Any other age 50+ here starting a coding career?

jundesperate in Palm Bay, Florida said: Hi. It's nice to be back in this forum. I am not quite sure if you can archive online the dates of the issue. I have just tried right now but I don't know how to do it because I have my hard copy subscription of ADVANCE for Health Information Professionals Magazine. Anyway, here's the title and date of issue; "Disgruntled in NC" (Oct. 20, 2008), "Completely Disgruntled in NJ" (Nov. 17, 2008). Does anybody out there knows how to search this issues on ADVANCE? Thanks.

I went to the website and entered in the dates, but nothing matching 'disgruntled' came up.

Were they actual articles or just Q&A items?

Barbara in Maryville, Tennessee said: Lynn:
I know here in Knoxville, Tn area where I live, the companies are ALWAYS looking for Medical Assistants. There are not enough of them. I would definitely go for that. You would be guaranteed a job at least when you are done. Check your Sunday newspaper ads and I think you will agree.

I just found this statement in Live Career newsletter:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has cited a number of healthcare fields, including nursing and medical assisting, as some of the fastest-growing fields in the industry right now.

what is a field for someone 55...I have a B.B.A. with a minor in education ...are there any prof. women out there who can input an opinion.....I thought that medical billing/coding would be the way.....but after reading posts...I am not so sure...I need a course of work that is in a classroom setting not online.

RHIT Coder in Connersville, Indiana said: I went to the website and entered in the dates, but nothing matching 'disgruntled' came up.

Were they actual articles or just Q&A items?

They were actually under the "Letters to the Editor".

You might want to consider getting a RHIA through a certificate program. That is a program from someone who already has a degree. I think Stephens College in Missouri has that, but I am not sure. You can check the CAHIIM (www.cahiim.org/directory/Index.asp)and just contact some the RHIA programs to see if they have a program for someone that already has a degree. A RHIA will qualify you for a lot more things not just coding, including HIM management, quality, etc

Cathy P

I actually went to our local hospital today and one who works in the billing dept said it's very difficult to get that first year of experience but after that you can easily get a job. She said she has a friend in New Mexico (we are in IN) who does the exact same thing and makes $21/hr and she makes $13.50 after 10 years. She suggested printing some of the comments on the forum and taking them to the school when I go to get their reaction and see if they have placement and what success rate do they have. I'm leary after so many negative comments too. Let me know if you find out anything please. skprdh@yahoo.com

jundesperate in Palm Bay, Florida said: They were actually under the "Letters to the Editor".

Hmm. I don't think those are viewable online--probably only within the actual magazine.

Hi: Mia I know exactly how you feel . I was in hot pursuit of trying to return to school to do coding and I felt that would have worked for me. I came across 4-5 people that has finished the course and was still unemployed because they were not needed at that time.That was twelve months ago they have since switched careers some in Nursing and Lab work. I decided to do something in Law enforcement so this fall I will be back in School. I'm 50 plus but no matter I'm still motivated and I'm confident even with age I will be okay. You hang in there and if you feel in your hearts of hearts that's what you want to do . I'm with you all the way. Would you like to join me in Law enforcement? If you do let me know. Keep your head up.

Lynn in Essex Junction, Vermont said: Reading this forum is a great source of information. After being laid off (28+ years) from computer giant, I am thinking my next career steps. I will be returning to school for healthcare fields, but unsure which area I should concentrate on. I was seriously looking into the Medical Coding area, but after reading these comments, I am very nervous and I'm not sure what the job market is here in northern Vermont. My next line of thinking is to obtain a certificate for Medical Assisting. Has anyone completed a MA certificate? IF so, are you satisfied with future job possibilities? I have until May to make some type of decision concerning coursework. I'd appreciate any comments...thanks

Hey Lynn Does the state that you live in have many postions in your field? If so that will give you a bird's eye view of what the going rate will be for interests.Sometimes you may have to transfer to another state-but if you like me I can't afford to.Ihope I post in the right block and didnot mess yours up .First time to the site.Sorry

Sorry Lynn I guess I put post in the wrong box. Please accept mt humble apologies. I was interested in coding but after so many negatives I decided to go into law enforcement. After I found out in my city that most of the hospitals were leading towards the Nurses doing coding also I just let it went but it sounded so interesting but I guess for me it wasn't mean't to be. Good luck and keep smiling.

