Coding Positions

Hi Donna: since you just took the CCA exam (congragulations!!!), I am going to take that exam , in the next three months, I just need to schedule it, I got my ATT in the mail. But could you tellme, if a book called Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examinaton, 2008 edition, is truly helpful? I know it's a 2008 version, but I have everything else met,according to the requirements of AHIMA.
I just want to be sure of what I am reviewing , so that I may pass the test, the FIRST time. Thank you, and I am encouraged by your experience.

Donna920 in Summerville, South Carolina said: I would reccomend you go to the AHIMA website. You can find a list of accredited schools there. I went to Trident Tech. I did the entire course online, never setting foot in the classroom. Since I work full time I did my internship online as well. You control how many classes you want to take at a time. Money was tight, so I could only afford a few at time. It's a great alternative when you don't have a few thousand to spend at one time. I got an excellent education and within 3 weeks of graduating I passed my CCA exam. That was 4 months ago. Two weeks ago I was blessed with a job offer, and am now working as a coder/biller.

Donna, congratulations on obtaining the CCA I never heard of internship online; could you explain?

Thank you Nore! My last class before graduating was a CCA exam prep class, and we used a book very similar to the one you have. It was a tremendous help. I won't say I wasn't nervous taking the exam, but I felt prepared since the book used actual questions from past tests. I also reccomend you go online to the AHIMA site and take the practice test. You didn't say if you joined AHIMA, but as a student you can join for $35. It gave a big discount for the. Since you've gotten your ATT I guess it doesn't matter now, huh? I was able to save quite a bit on my school books through them as well. I wish you the best on your test. I'm sure you'll do well. Just keep on practicing, and set your test date ASAP!

Thank you Vanessa! As I said, I went to school online at Trident Tech here in SC. I actually went through the continuing ed program since I work full time. We hadan option of going to a live hospital to do our internship with a coder (always best if you can do it of course), or take the internship online, which was a combination of writing papers, attending online class discussions with the instructor, and using a program that most coders use to do their job. There were students from all over the country in my class. It was such a great program that my husband is now starting in the program! www.tridenttech.edu/15863.htm

Donna920 in Summerville, South Carolina said: Thank you Vanessa! As I said, I went to school online at Trident Tech here in SC. I actually went through the continuing ed program since I work full time. We hadan option of going to a live hospital to do our internship with a coder (always best if you can do it of course), or take the internship online, which was a combination of writing papers, attending online class discussions with the instructor, and using a program that most coders use to do their job. There were students from all over the country in my class. It was such a great program that my husband is now starting in the program! www.tridenttech.edu/15863.htm

Donna, thanks for enlightening me on the internship online. We live and we learn everyday; but it was news to me to learn of that type of internship.

I am currently taking classes with AHIMA to take the CCA. I had my CPC a few years ago but with no experience I couldn't get a job, and I refuse to continually pay the $100.00 as a member of AAPC. I recently decided that I wanted to get certified as a coder. I work in a hospital and my chances of transfering to a coding position should be easier with the credential, and an internship. Thanks for supplying the link to the school. I would like to stay in contact with you if that's alright with you. My email Anicho4250@aol.com

Nore in Carrollton, Texas said: Hi Donna: since you just took the CCA exam (congragulations!!!), I am going to take that exam , in the next three months, I just need to schedule it, I got my ATT in the mail. But could you tellme, if a book called Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examinaton, 2008 edition, is truly helpful? I know it's a 2008 version, but I have everything else met,according to the requirements of AHIMA.
I just want to be sure of what I am reviewing , so that I may pass the test, the FIRST time. Thank you, and I am encouraged by your experience.

Nore, what is ATT?

To Vanessa: Hi. After registering for the CCA exam, I would be receiving an (Authorization To Test)
letter in the mail in or within 3 weeks, to inform me of important CCA exam information, such as auth number, test name, and Valid from - to dates (which describe how long in terms of time I have to schedule and take the test. It tells me the requirements for ID verification, ie: what's aloud, & what's not. General test related instructions in case I need to reschedule, confirm appointment, and what to bring to a testing center of Prometric.

