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

Older folks - jan2

Posted: Oct 26, 2011

Anyone in their 60's (I'm 66) who is studying to become a coder? If I begin with Andrews, I will be probably 68 when I'm ready to apply for a job. Is this realistic, or should I save my money? Thanks.

I personally feel its a waste of time and money (sm) - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Let's be real here. All you're going to do is rack up a considerable amount of debt with no way to pay it because you're 68 years old and nobody will hire you.

This is exactly what I tell my kids when they tell me to go back to school. Yes, I can do the time and the study, but for what? So I can be turned down by 30-somethings who cannot even begin to conceive the amount of experience and knowledge I possess that is still and will always be relevant, but do believe I'm just too old to work?

I don't pretend to know the answer, only offering an opinion as I look down the same barrel. You'll turn 68 either way, whether certified or not. Toss a coin.

Good lord - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for spreading that bit of joy and sunshine. I'm not the OP, but I think I'll just curl up and die now anyway.

To the OP: Good luck to you, what ever you decide. You never really know unless you try. I just took a few classes at my local CC and one of my fellow students was a woman in her 70s, going for the RHIT. Just make sure you do your research on schools and select one that will teach you what you need to know to pass the CPC/CCS. Also see if any schools offer any type of course work on ICD-10 (I think, but am not sure, that Andrews might have some kind of ICD-10 highlight active or in the works). That knowledge will make you more marketable. Again, good luck to you!

Addendum... - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry, OP, I totally missed that you were considering Andrews, so you can probably skip the "research schools bit!" Anyway, have you spoken to Linda Andrews yet? If not, I highly recommend it. I spoke with her a few months ago. She is quite realistic and easily accessible.

Another thought for you: Network, network, network. If you want to do inpatient, I would suggest volunteering at your local hospital now. Get to know people--in HR, med records, etc. That way, when you're done with school, you can let them know, maybe get an in that way. Also, look up your local AAPC chapter and attend meeting and such. Give yourself every edge out there!

I agree. I don't want to be a newbie at ANY job - at my age; very unlikely to be hired. nm

[ In Reply To ..]

Older - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm also of the opinion that beginning a coding career at 68 may be a bit daunting, particularly since most employers want people with 2-3 years work experience. Depending on when you plan to retire, you would need to ask yourself if the time/money investment would be worth it to you. I took a coding course last year (I'm 57) and am working in a coding-related position, but already had my foot in the door with my current employer. Coding is challenging to learn, and in the workplace there is generally a schedule commitment. It generally requires on-site employment. That could change by the time you finish school. I agree, be sure to learn ICD-10, that may give you an advantage in the job market. Andrews is one of the better schools. Good luck.

Older, wondering about coding - Jan2

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks to all. Yes, I have talked to Linda, and they will be teaching ICD-10 as well as 9. She didn't give me a really good answer about starting out at 68, said she never knows the ages of her students. I guess it's a gamble. I am disciplined and analytical and really enjoy studying - that's in my favor. Can't make a decision on it. As I've always told my children, "you don't have enough information yet." So, I'll wait a bit! Thanks again to all.

It depends on where you apply to go to work - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Some departments are very age-conscious and some don't care, as long as you have your credentials as a CCS. It depends on where you live and if the facilities in your area fall into the "age-conscious" category, which is, I believe, illegal, or if they just care about your skills and abilities as proven by credentialing exams.

Illegal or not, age-discrimination is practiced every day. - As soon as they have your SS#, (sm)

[ In Reply To ..]
then they have your age. Regardless of the fact that many of us will have to work far beyond what would be considered "normal retirement age", it seems like most companies aren't taking that into consideration. They just look at numbers, not at the person, or their individual circumstances. They just "assume" that if you're 60, or 62, that you're going to just be out the door again at 65. Boy are they ever wrong! Lots of us will likely still be hard at it, full-time, at age 85.

Hate to be a downer but age 68 with school - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
debt? Really? Maybe you already have the funds to pay for it - I would hope so. If you want to take a coder course just to do it and pass is one thing but realistically getting a job just starting out at age 68 I would have to agree with the age discrimination person. It shouldn't happen but it does. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

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