Mia in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: At age 52 I find myself in the position of starting my life over; divorce. It is difficult to decide just what I want to do now that I am all grown up, :) I am very interested in coding and to be sure I have the aptitude for it I bought lots of anatomy, med. terminology, and a couple of coding books and researched everything I can find on the internet about coding. I think it would be a perfect career for me. But...it seems as though finding an entry-level job is the big challenge.

Back in the day, before the Internet, a person cold called businesses with their resume in hand, made lots of phone calls, and networked like crazy to find work. Doesn't that work anymore?

I worry that my age is going to work very much against me. I see what appears to be many much younger people on this forum having a terrible time. Is there anyone else here starting over in their 50's or older? I would love to hear from others in my situation and where they are at in realizing their career goals in the coding field.

I am very happy to happened across this forum. Good luck to all of you working so hard to make your coding dreams come true.

Mia

I too am over 50 starting a new career as a coder. I have been successful in securing work, however my salary requirements have not been met, I think, due to lack of many years of experience and location. Be encouraged!! If you're a new coder this means that you have the most up to date knowledge and a thirst for more--a definite requirement as the EMR is still being implemented in some physician offices and coding requirements and billing rules change constantly. Continue to stay abreast of any changes. Attend coding and billing workshops in your area and especially get up to speed on the requirements for the new ICD-10 and please do not forget that you also have other skills from past work experience. So--when you get that call, and you will, you will be ready as ever!

I to am over 50, out of work now for almost 6 months. Thought I would go into Billing/Coding till I found out the cost and how long the classes would take. The salary still isn't comparable to what I was used to making. And I'm tired of seeing job's that only offer $10-$12/hr when I should be able to earn $20/hr for my experience & tenure. Considering a high school grad can get a job with no experience and make $10 an hr!!!!! That is what this world has come to. I also changed my direction to Law Enforcement and am in hopes of a good outcome.

I wish you the best of luck. I too am out of a job at 53, I'm a licensed dental hygienist with 15 years exp, laid-off since Dec 08. I cannot believe our country has deteriorated to the point of $10/hr jobs being considered a "good" job. Kids in highschool make that much at McDonalds! I have interviewed at physicians offices paying $8 or $9 an hour for office help and it amazes me that there are lots of people needing these jobs and people with bachelor degrees are willing to take them. I'm getting ready to train for lpn, not for the money but for the security. It's less than half of what I made as a hygienist but I think the job market is there. I wish you the best.

I too am over 50 and unemployed. I was a hairdresser for years and then went into newspaper advertising for 12 years, during that time I was taking care of my elderly parents part time, then before I knew it, I was a full time caregiver to my parents and then 2 brothers who had cancer, they have all passed now and after taking sometime to adjust after all the loss in the past few years, I have been considering healthcare because of my experience with being a caregiver. I have read many comments on here about being a coder and the struggle people are having getting jobs fresh out of school with no experience. I am seriously considering an LPN degree and would like to know if the ACT or Compass test that is a prerequiste for nursing is difficult and can most of the classes be taken online? I have no college credits and concerned after 35 plus years out of school, if I can do it.

Also, has anyone checked out the site www.ripoff.com, for some reason one of the recruiters at an online school told me about it. Check it out if you want to read real comments about some of these online schools. I typed in quite a few and I was shocked at the experience people have went through.

Hi Carlene,
At Ivy Tech in Indiana, the compass is a placement test to see what classes you need to take to get you ready for the program you choose. I have 2 associates degrees, from 1984 and 1995 and none of the credits transfer so I have to take the test too.
I got a study guide and it tells you what is on it but not how to do it. I don't remember anything about algebra or geometry so I am already planning on a math class. The lpn is by acceptance only so I'd think it won't hurt me to take the classes to prepare so my grades will be good. I too was going to go into coding but changed my mind after reading all the comments and asking at our hospitals about new grads and they want someone with at least 2 years exp. I don't know where a person gets the exp. One good thing is there are lots of people our age in school right now so you won't feel out of place. Good luck!