Nore in Carrollton, Texas said: To Vanessa: Hi. After registering for the CCA exam, I would be receiving an (Authorization To Test)
letter in the mail in or within 3 weeks, to inform me of important CCA exam information, such as auth number, test name, and Valid from - to dates (which describe how long in terms of time I have to schedule and take the test. It tells me the requirements for ID verification, ie: what's aloud, & what's not. General test related instructions in case I need to reschedule, confirm appointment, and what to bring to a testing center of Prometric.

Thanks Nore, was curious to know what the ATT meant. Good luck and keep us posted on your exam.

To Donna, Yes, I am a member of AHIMA and paid the non credentialed dues..

Thanks Vanessa, I am just hoping , that after taking , and passing the CCA,(the basic credential for newbies) I would be more marketable to get employed as a coder.I mean ,I know their are no guarantees. Just, believing in myself, and that I will give it my all!

Nore in Carrollton, Texas said: Thanks Vanessa, I am just hoping , that after taking , and passing the CCA,(the basic credential for newbies) I would be more marketable to get employed as a coder.I mean ,I know their are no guarantees. Just, believing in myself, and that I will give it my all!

After reading some of the posts here. It may benefit you if you can contact doctors offices or hospitals in your area and see if you can get an internship.

I read Donna's story here earlier today. She was able to get a job in a relatively short space of time after obtaining her CCA. If only it was that way for everone. Think positive

This is to whoever has taken (for encouragement)or is taking the CCA exam. Ok I am excited and I am a little nervous because I actually take my CCA exam, NEXT month, instead of three months. OMG! As I just set my appoinment times to pick from. My point is I was going to wait, but my preferred time slots filled up fast..Yikes! OK... So by the way, when they say to sign up as soon AS POSSIBLE and ONLY after receiving the Authorization To Test letter (ATT)in the mail,DO IT. If you want the best testing times possible.(I only waited about 3 days from receipt of my letter to clarify different dates, etc.. So,I hope to do the best I can do. Wish me luck and I am venting, but it's a good vent!!

Donna920 in Summerville, South Carolina said: I would reccomend you go to the AHIMA website. You can find a list of accredited schools there. I went to Trident Tech. I did the entire course online, never setting foot in the classroom. Since I work full time I did my internship online as well. You control how many classes you want to take at a time. Money was tight, so I could only afford a few at time. It's a great alternative when you don't have a few thousand to spend at one time. I got an excellent education and within 3 weeks of graduating I passed my CCA exam. That was 4 months ago. Two weeks ago I was blessed with a job offer, and am now working as a coder/biller.

Donna,

What was the cost of getting your Medical Coding Certificate from Trident Tech?

Thanks

The classes are individually priced. www.tridenttech.edu/15863.htm

Donna920 in Summerville, South Carolina said: The classes are individually priced. www.tridenttech.edu/15863.htm

I attended Dakota State University (www.dsu.edu), which has a unique program. You can get either a coding certificate, an A.S. (RHIT program), or a B.S. (the RHIA program). It is progressive, which means that if you start with the coding certificate program and want to proceed to the RHIT, everything you took applies all the way up to the B.S. program. Everything is online, and they even videotape the on campus classes and upload them for the online students. They don't charge out of state tuition for online courses, and their tuition in around $220 per semester hour, which is great when you hear folks on this forum and others saying they paid as much more. Don’t pay too much, and don’t take a course that will not translate into a job. Do a CareerBuilder.com job search using the credentials you are considering to see, which one has the most jobs available. Check the CAHIIMA website (www.cahiim.org/directory/) for the RHIT and RHIA programs and the AHIMA site for the approved coding certificate program (www.ahima.org/careers/college_search/search.asp). Also read “Five Steps to Finding the Best Medical Coding Education” at www.medicalcodingresources.com/EDUCATION.html

