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Has anyone very successfully finished their coding courses only to..... - Change of heart

Posted: Dec 02, 2013

Feel that it's not really what you want to do? I finished my coding course at Andrews and truly don't feel that's what I want to do. I feel disappointment in myself because I invested that much time in school and did very well, but I feel it's not really the job for me. I was just wondering if anyone else has gone through this or anything similiar? Did you just stick with it until you found a job and did your feelings change? I kept trying to pep myself up by telling myself the kind of money I could potentially make one day would be worth it, but I don't think so.

Yes and no - Another coding student

[ In Reply To ..]
I finished my course, passed one certification and went on several interviews for coding jobs. It was different for me because I never found a coding job, but do something else related to medical records. I am not going to pursue coding any further and for me that is okay because I was just trying to find something post MT to do for a few more years until I retire. I don't regret the education, though (I didn't attend Andrews). If you are not sure if coding is the job for you, there are other positions where your knowledge will be an asset, although you may not code 8 hours a day.

Yes - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I went to my community college, got my AAS in Health Information Technology, passed the RHIT exam, was lucky enough to land a coding job at a hospital, and I dislike it very much. Coding just isn't for me. I'm pursuing something completely different now. I'm two classes away from completing my bachelor's degree in business. Through my internship in human resources at a large hospital, I have finally found what I really want to do. I will be working at the hospital when I get my degree, but I will be in human resources. I absolutely love it. It took me a while to figure out what I really wanted to do (going from an MT to a coder and now in human resources). I highly suggest that if you do not enjoy coding, you should go into something else. Life is too short to be unhappy in your career choice.

First of all, don't be disappointed in yourself. - Student

[ In Reply To ..]
You worked hard to finish that program! It shows how much tenacity you have. Plus you learned a skill not a lot of people know. Be proud of your accomplishment!

I understand where you are coming from. If it was me I'd give it a whirl, just so I knew I tried it and it wasn't going to work out.

I sure didn't mean to get people upset with my question, but I do want to thank all of you for - Change of heart

[ In Reply To ..]
I really didn't mean for anyone to get upset by my post. I needed to ask someone who went through training who might have had a change of heart either during their schooling or after they were credentialed and working in coding. I just think that if I feel that way about it now, then it might not change.

Don't get me wrong, I think coding is an excellent field for someone who loves the profession. No doubt there is room for advancement and fantastic pay, but in my heart I know it's not for me.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond to my question. I hope each and all a wonderful Christmas and New Year! :)

PJ

I changed my mind - Empirelady

[ In Reply To ..]
I got through most of the course, and they kept saying more and more about how stressful the job was, needing to have patience with grumpy doctors, working with the institution's bottom line, etc. I decided, at my age and with my disposition, this just wasn't for me. I don't want or need that kind of stress in my life, if I can help it. The whole process just wasn't a good fit for me. It does seem to be the next logical step sideways for a lot of MTs, just not for me. I do wish you luck in finding something that will fulfill you.

Where I work, the coding is done automatically - in our EMR. One editor checks it.

[ In Reply To ..]
We have no coders at all.

Wondered when this post would appear - You are later than usual

[ In Reply To ..]

That is the usual situation for offices, but would be impossible to ill-advised for an inpatient facility of any size.

You could also be describing a chargemaster situation.

It is important to remember . . . this does not mean "no coders." There ARE coding professionals involved, but you are not seeing them. They are the people programming the EHR and setting up the coding in it and the chargemaster. Even if i is not happening at your facility, that's who does this.

Too many of you see coding as the one job of sitting at a desk applying codes to encounters. When that job starts getting done with electronic assistance, you think "Told you so! No more coders!" That is not the only job. You just aren't in a position to see the rest.

That is why getting advice about a career from people who know little about it isn't such a good idea. I can't imagine why those people think they are qualified to offer it.

Sounds like the - Chargemaster codes nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Thought about it, - but kept on

[ In Reply To ..]
It made the most sense to me coming from MT as it just seemed like a natural transition. It is really hard to get a grip on what coding actually is and what it is like until you are doing it. I appreciate where you are at, that's for sure. I like it now more because I have learned more and feel more confident. Some days are frustrating but some days are good. I don't ever think I will say, I LOVE THIS. But I canâ��t imagine doing anything else other than MT and that is out. I like to be left alone to work. It is a solitary job - me and the charts. I donâ��t have to answer the phone; donâ��t have to deal with the public, and this is the most I've made so that helps. Good luck to you! You will find your place.

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