Mia in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: At age 52 I find myself in the position of starting my life over; divorce. It is difficult to decide just what I want to do now that I am all grown up, :) I am very interested in coding and to be sure I have the aptitude for it I bought lots of anatomy, med. terminology, and a couple of coding books and researched everything I can find on the internet about coding. I think it would be a perfect career for me. But...it seems as though finding an entry-level job is the big challenge.

Back in the day, before the Internet, a person cold called businesses with their resume in hand, made lots of phone calls, and networked like crazy to find work. Doesn't that work anymore?

I worry that my age is going to work very much against me. I see what appears to be many much younger people on this forum having a terrible time. Is there anyone else here starting over in their 50's or older? I would love to hear from others in my situation and where they are at in realizing their career goals in the coding field.

I am very happy to happened across this forum. Good luck to all of you working so hard to make your coding dreams come true.

Mia

I can relate-you're just a young kid! I've got two strikes against me: I'm nearly 60 and male. I completed a 1000 course at a very reputable school, but no luck yet on job. Best of luck to you!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hi Carlene,
At Ivy Tech in Indiana, the compass is a placement test to see what classes you need to take to get you ready for the program you choose. I have 2 associates degrees, from 1984 and 1995 and none of the credits transfer so I have to take the test too.
I got a study guide and it tells you what is on it but not how to do it. I don't remember anything about algebra or geometry so I am already planning on a math class. The lpn is by acceptance only so I'd think it won't hurt me to take the classes to prepare so my grades will be good. I too was going to go into coding but changed my mind after reading all the comments and asking at our hospitals about new grads and they want someone with at least 2 years exp. I don't know where a person gets the exp. One good thing is there are lots of people our age in school right now so you won't feel out of place. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice on the study guide. I looked at a practice test online and the math and algebra made my brain hurt. Now that you mention it, just today, I was amazed to see the people our age and older going back to school. Thanks Again!

You're welcome and good luck. We'll make it, I think, because we have already survived so much :). I'm taking my compass tomorrow so I'll let you know what happens.

Barbara S in Maryville, Tennessee said: I would definitely call HR dept at the hospitals and ask what the pay range is for Pharmacy Tech. They will tell you. I did that with the Surgical Tech field. I can't believe they don't have a ST program in Las Vegas..Have you checked with the hospitals also and asked them where they hire from? Just a thought. That would mean all of them are out of town???

Oh my God YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE A SURGICAL TECH!!!!!!!!! It is a hostile environment. Please please think before you decide to make this decision. see if you can go into the OR and observe first before you make a finacial committment Take it from me I have been a scrub for twenty years and I can not take the stress anylonger. Now I'm looking in to changing my career.
Gook Luck, Rebecca

I'm also in a similar situation. I'm 48 and looking to go into medical coding/billing. I have been a medical transcriptionist for the past 14 years (working 3 years in a hospital and the past 11 years as an independent contractor, working out of my home). Just wondering if my experience as a medical transcriptionist would help me in becoming a coder... I've heard that medical transcriptionists become good coders. Also wondering if I'm too old to pursue coding... I don't have a degree, so I will have to go back to school...

Carlene in Hartman, Arkansas said: Thanks for the advice on the study guide. I looked at a practice test online and the math and algebra made my brain hurt. Now that you mention it, just today, I was amazed to see the people our age and older going back to school. Thanks Again!

Sorry I didn't post back after my test. I got the flu and then my daughter got it so was out of it for a couple of weeks.
I took the math portion and only got a 24. Needed a 44 to test out of the class. I was disappointed but after I talked to a counselor I don't feel bad. I've had college level math twice. I have never used it since. (1984 and 1992) 2 semesters of college level chemistry but that's a science, not a math. Ha! That's what I think of that. But, I don't know why I would remember square roots ect when I've never once thought about it or ever needed to know it in any job I've had. She said herself that she'd only been out of college 3 years and probably couldn't pass the compass. So to me it's just something I'm going to have to pay for AGAIN and get it so I can go on. I found out I cannot take any other classes for credit until I pass it. So that will put me another semester behind. I would encourage you not to stress over it at all. Just go in there and do your best. All it is is a placement test to see what you need to take to bring you up to college speed. The reading and writing portion was a breeze. Mostly common sense. A good friend of mine said she did so bad on the writing that they told her she was at about 3rd grade and this gal has a BS degree! But when she went to school a book report was sufficient so we all are in the same boat.