I am an LPN, with 10 years experience, currently taking the Medical Billling & Coding class. I expect to take the cert exam in May. Can anyone give me any hints as to how to get the experience needed for most of the jobs I have seen offered? Almost all have 1 year or greater listed. My ultimate goal is to do travel coding and/or audits. I haven't really decided on a specialty. Thanx. debaker@alalweb.com

Most of your travel coding jobs wants you to have hospital coding as that is what I have been trying to get now for a year. You can google travel coding and I have talked to several companies as to their requirements. Good Luck. Viola oktxnana@msn.com

Call The Coding Source. (www.thecodingsource.com). I worked for them for 6months travelling. You dont have to have hospital coding experience there. This is a great job for single people without children or those who children are grown.

aangeljazz in Harvey, Illinois said: Call The Coding Source. ( www.thecodingsource.com ). I worked for them for 6months travelling. You dont have to have hospital coding experience there. This is a great job for single people without children or those who children are grown.

Hi Aangeljazz,

My name is Katheryn Escalona and I am with MedPartners HIM. I have a facility in your area in need of a permanent Lead Coder and wanted to see if you know of any individuals whom would be interested in this opportunity. If you do, please feel free to have them contact me.

Thanks,

Katheryn
Recruiter
MedPartners HIM
kescalona@medpartnershim.com

I am interested in receiving information on your company. I am not certified as a CPC yet but as an certified insurance biller & coding specialist. Does your company require CPC certification? I am very interested in doing the traveling billing & coding as it is perfect for me. Thank you for any information you can send me.
oktxnana@msn.com

call the coding source.You do have to have your certification. They also offer a program where you can get your certification through them. Perot Systems, is also a coding/billing travelling company also.

thanks so much!!!

I would like a little more information on travel coding. I am retired from 30 years with a large telecommunications company, and I just finished my A.S. in HIT. I am working on my B.S. in HIA, and I have not yet taken my RHIT test because I think I will wait unitl next summer and take the RHIA test. Will a RHIT do, or will I need to pass the CCS also? Do I need experience?

For future information, I would like to know how long does each assignment usually lasts, and are you a contract employee or a regular employee? Also, If you are contract, can you work one location until the end of the contract and then take some time off, or are you required to go from one location directly to another. I want to go back to work, but would like some flexibility, if that's possilbe. I know I may be dreaming, but hey one can dream. lol How far away from home do they usually send you? My husband retires next year, and he would probably love to play golf all over the place, if he could travel with me. Do they provide room and board?

Cathy P

after reading through some of these post I'm wondering if it is a good idea to even take classes to be able to take the coding exam. It sounds like getting a job in this field is not the easiest nor is there the demand. I am a RN wanting to make a career change and thought maybe coding might be the thing - now I'm not sure. Any advice appreciated.

Hi angela. I recently took the Certified coder Associate (CCA) exam and was "unsuccessful."Passing score was 300.
I am including the content category by domain,as of 04/27/09; which is what the coding test has, but, this is for the CCA,the minimum credential mostly required for coders just starting out, through AHIMA. Maybe this will help in decidingand this is informationis based off a score report shown on the results page moments after taking the exam.

Content Category by Domain:
1- Health Records and Data Content
2- Health Information Reuirements and Standards
3- Clinical Classification Systems
4- Reimbursement Methodologies
5- Information and Communication Technologies
6-Privacy, confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues

FYI:
I was told by a local hospital HR person,NOT an outside recruiter(@3wks ago) they usually want a min of 2 years of actual acute in-hospital experience, to qualify. She also recommended checking into the Health Information Management Services Department, instead of actual direct medical coding. but you may want to check AAPC, and or AHIMA (the governing bodies of Medical coding to read further in terms of what you are looking for. I hope this helped. Good Luck to you.

waiting on coding info

I have been a coder in a hospital for a long time and my advice is to definitely choose an alternate career path. Unless you are experienced it is very hard to find a job, the pay is much less than an RN gets paid, unless you are interested in traveling to code and it can be very stressful with all the productivity and auditing pressures. Don't waste your time.

