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MT experience helped get a job and increased starting pay as coder - Still an Andrews Student

Posted: May 12, 2015

I just wanted to post a word of encouragement to others looking for a coding job. I'm currently working as an MT, studying coding at The Andrews School, passed my CPC exam in December and I just got my first job in coding. Because of my MT experience, my new employer gave me "credit" for my MT experience and gave me a higher starting pay rate. I haven't even finished my studies at Andrews yet. The jobs are out there, and there are companies willing to hire new coders. Good luck to those looking!

where? - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Was this a remote job or at a specific location? I have not been able to start Andrews yet (but want to so badly!!)...but I have been concerned that there will not be any remote jobs out there when I get ready to apply. How has the course been for you so far? You have already passed CPC before finishing the course? That is amazing... how much longer do you have? I am a current MT of 15 years looking for encouragement for when I am able to start my coding "chapter of life." Thanks and congratulations!!

Don't ask her to give the name of the employer - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
It may not seem like a big thing to give the name of an employer, but they don't like it when they are talked about by name without their permission. You didn't ask her to reveal the name, of course, but somebody else probably will, and she shouldn't reveal it. It's not smart.

sorry for confusion - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I wasn't asking for a specific name, only generally speaking where was the job... I definitely would not ask specifics on this board.

Coder - declasse

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry to burst your balloon, dear, but coding is using CAC (computuer assisted coding) now, and it is spreading everywhere! This means coders will eventually become glorified editors, just like us MTs are now, correcting a machine's horrendous mistakes! And the pay rate will be lowered for coders. Some coders are actually losing their jobs altogether because of this implementation. Sorry, but wanted to inform you. :( Enjoy the money while you can, because it won't last, I'm sorry to say! :(

CAC has been around for many years - No balloons burst here

[ In Reply To ..]
The sky is falling! Or not. What pleasure can a person get from all that constant doom and gloom.

CAC - declasse

[ In Reply To ..]
http://www.fortherecordmag.com/archives/ftr_090208p20.shtml

This article was printed back in 9/2008, so I know a lot more technology has been implemented with CAC since then. I know of at least 6 coders right now just in my area who have lost their jobs recently due to CAC. Just sayin'! Nothing is secure anymore....whether you are an MT, coder, etc......If coders' jobs are not taken by CAC, they will most assuredly be downgraded in their pay. It is what it is, unfortunately, in our robotic world! I know of clinics that use computers as receptionists now, so they no longer have to employ a "real live" receptionist, and they think it reduces their overhead cost......?? :( Read the article, and research, and then form your own opinion. Being positive does not always MAKE things positive or better. The MT world has clarified that over the past 10 yrs or so! :( And it's not always easy to find another job outside of the same field some of us have been in for many, many, many years. Try to have a blessed day! :)

I'm looking at several coding job offers right now - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I enjoy communicating with my colleagues on this board who share the same coding career or are at least considering pursuing it. It's great to be in an encouraging, pleasant environment where people are moving forward in their career goals and helping each other on the way. The experienced coders on here are very much appreciated for all of the excellent advice and encouragement they give. Thanks to all of you.

Reminds me of something - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
Has anyone seen that commercial where a couple is moving in. Instead of offering a helping hand, the neighbor tells them it's going to take them a l-o-n-g time to get moved in. They politely answer that they're making progress. He continues by telling them their cable won't be installed on schedule. The cable company van drives up to install the cable. Then, as he walks off, he says, "Your soil's all clay." That fits this situation so well. LOL.

Oh, let me help by quoting from that ... - Just trying to be helpful!

[ In Reply To ..]
Not sure why you felt this was so threatening. The whole thing is talking about exactly the opposite of your dire predictions.

Here, look ... "Itâ��s called computer-assisted coding for a reason, right? Healthcare organizations sporting the technology have learned that coders are more essential than ever."

Oh, and this ... "Since the rules on how to code physician services are payer specific, where a practice deals with multiple payers and the software does not account for this, the result will likely not be accurate,â�� says Michael D. Miscoe, JD, CPC, CASCC, CUC, CHCC, president of Practice Masters, Inc. â��As such, a coder would be needed to correct the coding prior to claim submission.â��

I know you care about things like that. No, no need to thank me! Just doing my job!

Sorry, not entirely accurate. - An Actual Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
We have explained before what is false about your claim, yet here you are saying it again. One has to wonder what motivates you to do this. Why would someone who is not in coding feel that they had to hang around a coding board in order to spread false claims like that?

For those of you who are considering coding, CAC is not the same as SR. It is not reducing coders to editors. It is not eliminating jobs.

You will hear that the software that doctor's offices use for billing can "do the coding." But, what you might not know is that before that the DOCTOR did the coding, the job in those offices is BILLING, not coding, and that is not the job WE do.

The job we do involves more than plopping numbers onto bills. There is waaay more to it than that.

There are also a lot more jobs in coding than straight front-line coding. Even if that went away, we still have all of those. More being developed every day, too.

That is so funny - CAC sure isn't taking my job - sm - MT2coder

[ In Reply To ..]
Our 3M CAC is a joke. It surely doesn't code FOR us and it doesn't help us either. Half the time it doesn't even bring up ANY codes and it surely doesn't always bring up the RIGHT codes.

Coding is NOT like transcription as far as outsourcing. Get your facts straight. Once you are a coder, you can tell us how it is. Now, not so much.

oh big news flash - like the OP has never heard of it

[ In Reply To ..]
You think you are the only one with this knowledge? CAC. Big so what.

Congrats. I am an Andrews student also - and an MT.

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Tomorrow I have an interview for a coding position. Keeping my fingers crossed to at least get my foot in the door to work my way up. :)

Let us know how the interview goes tomorrow - Katherine

[ In Reply To ..]
I'll bet you will get that job. All of us with good hearts are wishing you well.

I wound up not taking the job. I did some - investigating and

[ In Reply To ..]
decided that it would be in my best interest not to go in that direction. It was hard because the money sure sounded good, especially when compared to doing MT work. I'm sure something better will come along soon. I will definitely keep looking and hopefully, before long, I will have that coveted CCS. :)

Sometimes the wisest thing is to not do someting - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Too many people jump into jobs without thinking. It sounds like you were very smart to consider what was in your long-term best interests. The next job probably has your name on it.

MT experience helped get a job and increased starting pay as coder - Still an Andrews Student - Looking for Coding

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you so much for making this encouraging post. I am also an MT looking to make the change to coding. I appreciate hearing that someone else is doing what I am hoping to do very soon. Good Luck to you!!

You can do it! - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Your story sounds almost identical to mine - sm - MT2coder

[ In Reply To ..]
All except for the Andrews part; I did not attend Andrews but I did have someone give me a chance after getting my CPC. Good luck to you!

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