A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Am I too old to be studying to be a medical coder - Doozer
Posted: Jun 14, 2010
Dear Coders:
I am a medical transcriptionist and I want to transition into medical coding. I am 53 and I want to know if you think I am too old to start a new career as a medical coder. I would like to start the Andrews School or Career Step on September 1, 2010. I would like some advice. Thanks.l
Doozer
coding - longs for "old days" of transcription
[ In Reply To ..]I would never say one is too old to learn, but realize ICD-9 coding will be changing soon to ICD-10 coding. All the current codes will change, ex. htn. 401.9 won't be that code in 2 years. What you will learn now won't apply in 2013. This will require additional training.
Code changes - no worries!
[ In Reply To ..]People should not let the fact that ICD-10 is coming in 3 years keep them from training today for a career in coding! First of all, we don't memorize codes. We learn HOW to do coding. It is a process that people will need to know. It also is unlikely that it will take 3 years to complete a coding course. I'm sure that employers will provide whatever training is necessary for their coders to make the transition to ICD-10. I think there is a lot of needless hysteria about the fact that things are going to change a bit. Changes occur in EVERY field. People can and will adapt.
Benefits of learning now - MTLC
[ In Reply To ..]I have seen some coders mention that the benefits of learning coding now is that everyone will be in the same boat when ICD-10 training starts. If we get educated now plus a year or two of experience under our belts, we will know what all the other coders are talking about when we learn the changes.
Plus, some courses/schools may offer ICD-10 training at a reduced cost for those who took their course. It's a good idea to ask when checking out a school/course.
I have to respond to one statement - cj
[ In Reply To ..]your statement "I'm sure employers will provide whatever training is necessary for their coders to make the transition to ICD-10" is a presumption on your part and not necessarily true. I know for fact it is not true for the organization where i work. we have been told that as professionals it is our responsibility to maintain and upgrade our skills! And I know other coders who have been told basically the same thing by their facilities. I know many coders who are now considering their options for whatever they will need to transition to ICD-10 on their own.
I agree with CJ that you may have to upgrade on your own - Linda Andrews
[ In Reply To ..]I suspect there will be many different seminars and workshops available for that purpose. There's still lots of time between now and then, CJ, but I wonder if they will give you the time off if you sign up for one of the seminars. I hope so! :)
On being too old to learn ICD-10 - Redpen
[ In Reply To ..]No, you aren't too old! Not at all. You will find your advanced years to be an advantage in coding. Seriously, younger individuals often lack a certain degree of maturity and tend to have a narrow, sketchy focus. They're often in too darned much of a hurry and lack attention to detail. Many coders are career-changers and second-careerers.
OK, about ICD-10. This is what someone above said: ICD-9 coding will be changing soon to ICD-10 coding. All the current codes will change, ex. htn. 401.9 won't be that code in 2 years. What you will learn now won't apply in 2013. This will require additional training.
You're correct that additional training will be required. But, coders require additional training EVERY year.
What you learn now WILL apply. You will be surprised at how much is the same from one code set to the other. The general principles you learn now will carry over. Are the diseases that affect mankind going to change? No. 401.9 will be I10, but, you know, you're not supposed to be memorizing codes anyway, are you? (No, you're not.) It will be in the same general area in the code book with the same diseases and conditions that keep it company now. The coding guidelines are mostly the same.
You'll also need to know ICD-9 in order to code anything that occurred prior to the date the code set changed. You'll need to know it in order to use older coded data, sort out denied claims, and all sorts of other things.
And, it isn't true that ALL the codes will change. Only ICD-9 will change. Everything currently coded in CPT and HCPCS will remain the same. You could almost say that only half the codes will change.
And, no, I'm not posting this because I want to sign people up for Andrews. I'm doing it because no one deserves to make the wrong career decision because of misinformation.
Too old? - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]If you are too old then so am I. I am almost 56 and started Career Step in May. I want to work as an MT for as long as there is a job for me with my current employer but hope my coding skills will come in handy too. Good luck with your classes.
You are never too old to learn! Go for it! - Myka
[ In Reply To ..]I am 47 and going back to school the end of August. You are never too old to learn. Good luck!
im 50 and going back to school for coding in August - GOOD LUCK!
[ In Reply To ..]Best to you!
51 here and starting classes in August (sm) - another oldie
[ In Reply To ..]I hope we're not too old! :)
we're not old, we will look EXPERIENCED :-), nm. - nm
[ In Reply To ..]lol
too old - newbie
[ In Reply To ..]LOL Im 53 and I am taking a course! No, you are never too old to learn, as a matter of fact, I had someone tell me once that the older you are the better you learn (not distracted by boys, clothes, mom, dad, sister, friends, etc.)
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