of the specialists at our facility. I work with a very large staff of coding professionals and you would hear very, very few members of our staff say it is straightforward. Perhaps if you work in a different setting or smaller facility it may be not as challenging as what we deal with. I truly do not mean to be snotty here and honestly am just wondering if that might play a role.
Pay [2008-10-31]
There are fairly accurate salary surveys on www.aamt.org, www.aapc.com, and www.advanceforhim.com.
You can see the exact salary VA coders make. Their grades are typically GS-6 (entry level), 7, and 8 for straight coding positions. If you enter as a 6, you should be an 8 in three years. A lead coder would be a 9 and compliance or supervisory positions would be a 9 or 11. You can see the salary range on the federal salary spreadsheets. Be sure to look at the one for the geographic area you're interested in, since those include the locality differential. ttp://www.opm.gov/oca/08tables/indexGS.asp
I'm currently taking a diploma course for medical coding and billing... Here are the books I am u [2008-10-22]
Step-By-Step Medical Coding by Carol J. Buck
Step-By-Step Medical Coding Workbook by Carol J. Buck
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office by Marilyn T. Fordney
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office Student Workbook by Marilyn T. Fordney
The Language of Medicine by Davi-Ellen Chabner
Quick Guide to HIPAA for the Physician's Office
Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary by Elsevier Mosby
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) by AMA (American Medical Association)
ICD 9 CM (I believe the ICD 10 has come out but I haven't gotten that one yet)
ICD 9 CM stands for International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification
by PMIC
HCPCS ( Health Care Procedure Coding System)
National Level II Medicare Codes by PMIC
Like I said I am currently enrolled in a colege course for medical billing/coding, and will be recieving a diploma and these are all the books I have needed (for the coding part, I have also had anatomy, pycology, and several other regular courses, but the above books are all I needed for the coding parts)
I hope this info helps! I wish I knew you didn't have to go to school for it, I would have saved $2500o, well minus the prices for the books. From what I have been reading recently all you need to do is be able to pass the certification test, so you should be able to teach your self with these books!
You made a good [2008-10-12]
Salaries are better in coding than other HIM areas until you get to the RHIA level.
With coding training, you can get a job and begin earning the higher salary, then do the RHIT and RHIA at low-cost state schools.
RHIAs make the most, but there aren't as many jobs. Coders have high salaries and lots of job choices. RHITs are beginning to be pushed to the bottom of the heap. Their only way out is pretty much through coding.
AHIMA is working on requiring a masters degree for an RHIA, so if the RHIA is a direction you want to go in, best go now while you can still achieve it.
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.
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.
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.
CCS and schools [2008-08-29]
Why do you want to take the CCS exam? It's for inpatient coding. Those jobs are usually in-house.
If you're a SAHM, I can see that you need a distance learning program, but if you are going to keep being a SAHM, coding probably isn't a good choice for you now. Coding jobs in general require some on-site time before you can begin working at home. It's difficult to find at-home coding jobs without experience, although there are more at-home jobs coming available now.
Andrews teaches a coding program. It takes about a year. Their grads have been successful with both the CPC and the CCS right out of school. The program teaches to a higher level than programs that just aim for the CCA. They have grads working in good jobs and advancing, too.
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
This is not true [2008-08-02]
Your advisor gave you bad information.
First of all, the RHIT credential is not specifically for coding. It's for health information technology in general.
You can and should sit for the RHIT credential immediately after you graduate. Passing that exam does not depend on experience in coding. You should be able to pass it with just what you learned in school. It is an ENTRY LEVEL exam. In fact, the longer you wait, the worse your score will be because you'll forget what you learned.
The AHIMA coding exams, i.e., the CCS, CCS-P, are mastery level exams. AHIMA recommends that you have 2 years of experience before taking them, but it's only a recommendation. Their certification communicates only that you know the material. Students from some coding programs are able to pass them without experience.
The American Association of Professional Coders, however, REQUIRES two years of experience before they will grant the full certification. You can TAKE the exam at any time before that, but you'll get a temporary certification which indicates that you do not have the experience. Their certification communicates to employers and clients that you not only know the material, but that you have significant experience, as well.
If you are considering a career change, get the information you need directly from the source. Don't pass up an excellent career opportunity based on some nonsense spouted by someone at a school who has no more clue than a rabbit about what you intend to study.
Don't take advice given by people, either. Find out the truth for yourself. Both certifying organizations' websites explain exactly what you need to do. www.ahima.org and www.aapc.com
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.
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.
MT and coder pay [2008-06-18]
That's interesting about the MT and coder pay. During my performance evaluation, my boss and I were talking about what I was going to school for, how undecided I was, and I told her that I was considering coding as a minor. She (an MSN) told me that if I did coding, I would be in the same place that I am now and that MT and coders are at the same pay level.
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.
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.
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.
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 Transcription Training [2008-03-05]
I was wondering if anyone had taken the Medical Transcription course at Exact-Med-UTTC Transcription Training. It seems to be long and expensive, but says once you finish you are at acute care level 4 dictation. I'm not really familiar with all this and was wondering if this would really give me an advantage to finding a job.
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
Billing and insurance [2007-06-18]
If Career Step only offers coding, does anybody know of a good insurance/billing course and would it be easier to get an entry level job in billing than coding?
Coding Exam [2007-06-08]
If I may suggest, don't waste your time with the CCA, go for the CCS or higher level..You will get much more respect if you get the higher level certs vs. the entry level..My experience is like yours...Did very well in getting College Cert in Medical Coding...Monitored all hospitals in NY State for jobs to no avail...Checked the AHIMA website since I am a member..Kept on talking to Dept Head at college and he connected me with my only Coding position during Chemo coding..They only used me to catch up. They were a year behind in coding their Chemo charts..after a month i caught up, did some billing/Collections, and then they got a 12yr senior coder to do my job part time at night since the coding was reduced to only 2-3hrs a day once I caught up and was coding present Patient - Physician encounters
Is it hard to get an entry level coding job? [2007-05-11]
I Looking into taking a coding course and getting a certificate. The tech. school told me it Do any of you know if that Do you think having 12 years as an admin. asst. in a regular oloffice before transcribing at home would help? Any advice would be appreciated.
What I did for 14 years!!! [2006-07-22]
Sorry it took me so long to answer you. I haven't been here for a few days.
I worked for a company that did Release of Information for hospitals/clinics. We copied medical records for attorney, insurance, physician and patients requests. We were full-service so also took care of all data entry and related phone calls, etc. It was fine, but after 14 years I just wanted a change.
My one year's experience in the billing field was interesting, but I wouldn't have stayed where I was - a small service and I was the first employee she'd hired.
The pay was awful, and I never did get the full-time hours I'd wanted.
She believed that since she was doing me the favor of training me, whatever she decided to do with me was fine. It was just a matter of time before I quit - in fact, she lost another girl that had worked with her for only 6 months for the same reasons.
However, I did enjoy what I learned and want to continue, but was just hoping there might be some aspect I could do at home. I'm not sure I personally feel ready to try my own account, but think it's a wonderful idea!
Judy
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