Mother and happy in Mililani, Hawaii said: I'm also in a similar situation. I'm 48 and looking to go into medical coding/billing. I have been a medical transcriptionist for the past 14 years (working 3 years in a hospital and the past 11 years as an independent contractor, working out of my home). Just wondering if my experience as a medical transcriptionist would help me in becoming a coder... I've heard that medical transcriptionists become good coders. Also wondering if I'm too old to pursue coding... I don't have a degree, so I will have to go back to school...

I also am a medical transcriptionist for 18+ years and WILL be pursuing a career in medical coding. I just turned 51 years of age last week and am excited to pursue coding. For the past 2-1/2 years, I had been pursuing becoming a surgical tech but have realized (after 2 schools - one without accreditation) that is NOT what I should be doing. I've also done my "homework" in seeking out where to begin in coding as far as schooling, training, accreditation, etc. Being that we do have the experience as a transcriptionist, I personally have decided to either do the distance learning with either of the accrediting folks (AHIMA or AAPC). That way, we can still work and taking the necessary classes on line in the comfort of your home and the best part - AT YOUR OWN PACE!!! One can finish the course(s) ahead of time - you don't have to wait until a semester/module/quarter is finished. So, where traditional colleges may take 12-14+ months to complete, my personal recommendation would be to consider courses through either AHIMA or AAPC and possibly be finished, ready to take the coding exam in as little as 6-8 months! Become a member of AHIMA and with your local AHIMA chapter. Good luck.

Dear M. Johnson,

Thank you so much for the information. I am going to take a coding class at local community college and at the end of 6 months will be taking a coding certification exam and then become a member of AAPC and also pursue further education in the future (I hear from other coders that continuing education is very important in coding). In pursuing coding, do you feel that our medical transcription experience will benefit us? Also, by nature, I am very meticulous, organized and detail-oriented, so I feel this will really help me too. I know that it's not easy to get your foot in the door, but once we do, the sky is the limit... Thank you so much for the info! Aloha...

M. Johnson in Lithonia, Georgia said: I also am a medical transcriptionist for 18+ years and WILL be pursuing a career in medical coding. I just turned 51 years of age last week and am excited to pursue coding. For the past 2-1/2 years, I had been pursuing becoming a surgical tech but have realized (after 2 schools - one without accreditation) that is NOT what I should be doing. I've also done my "homework" in seeking out where to begin in coding as far as schooling, training, accreditation, etc. Being that we do have the experience as a transcriptionist, I personally have decided to either do the distance learning with either of the accrediting folks (AHIMA or AAPC). That way, we can still work and taking the necessary classes on line in the comfort of your home and the best part - AT YOUR OWN PACE!!! One can finish the course(s) ahead of time - you don't have to wait until a semester/module/quarter is finished. So, where traditional colleges may take 12-14+ months to complete, my personal recommendation would be to consider courses through either AHIMA or AAPC and possibly be finished, ready to take the coding exam in as little as 6-8 months! Become a member of AHIMA and with your local AHIMA chapter. Good luck.

Dear M. Johnson,

By the way, I meant to tell you that we are similar in the sense that we both did our homework... I also looked into becoming a surgical tech, even speaking to people who are surg. techs, but was encouraged NOT to pursue it...low pay, high stress... Also, I looked into becoming a CNA and MA...after extensive research, feel that coding/billing is what I am meant to do and am really excited to pursue it now... Good luck!

M. Johnson in Lithonia, Georgia said: I also am a medical transcriptionist for 18+ years and WILL be pursuing a career in medical coding. I just turned 51 years of age last week and am excited to pursue coding. For the past 2-1/2 years, I had been pursuing becoming a surgical tech but have realized (after 2 schools - one without accreditation) that is NOT what I should be doing. I've also done my "homework" in seeking out where to begin in coding as far as schooling, training, accreditation, etc. Being that we do have the experience as a transcriptionist, I personally have decided to either do the distance learning with either of the accrediting folks (AHIMA or AAPC). That way, we can still work and taking the necessary classes on line in the comfort of your home and the best part - AT YOUR OWN PACE!!! One can finish the course(s) ahead of time - you don't have to wait until a semester/module/quarter is finished. So, where traditional colleges may take 12-14+ months to complete, my personal recommendation would be to consider courses through either AHIMA or AAPC and possibly be finished, ready to take the coding exam in as little as 6-8 months! Become a member of AHIMA and with your local AHIMA chapter. Good luck.

