The future of medical coding

For experienced medical coders or those in administration, what is your lookout on the medical coding field? Will there still be a demand for coders in 10 yrs or will it dwindle due to advancement in computer technology?

I know that icd-10 will eventually replace the present icd-9, so I'm curious what hospitals and other facilities will require of their current or potential employees in terms of updating their knowledge about the new system? How much of a dramatic change will it be for coders?

there will be an increased demand for experienced, competent and certified coders. i know there is a lot of apprehension about all the new coding software that makes coders obsolete, that is not the case. there is too much error with the software and physicians do not understand codes well enough to do it themselves.

the best advice is to make yourself as knowledgable as possible

as far as ICD 10, my employer is already in the process of updating its coders with this information (and it is 3 years away!!) once it gets closer we will have webinars to acquant us with it and we have been told that when ICD 10 goes live in Oct 2013 we WILL be versed in it.

it is definitely a dramatic change, i think i read that icd 10 will have 70,000 codes, that is alot! it will go from 5 digits to 7 alphanumeric codes, plus an incredible amount of specificity.

the hardest part of the ICD 10 switch (as far as coding goes) will be the physician documentation. if their documentation is not specific and complete coders will not be able to code correctly because it will be to vague.

another problem will be insurance companies, some are not updating their systems and will not be able to identify the ICD 10 codes that are being submitted and will deny them, which will cause A/R issues and a cash flow problem.

this was probably WAY more than you wanted to know, but i hope i was some help.

Don't worry, ANY and ALL info and insight about coding is helpful and very much appreciated! Glad to hear there's still a bright future for coders and that computer software can't take over entirely! Seems as though ICD 10 will involve lots of learn-as-you-go in dealing with all the changes and complications. I suppose employers don't have much of a choice but to educate their coders about it so that they will be ready once ICD 10 goes into effect. I wonder though how schools are preparing their students for this new system or will new grads just have to be trained once they land a job?

My question precisely!! I am thinking of taking a class in medical coding. The cost is $2200 and lasts for 10 months. They tell us we probably won't be able to get a "real" job in coding until one year after getting the certificate. So I am wondering if I will be wasting my money. Any thoughts on this.

GO to aapc.com and do their online coding program. Only this and the AHIMA degree programs are recognized as being legit. The CPC is for working with physician's and the CPC-H is for working in a hospital setting. The AAPC certificate will land you a job in coding for places willing train. Coding is still very in demand, but I'm not as optimistic about the 10 year outlook as the other post. I think the technology and outsourcing will start moving into the industry in the next 10 years

can anyone give me some advice on the best pratice material to use for the cca exams?

Check out brookslegacycoding.net, for medical coding training. I have been an istructor for over 10 years. Online and affordable...

This is all very good information. I am currently a medical transcriptionist but am moving into the billing and coding area. Can anyone tell me if It will be necessary to educate myself in ICD9 or just wait for ICD10. Will I need to know both to make the transition?

Hi, Edie, I too live in Raleigh NC and am moving into the billing and coding field!!
I would go ahead and focus on becoming proficient in ICD-9-CM for now if you plan on working in the field this coming year. Unbelievably recently there has talk by the American Medical Society about trying to stop the conversion to ICD-10 because of the enormous expense.
Email me at annasinger@bellsouth.net if you want to chat. I am starting to study for the coding certification.

EdieinNC in Raleigh, North Carolina said: This is all very good information. I am currently a medical transcriptionist but am moving into the billing and coding area. Can anyone tell me if It will be necessary to educate myself in ICD9 or just wait for ICD10. Will I need to know both to make the transition?

You definitely need to learn ICD 9, if you are working as a coder as of Sept 2013, you will be using ICD 9. And knowing the actual process of looking up codes with ICD 9 will make learning ICD 10 easier.

@ Anna, I saw that article as well that the AMA is wanting to stop ICD 10, but I seriously doubt that will happen. Too much has gone into it so far to implement it. Which certification are you studying for?

CPC
I have the RHIT yet no paid coding experience.
you?

Thanks for the info. everyone. Anna, I will be e-mailing you to chat some more about this. I am curious though, should I be studying the billing area as well the coding. I think there used to be a time when you could specialize in one or the other but I have heard that knowing both areas will be in more demand.

Also, Is there a school that is more recognized? There are so many on-line programs out there and I want to make sure I pick one that is the accredited but also not too expensive.

