Nurse Coders

Hello All,

I am currently a CPC medical coder, due to sit for my CCS. I have a BA in general biology with a minor in english literature. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I am wondering if it would be feasible for me to become an LVN or RN and still work as a medical coder? Are any of you in this field and how do you enjoy it? Also what is the average pay? I currently make $28.50 per hour. I live in Southern California if that helps.

Melony in Palmdale, California said: Hello All,

I am currently a CPC medical coder, due to sit for my CCS. I have a BA in general biology with a minor in english literature. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I am wondering if it would be feasible for me to become an LVN or RN and still work as a medical coder? Are any of you in this field and how do you enjoy it? Also what is the average pay? I currently make $28.50 per hour. I live in Southern California if that helps.

Where do you work? Are you a certified coder? I live in Tehachapi and would like to become a coder.

My post specifically says I am a CPC medical coder. Please read before you respond to something. This is a nursing board, not a board to ask about becoming a coder. thanks.

I am new to researching coding and was not familiar with the term CPC. Nurses in Bakersfield start at about $23.00 hr day shift. LA County pays a little more. Then you get night shift differential and once you specialize (ICU,Surgery}.
Think twice before becoming an RN. There has never been a nursing shortage--just nurses fed up working under poor management and tired of hospitals BS. Look up how many RN's are in any given state and how many are actually working as an RN and you will see a large disparity. Rather than improving working conditions, employers would rather shout, "Nursing Shortage" in order to allow foreign nurses to be imported. The last study I read stated 50% of RN in the USA were foreign born. Foreign nurses generally do not rock the boat, are not assertive and will work under any conditions, which help keep wages lower. Nope, never been a nursing shortage, just a shortage of nurses working! There are HUNDREDS of new nursing graduates right now that are unable to get jobs, even in LTC. And hospitals are now laying off RN's due to low census. And you would fit right in--nurses are notorious for eating their young!

Th

And you would fit right in--nurses are notorious for eating their young!

Too funny! I even thought wow...how could she be so rude.

I am a CPC (Certified Professional Coder). I work as a Mass Torts auditor. I have my BA in English and am currently taking pre-nursing classes. I am 40 years old and often wonder if this is the right road to take. If not, I am thinking about switching to a RHIT degree(Registered Health Information)

By the way, love your post. You might want to be a comedian. I didn't even see that coming. Best laugh of the day.

I love being called rude when I ask a question and get a question asking something totally different. Anyways, good luck to you both.

Beverly,

I am working on an HIT program, I would stick with that regardless and do the nursing if you can. You would make about the same money, but maybe you wouldnt be bitter and from bakersfield if you stayed in coding. Have an awesome day!

Beverly in Charlotte, North Carolina said: And you would fit right in--nurses are notorious for eating their young!

Too funny! I even thought wow...how could she be so rude.

I am a CPC (Certified Professional Coder). I work as a Mass Torts auditor. I have my BA in English and am currently taking pre-nursing classes. I am 40 years old and often wonder if this is the right road to take. If not, I am thinking about switching to a RHIT degree(Registered Health Information)

By the way, love your post. You might want to be a comedian. I didn't even see that coming. Best laugh of the day.

I dont know if this post was for me or awsomemom but I wanted to ask what is a Mass Torts Auditor? Is that in the legal field of coding?

Actually it's both. I audit for medical class action lawsuits. I do a lot of research...simply love it. I am just preparing for that next step in my life. For that day when I am ready to move on.

I guess if I were to ever marry or become a full-time foster parent instead of a part-time foster parent, I would not be so education driven. Oh, and by the way, I also have my certification in paralegal studies. blah...blah..blah...as the world turns I guess. I just love learning. Asian cooking classes are also on my list of things to do.

Your not so bad! (hahahahehehe)

Beverly in Charlotte, North Carolina said: Actually it's both. I audit for medical class action lawsuits. I do a lot of research...simply love it. I am just preparing for that next step in my life. For that day when I am ready to move on.

I guess if I were to ever marry or become a full-time foster parent instead of a part-time foster parent, I would not be so education driven. Oh, and by the way, I also have my certification in paralegal studies. blah...blah..blah...as the world turns I guess. I just love learning. Asian cooking classes are also on my list of things to do.

