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

Coding won't die - here's why - Happy Coding Student

Posted: Jun 10, 2015

Question for the ones who disliked the post - sm

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Can you tell me why you disliked it? I'm trying to get all the views on this career as I can before I spend my (tight) money. So if what was posted is wrong or something I'd love to know so I can make sure I'm making the right choice or not. I'm thinking about coding and really checking out Andrews. I thought the info posted was good because I hadn't looked at coding from that perspective. BUT I have zero money to waste!! Thanks

Not one of the 'dislikes' but I may have a clue about it - sm

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The use of the words "golden ticket" and "tons of jobs" probably was a bit much. No job is perfect. There is no promise of tons of jobs. There is a reasonable expectation of an appropriate number of jobs. It may be that the dislikes came because it was just a tiny bit exaggerated, although basically right on target. It's a great career. There are good jobs. The money is good.

Oh, I see. - sm

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I get the slight tone of exaggeration if thats the only reason for the dislikes. Especially I was reading carefully to see if they were just trying to promote a particular school, which I didn't see. Thanks

Nope, not quite the reason! - LOL!

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Great reason, and certainly part of it, but I think that many of the dislikes are the usual and customary dislikes we see on any post that expresses positive attitudes toward coding.

The reason I didn't like it - see message

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The reason I didn't like it when I read it was the mention of the CCS with an RHIT being a good thing. The CCS is a great thing, but the RHIT is pretty much irrelevant to coding. RHIT programs teach other things but really are known for poor coding education. That would be my guess for the dislikes. At least it was mine.

I typed "RHIT CCS" into a job board - I was surprised

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Based on what I typed, those 2 credentials do come up together in a lot of the job listings. Maybe an RHIT isnt as invalid to coding as some have been stating. Just a thought.

Btw I looked at Indeed.

They may list them together but there is a reason why the RHIT gets the negative comments - Experienced Coder

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A CCS not only has that credential, but they can code. An RHIT may meet the technical qualification for a job, but they don't often test well. RHIT programs are not about coding. There are a few that do have a little more coding, and every RHIT believes that theirs was one of them, but they are often wrong. Employers know this.

They will let an RHIT test along with the CCS usually, and will certainly consider them if they can pass the coding test just like anyone else. The CCS has proven ability that they have mastery-level skills and already know how to code. An RHIT may very well not know how to code more than the bare minimum and is going to take some hand-holding in an entry-level coding position.

The point of listing RHIT - Happy Coding Student

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I get what you're saying because that is accurate if a person solely wants to focus on coding for the duration of their career. The reason I mentioned the RHIT is because it is truly helpful when a person wants to build off of their coding experience and transition into a bunch of other jobs - not to take the place of CCS, but to enhance it for different opportunities in the health information field.

I will agree with you about one point and disagree about another - Been There

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It is true that if you are looking for an executive position in HIM, you will need a degree. The RHIT isn't going to do it, but it's a start.

There are many medical coders that have taken that CCS, built off their coding experience, and transitioned into "a bunch of other jobs" as you put it. It isn't necessarily a requirement to "enhance" it for many of those opportunities, because the enhancement comes with the CCS itself and the expertise that comes with certain kinds of experience. There are other areas where a higher degree is required, but it isn't usually the RHIT. The RHIA is probably an effective way to achieve it, although I've seen people do just fine without the RHIT, just adding additional coding credentials such as CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, CPMA, etc. You don't get any better than a CCS for those who want to demonstrate expertise in coding, maybe in a consultant position, which is often more lucrative than many of the degreed management positions.

Thanks for your perspective - Happy Coding Student

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There are so many options available that I'm grateful that we aren't limited like it ended up being for so many of us MTs. I am thrilled at all the possibilities and paths to take no matter how one goes about it. As my name says, I'm a Happy Coding Student. (not an Andrews student if anyone is wondering!)

You don't have to "build off" your coding experience by adding an RHIT - Jamie

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That's one option, but certainly not the only one or even the best one. In fact, it's not a very inviting option to most successful coders that I know. It certainly never has been compelling to me.

