Remote Coding Pay

Cat in Pensacola, Florida said: Why don't you give Outcomes a try. They do part time and most of their work is remote. And with your experience and all your certification you should have not problem passing their coding test.

Do they have a website? I just took a coding test for Kforce, it was like 9 pages long, I book coded everything since I did not have access to an encoder and did really well. Thank you for the information.

www.outcomesinc.com

good luck. their test is a piece of cake. If you know what your doing you should have not problems.

Hello,

I am currently a student for Medical Coding. I am looking for any information so I can get my foot in the door before I am finished with my program. I would love to do remote coding....but I am not certified. After my course, I will have one year experience. Any information would be wonderful! Thank you so much!

Hi Jen,

If you need any help preparing for the cert exam we have some free tools and some good info at www.medicalcodingpro.com. (Example: free practice exam just for signing up for our mailing list.) Let us know if we can help.

All the best,
Gregg

Thank you for your comment. I have another quick question. What is the deal with NHA (National HealthCareer Association). Would it be wise to take certs through them??

I would stick with the AAPC and AHIMA. This is what the AAPC says (from the front page of www.medicalcodingpro.com)

The AAPC says "AAPC's CPC® certification credential for physician and outpatient coding, and AHIMA's CCS for inpatient coding are currently the only medical coding credentials recognized by employers, payers and government agencies....."

Hope this helps

Gregg

Jennifer Zigman in Tinley Park, Illinois said: Hello,

I am currently a student for Medical Coding. I am looking for any information so I can get my foot in the door before I am finished with my program. I would love to do remote coding....but I am not certified. After my course, I will have one year experience. Any information would be wonderful! Thank you so much!

To Jennifer and all new coders looking for remote coding opportunities -

I want to be kind and gentle when I express this. Honestly new coders graduating straight out of a program will probably not be hired for a remote coding position. Why? You need experience under your belt. You gain that experience by working on-site and being mentored by another experienced coder or coding supervisor. I still remember to this day many coding conversations and mentoring. I will never forget one supervisor taught me that pregnancy is queen when it comes to coding. This is how you get your foot in the door and build up your resume to apply for remote coding positions. I have over 16+ years experience in this field holding several credentials it does not guarantee me that I will find a remote coding position, yes my odds are better because work experience. I will let you in on a little secret, yes I even get stuck sometimes with coding quadroons. I have taught coding, performed chargemaster reviews and audits and specialized in the field of hospital outpatient coding with an emphasis on APC/OPPS Medicare rules and regulations.
I want to break this to all new coders gently, most in the coding industry will look at someone graduating from a coding program and say you need to “pay you dues.” I know some programs state that you can make big $$$ right out of school, honestly that does not happen often. Higher salaries come from added years of experience and certification;

Thank you Julie. You have made a very vaild statement. I myself have been in the coding field for over 20 years and just this past year I got a remote coding opportunity. I worked almost 2 years as a travel coder for my current company before a remote opportunity came along. And another great point you made is that you need the daily experience and more important other peoples brains to pick when you get stuck, it happens to all of us. Even with school, certification, etc. you will never know everything about coding, there is always something new on the horizon, now all of us used to ICD-9 have to get studying for ICD-10. And of course the bigger the hospital you work at the more varied coding experiences you will have.

Thank you for your input, its much appreciated. I figured it wouldn't be an easy thing to get into, thought i'd see what was out there. As far as your statement "I will never forget one supervisor taught me that pregnancy is queen when it comes to coding", what exactly do you mean by that?? It struck my eye, as I am currently 7 months pregnant.

Also, would you happen to know the difference between the CBCS cert exam and the CPT exam?? The school I'm attending is a tad slow at replying to my emails, lol.

Thank you again!

Jennifer

Lisa in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas said: I have recently graduated in Medical Billing & Coding and have received my certifications of CBCS and CMAA. I hope to take my CPC exam very soon. But I would like to find a job to give me the experience I need to further my career and hopefully become a remote coder in the future. Any advice as to where to start in finding a job that will help me with this venture? I am very motivated and absolutely love this field. I enjoyed my schooling and the knowledge I obtained. I would love to hear any ideas from anyone.
THANKS!!!

