nurses expanding out into medical coding

[exodus1]

I am very much interested in starting out in medical coding part-time while continuing to work as a Med/Surg nurse. I'm wondering if anyone has done such a natural transition. If anyone has or is considering doing this, please share your feelings asnd insights on this.

[Frankreich]

found using google.

Medical Coding Schools Training & Certification
Prospective medical coders can obtain medical coding training through a few avenues. One way to garner medical coding training is to attend a college or university, which grants associate and bachelor’s degrees in health information management. There are over 200 such institutions in the United States. A medical training course in one of these educational institutions typically offers 2- and 4-year programs, depending on the type of degree. Find a Medical Coding School Near You.

Another option is to enroll in a medical coding certificate program. Such programs are offered by a variety of healthcare organizations, private companies, and academic institutions such as community colleges. Some of the courses taught include basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases) coding and clinical data analysis.

The third alternative is an online medical training course. Various organizations and educational institutions teach the basics of medical record coding through a combination of interactive web-based lessons and textbook learning. Such programs offer students flexibility to learn at a time and place of their choosing.

Graduates of medical coding schools should seriously consider getting certified as they will be looked upon favorably by prospective employers. Being certified demonstrates your competence in medical coding training and commitment to high standards of healthcare.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) issues 3 medical coding certifications:

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

Recent graduates of medical coding schools can get an entry-level coding credential to certify their competency. The CCA is the starting point for graduates of medical coding schools who are beginning their career.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

The CCS credential denotes a high standard of proficiency in coding beyond the entry level certification. Medical coders must be very familiar with the ICD-9-CM coding system and the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) coding system's surgery section. Clinical coders must, in addition, be apprised of medical terminology, hospital practices, pharmacology and treatment options in order to translate the information within clinical case notes into medical codes.

Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P)

The CCS-P is a medical coder who is certified to work in a physician-based environment such as physicians' offices, clinics, specialty centers or other similar settings. In addition to having a sound knowledge of ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems, a certified CCS-P will also be familiar with HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) Level II coding systems.

Medical Coding Schools Accreditation
Before enrolling in a medical coding school, you should establish its credibility as an educational institution. If you have selected a medical coding certificate program, you need to verify that the medical training course is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). For medical coding schools offering degrees programs, you should check the institution’s accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), which is responsible for ensuring various medical coding training programs meet a minimum set of criteria for comprehensive training.

Medical Coding School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
Graduates of medical coding schools made $25,590 on average in 2004 with the middle 50 percent earning between $20,650 and $32,990. Those who worked in tertiary centers and group practices tended to earn more.

Employment prospects look good as the demand for skilled medical coding school graduates has grown significantly. This is primarily due to the exponential growth of the managed care and health services delivery industries. Medical coders can advance in their career by specializing or moving into management. Those who specialize may do so in a particular type of coding or cancer registry, for example. Such skills can be gained on the job and certification is available. Certified medical coders have a significant edge because prospective employers highly regard their credentials and expertise.


Good luck!

[exodus1]

I'm. currently enrolled in AHIMA basic codiing course. What I' m wondering about is if there are any other RNs doing this. I would like to share my feeling and experience with others who are doign a similiar thing. I 'm also interested in hearing from nurses who are currently working as a medical coder.

Thanks

[stevedavid]

Well it is not as easy job to perform both the things simultaneously as the matter of fact my wife is also doing the same and now that she is doing she is not having time for me. But To perform both the jobs requires lots of energy. Well i am not denying the fact that every thing is possible... yes but by hard work.
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Steve

[ktibbs]

I work in home care and coding is part of my job. I started as self taught but now am certified. I didn't take any coding classes but I did go to coding seminars. Some home care nurses code for other companies also--usually the qualification requirement is certification. I love to code--I consider myself a "coding nerd."

[exodus1]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing your feelings about coding. I'm wondering, do you think there is a growing need for home coding. As a nurse, do you think I could get a handle on coding, working part-time over a span of a couple of years? I apologize for asking such specific questions that you may not be able to answer, but right now I'm wavering and looking for answers.
Thanks again

[nursebboop1]

I am an RN within 5 years of retirement. I'm considering something like medical coding from home for now and after retirement. Would an RN be able to prepare for the accreditation/licensure without starting from square one of an online course?
need and appreciate info/feedback.
Thanks

[nursebboop1]

Exodus1: what is AHIMA

[Berrylocz]

It's amazing and exciting to see others who are thinking along the same line! I have been tossing this idea around for the last 11-12 months. Can you give a little more info on the coding seminars as opposed to courses. This sounds like it may be a good alternative.
Thanks!

[maire]

I'm considering the same thing myself as I near retirement. Interested to see what people doing this type of work have to say about it.

[oneheaven]

I am an RN within 5 years of retirement. I'm considering something like medical coding from home for now and after retirement. Would an RN be able to prepare for the accreditation/licensure without starting from square one of an online course?
need and appreciate info/feedback.
Thanks

I am an R.N. interested in coding; how do I find the right program geared to nurses with longevity and get right to the core classes for certification.

[Edson!]

Many community colleges run the courses regularly. I get a number of their students in some of my classes.

[tweet]

Exodus1: what is AHIMA

American Health Information Management Association

[catfish]

Will EMR's make coders and the coders role obsolete?

[BWS]

I am a multi-certified medical coder. For those of you looking for a school, please find one that is accredited by AAPC or AHIMA (American Academy of Professional Coders, American Health Information Management Association) Thses are the acredidation associations that most employers are familar with.

AAPC certifies coders mostly for physician based practices. AHIMA certifies coders mostly for hospital based providers.

While coding from home is an option, most employers want a certified coder with years of experience. There are many regulations concerning confidentiality of medical records and special security that needs to be in place for a coder to perform coding from a home base. You need the correct, secure computer system and malpractice insurance also.

There are many employers who are accomadating for qualified coders as to hours, full or part time, etc....especially for those who are both credential coders and nurses.

While not a nurse, I did not become a coder until a switch in careers at age 45. I am now in my mid sixties and still love my coding position. There are always new things to learn and keep up with in coding. Codes get updated every year. With the new version of ICD-10 CM/PCS coming soon, there' even more to learn and a need for qualified coders.

Good luck to you all.