Jan in Roseville, Michigan said: I have been a coder in a hospital for a long time and my advice is to definitely choose an alternate career path. Unless you are experienced it is very hard to find a job, the pay is much less than an RN gets paid, unless you are interested in traveling to code and it can be very stressful with all the productivity and auditing pressures. Don't waste your time.

You're right about the pay being lower than RN pay. HOwever, at our facility RNs are often hired to be "Clinical Documentation Specialists". The pay is equal to coder pay (~20/hr) but the required degree is RN. The CDS works on the floor to review charts at the point of care to make sure the physicians have documented what they need before the chart goes to medical records. The CDS people at our facility do not have to have coding credentials but it is recommended (I know a few of them have gone back for the credential after starting the job).

I would check with facilities in your area to see if they have CDS positions and what the requirements are--you might already be qualified!

Thank you very much for your recommendation!

Jan in Roseville, Michigan said: I have been a coder in a hospital for a long time and my advice is to definitely choose an alternate career path. Unless you are experienced it is very hard to find a job, the pay is much less than an RN gets paid, unless you are interested in traveling to code and it can be very stressful with all the productivity and auditing pressures. Don't waste your time.

Thank you very much for your recommendation! I appreciate the honesty.

Nore in Carrollton, Texas said: Hi angela. I recently took the Certified coder Associate (CCA) exam and was "unsuccessful."Passing score was 300.
I am including the content category by domain,as of 04/27/09; which is what the coding test has, but, this is for the CCA,the minimum credential mostly required for coders just starting out, through AHIMA. Maybe this will help in decidingand this is informationis based off a score report shown on the results page moments after taking the exam.

Content Category by Domain:
1- Health Records and Data Content
2- Health Information Reuirements and Standards
3- Clinical Classification Systems
4- Reimbursement Methodologies
5- Information and Communication Technologies
6-Privacy, confidentiality, Legal, and Ethical Issues

FYI:
I was told by a local hospital HR person,NOT an outside recruiter(@3wks ago) they usually want a min of 2 years of actual acute in-hospital experience, to qualify. She also recommended checking into the Health Information Management Services Department, instead of actual direct medical coding. but you may want to check AAPC, and or AHIMA (the governing bodies of Medical coding to read further in terms of what you are looking for. I hope this helped. Good Luck to you.

Thanks for replying. I have read so many pros & cons that it's really difficult to decide what the right move is. Thanks for your info.

Anne in Springfield, Illinois said: Cynthia:

It shouldn't be hard if you attend an AAPC or AHIMA approved school.

Anne Tetzlaff, CCS-P, CPC, PCS, CPC-FP, CBCS, CMAA

I attended a community college here in southern arkansas It was a two semester course and we are scheduled for 3 weeks this summer as practicum. I need a job can I expect any work after I take my certification test(OCT)?

What happens to a terminated coder when there is an internal audit and the coder's mistakes are at 80%? Is there any legal recourse?

I DID MY TEST FOR CPC BUT I DID NOT PASS DOSE ANY ONE KNOW OF A BOOK OR PRE TEST THAT I CAN STUDY FOR MY NEXT TEST I THINK I JUDT TOOK TO LONG TO ANSWER THE Q ON THE TEST I WANTED TO ANSWER ALL THE Q SO I JUST DID THE ANSWER AS QUICK AS I COULD SO IF SOME ONES KNOWS A BETTER WAY OF STUDYING PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT pwhite11@elp.rr.com.thank you

I AM GOING TO RETAKE MY CPC EXAMS IN DEC/09 I REALLY WANT TO PASS IT THIS TIME SO IF ANY ONE KNOW OF SOME BOOKS THAT MAY HELP ME WITH MY STUDY FOR THE CPC LET ME KNOW THANK YOU

I'm just curious where you took your course. I am taking the online course from AAPC. I hope it's going to prepare me for the exam. I am taking the CPC-H. Good luck w/your exam. Let me know if you find any good study resources.

i took my coding exams aapc an i took my coding class online with U S CAREER INTITUTE AN I HAD A B AVEG. BUT EXAM WAS HARD.