Thank you so much for the information. I am going to take a coding class at local community college and at the end of 6 months will be taking a coding certification exam and then become a member of AAPC and also pursue further education in the future (I hear from other coders that continuing education is very important in coding). In pursuing coding, do you feel that our medical transcription experience will benefit us? Also, by nature, I am very meticulous, organized and detail-oriented, so I feel this will really help me too. I know that it's not easy to get your foot in the door, but once we do, the sky is the limit... Thank you so much for the info! Aloha...

I'm 59 and male. I've just completed a 1000 hour course at an accredited school, but having a very hard time finding work, due to usual stories: experience, certification, etc. Good luck!

Mother and happy in Mililani, Hawaii said: Dear M. Johnson,

By the way, I meant to tell you that we are similar in the sense that we both did our homework... I also looked into becoming a surgical tech, even speaking to people who are surg. techs, but was encouraged NOT to pursue it...low pay, high stress... Also, I looked into becoming a CNA and MA...after extensive research, feel that coding/billing is what I am meant to do and am really excited to pursue it now... Good luck!

The only drawback I saw from not becoming a surg. tech. was age. Being a surg. tech is pretty 'grueling' in the fact that you will be on your feet for hours; whether it's rotating surgeries or just one surgery which can take 4 hours or more. I felt that the pay was okay, but again if you've never had a job standing on your feet for a long period of time and try to make that change at 50+ years of age, that would definitely take a toll on one's body.

A friend has been a surg. tech for 15 years at a local hospital here and only makes $14 per hour...I was so shocked to hear that...either way, I've learned that surg. tech is not the way for me...(as you said, I couldn't handle being on my feet for a long period of time after sitting as a medical transcriptionist for 14 years!)...Thanks again!

To add to this thread, I am 48 yrs old and was laid off from my job of 25 years in call center customer service. I thought Medical Billing and Coding would be a perfect career transition for me. I was wrong. Not only is the pay extremely low (unless you work in a hospital and for that you must be certified and have 2-4 years experience for entry level Patient Services Rep)you cannot get into Coding unless you have experience and I dont have time to obtain 2-3 yrs experience for another entry level pay job at my age.... I am so discouraged. I dd not want to go back to the Corporate banking world but at this point even their entry level pay is better than Coding.

Yes, I got duped into the whole Medical Billing and Coding thing. If you don't have at least 3 years experience, you can forget it. I don't care what they are telling. I have twenty years in the medical environment and have helped in the billing department. I know more than my peers even before I went to school. I was told I did not have enough experience! I recently gave it up and decided to go into bookkeeping which there are hundreds of job postings for and their is room for moving up into lucrative career moves. I think it should be brought to the medias attention about this rip off and misleading practices these 2 year and online colleges are doing to take your money.

Bottom line- I don't reccommend medical billing and coding to anyone that does not already work in a doctors office or hospital or have the three years experience first.

Summer in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Yes, I got duped into the whole Medical Billing and Coding thing. If you don't have at least 3 years experience, you can forget it. I don't care what they are telling. I have twenty years in the medical environment and have helped in the billing department. I know more than my peers even before I went to school. I was told I did not have enough experience! I recently gave it up and decided to go into bookkeeping which there are hundreds of job postings for and their is room for moving up into lucrative career moves. I think it should be brought to the medias attention about this rip off and misleading practices these 2 year and online colleges are doing to take your money.

Bottom line- I don't reccommend medical billing and coding to anyone that does not already work in a doctors office or hospital or have the three years experience first.

Summer: I definitely have to agree with you. The advertising make it sound so "simple" and easy to be a medical coder/biller and make it sound like there are ads jumping out of the paper to hire you. Well in fact, unless there ARE ads in the paper you can probably forget about landing a job doing this. The ads that I do find online say "2-3 years experienced coders' REQUIRED....That is it..you can forget about even getting a phone call. They should not be allowed this marketing "deception" either.

Thank you Summers!

You are right...I have to reiterate here again some of my comments couple months ago.

