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

Is coding going to go the same way as MT? - sick and tired

Posted: Jul 09, 2013

Before I take this leap of faith into coding school, will the EHR/VR technology be sinking the coding ship too?

coding - camt

[ In Reply To ..]
It has been my experience that ANY healthcare job is at risk right now. I think there are going to be mass layoffs in 2013 in all departments. They can outsource coding the same as MT. Two of the doctors at the hospital I MT for had a conversation about their hospital being sold and them not having any jobsâ�¦so it is healthcare wide. In the past year alone the hospital system I worked for eliminated over 400 jobs in MT, IT, HR, along with not re-hiring for open positions. They also posted under the WARN act here in CA another 169 layoffs between April and June. The trend seems to be to hire per diem so they pay no healthcare or any benefits...sad but true.

All the Health Unit Coordinators were let go - at our hospital

[ In Reply To ..]
I applied for a job, almost took it and then chickened out at the last minute. Thank goodness... But you are right. All healthcare jobs are in trouble. They just eliminated the weekend nurse position at the hospital also and now that differential is gone. Its scary right now.

No - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

No - sm

[ In Reply To ..]

No, but if you are concerned, please read the archives. That question has been asked numerous times before.

I would also suggest that you don't give much credence to the opinions of noncoders.

sick and tired - Current coding student

[ In Reply To ..]
I hope not, but that's really the least of my worries at this point. I took the leap of faith just under a year ago and I am just about done with my coding course. Really, I'm just happy to be doing whatever I can to get out of MT.

I have very much enjoyed studying coding, although I must admit it has been so much harder than I thought it would be, especially while working as a full-time MT. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and let me just say, I like what I am seeing! I have already passed the CPC exam and I am now studying for the CCS exam. Good luck in your decision!

May I ask which school you attended? - sick and tired

[ In Reply To ..]
Did you go to the online school or college route? So scared to take the leap.

Just FYI - Not Current Coding Student

[ In Reply To ..]
College programs, by which I mean regular community-type colleges, not "career colleges," primarily teach in online classes, often using material put out by textbook publishers. There is little to no instructor assistance at many of them. The instructor might not even be a coder.

The fact that a school has an internet presence does not mean they teach "online" using online teaching modules. Some do, so that your only education comes from working through screen after screen with no instructors. Others, like Andrews, use traditional textbooks, traditional exercises, and provide experienced instructors.

I mention this so that you don't mistakenly think that colleges involve lovely in-person classes, because even if they do the instructor might not be experienced and you still might have to do online drivel, and that anything on the internet is online drivel. I have taken all these types of classes, so I know. You do not want to try to learn coding in a substandard environment.

Andrews - Also not a student

[ In Reply To ..]
Everything on the internet is not "online drivel." AAPC and AHIMA offer distance learning, on-line programs. Both of them are highly respected programs and neither are "substandard." Why is it that the name Andrews gets inserted into every discussion, even if the discussion has nothing to do with them?

Well, - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
With the testing requirement changes AHIMA implemented for the CCS, a person can no longer take the AHIMA class and qualify for testing.

Might be a good program, but right now, I'd consider that "substandard." Besides, those are self-study. I personally would rather have instructors I know I can go to if I have questions/need help.

Another reason why I'll be enrolling in Andrews in a few weeks.

Why so defensive? - Have you done those programs?

[ In Reply To ..]
This has nothing to do with how respected the organizations are, and you are in no position to judge until you are a coder with some success on the job.

The programs are not equivalent. AAPC is not all that well-respected, as it happens. Second, if you think doing screen after screen online with no instructor support is the way to go, more power to you. Give it a shot.

Looks like Andrews it is - sick and tired

[ In Reply To ..]
Well after much research even with colleges around me, it looks like Andrews is my best option. The colleges near me do not have a program that teaches both inpatient and outpatient coding. Seems like Andrews is the way for me to go. I have gotten nothing but positive feedback about Andrews from here and I have found no "red flags" with them so to speak when comparing other on-line schools to them. I see that you have to apply to be accepted with Andrews? Anyone know if they turn people down?

Sick and tired - Current coding student

[ In Reply To ..]
I am an Andrews student, so yes all online but with great instructors and student coordinator (and of course Linda). I was very nervous, too, but one day I finally just called and enrolled. Best decision I've made in a long time!

I'm scared I'm jumping out of the pot and into the fire - sick and tired

[ In Reply To ..]
When I made the decision 10 years ago to become an MT I had no idea what was going to happen to us. I am just terrified I will be jumping right back into something that will end up being replaced by technology again. Others on this board have assured me this is not going the same way as MT. Just so reluctant, nervous and scared.

That's normal - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Why do you think it took me a year of research? =]

Unknowns and changes are scary. My personal opinion, though, is that the ramifications of inaction tend to be worse than walking into the unknown.

Good points - sick and tired

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm gonna be enrolling in Andrews as soon as I can get my down payment together.

sick and tired - Current coding student

[ In Reply To ..]
Congratulations on your decision and good luck with your down payment. I so remember scraping mine together!

where is coding - siren

[ In Reply To ..]
As with layoffs, hirings, firings, pay cuts, downsizing, outsourcing, its all up to management. They have the final say.

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