Thanks for your perspective too as above. - Happy Coding Student

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nm

The RHIT isn't that helpful. You can do just about anything you need to do without it - HC

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The RHIT really doesn't serve much of a purpose at all. It isn't that helpful. The RHIA is helpful but not necessary. If you want a management position, you can get it ways other than the RHIT, which is another credential without much of a purpose, similar to the CCA.

The part about trying to fix a poor CC education that didn't lead to a CCS - Not A Realistic Plan

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That part that is that if you choose a CC program to get your RHIT that doesn't qualify you to take the CCS, and the suggestion of trying to fix that poor education is not realistic. Promoting the RHIT as a way to become a medical coder is getting off track. It's not a good idea.

You'd likely have to do a separate coding course. - sm

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I saw a posting on Linda's facebook page (I think that's where I saw it) that she could customize a program for people who already have some courses under their belt. That's one way to fix it maybe. Or some other online programs. That would be messed up though to double pay. But I guess if someone really wanted the CCS, it would be worth it.

No exaggeration intended-see msg - Happy Coding Student

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No exaggeration intended. I was just excited to see so many available jobs we could do if we have coding as a foundation. We just don't have that in the MT field. Regardless, I hope the info was helpful to someone.

It may not die, but did you see this article - Thinking of going to coding school

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about offshore coders being trained by AAPC? Any thoughts?

A week before MM sent the email to - U.S. employees

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I saw it posted on an MT board in India.

AAPC-trained CPCs have not been doing well recently - sm

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We keep hearing about people who have learned CPT coding well enough to get their CPC, but aren't able to code well enough to get a job when they are tested by employers. Remember the externship thing recently when reports are that the program fell apart because the coders couldn't handle the work? I wonder what has happened to the quality of training.

I would not worry much about that. - sm

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There is a huge shortage of coders in the U.S., which is expected to get worse in October with ICD-10.

However, this is not just any kind of coder, but specifically INPATIENT coders. AAPC credentials have been OUTPATIENT until recently, when they started offering the CIC. Most facilities are aligned with AHIMA. They require AHIMA-credentialed coders, especially for contractors.

AHIMA no longer offers their exams in a long list of third-world nations due to the test company being unable to assure security and validity on the tests. In other words, Indians can no longer take the tests because they were caught cheating a little over a year ago.

The scandal resulted in the entire testing system being taken offline and prevented United States coders from taking the CCS for MONTHS. It hampered careers, caused income losses, and generally gave everyone who knew about it a really bad attitude toward Indian coders.

It is not surprising that AAPC would leap to fill the niche. They need to make money and they have long feuded with AHIMA.

I respect AHIMA for taking action promptly - sm

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AHIMA could have swept it under the rug, but they did. They did the right thing even though it hurt them. I have much greater respect for them now, and I always thought they were an excellent professional organization.

You are right - coding won't die - aecnc

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I have read your post and really admire your positive outlook. I've also read some of these rather negative posts concerning credentials, namely the RHIT. I have an RHIT and I am an inpatient hospital coder. I graduated from a community college with a 2-year Associates Degree. Several of my classmates took the CCS right out of school and passed. There is a very HEAVY emphasis put on coding in the RHIT programs. Having an RHIT has opened many doors for me, including managerial positions. That being said, like in any field, you get out of it what you put into it. Having formal training is key. Getting your credential is key. Most hospitals will not talk to you without one. Having a CCS, an RHIT, or an RHIA doesn't mean you can do the job well, but it will get your foot in the door. If you value your education, are enthusiastic about the career you've chosen, and spend the time learning as much as you can, then you will succeed. Don't let anyone tell you that these credentials are useless. They are NOT. Especially with the advent of ICD 10. I work for the largest not-for-profit hospital system in the country and they will NOT consider you for a coding position unless you have credentials - period. If you have what it takes and work hard, then you'll be successful.

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