I am a graduate of a prestigious college in New York (Alfred State), a HIT program and earned my RHIT May 2008. One of my professors (which is my professor in ICD and CPT-coding is the Author) and got a flying "A" grades. I'll tell you guys its been a year now that I'm applying for a coding job but they neeed 2-3 years of experience. I dont want to go back working as a HIM clerk again as I did for more than 2 years hoping to work my way up so now I ended up unemployed (which I choose ranther than working as clerk my whole life with a RHIT certification). I dont want to disappoint but think twice.

Few more hard days and I am done with my Nursing career. Hurray!!!!!

Mia in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania said: At age 52 I find myself in the position of starting my life over; divorce. It is difficult to decide just what I want to do now that I am all grown up, :) I am very interested in coding and to be sure I have the aptitude for it I bought lots of anatomy, med. terminology, and a couple of coding books and researched everything I can find on the internet about coding. I think it would be a perfect career for me. But...it seems as though finding an entry-level job is the big challenge.

Back in the day, before the Internet, a person cold called businesses with their resume in hand, made lots of phone calls, and networked like crazy to find work. Doesn't that work anymore?

I worry that my age is going to work very much against me. I see what appears to be many much younger people on this forum having a terrible time. Is there anyone else here starting over in their 50's or older? I would love to hear from others in my situation and where they are at in realizing their career goals in the coding field.

I am very happy to happened across this forum. Good luck to all of you working so hard to make your coding dreams come true.

Mia

I am starting over at age48 and can relate to your thoughts on this. i am going to college to get a degree in coding and hope to one day run my own buisness, My hopes outweigh my fears as I became a single mom at age 42 after raising three children and this last one was a huge surprise, her father left four months before she was born. I want to be able to provide for her as well as have a career that I can feel secure in, this seems to be a good choice. I refuse to let my age stop me and still live an active life. I wish you well in your journey.

akmom in Anchorage, Alaska said: I am starting over at age48 and can relate to your thoughts on this. i am going to college to get a degree in coding and hope to one day run my own buisness, My hopes outweigh my fears as I became a single mom at age 42 after raising three children and this last one was a huge surprise, her father left four months before she was born. I want to be able to provide for her as well as have a career that I can feel secure in, this seems to be a good choice. I refuse to let my age stop me and still live an active life. I wish you well in your journey.

So do I!!! As I stated here a few days back, I just turned 51 and I also refuse to let my age stop me!! Even though I have years of transcription experience, I also know this will be a "challenge" in being hired for entry-level coding jobs. I believe in persistence and perseverance - even if it takes perhaps relocating, I just believe someone, somewhere will employ us as coders!!! :)

Carlene in Ozark, Arkansas said: Also, has anyone checked out the site www.ripoff.com , for some reason one of the recruiters at an online school told me about it. Check it out if you want to read real comments about some of these online schools. I typed in quite a few and I was shocked at the experience people have went through.

Carlene:
I have just graduated from my local community college. Over the summer last year, I took two online classes. I found them to be extremely frustrating. When I had questions, I had to email them to the instructor. It usually took them about 2-4 days to get back to me. I did have access to forums so that I could ask questions of the other students, but it just was not the same as being in a classroom. As for the classroom itself, it was in a room with the instructor on close circuit tv. This was a much better learning experience for me.
At present, I am about to start making up a resume and studying for a CCA certification. I have been told to try volunteering to code for no pay, just to get some experience in the coding setting. I think that I will talk with the head of human resources and see if it would be possible for me to "shadow" so that I will get some idea of what the job would entail.

I agree and I to am frustrated, I payed for an on line class and got so frustrated I just dropped it, what a waste of time and money. Now I am attending Rasmussen college on line because of being single mom to a six year old and need to be available to her. I feel this is more structured and they are strict about homework etc. but now Iam thinking that maybe while Iam in school I could get my foot in the door somewhere such as shadow at a clinic or something. Please offer any advice that may be of help. Is this a good field to be entering in to during this economic hardship across the nation.

