A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

I am enrolling in the Andrew's School next week and am getting nervous - Suzanne

Posted: Jan 24, 2011

Hi. My name is Suzanne and I am enrolling in the Andrew's School for Medical Coding next week, on Tuesday February 1, 2001 and am getting nervous. I am a medical transcriptionist and I want to know if any thing I have done in the last 10 years, such as medical terminology and anatomy, will help me. Of course I will take that part of the course, but I want to know if that will help. Also, I am most nervous about deciphering the codes. I guess what I am asking is how do I know I will be a good coder and will understand coding. I am 54 and I hope I am not too old for this. I know I will do well on the medical terminology, but I am scared about the coding in that will I understand it. I must sound dumb I know, but I am scared. Thanks for listeninig and I hope you will respond to me.

Fondly,

Suzanne

You'll do fine - Raine59

[ In Reply To ..]
Relax, you'll be fine. I just finished Andrews in December after also being an MT for 10 years or so and I'm also close to your age. Your MT training will be very helpful. You will ease into coding a little at a time. It is challenging at times but certainly not impossible. Email me if you have any questions.

Thanks - Bizzi One

[ In Reply To ..]
Raine59 - I just personally want to say "thank you" for all your kind and encouraging emails as you have progressed through Andrews School and now on to certification. I enjoy reading your replies, as they have been encouraging to me, and I'm sure to others. I'm hoping to enroll in Andrews School later this year. Please keep us posted on how things progress for you!!

I agree with Raine - No need to be scared

[ In Reply To ..]
Learning coding isn't especially difficult, but it takes careful attention to detail. It also takes lots of practice, making mistakes, being corrected, learning from the corrections, and moving forward. I went through the Andrews Coding course years ago as an 'older' coding student. I had the same feelings. I didn't know if I could learn it. I knew some terminology and had worked in a doctor's office using the codes that had been given to me by the doctor. I just didn't know if I could transition to 'real' coding. I found out I could and I loved it! You'll be surprised at how well you will do.

Don't be scared - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm 56 and am approaching the end of my coding program through another school, I've actually already been on one job interview for an outpatient coding job. Being an MT will help you at all levels. You won't be deciphering codes but learning how to apply them and doing a lot of problem solving. None of us know for sure if we will be good coders until we try, that is why the course is there and you will have plenty of time to practice, review and study. It is a challenge but I am sure you will do well. Best wishes, please let us know how you are doing.

coding - Viva

[ In Reply To ..]
Coding is complicated and sometimes confusing. You just need to stick with it and go over the more difficult chapters or parts again until you absorb it. I am 45 and in this process right now. It takes a while to really absorb new info, but I think you will get it.

Nervous - Oldnewcoder

[ In Reply To ..]
Hey Suzanne,

Don't think you are the only one who is nervous. I am starting AHIMA Basic Coding as soon as all the paperwork is done and I get my books. I also am a former MT for 20 years, so that makes me pretty old to learn new tricks. I am sure that my background as an MT is going to be useful. I have taken coding classes before but they were way to introductory to get me a job. I have always heard that MTs make good coders and I am sure that employers will see it that way too. Also just because we are not as young as we would like to be, employers see us as an asset because of our life experience and our stability. It's all good. Best of luck to you.

Cathy

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