Your not so bad! (hahahahehehe)

That sounds way more interesting than what I do! Anyway, I am on the waiting list for the local community college for their lvn program as I have a few more classes to finish to get into the RN. I wish you luck in your endeavors!

Melony in Lancaster, California said: That sounds way more interesting than what I do! Anyway, I am on the waiting list for the local community college for their lvn program as I have a few more classes to finish to get into the RN. I wish you luck in your endeavors!

What does LVN stand for and what is the difference between that and a RN? I am beginning to see LVN a lot...I never heard of it. Hmmm...

Actually, I'm not bitter--just tired of nurses eating their young and others with that attitude...and I don't live in Bakersfield. I live in the best community in the world www.BearValleySprings.com which is in the Sierra's Mtn 1 1/2 hr from Bakersfield. The website automatically assigned me Bakersfield based on my zipcode. We are all here to learn and support each other.

For those of you interested in nursing be sure to check out the web site www.allnurses.com as it is a great reference area. Even has a section for pre-nursing students and *GASP* even RN coders!

An LVN is a licensed vocational nurse and is called Licensed Practical Nurse in some states. They are classified in the food chain between a nurse's aid and an RN. They can do dressing changes, pass meds and in some states IV's. They are used a lot in SNF's (pronounced SNIFFS) which are skilled nursing faciliy's--or nursing homes. But they have to have an RN supervisor as they can't work independently.

I have a company that provides medical standby for special events. My work is spotty, esp in today's economy but I set up first aid booths for fairs and open houses for corperations and company picnics. I also provide medical standyby for extreme sports events and Olympic Level gymnastic events.

awsmom in Bakersfield, California said: Actually, I'm not bitter--just tired of nurses eating their young and others with that attitude...and I don't live in Bakersfield. I live in the best community in the world www.BearValleySprings.com which is in the Sierra's Mtn 1 1/2 hr from Bakersfield. The website automatically assigned me Bakersfield based on my zipcode. We are all here to learn and support each other.

For those of you interested in nursing be sure to check out the web site www.allnurses.com as it is a great reference area. Even has a section for pre-nursing students and *GASP* even RN coders!

Thought I recognized your writing, you wrote me on allnurses as well asking where I work. Shocker.
An LVN is a licensed vocational nurse and is called Licensed Practical Nurse in some states. They are classified in the food chain between a nurse's aid and an RN. They can do dressing changes, pass meds and in some states IV's. They are used a lot in SNF's (pronounced SNIFFS) which are skilled nursing faciliy's--or nursing homes. But they have to have an RN supervisor as they can't work independently.

I have a company that provides medical standby for special events. My work is spotty, esp in today's economy but I set up first aid booths for fairs and open houses for corperations and company picnics. I also provide medical standyby for extreme sports events and Olympic Level gymnastic events.

yeop, I am on that site too and got messages from a person who wanted to know where I work, hmm.

Beverly in Charlotte, North Carolina said: What does LVN stand for and what is the difference between that and a RN? I am beginning to see LVN a lot...I never heard of it. Hmmm...

What she said. I have already been offered a job that pays a bit more in my current company once I finish LVN. Then I go on to my RN masters. As it were, good luck to you both.

OK and for those who dont want to hijack my post any longer.

Are they actually ANY NURSE CODERS who could offer advice?

ok i am an inrogant okie is a coder any thing like a nurses assissant, or do they put icd9 codes into a coumputer In some states they have what they call a ceritfied medican aid who passes meds Yes nurses do eat their young and only the strong live to tell about it.

You are so funny cant spell--yes, only the strong survive in nursing! It's part of Darwin's Law! A coder is some one who reviews charts to determine what procedures were done as well as the ICD-9 so the can bill the insurance company for maximum reimbursement. Here is a link:www.aapc.com/index.aspx

Melony in Lancaster, California said: OK and for those who dont want to hijack my post any longer.

Are they actually ANY NURSE CODERS who could offer advice?