Thanks again!

Edie

anna in Raleigh, North Carolina said: CPC
I have the RHIT yet no paid coding experience.
you?

I have my CPC, have 5 years of outpatient coding experience and 7 months of inpatient, I am studying for the CCS.

Valentine, which do you like better, inpatient or outpatient coding? Also, Is there a big difference in salary?

Anna in Raleigh, North Carolina said: Valentine, which do you like better, inpatient or outpatient coding? Also, Is there a big difference in salary?

It seems that each coder has their preference, for me I prefer inpatient. While a huge part of that is because of CPT (I much prefer ICD 9 PCS), for some reason, I just enjoy working inpatient better, it is a better fit for me.

On average, an inpatient coder makes more than an outpatient coder. The pay difference is usually because of the higher complexity of the charts and the higher dollar amount. DRGs are also a HUGE part of inpatient coding and they can be difficult to get correct, especially since RAC is focusing on overused DRGs.

EdieinNC in Raleigh, North Carolina said: Thanks for the info. everyone. Anna, I will be e-mailing you to chat some more about this. I am curious though, should I be studying the billing area as well the coding. I think there used to be a time when you could specialize in one or the other but I have heard that knowing both areas will be in more demand.

Also, Is there a school that is more recognized? There are so many on-line programs out there and I want to make sure I pick one that is the accredited but also not too expensive.

Thanks again!

Edie

Hi Edie - I too am a medical transcriptionist, transitioning to coding and would love to chat with you!!! I started off earlier this year taking courses through AHIMA's coding online program, taking the A&P course. I began the medical term course soon after but did not complete due to financial constraints, but will resume courses in February. I like AHIMA's online course because of its flexibility. You have 15 weeks to complete but if you finish earlier than the 15 weeks, you began other courses. I like them too because of their various options; you can take a cluster of courses or courses one at a time. Of course, there are other accredited programs, in-house or online that are great. email me at mjohnson373@yahoo.com so we can chat!!

Edie, I know that WakeTech has an evening program in medical coding and billing that I think meets at it's campus near Capital Blvd. in Raleigh. Durham tech has an online coding and billing program through continuing education. Also, CPCC in Charlotte has an online billing and reimbursement program through their continuing education department.
If you want a diploma (one year degree)in medical coding, Durham Tech has a new for credit program through their HIT department.
Do you want certificaiton through AHIMA or AAPC?

Edie, You should look into the FTCC Medi-online course. It breaks CareerSteps coding program into 2 parts and each part is less than $200. You can check out CareerSteps website to see if you like their program, but you have to sign up through FTCC to get the discounted price. I can tell you that its pretty tough, but if you are serious and dedicate enough time to completing the course then you will do well.

Rellis,

Thank you for bringing FTCC Medi-online course to my attention. I will definately check into it.

Anna, I did check into WakeTech but they have not posted anything for Spring 2012 yet. They are going to put the schedule up on Nov. 30th.

Thank you everyone for your help.

By the way, I have an interview with Duke next week for an Administrative role. I'm hoping this works out because I will then at least have my foot in the door.

Good Luck on your interview.

Edie, Wow! That's great you have an interview with Duke. That would be a great place to work. Good luck!
Did you check out Durham Tech's online program through continuing education?
That program through FTCC that Rellis mentioned sounds good too.

<a href="www.medical-billing.com/">Medical billing</a> jobs are growing in popularity today,with a lot of people taking medical billing courses in order to enter the profession.This is a good time to enter the medical billing industry. Not only is the pay good, but there are several openings for medical billing jobs to accommodate a lot of job seekers..

Anna in Raleigh, North Carolina said: Hi, Edie, I too live in Raleigh NC and am moving into the billing and coding field!!
I would go ahead and focus on becoming proficient in ICD-9-CM for now if you plan on working in the field this coming year. Unbelievably recently there has talk by the American Medical Society about trying to stop the conversion to ICD-10 because of the enormous expense.
Email me at annasinger@bellsouth.net if you want to chat. I am starting to study for the coding certification.

Really is this true if so i could agree

I am just starting school for medical coding but I don't have any medical back round. I'm just worried that I m wasting my time and wont be able to find a job without ever having worked in the medical field yet. does anyone know if you are still able to get a job as a coder without the medical experience?