these might be a dumb questions, but...

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.

newbie with questions [2007-09-06]
You might try this site: http://campus.ahima.org/

Newbie w/questions??? [2007-08-20]
I am wanting to take a course in billing and coding and was wondering where the best place would be to take the course and get enough out of it to be certified. Also what would be the best one to be certified in to begin with? I know there are several different certifications. Thanks in advance!

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

In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This

In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This has

In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This has been my experience with working in a medical office.

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.

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.

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!

meditech vs career step [2007-11-13]
I have taken the Career Step course and was not very impressed with it. Took the course through a vocational school with no real instructor to answer questions. Career Step does offer class online....but would seriously look at closely before enrolling.

coding course [2007-10-09]
Hello, I too graduated from M-Tec and have been doing MT part time for going on three years. Last winter I enrolled in the Career Step on line coding course. It was very thorough, tough, and challenging. I like the fact that it was all online meaning you could work on it from any computer. I passed their test the end of May and sat for the CPC certification test on August 4 and passed. Whether a course is good or bad, in my humble opinion, is not the question. The question is will this or that school give me what I need to pass the certification test? Because in coding, certification is the name of the game. I plan on retiring from my current job next June and transition into coding. In the meantime, I am keeping on on my reading, CEU credits, and attending chapter meetings. I felt the Career Step course did meet my expectations. Career Step is taking taking steps now to become accreditied, but I agree that the school is not the important thing--it is do you have the experience and certification? Coding is much more difficult to break into compared with MT. One often times has to take a related job and then move into coding or do an unpaid externship to get the experiece piece. Happy to answer any and all further questions. Yogagirl

Medical Billing & Coding Question [2007-09-20]
I am currently an MT and I am considering training in Medical Billing/Coding but have a couple general questions: Are these one in the same - billing/coding or two completely different positions? How do you get paid? Is it by production? Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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.

Medical Coding course for sale - $325.00 off/Never used [2007-07-28]
Hello everyone, I am selling my CareerStep Medical Coding course for $325.00 off the original price. It is the Online Gold edition. Sales for $1825.00 and I'm selling it for $1500.00. All textbooks are included and are NEW. The box that contains the textbooks have never been opened. I took the medical transcription course they offer and I now work 2 jobs so I have no time for this course. CareerStep will handle all transfers. Call them if you wish and speak with Emily. They will answerANYquestions you might have. Just reply to this. Thank you in advance, Christopher

MEDICAL CODING INFO [2007-07-03]
The receptionist in my Dentist I do MT. I do not know much about it so I told her I would find out. Her questions were: 1. Is it hard to get a job after schooling? 2. Is it profitable? 3. Is it done on site or in home? 4. Is is worth getting into? 5. Is there a website just for medical coders I can direct her to. THANKS SO MUCH AND HAPPY 4TH.

I don't think you realize what you're asking. [2007-07-03]
Thyroids are complicated. Ask your doctor. Keep asking questions until you know what he knows and how you are to follow up.

The Andrews website [2007-07-03]
should be able to answer your questions.

CODING MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY [2007-06-05]
JohnMarch Partners has been engaged to identify a professional with 5+ years of supervisory experience in a medical coding environment for a 140-bed acute-care hospital in Houma, LA. The qualifed candidate will posses a bachelorFull-time experience coding ina 100+ bed, acute care facility is required. Participation inand/or management of coding audits preferred. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter including salary requirements to: executive@johnmarch.com. Please call Alisa at 214-220-1234 ext. 201 with any questions or further inquiries on this position. Additional opportunites may be found at www.johnmarch.com.