Does anyone know if there are any CCS exam prep class in Toledo, Ohio available?

CYNTHIA DAVIS said: I'M INTRESTED IN GOING TO SCHOOL FOR MEDICAL BILLING AND COING AND I WANTED TO KNOW WILL IT BE HARD COMING STRAIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL GETTING A JOB FOR THAT TRADE.

Don't do a medical coding and billing program - these students have trouble finding jobs. Go through an AHIMA/CAHIIM accredited Health Information Technology program and get your certification as an RHIT or RHIA. You can later take your CCS after you get exp. Take my advice and do it right the first time that way there is no time/money wasted. Look at the jobs open... they require RHIT, RHIA, CCS

I completely agree, that the best way to getting to the field is to get a education that will be recognized, and will help you get a job. I believe that can be accomplished by getting to CHIIMA approved school where you can get either a RHIT or RHIA. You can go to www.ahima.org and check out the schools. You can also go to www.medicalcodingresources.com/EDUCATION.html to read a article that I wrote on how to make sure you select the best educations for medical coding. It gives some important things to consider when making your selection.

bottom line is don't even go into that area. it's cut throat, dog eat dog, productivity driven, a stressed filled low paying career to get into. I wish I would never have got into it. Sitting 8 hours a day behind a computer screen and pressured for extreme accuracy and productivity every day is a real burn out. Your eyes and hands get old real fast.

jan in Roseville, Michigan said: bottom line is don't even go into that area. it's cut throat, dog eat dog, productivity driven, a stressed filled low paying career to get into. I wish I would never have got into it. Sitting 8 hours a day behind a computer screen and pressured for extreme accuracy and productivity every day is a real burn out. Your eyes and hands get old real fast.

Can you share where you work, Jan? I live nearby in Fraser. Do you work for a hospital? I'm a home health coder and the pressure isn't so great.

How did you find Home Health Coding? That sounds alot different. I'm talking about trying to find a new coder job in a hospital.Is there many jobs available in home health?

jan in Roseville, Michigan said: bottom line is don't even go into that area. it's cut throat, dog eat dog, productivity driven, a stressed filled low paying career to get into. I wish I would never have got into it. Sitting 8 hours a day behind a computer screen and pressured for extreme accuracy and productivity every day is a real burn out. Your eyes and hands get old real fast.

Hi Jan,
From reading your posts on this forum re. PHNS. I think I may "know" you. I worked for PHNS/Susan. I believe we spoke on the phone a few times. I belive you told me you had a relative that lived in my neck of the woods, East Texas??

I second what Jan in Roseville, MI said in prior posts about working for PHNS. I worked for them for 5 yrs.

Janice Maloney in abingdon, Illinois said: Buck, I would like to know before before I send my resume. Am interested in remote coding / will travel some.

I have finished the coding course and have one year experience. I would like to know more about the job and I will send you my resume

Thanks,
Shelley

sr_robbins@yahoo.com

Lorraine W. in Connersville, Indiana said: I have worked with three firms: Peak Health, On Assignment, and Maxim. All three had problems, some of which are simply inherent in the consulting business.

Peak never figured out payroll correctly--I was usually paid 1-2 wks later than promised. Their expense reports were nightmarish. Then they dropped me off at a location and wouldn't return me home...and then they suddenly had no work. Downtime: 2.5 mos.

On Assignment sent me to a hospital with terrible records (unassembled). Assignment ended way sooner than expected, then they had no work. Downtime: 2.5 mos.

