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

Question for MTs-to-Coders - fencer

Posted: Jan 17, 2012

Hi all you MTs-to-Coders! I am curious to know why you left MT for coding? Burnout? Better suited to your personality? Better pay?

Also, in conjuction to that, what kind of MT eduction did you have? Learn on the job? School?

I ask because I'm trying to decide whether to go into MT or coding--I'm leaning toward MT through Andrews right now (for numerous reasons), but am looking for a perspective from the other end of the tunnel, so to speak.

Thanks!

Perspective from my viewpoint - re MT-to-Coders

[ In Reply To ..]
In general, I think many MTs are looking to get into coding because they are tired of MTSOs cutting pay, companies being bought out by other companies and then your job changes, and not in a good way. We're also tired of hearing about how it's all over for MT, even if when some of us feel very sure that MT is going to be around for many years to come. We don't exactly know what form it will be in and if our specific job will be there, and we are just tired of hearing about how horrible the industry is, even when we don't especially think it is that awful.

In specific, I think coding is fun. Okay, it's not easy, but also not horribly hard, and I had major burnout from too many years as an MT.

MT to Coding - I

[ In Reply To ..]
I saw that MT opportunities were shrinking along with the pay. VR cut our work, the future was not bright. I had all that medical information in my head so I looked to coding next so I could still use that knowledge. Coding is tough. I do inpatient coding and it is very stressful.

A thought - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
This does not have to be an either/or decision. Linda can help you decide what is best for you. She is very good with that and you do not need to worry that she will pressure you. I suggest you call her.

If you decide to go into MT, be aware that everything you learn will apply to coding. The work is different, but the knowledge base for coding includes that of MT. It just goes beyond it and requires using the information more than recognizing it. Coders use the same reports MTs transcribe. The knowledge of report types and content is very valuable for them. Some coders classify operations and procedures based on exactly what was done, not just the title. Coders also classify and assess the work value of physician-patient encounters. That requires anunderstanding of what goes into a report and what it is telling you.

If you really want to do MT, remember that all of it will transfer to coding. It isn't as if you would lose anything or waste it.

Even the improved keyboard skills you develop will help. A lot of coders can hardly type. Some have poor writing skills. Some are even poor readers. MTs are better able to do some coding jobs and others that require a knowledge of coding because of their literacy skills.

Good points! - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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