outsourcing coding and billing sm

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.

free medical billing test [2008-08-30]
I know there is some free stuff at www.ritecode.com Not sure what all is there but this may help you.

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?

Free Medical billing test [2008-08-19]
I am trying to refresh my skills in medical billing after being off a few years to raise my kids. I also have had a billing service for many years and wanted to test my skils. Are there any websites around that will give me a test. Thanks

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?

billing [2008-06-17]
I graduated from Us career insitute. It was a great program. I am looking for work from home.

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.

MT versus coding [2008-05-05]
Sending you this message also, not sure if you got the last one. I am just curious to know if you found out anything more about coding and how it compares to MT. I have 16 years experience and may also be looking for a change but use my experience. Thanks, BRJ

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.

Re: Coding from home [2008-04-24]
Yes, you can, but not without first having experience, most often 2-3yrs PLUS having your national certification. One site I used to use in job hunting for remote coding was through Indeed.com - you can create a search alert and in keywords - or with any other job search engine, enter CODER REMOTE.

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/

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.

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.

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?

Free Medical billing test [2008-08-19]
I am trying to refresh my skills in medical billing after being off a few years to raise my kids. I also have had a billing service for many years and wanted to test my skils. Are there any websites around that will give me a test. Thanks

Testing CCA./CCS w/out degree [2008-08-19]
I worked in healthcare for 10 years before staying home with my kids. I did mostly billing, but a lot of coding. I worked with Medicare, so the codes had to be correct always, and we had terrible coders that always put in codes that wouldn't pay...so I had a lot of experience. I am nowhere near an expert, but I have been home with my kids for 3 years, and I am thinking of taking the test, studying of course, but I dont want to spend $$$$ and a lot of it, and wait 2 years to get through a degree. I dont want to go back to work in a hospital again to get more experience... My question is, if i can pass the test, do you think I will be able to get a job with my experience?

Apply, apply, apply [2008-08-17]
You have to work at getting a job. Apply, apply, apply for anything and everything, and TAKE the first job that is offered even if it pays nothing and you hate it. Take ANY job, even in a doctor's office answering phones if you have to. Work your way up from there. Look for a job doing anything in a medical record room of a large multispecialty clinic or a hospital--clerk, secretary, anything. Part of the problem may be that you describe your degree as transcription and coding. People either do one or the other. If you apply for both, employers will think you don't know what you want to do. It implies that you don't understand what the employer needs. Also be careful about saying you have a certification. You didn't indicate which one you have, but if it's not an AHDI RMT in transcription, an AAPC CPC-A (you can't have a CPC yet because you have no experience), or an AHIMA CCS or CCS-P, then you have no certification the employer is interested in. Billing and coding are very important to employers. They can't afford to train you, can't afford to lose money on bad coding, and can't afford to be investigated by federal agencies for fraud and abuse based on bad coding. You can enhance your skills while looking for a job by getting more books and studying on your own. Also consider volunteering at a hospital in the medical records department, or at a hospice, or at some other charitable healthcare organization. Volunteer experience can count.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transcription question [2008-05-14]
Hello, I have a few questions. I amcurrently taking a medical transcription course. It actually is the final part of my program I have been taking.I am doing the Hillcrest Medical Center book. I am having lots of trouble with the cases in the book. Trouble hearing them and understanding them. My teacher says that I need to be flexible in my working conditions. See I am doing this transcription in a classroom with about 15 other women that are working all kinds of other things. Lots of talking, and other activities going on. My question is....Is this typical in an office? I have read that typically a Transcriptionist is working in a quite part of the office or at home. Also, transcription isn My other question is how do you get your foot in the door?? I only have a small amount of experience in an office and, that was a distribution office at that. I have no medical office experience. It is just so hard to get into any place because they want experience. I can Thanks

answer...kinda [2008-05-14]
Well, I am taking a course called Medical Information Tech. It has all the standard office stuff. Like word, excel, access, powerpoint, publisher and standard account. We also have medical coding, terminology, billing and transcription. It is a basic transcription class.

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

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.

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.

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.

