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New coder question - anon

Posted: Mar 19, 2015

I am researching my options on schooling...coding versus nursing...to get away from being an MT. The programs for coding to get my CCS and CPC do not take federal financial aide and require a deposit and then monthly payments or some other form of up front payment..... the nursing program will take me much longer than I really want to take right now (on top of having to continue to work full time-- not sure if I could actually even tackle a nursing program while working) BUT because it is a program through a local college, it would likely qualify for financial aide of some sort.

My question is this, if I take the coding program, finish in a year or a little more (while continuing to work as an MT), pass my CCS and CPC, and am able to find a job relatively easily either at a local hospital or some other avenue.....what starting pay should I expect? I know there are no hard and fast numbers, but just wondering what the "going rate" is....and how do you get paid? I am used to production pay, by the line on a report, or pay by the report. Is coding like that too? or is hourly? I am hoping to continue working at home, as well, if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance!

This might help ... - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/states/

This should answer your question - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
If you want to go into nursing, do so, but only if you truly want to. Do not do it because of financial aid. Be very careful, too, that you check the unemployment rates for new nurses. Many new nurses now graduate with huge debt burdens and cannot find a job for 6 months, a year, or ever.

Student loans are not necessarily a good thing. You will graduate with debt, which you will have to pay while working in an entry level job. That school with the down payment and the interest-free payment plan is a better, kinder deal. You can either save the money ahead of time, without the threat of default on loans, or pay the money after the fact when you are stressed out and facing possible ruin.

Coding can pay well if you have appropriate credentials, even to begin with. I think some students from the down-payment school are getting jobs with a remote coding company. Pay can be on production or hourly, but it is usually very good either way.

Both AAPC and AHIMA have salary surveys.

Link to AAPC salary survey.http://www.aapc.com/resources/research/medical-coding-salary-survey/

thanks - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
that is helpful

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