Hi I am a nurse auditor and I do some coding.(mostly I got cert as coder to help me understand all the codes as nowadays most charges are driven by codes...I got my LPN 25 years ago..went into auditing in 1989...I love it...if I had to do it over I would have gotten
my RN. I make as much as an RN now...but I am 49 HA HA... If I gave any advice
to anyone who is interested..it would be. Coding is the wave of the future..
if you have your nursing..that will be a great asset. I audit primarily but I am also certified as a CPC. So I can grasp the coding, billing, documentation
all together. It certainly helps. As time goes on...codes are all there will be...and you'll have to know it to keep going...It certainly helps me to be able to do the nurse side and know the codes...Hope I did not bore ya

Patty2009 in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: Hi I am a nurse auditor and I do some coding.(mostly I got cert as coder to help me understand all the codes as nowadays most charges are driven by codes...I got my LPN 25 years ago..went into auditing in 1989...I love it...if I had to do it over I would have gotten
my RN. I make as much as an RN now...but I am 49 HA HA... If I gave any advice
to anyone who is interested..it would be. Coding is the wave of the future..
if you have your nursing..that will be a great asset. I audit primarily but I am also certified as a CPC. So I can grasp the coding, billing, documentation
all together. It certainly helps. As time goes on...codes are all there will be...and you'll have to know it to keep going...It certainly helps me to be able to do the nurse side and know the codes...Hope I did not bore ya

I am a RN and have a BSN. I am considering HIS opportunities. I am not sure if I should consider coupling coding or auditing training. What jobs are available for this specific skill set?

Dee in Riverton, Utah said: I am a RN and have a BSN. I am considering HIS opportunities. I am not sure if I should consider coupling coding or auditing training. What jobs are available for this specific skill set?

Hi DEE: I would suggest contacting National Healthcare Inc
they have their homeoffice in Woodland Hills Ca. That was my
first audit job...they trained me. After 20 years they are still going strong...Rare these days as some have changed name 10 times HA HA...I have worked for 2 audit companies since then...Taking a coding class might help too..I find it very helpful as many times you must know the codes to
add charges and what can and cannot be billed together...
If your are an RN you can pick up on the auditing quick..
Good Luck

Melony in Palmdale, California said: Hello All,

I am currently a CPC medical coder, due to sit for my CCS. I have a BA in general biology with a minor in english literature. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I am wondering if it would be feasible for me to become an LVN or RN and still work as a medical coder? Are any of you in this field and how do you enjoy it? Also what is the average pay? I currently make $28.50 per hour. I live in Southern California if that helps.

Stay a coder, good money, no back ache, good hours, no exposing yourself to unknown contagious diseases.

I too am an RN w/ a BSN, and interested in coding.
What kind of programs/schools do you recommend???
thanks, in advance!

I am a RN/BSN and have also been researching becoming a RN Coder. I have been a nurse for 15 years and am already burned out and tired of nursing politics. I feel nurses are unappreciated and have to find another outlet. I just saw a job posting here in Atlanta for a RN Inpatient Coder starting at 80,000-150,000 per year. I just registered for a class to become CCS Certified (actually CCA Certified until I get coding experience). I spoke with the instructor and she stated that RN's will be considered golden in this field b/c we have medical terminology, anatomy, and disease process knowledge. She stated that RN's start out anywhere from 80,000 and up here in Atlanta. So basically to answer your question, I would get the RN degree. I hope this helped.

Stacie,
thanks for the encouragement!
Can I ask where ou found the class?
I am in Indiana - so I know it will be different --
Yes, nursing is something a person can only do for so long .......
I appreciate the info!
Leigh

Melony in Palmdale, California said: Hello All,

I am currently a CPC medical coder, due to sit for my CCS. I have a BA in general biology with a minor in english literature. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I am wondering if it would be feasible for me to become an LVN or RN and still work as a medical coder? Are any of you in this field and how do you enjoy it? Also what is the average pay? I currently make $28.50 per hour. I live in Southern California if that helps.

I just completed the certification class for clinical coder (nurse). Check out their website at aacca.net

Melony,
I know in the midwest, there is a new position for RNs at many local hospitals -- RNs w/ coding experience! They are called clinical documentation specialists -- and they use both their nursing and coding experience!
As an RN, do you have any tips as far as going to school - ? Is it best to go the CPC route as you did?
Thanks -- and good luck to you. You have great background already!