I feel very discouraged reading the posts about age discrimination. I am enrolled in a Medical Coding course and plan to receive a CCA (entry level certification). Is there any hope of getting a medical coding job without work experiences, but with extensive education? I'm also going to take extra anatomy and physiology, medical termininology and pharmacology courses. I also have a BA degree in the Social Sciences (from 1998).
Can a 57 year old find work in medical coding. What about from the home?
Thanks.

akmom in Anchorage, Alaska said: I agree and I to am frustrated, I payed for an on line class and got so frustrated I just dropped it, what a waste of time and money. Now I am attending Rasmussen college on line because of being single mom to a six year old and need to be available to her. I feel this is more structured and they are strict about homework etc. but now Iam thinking that maybe while Iam in school I could get my foot in the door somewhere such as shadow at a clinic or something. Please offer any advice that may be of help. Is this a good field to be entering in to during this economic hardship across the nation.

i love coding and feel that it is just about the most secure job you could have right now. healthcare (unlike construction and real estate) is not going anywhere. people will always need doctors.

as to the shadow thing, i have read on here multiple times that people are shocked to find out that people do not want an unpaid shadow or volunteer. from experience, they are an incredible annoyance. it takes you twice as long to do your work because you must explain everything and then after you offer this free knowledge. they take it elsewhere. we had a handful on interns at my work and we had to stop because they were a lot of hassle. sorry, but it is true.

if you do not have experience, start out small. work at a small clinic where you may have to do both the coding and billing. you might have to be the front desk and the coding dept, but you will gain experience and then can move up.

Dar in Elgin, Oregon said: I feel very discouraged reading the posts about age discrimination. I am enrolled in a Medical Coding course and plan to receive a CCA (entry level certification). Is there any hope of getting a medical coding job without work experiences, but with extensive education? I'm also going to take extra anatomy and physiology, medical termininology and pharmacology courses. I also have a BA degree in the Social Sciences (from 1998).
Can a 57 year old find work in medical coding. What about from the home?
Thanks.

changing careers later in life is hard, and it is true that most companies want someone younger that will work longer. the only problem i see with an older person in coding is that it requires great memorization, and constant flexibility. things are always changing, rules and regulations are always updating.

as to the no experience, read my reply to akmom. just hang in there, it really is a great field

Coders in CHICAGO or NEW YORK....Can someone tell me the hourly pay for outpatient and inpatient coders in CHICAGO and NEW YORK.. I'm thinking about moving toward that direction. Any info would be very helpful ....THANK YOU

Coders in CHICAGO or NEW YORK....Can someone tell me the hourly pay for outpatient and inpatient coders in CHICAGO and NEW YORK.. I'm thinking about moving toward that direction. Any info would be very helpful ....THANK YOU

Valerie in San Diego, California said: Coders in CHICAGO or NEW YORK....Can someone tell me the hourly pay for outpatient and inpatient coders in CHICAGO and NEW YORK.. I'm thinking about moving toward that direction. Any info would be very helpful ....THANK YOU

a good resource is the indeed salary search, i have found it to be accurate for my location and job type.

In SLC, UT, coders, just starting out with a certification make around $16 an hour, it goes up with more experience and certifications. Also, inpatient coding generally pays more than outpatient coding.

I have seen supervisor/management positions that pay $75,000+ with the right amount of experience and certifications, you can make alot in this field.

My problem is I, too am in my 50's and have worked for orthopaedic surgeons pretty much exclusively since 1982. I worked for a gastroenterologist for 2-3 years, also. For 7 years I worked for an ortho doing his coding in everything from in-house therapy to bsic office visits and procedures. Then for 3 years I coded his surgeries, ER calls and other in-hospital procedures. Then for 15 of the orthopaedic years I worked for a workers' comp AME, so the codes were limited to just the med-legal codes, so I didn't have to delve in to the books too much. During the gastro years I did coding every day. I feel I have a ton of experience, but I don't have a certification. I am going to refresh, re-learn and then try for a CCS-P certification so I can at least get my foot in the door with a doctors office or clinic. The pay may not be great, but the experience should hopefully get me headed in the right direction.

Question is: Am I being realistic?