Good luck...if you can figure out how to find work please let me know! I obtained my Medical Coding Certificate and also have a Business degree but I cannot find a job coding if my life depended on it. I want to get a certification but they all recommend you have industry experience......however, all of the jobs out there require you have certification. You can't win for losin. I am actually looking at obtaining a nursing degree from my local 2 year college with the hopes of getting the RN certification. I just think Medical Coding is something that is difficult to break into now. In the past it was easier to find the work and now you are competing with people that have been out there doing it for years. It's just difficult trying to break into this field, which is something that isn't told when you sign up for the classes.

Jennifer Zigman in Tinley Park, Illinois said: Thank you for your input, its much appreciated. I figured it wouldn't be an easy thing to get into, thought i'd see what was out there. As far as your statement "I will never forget one supervisor taught me that pregnancy is queen when it comes to coding", what exactly do you mean by that?? It struck my eye, as I am currently 7 months pregnant.

Also, would you happen to know the difference between the CBCS cert exam and the CPT exam?? The school I'm attending is a tad slow at replying to my emails, lol.

Thank you again!

Jennifer

When it comes to coding if a patient is pregnant, you will code you pregnancy diagnosis first, hence the term pregnancy is queen.

Isn't that the truth!!! Everyone wants experience, but how do you get it if no one wants to hire you? It's ashame to have spent the time and money to get this far only to hit a wall head on! Very disappointing! But I'm not giving up!

Jennifer, since I haven't taken the CPC exam yet, I don't know what it entails, but I've talked to others who have taken it and they say it's "passable????"... whatever that means. I know you have to have your books with you to take this exam, whereas, when I took the CBCS exam I couldn't take anything with me in the room. The CBCS exam was easy. Not that receiving certification in CBCS and CMAA has gotten me anywhere. What I've found out is that to get a job as a coder employers want you to be a CPC.

I would like someone who has taken the CPC exam to let me know what to expect, please.

As far as wise, I don't know. The school I attended made us take our exams thru them. I took the combo exam which had the CBCS and CMAA all included into one exam.

Hi Gregg, my school had me take my CBCS and CMAA exam thru the NHA. Now I'm waiting to take my CPC exam thru AAPC. That's what they tell us to do. Not that the CBCS/CMAA has gotten me anywhere as far as finding a job! I would just love to find a job in this field so I can get some experience. I made up my mind that this is the field I wanted to have a career in, but now that I've gotten the education behind me, I can't find an employer who will hire me to get the experience. It's frustrating and disappointing to think that after all the time and money spent I can't find work.

Well we certainly wish you all the best. The cpc exam is 5 hours and the key is time management. If we can help let us know.

Gregg

www.medicalcodingpro.com

Jennifer Zigman in Tinley Park, Illinois said: Thank you for your input, its much appreciated. I figured it wouldn't be an easy thing to get into, thought i'd see what was out there. As far as your statement "I will never forget one supervisor taught me that pregnancy is queen when it comes to coding", what exactly do you mean by that?? It struck my eye, as I am currently 7 months pregnant.

Also, would you happen to know the difference between the CBCS cert exam and the CPT exam?? The school I'm attending is a tad slow at replying to my emails, lol.

Thank you again!