Biller/coder/MT...jack of all trades [2008-03-31]
My pay in the insurance billing end of it has never gone down as I am paid hourly. Over the years, the pay hasn't gone up across the board a great deal but I was blessed to work at private doctor offices where the physicians were very generous in giving yearly raises and bonuses. MT-ing is the only business that I know that has taken a drop in pay over the years rather than upward which is the norm. I have found myself worker a lot harder to make it these days when I have stuck with MT-ing. It takes me 12-15 hours a day MT-ing to make when I can in an 8-hour day doing billing.

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!

Reputable medical billing companies... [2007-11-13]
Does anyone know of a billing company that hires billers to work from home? I live in Atlanta, GA. Any help is much appreciated.

meditech vs career step [2007-11-05]
Which of these seem to be better. I would like to pursue coding and billing opportunities. I currently am a Transcriptionist and interested in cross training. Which schools are better equiped to help pass the exam? I checked out both but need some help in determining which one is better. Please any advice would be appreciated. Thank you...

Andrews [2007-10-08]
Well, yes, actually I have looked at that one as well. Just wondering what is the best one out there. I guess Andrews appeared to be more focused on just coding, and Meditec seemed to cover the billing aspects as well, health insurance. I would like to have an understanding of it all if possible, which is why theirs stuck out to me. I would not object to taking coding and billing from 2 different schools, just still trying to figure out which one(s) is/are the best and looking for some one who has been through it to comment on which one(s) they think is/are the best and why?? Thanks for you replay. Much appreciated.

Meditec on-line program [2007-10-06]
Can anyone offer any information about the program offered by Meditec on-line for billing and coding. I have looked through a ton of programs and this program seems like it would be a little more thorough as far as the subjects and amount of reports to code, plus they seem to touch on the billing aspect, insurance, etc. I have been to the AHIMA board and looked at all the schools listed on their site; however, they do not endorse any particular school, as such, not really helping anyone makea decision as to any good school to go to. Also, in looking at their programs, they do not really seem to offer any more in the way of subjects that they touch on and, in fact, seem to offer a little less to me than the distance program called Meditec. This one seems to touch on some software programs out there as well which I think should be included in one Also, from what I am gathering, it does not seem as though the AHIMA cares where you get your education, just that you get a good enough one to pass their exam. I do wonder, however, at the same time if any employers look at where one gets their schooling or if they too are more interested in the credentials and that you have them, period. I did ask one employer if they looked at the schooling behind the credentials and she said that, no they did not really critique the schooling, they were more interested in the fact that they have the proper credentials and experience. While there seems to be a ton of schools offering these courses, there seems to be a lack of information from anyone person/organization as to what is the best course offered, leaving one to sort of guess and well hope they hit the right one. I also seem to find that, for the most part, the ones willing to comment are usually the ones who only have something negative to say about the business/field, programs,etc. Again, making it hard to make a good decision as to where to go. Then there are the companies all trying to push their program and telling you they are theONE to go to, only I know that they will all tell you that in order to sell their program. After all, that is THEIR business. And well, maybe they really do feel that their program is the best. Unfortunately, I know that there has to be some solid answers out there from someone, someone who has been there/done that successfully. Would you please share some info with me. If you don I am a successful working medical Transcriptionist right now and would like to venture into coding, billing, office management, and maybe HIM as well. I do not have unrealistic expectations of having to work from home, making a ton of money at this. Just want to further my education for the knowledge, and yes make a decent honest living at it. Yes, I know it is hard work getting there. I did a transcription course through M-Tec, was challenging, I have worked my 12 hour + daysat my first transcription job, been in tears thinking I was never going to get my line count. Seemed to get it finally by the end of the day somehow, and now I am making my line count and then some. I am doing fine at it and have been successful for 4 years so far doing it. I still like it.I am not a complainer on the MT Stars board bashing companies, because I feel for every company that I worked at that was not my favorite for one reason or another, I was stilllearning and geting some type ofexperience, no matter what. One has to take those chances and go through thosesort of lifeto learn as well. So I am sure that medical coding/billing is no exception to the rule and know what I am in for before I go into it. Just looking for some advice to go in the right direction on the schooling!! Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share.

these might be a dumb questions, but... [2007-09-26]
is medical billing and coding work sent overseas as well? Donew coders and billers coming into the field have a real difficult time finding work -- just because they are newbies? Who oversees all the work that a coder/biller does? Is there a QA department. any info would be much appreciated.