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Calling to register with Andrews soon - ready to leave MT sm - Moving forward

Posted: Mar 28, 2012

I had been wondering how I was going to come up with a down payment to register for the Andrews coding course and it looks like I will be able to do it in a week. I am so happy I could cry buckets.

I have not been an MT as long as some, but I entered the field because I love research and anything medical related. When I started as an MT, MTSOs still wanted blanks and everything else researched for as perfect a document as possible. I still have issues with spending too much time trying to figure out blanks, etc, because my concious will not let me just leave it alone.

I have been researching the field of coding for a LONG time. I'm ready to take the plunge but understandably scared to death, too. Change is good. Change is good. :D

I just wanted to say thanks for the honesty, clarity, and directness on this site. It is refreshing and made me feel right at home - sincerely. Everything reinforced what I knew all along- that I am in the wrong field.

I will be 56 in July. I have redifined myself physically by losing 58 pounds (129), changed my lifestyle by eating clean foods only and seriously working out regularly (not just cardio -- need to lift those weights ladies), and mentally putting myself and my needs first. My lifestyle journey has paid off tremendously by boosting my self-confidence, energy, mind, and health. My only regret is that I wish I had done this sooner rather than later, but hindsight is 20/20.

Honestly, I don't think I would have been ready for this course if I had not worked on my personal issues first, which took 2 years, but now I'm ready to begin my new journey.

BTW, here are some of the sites I delved into, and once I got started I just kept on researching.

AAPC (includes salary surveys), local chapters near you.
AHIMA (includes salary surveys), maybe local chapter near you.
DecisionHealth, including CodingAnswers, ACDIS and justcoding.com
PMIC
Ingenix (publisher of high-quality coding-related products)
Z-Health
American Hospital Association
American Medical Association (owners of the CPT code set)
CMS (Medicare)

I don't remember who posted the Medicare site but I actually enjoyed wading through it.

Good for you!!!! - Girl4givn

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm so happy for you!!!! I get up every morning and tell myself I'm going to embark on a similar change but yet, here I sit typing. :) I'm truly excited for you. Post again and let us know how it goes for you.

Studying coding is good for your brain - In My Opinion

[ In Reply To ..]
You know how you're always reading about this or that helping people stay smarter, avoid Alzheimer's Disease, etc., I think coding accomplishes the same thing. It keeps the brain cells working. I do know that for sure.

Great to know! Finally out of menopause fog so brain cells are ready. nm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Yes, coding is a puzzle, so it IS good for you. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
Learning anything is good for keeing your brain functioning well, but coding is solving problems and basically working puzzles. That is what seems to do the most good.

It never stops, either. There is more to learn every day. Things change constantly so you have to keep up. Few records are the same, so you don't get stuck doing the same thing over and over.

I think you made a good choice with Andrews. They seem to have a good program with high expectations for you. I do know they will work with you rather than expecting you to flounder around on your own. Their tuition cost is ALL the cost, too, so you do not need to worry about extra expenses for books and whatnot.

Well, except for erasers. I don't think they provide them. Might want to get some of those white Stadtler erasers, the white kind, or those Pentel stick ones that have the white eraser in a plastic pen-like sheath. I went through several packs a year at first. Mechanical pencil leads, too. You will burn out pencil sharpeners trying to keep up with points on wooden pencils. ;)

coding a puzzle - school supplies sm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
School supplies! I remember using those Pentel stick ones in college. Loved those things AND mechanical pencils. I will definitely stock up.

Just a few more days. I'm looking forward to getting my package from Andrew and studying. :D

Thanks! Definitely will! nm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

I'm on a similar journey...Best of luck to you! - MT2Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I've been an MT 19 years now, but I've taken a medical coding course through my community college. I believe a more in-depth course would have been better, but I was able to take the class, study on my own, and pass the AAPC CPC certification. After reading posts on this board I'm going to now look for a course in inpatient coding to sit for my CCS.

Once again...Best of luck to you!

Thank you! And good luck to you, too! sm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
Were you able to find work as a coder with the CPC or are you still working as an MT?

Still an MT - MT2Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I just passed the certification on March 9. I've updated my resume and sent it out to a bunch of different places. I'm looking for job-hunting strategies as I am short (none...) on experience.

I love this post! - Hopeful CMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Good for you! I'm right behind you. I'm 47 and just about to come up with the tuition for Andrews myself. I have also been doing a lot of research and thinking about it for a while now and I definitely think it's time.

It sounds like you have been making many positive changes in your life. Again, good for you and I sincerely wish you luck!

Thank you so much! sm - movin on

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm looking forward to another positive change. I didn't think I'd have the funds this soon but things just worked out. Good luck to you, too. See you on the Andrews message boards. :)

Some would say that when - things work out

[ In Reply To ..]
...it is a sign that it was meant to be. :)

You and I will be fellow classmates soon! - DJ

[ In Reply To ..]
I know exactly whereof you speak! I am in my 50s and feel it is high time I begin Andrews. I have been an MT far too long.. spent too many YEARS analyzing. While I was analyzing, I have nearly completed an Associates (Fall 2012). Not sure if that will help at all in my search for a coding job, but I figure I should finish what I started. Will be starting Andrews in April!! Am super relieved I have finally made the decision.

I enjoyed your words of wisdom regarding taking care of your health. So many of us take it for granted, or worst, have just given up. I do not have a weight issue, never had. But, gravity is against me. So, I hit the gym a couple times a week just to keep a positive attitude and fight that damn ticking clock!

Thanks for posting the list of sites you have used in your research. I have been there too, and I am sure others will find it useful.

That is wonderful, DJ! sm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm looking forward to hitting the books. Havenâ��t done that since college besides my adding reading, which I now do mainly on my Kindle, so this should be interesting. I already have a separate space set up for studying, have blocked out time, and told everyone to leave me the heck alone when that door is closed. Make sure youâ��re pulling lifting some weights at the gym. Women need to be strong everywhere. :D

Welcome classmate! - Squarepeg

[ In Reply To ..]
I'll see you around on the andrews boards!

Thanks. I registered on Friday. Get books Monday. sm - moving on

[ In Reply To ..]
I really "LIKE" Andrews School! They have their own "book," too. ;)

I love this post nm - MT

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