Jennifer

I know everyone has been asing about the difference in credentials. Hospital usually recognized the following credentials:
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist - given by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)testing has a majority emphasis is on inpatient hospital coding but also strong content on hospital outpatient coding, knowledge of coding clinic and coding gudielines.
CCS-P Certified Coding Specialist Physician - given by AHIMA) majority emphasis is on physician coding rules and guidelines
CPC-H Certified Procedural Coder Hospital designation- given by AAPC (American Academy of Coding Professionals) 100% of the test is on outpatient coding revenue codes and hospital outpaitent coding guidelines
CPC- Certified Procedural Coder physician designation - given by AAPC - 100% of the test is on physician coding
Another up and coming organization is ACMCS (American College of Medical Coding Specialist)- I obatianed these credentials after I certified with AHIMA and AAPC

Continued on next comment

These are the credentials (CCS, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC) that hospitals and physicians are looking for when it comes to coding. New coders or those looking to get into the field need to look for a program that either has it's circulum approved by AHIMA or AAPC. Usually you will find this through your local community college or AAPC has instructors that are certified through their PMCC programs. Most comunnity college that offer RHIT certification degree will probably have some type of coding certificate program.

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You may ask why should I look for this type of program? Coding certificate programs offer through community colleges average about 12-18 months to complete. You are required usually to take 2-3 semesters worth of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. This is what forms the basis for all medical record coding, it if the foundation. You need medical terminology followed by, principals of ICD 9 CM and CPT coding along with Faye Brown to start usually couple semester each. After you have completed this most will require and at least 2 semesters externship in both a physician's office and in a hospital setting. The advantage to this is hospitals and larger physicians office will usually work with these type of programs and allow new coders to get the foot in the door, becuase they know the program and the results of it. Example once direector of the hospital I used to work for, when and started a RHIT and coding certificate program at the local community college. I do not know all that is required when going through a CBCS program, but someone who has been in the "industry" for 16+ years, if you want to code a certificate of CBCS is not considered the "industry standard". Please do not shoot the messenger, I am trying to be gentle and being straight up. Keep applying some physician and hospitals if you do well on the coding test may ask that you get your CPC or CCS wihtin 18 months after being hired. When I hired on to my first hospital all I had was CPC, it was written on contract with them that I would get my CPC-H within a year, I took it 4 months after I hired wtih them and passed. I hope this helps

Anyone fresh out of school please don't give up. I know alot of places look for how many years experience you have and what your coding degree is. But on the positive note there are medical places out there that like to take someone fresh out of school so they can train them the way they want. to. Keep your chins up. It is still a very exciting field. Good luck!! :)

Bill, I have emailed you my resume and was wondering if you had anythng available for me? I have been coding for 14 years but just obtained my CPC. I have been a remote coder for 10 years and worked inhouse for 4 years. I am currently working part time remote codig for the same company of 10 years but I would like to get another remote coding position.
If you can please help me, let me know. Thank you

Danelle Janas

Bill Maurice in Canton, Illinois said: Melissa, Can you email me your resume? I have remote positions available.

Bill

Bill Maurice,RHIT,CCS-P
b_maurice@sbcglobal.net

I have a question....when getting paid for remote coding is it better as a per chart basis or per hour? Thanks

I am seeeking either(remote) outpatient, multi-specialty or surgery coding. I have over 7 1/2 years coding experience and a total of over 12 years in the healthcare business. I am CCS-P credentialed.

Hi Sheri, per hour is almost always more profitable. If you can land a remote coding job paid by the hour that is the way to go, in my opinion.

All the best
Gregg
www.medicalcodingpro.com

Now I would have said per encounter. I usually can code more in an hour than what they say and in some contracts if you don't code x amount per hour lets say it takes 1.5 hours to code 12 encounters then you don't get paid for that 30 minutes.

Some contracts if you code 13 per hour and it is 10 per hour you don't get paid extra for the 3 more you coded and they don't count into the next hour, so it is really you must code 10 per hour but if you code more and you are only code for 2 hours that day those 3 don't count into the second hour. I have found I am more in control of my pay by the per encounter but that is just me. The big thing is if you can get them to take your taxes etc out that is a big plus

Just wondering.... how much should someone expect to make per encounter or per hour?

@Lisa in Hot Springs, the CPC exam is much more difficult. You need your CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPCS book. You cannot use a medical dictionary. It is 5.5 hours (it used to be 5, but too many people were failing due to time constraints.) I think it's 150 multiple choice questions (a,b,c, or d) I would recommend taking an course that takes you through the books, and concludes with the CPC exam. It is very hard but I managed to do it and I have no real background in the medical field, I just work at a medical billing company. It was intimidating and difficult, but if I can do it so can you.

