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Does anyone know if the Andrews coding program...sm - UpAndComingCoder

Posted: Dec 09, 2010

offers training of the 3M encoding software? I read that Career Step does and when I look at most coding jobs, they require training and experience using 3M encoding software.

Thanks for your help!

no, they don't...nm - Raine59

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x

3M - Anonymous

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Career Step offers it but it's only a 30-day free trial, so your learning time is limited.

"Most" jobs do not require 3M! - sm

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What jobs are you seeing that "require" 3M?? I've looked and do not see that at all. Jobs often inform the applicant about what software the facility uses, and they sometimes say this or that is "a plus," but that doesn't mean it is REQUIRED.

Employers use a variety of software packages, not just 3M, and the software is often customized for the facility. This software is a TOOL, not an end to itself. The part that you would want to "learn" is just a means of looking up codes. It's not difficult to use.

If you want to know what Andrews teaches, you should ask them. They'll be happy to explain.

Thanks very much for all your help!! My decision has been made!! - UpAndComingCoder

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nm

I wanted to add - Anonymous

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Don't base your decision choosing a school on whether or not they include the 3M software, it's minimal compared to everything else you need to know. I think it's fun to practice with the encoder, but as someone said, every facility is different. I work for a smaller group practice and they use a different program than what I learned in school (3M). It's a coding aid/tool, nothing more, and you should be able to learn to use it without any trouble.

3M - Skater

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SM,

I am beginning to wonder where you are getting your information from. YES, most hospitals ask that you work with an encoder, and most of the time it is 3M. I work in a facility that currently utilizes it, so you do work with encoders in facilities.

The physician side is different. Unless you luck out, most physician offices only use the books, as software is highly expensive. However, it is misleading to tell someone that they are not "required" to work with encoding software, when hospitals do have them. To me they are the best thing that ever happened, and it is a shame that physicians office don't utilize them. Having said that, it doesn't hurt to utilize the books as you may be in a crunch and need them at some point if a system shutsdown. I am happy to say that I can use both.

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