Char

Justchar in Oxnard, California said: My problem is I, too am in my 50's and have worked for orthopaedic surgeons pretty much exclusively since 1982. I worked for a gastroenterologist for 2-3 years, also. For 7 years I worked for an ortho doing his coding in everything from in-house therapy to bsic office visits and procedures. Then for 3 years I coded his surgeries, ER calls and other in-hospital procedures. Then for 15 of the orthopaedic years I worked for a workers' comp AME, so the codes were limited to just the med-legal codes, so I didn't have to delve in to the books too much. During the gastro years I did coding every day. I feel I have a ton of experience, but I don't have a certification. I am going to refresh, re-learn and then try for a CCS-P certification so I can at least get my foot in the door with a doctors office or clinic. The pay may not be great, but the experience should hopefully get me headed in the right direction.

Question is: Am I being realistic?

Char

of course you are, I would recommend getting a study guide and taking some practice tests, that should help you gage where you are at and what you need to study on. I have a CPC through AAPC, and even though I was tested on specialties that I am not familiar with, as long as you know the coding guidelines, you should be fine. I would imagine AHIMA's test would be similar.

congrats on taking this next step!

valentine in Salt Lake City, Utah said: of course you are, I would recommend getting a study guide and taking some practice tests, that should help you gage where you are at and what you need to study on. I have a CPC through AAPC, and even though I was tested on specialties that I am not familiar with, as long as you know the coding guidelines, you should be fine. I would imagine AHIMA's test would be similar.

congrats on taking this next step!

Thank you so much, you verified what I felt. I have gone on Amazon to get some books and I am going to buy the practice test from AHIMA. I know I will do well in the ortho and pretty well in the gastro. I hope things just start coming back to me quickly. I remember enjoying coding when I worked in the office coding surgeries and such, so I am hoping that joy helps with recall.

I still have this little devil whispering in my ear that I won't be able to remember the new stuff, I just have to keep telling to shut up and that forgetting where I put my keys is a totally different thing. I hope. Here I go.

Thanks

Char

Justchar in Oxnard, California said: Thank you so much, you verified what I felt. I have gone on Amazon to get some books and I am going to buy the practice test from AHIMA. I know I will do well in the ortho and pretty well in the gastro. I hope things just start coming back to me quickly. I remember enjoying coding when I worked in the office coding surgeries and such, so I am hoping that joy helps with recall.

I still have this little devil whispering in my ear that I won't be able to remember the new stuff, I just have to keep telling to shut up and that forgetting where I put my keys is a totally different thing. I hope. Here I go.

Thanks

Char

While it was stressful studying, I too, love coding, so that made it a little easier. Just ignore the thoughts in your head, I was positive I would probably fail and even after I passed, I didn't believe it.

The study guide and the purchased practice tests really helped me, they were the most similar, format wise, to my actual exam.

Its a scary feeling moving forward, but I am sure you will do fine!

Mother and happy in Mililani, Hawaii said: I'm also in a similar situation. I'm 48 and looking to go into medical coding/billing. I have been a medical transcriptionist for the past 14 years (working 3 years in a hospital and the past 11 years as an independent contractor, working out of my home). Just wondering if my experience as a medical transcriptionist would help me in becoming a coder... I've heard that medical transcriptionists become good coders. Also wondering if I'm too old to pursue coding... I don't have a degree, so I will have to go back to school...

Try community hospitals - Heath infomaion tech. You can use your credit hours. I did some transcription and find med technology you can test out of. I had a semester of credits already, tested out of 2 - so almost 2/3 year done.
then there is the new 6 week cert. www.himss.org/ASP/education_certification.asp

SOPHIA in Winter Park, Florida said: Hi Mia,

I am almost 43 and have been in the property & casualty insurance. I'm tired of being laid off (3 times). I am studying online Medical Billing and Coding @ PennFoster. I love the course and it's very affordable.

Don't give up! Good Luck!

Wow! Sophia, it sounds like you are posting my information. Same thing for me, 23 + years in Commercial P&C and 3 layoffs! I have had it! I too am thinking about the medical coding and billing and I have no idea where to start. I will mark this page as favorite, because I believe I stumbled across it on purpose!

Mia, I say go for it! People our age aren't getting a chance with all the people out of work, why would a company choose me (a 50 year old) when they can choose a 28 year old? Back to you Sophia, if you only knew how much reading your post lifted my spirits! Wouldn't surprise me a bit if we have worked for the same companies!

Take care and I look forward to hearing back from you both!

Hello again everyone,
I am now graduated for CCC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Studying for my certifications, and still looking for a job. Just wanted to say hello to everyone.
Diana