Now I'm in the difficult position of looking for a job. I was offered a position as a coder for a hospital, and I want to take the job, but they are trying to use my young age/small amount of experience to offer me the minimum salary for the position. This is despite the fact that I'm going to be (assistant) TEACHING the Coding class for the 2nd year, and one of my students is going to be one of my co-workers.

Oh and btw for the last question, I'd say between $10 and $20 per encounter, but it depends on the demand and how qualified you are. Of course I'm not really basing this on anything, but that's what I get for auditing the charts and I figured it would be similar to the person coding it in the first place...

Mike, thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate you getting back with me. Wow, asst teacher for coding class... congrats! You should not be considered inexperienced with those credentials! Well, that's my opinion anyway.
My school did take me thru each book and concluded with a practice CPC exam at the end. I haven't taken it yet... I've had computer problems, but at least I have the CD to practice from.
Thanks again!

Lisa in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas said: As far as wise, I don't know. The school I attended made us take our exams thru them. I took the combo exam which had the CBCS and CMAA all included into one exam.

Lisa:

I am curious to know the name of the schools you took your exams with. I believe they make you take the exams with them so you get an idea what to expect from when you take it with AAPC. I hope there test was about the same or similar to what you would take with AAPC. You should also buy Angela Buck or Lynette Olsen review guide.

Vanessa.

Love2Code in Sanford, Florida said: I Have my CPC and would like to work from home. Can anyone help in advising how I could start coding from home? I have 3 years E/M auditing/coding experience. I am currently traveling within Central Florida auditing and educating physicians E/M Coding. I would like to be able to work from home. Please email me at Hischosen77@aim.com

Thank You,
Cynthia

Cynthia have you tried contacting the hospitals in and around your area to find out. Also post on the advancemagazine website. You may get some help there.

Good luck
Vanessa.

Lindy in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Does anyone know of any online training for RHIT or RHIA Associate Degree classes?

Thank you!

Yes, I am completing my certification and associates with local community college. It is all web based schooling so check your local schools for the program.

I attended Mced College out of Ca.

Julie Downey CCS, CPC-H, CPC, FCS, PCS in Broomfield, Colorado said: I know everyone has been asing about the difference in credentials. Hospital usually recognized the following credentials:
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist - given by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)testing has a majority emphasis is on inpatient hospital coding but also strong content on hospital outpatient coding, knowledge of coding clinic and coding gudielines.
CCS-P Certified Coding Specialist Physician - given by AHIMA) majority emphasis is on physician coding rules and guidelines
CPC-H Certified Procedural Coder Hospital designation- given by AAPC (American Academy of Coding Professionals) 100% of the test is on outpatient coding revenue codes and hospital outpaitent coding guidelines
CPC- Certified Procedural Coder physician designation - given by AAPC - 100% of the test is on physician coding
Another up and coming organization is ACMCS (American College of Medical Coding Specialist)- I obatianed these credentials after I certified with AHIMA and AAPC

Continued on next comment

The RHIT is excellent to have too. That is the AHIMA credential fro those with an AAS in HIT.

Sheri Alane in Cresson, Pennsylvania said: I have a question....when getting paid for remote coding is it better as a per chart basis or per hour? Thanks

I work remotely and I am salaried. I HATE it! Whatever they send me for one day to work on, I have to finish. It is usually a lot more than 8 hours of work. It seems like I spend my life at the computer working.