Maxim dropped my pay rate $2/hr midway through an assignment without giving reason. They did it to other consultants, too. In 6 mos with them (traveling), I had 2.5 mos downtime. Their remote division has major problems--after one week, there is now no work.

Some firms require you to pay for your own hotel, airfare, and rental car, then reimburse you. None of the above did, they paid all upfront except for gas and food (which is paid in a per diem).

KForce keeps calling me, but I don't want to travel. You might give them a ring.

Lorraine,
I worked for a large HMO in So CA in the CO reg as a coding educator. For family, I wanted to return home, & took a remote coding job w/Peak. I was to start 03-16-09. They messed around & could not get my permissions cleared. The project they put me on was w/the same company I had just been working for in CO, only under a contract from a reg in No CA. I finally began on May 11...nearly 2 months w/o pay. The I.T problems were unbelievable & after 6 wks w/lots of unpaid downtime, sent me a new laptop. I got an e-mail to exit the WQ immediatley on July 2, & when I asked what to do next was told nothing until they can schedule a mtg, not until 07-15-09. 2 wks again w/no pay. I am very disappointed in a co I was told was good to work for.

OMG, Suzi, my heart goes out to you, because I know what it's like to go weeks without pay.

My co-worker just recently accepted a position with Peak Health as a remote coder. Her training is scheduled the week of Aug 3rd in Northern, CA for 3 to 4 days. As for myself on the other hand, I've been putting off taking the coding assessment, because the training is out of town. This is definitely sending up a red flag about Peak, because now I'm leary about taking the assessment as well as informing my co-worker, because I don't want her to quit her permanent full-time job and experience these same problems you're going through now. Remote coding is so scary these days! Are there any companies out there that has job security, because I want to be with a company for the long term.

berta in Carlisle, Massachusetts said: hi all,
I have a little problem and I am requesting your help.
I have to turn in a test tomorrow.
there is a question that i am having trouble with.
the question is
the codes for:

adenocarcinoma of descending colon with extension to mesenteric lymph nodes; permanent sigmoid colostomy.

according to the teacher, I am suppose to get 5 codes for it.
from the ICD9 book.

can somebody help me?
thanks
berta

yes the cancer is coded, the lymph nodes, the colostomy and the descending colon can also be coded....right? i am getting 4 codes not five. of course this is just off the top of my head.

brownshugg63@aol.com said: yes the cancer is coded, the lymph nodes, the colostomy and the descending colon can also be coded....right? i am getting 4 codes not five. of course this is just off the top of my head.

Hi,
I have seen this question asked before. This is what maybe your teacher is asking. The CPT code possibly? That will give you five codes.
153.2, 196.2 45.75, 46.13 44141
That would be my guess.
Hope that helps!
Sue McNeilly, RHIT, California

cp122578 in Meridian, Mississippi said: I attended Dakota State University ( www.dsu.edu ), which has a unique program. You can get either a coding certificate, an A.S. (RHIT program), or a B.S. (the RHIA program). It is progressive, which means that if you start with the coding certificate program and want to proceed to the RHIT, everything you took applies all the way up to the B.S. program. Everything is online, and they even videotape the on campus classes and upload them for the online students. They don't charge out of state tuition for online courses, and their tuition in around $220 per semester hour, which is great when you hear folks on this forum and others saying they paid as much more. Don’t pay too much, and don’t take a course that will not translate into a job. Do a CareerBuilder.com job search using the credentials you are considering to see, which one has the most jobs available. Check the CAHIIMA website ( www.cahiim.org/directory/ ) for the RHIT and RHIA programs and the AHIMA site for the approved coding certificate program ( www.ahima.org/careers/college_search/search.asp ). Also read “Five Steps to Finding the Best Medical Coding Education” at www.medicalcodingresources.com/EDUCATION.html

Hi. I am considering this school. How soon after graduating did you get a job?
Thanks