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Pros and Cons - crossroads

Posted: Jan 13, 2013

So I'm a bit stuck and not sure which way would be best... hoping you all can help.

Putting aside cost and time to complete, what are some other pros and cons of going for CPC/CCS first instead of an RHIA and vice versa?

That's a good question... sm - anyone know?

[ In Reply To ..]
...as many positions seem to want both a CCS and an RHIA. Doesn't the answer at least depend partially on where you want to end up working? Did you look at the career path site over at AHIMA? That's what helped me figure out where I could go with different credentials.

Thank you - crossroads

[ In Reply To ..]
I did! And it just made me more confused! lol

I appreciate your advice though. What credentialing path did you decide to take?

Cost and time are important considerations - Not much else

[ In Reply To ..]
Unless you choose WGU, or have a bachelor's already and can get in the University of Toledo's certificate program for the RHIA, you may find that other schools can drag this out to 6 or more years. An associate's program can take 3 years and so can the junior and senior years of a bachelor's program.

The only reasons for doing a coding program first are:

1. You can code to earn an living while completing the remaining coursework for the RHIA.

2. If you choose a good coding program, you can learn to code better than from many college programs that just plop you in front of a computerized course management system and expect you to flounder your way through the textbook on your own.

Aside from that, there isn't much else.

Disadvantages would include possibly having to do some coursework over again. However, you might be able to get transfer credit, you might be able to test out of the course, and barring all else, you can take it again. It will be much easier the second time through. If you choose your school right, you should be able to test out of med terms, A&P, pathophysiology, and several coding courses. At WGU, you can just zip through the courses, then take something else in the remaining time during the term, so it isn't going to cost you.

If you go for the RHIA first, the program will include coding. You should be able to get a CPC and at least a CCA when you finish. Probably not a CCS, though. If you attend WGU, they make you get the CCA to graduate.

Thank you! - crossroads

[ In Reply To ..]
I appreciate your time in answering.

I should have stated in my original post that I do already have a BA, so I would be looking at the RHIA certificate completion program rather than the whole BA.

I know cost and time are the two major factors, I was just wondering if perhaps I was missing something =/

My full situation is thus (and kind of why I'm stuck)... I'm also kind of talking this out right now, so bear with me.

I have 3 kids, the youngest is just shy of 9 months. My husband works full time and goes to school full time. I'd like to go back to work full time, but probably not before my youngest is closer to 3 yo. So, I'm looking at roughly 2 years to complete school and pass exams. At that point, my husband would like to quit work and focus on school, so he would be home instead (we're trying to work out a plan to minimize day care time/costs). In any event, I'd need to land a position that would net us 35K, minimum 32K, with benefits, which, starting out, would be manageable, with the understanding that I would increase that over time.

And therefore, I'm stuck with what would be the best use of my time these next 2 years. I'm thinking coding through Andrews would be my best bet, but I feel like there's something I'm not seeing/realizing. =/

I am very intrigued by WGU's informatics program, but I don't have the prereqs they require, so that's probably out. I'm not sure how stringent they are with that...I've been meaning to call there, but haven't had a chance to yet. I do really like how their program is set up.

So that's my muddle. Thanks for reading! Any advice is gratefully accepted. May you have a harmonious day.

If I were you - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I would do Andrews for the coding, may not take 2 years, depends on how much medical background you have and how much time you have to devote to the course. I finished in about a year, but was working full time as an MT. Then, depending on how much money you want to spend, I would do the University of Toledo certification to the RHIA. I myself want to get a coding job and get tuition help from my employer (hopefully). I am researching WGU, but it sounds more involved, not sure I want to go down that path, but I have not ruled it out at this point. Keeping my options open as I get more OTJ experience. Good luck to you, you sound like a person who knows what she wants and makes a plan to succeed, and succeed you will!

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