Hi Michele,

Do you mind sharing what company you work remotely for? Please email me the info, my email address is mcdonough_beauty@yahoo.com. I really need a job, I don't mind working more than 8 hours per day.........Thanks

Sheri Alane in Cresson, Pennsylvania said: I have a question....when getting paid for remote coding is it better as a per chart basis or per hour? Thanks

I work remotely. I've done so for over a year. Right now I am paid by the chart. Being paid by the hour is better, at least in my experience. When I have to spend over an hour coding a complicated chart - knowing that I will only be paid a few dollars - I find it discouraging. Knowing this now - I am in search of a position that pays hourly

Bill Maurice in Cuba, Illinois said: Hi Jon,

Are looking for remote coding? If so, I'm definetly interested in your back-ground and would like to interview
you. I need coders either as a independent contractor or direct hire. My email address is b_maurice@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Maurice,RHIT,CCS-P

Hello Bill, I live in Hawaii. I have been a business owner for 16 years. I am looking for a career change and my neighbor is an online coder with many years of experience. I have looked into the aapc certification process, want to get certified, but my question is are there any remote entry-level coding jobs to get me to the 3 yrs experience that I need to join my neighbors company? Please let me know, Aloha! Patrick Spaulding

Danelle said: Bill, I have emailed you my resume and was wondering if you had anythng available for me? I have been coding for 14 years but just obtained my CPC. I have been a remote coder for 10 years and worked inhouse for 4 years. I am currently working part time remote codig for the same company of 10 years but I would like to get another remote coding position.
If you can please help me, let me know. Thank you

Danelle Janas

Hello Bill

I was wondering if you have outpatient remote coding positions available.

Helen

Why don't you try Outcomesolution.com, they offer remote coding

G Michaels in Youngstown, Ohio said: Well we certainly wish you all the best. The cpc exam is 5 hours and the key is time management. If we can help let us know.

Gregg

www.medicalcodingpro.com

I don't think we want to waste money on fraudelent career sites. The best place is a community college and not sites that take you money!

These online sites don't provide any good resources and not affiliated with AHIMA. I bet your probably work for this fraudelent career site probably trying to gain new victims! No thanks!!

Actually, I created the website. We started putting info up when my wife was studying for her CPC cert exam. We compiled a lot of research material and I thought I would put it online to help others.

We offer a FREE 20 question practice exam and a 150 question one for cheap. If you look around I think your find FREE to be a very good price. We are just trying to help others out. If that is not for you that is OK.

We are not a fraudulent site, just one trying to give info so people don't have to spend another $300 retaking this exam, or spending $1200 on a 3 day workshop in addition to all they spend on classes, exams, books and the like.

But I respect your right to voice your opinion.

All the best,
Gregg
Gregg

Hey Greg, what is the website... sorry I missed it.
Thanks,
Lisa

Bill Maurice in Cuba, Illinois said: Hi Jon,

Are looking for remote coding? If so, I'm definetly interested in your back-ground and would like to interview
you. I need coders either as a independent contractor or direct hire. My email address is b_maurice@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Maurice,RHIT,CCS-P

Dear Mr. Maurice.

I am a CPC with 13 years of medical billing office experience. I live in Toms River NJ and I am looking for a job in remote medical coding. If there is any chance you have an opening for me I would like to send my resume. My email address is dor51@comcast.net.Thank you. Any response appreciated.
Diane M. O'Reilly

Bill,

I did send you my resume via email. Did you receive it?

Still seeking an outpatient or multi-speciality remote position. Please email sherialane@verizon.net and I will get my resume out immediately. thank you!

I am looking for a remote coding position. I recently received my RHIT but I do have approximately 7 years coding experience in a hospital setting. My main coding focus is outpatient, pathology, and ER's. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I got my CPC through Bryant & Stratton College. Our teacher was fabulous - she really prepared us well for the exam. They were very easy to work with arranging payment, getting documentation, and giving support through their website. When you call you actually get a person who can help on the other end! I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but I was very pleased.

Lisa in Austin, Arkansas said: Hey Greg, what is the website... sorry I missed it.
Thanks,
Lisa

Hi Lisa, they site is www.medicalcodingpro.com. Thanks for the inquiry.

Gregg

You will want to stay away from both Maxim and Peak. They are not good companies, they have no benefits, their pay is low and they treat there people like crap.