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Question for coders, what is a fair starting salary - Excited

Posted: May 21, 2014

I am so excited! I have an interview coming up in a few weeks and they wanted me to submit a salary requirement. I am not credentialed yet, but hopefully will be this summer, and I don't have any on-the-job coding experience, but I have no idea what a fair starting salary requirement would be. Help! :)

Thereis no one starting salary. - Fastest way to lose a job ...

[ In Reply To ..]
This is the fastest way to lose a job before you even have it, so be careful. They want to see that you can live with what they pay and if you have reasonable expectations.

If you can just say that the salary is negotiable, do so. You can also explain that you value the experience you will gain, that you are sure their usual entry-level salary will be appropriate, etc.

Look at local hospitals and job ads, at online estimates, and ... especially ... at the AHIMA and AAPC salary surveys for inexperienced, noncredentialed coders in your region. Use AHIMA if the job is hospital, AAPC if it is a doctor's office or other outpatient setting not part of a hospital. Come up with a ballpark figure that is not more than you believe they pay.

Thank you! - Excited

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you very much for the advice. I truly appreciate it! I will let you know how it goes. I feel even if I don't get the job, at least it will be good experience for future interviews, etc.

the MModal program starts their apprentice coders at $16/hour - see inside

[ In Reply To ..]
that is with no experience, no credentials, and just 3 months of training. Hope that helps!

What apprentice coders? - I thought they shut the program down

[ In Reply To ..]
??

Two separate programs - CT

[ In Reply To ..]
There are two programs, HDS2Coder and a second which moves credentialed/trained prospects who have no experience into an "apprenticeship." This only carries a 1-year period of servitude (because you're working closely with a senior coder mentor on 100% review for an extended period which costs MM), also pays $16 hours, and has M-F/9-5 hours. You must have AHIMA-approved training, carry CCS I believe, and pass a pre-hire test.

So, non-credentialed or credentialed? - Which is it

[ In Reply To ..]
In the above you stated, noncredentialed, no experience, but then you go on to state carry a CCS. CCS is a credential.

I dont which one that person is talking about - see inside poster

[ In Reply To ..]
All I know is about the program we are in, the HDS2Coder program will pay us $16/hour when we enter into apprenticeship with no credentials. Credentials give you an extra $2 an hour once you have them. Different levels also come with more pay. You can make up to $28/hour plus bonuses with credentials and "leveling up"

Sorry for the confusion - CT

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry for the confusion. Let me try to clarify.

The HDS2Coder program is for non-credentialed, entry level, MM MTs who are moving from MT to coding. This requires completion of the internal training program and 2 years of further employment or reimbursement penalties for some costs. This is a pilot program undergoing growing pains.

CAP (coding apprenticeship program) is for recent graduates of an AHIMA-approved coding program who have sat and received their CCS but have no experience in the field. This requires only a single year of further employment with MM with similar cost repayment penalties. This program is not exclusive to MM employees but is difficult to get into. This program has been in effect for approximately 18 months and has gone through several cycles with approximately 90% to 95% completion rates.

Hope this helps.

Who to ask - AH

[ In Reply To ..]
Just general MModal HR? Im curious to know more about the CAP.

HSDM or a recruiter if you can get in touch with one - CT

[ In Reply To ..]
It's hard to nail down an individual who has information on the program, but getting a hole of your HDSM (if you're a current MM employee) or calling HR requesting to speak with a recruiter would be the two routes I would readily suggest. If they don't have the answers immediately, they should be able to get you to the person who does.

Do they favor MM employees - ac

[ In Reply To ..]
Do you know if MM employees are favored as far as the programs?

To my knowledge, no. - CT

[ In Reply To ..]
From what I've been told previously by the program recruiter, they are open to both MM employees and new hires. It's really about who can pass the screening exam, just like with any other coding company, and who's previous education meets the required AHIMA-approval.

New hires are not eligible for benefits during the apprenticeship, even pulling full-time hours, but as soon as they're off full-review and working independently their benefit eligibility is the same as any other full-time MM employee. If you are a current MM employee receiving benefits, there is no change in your coverage and you just move from one department to the other.

Hope that helps some. I know it's not exactly the answer you were asking for, but...

What I don't know is if you can come in credentialed without going through an AHIMA program and still be considered. Though, I lean toward probably not, because when I asked if CPC or CCS were preferred, the answer was AHIMA. It seems the confidence is in AHIMA rather than AAPC, maybe because of the types of reports handled...

Most likely explanation - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
They are looking for AHIMA certifications rather than AAPC because that is what their clients require. The work comes from hospitals (inpatient settings), not doctors' offices, the same as what you transcribe. Most contract HIM companies require RHIA, RHIT, and CCS credentials.

Where I live, it has to be $20/hr, or I can't - afford to take the job.

[ In Reply To ..]

That is why we said to see the salary surveys. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Salaries vary by region. $16 works out to about 34000 to 35000. That is about right for entry level coders in my area. If you live in a higher-cost area, yes, you can expect to make more.

If you must make 20, though, and can't find a job paying that much, consider keeping your current job and coding part time until you get enough experience to warrant higher pay.

Any time you change careers, you can expect to start with lower pay. However, going to an overall higher-paying field works out better in the end because you eventually make considerably more.

I can't imagine that too many here are making 46K at MT. There are complaints of $2 an hour. If I was making less than 16, I would be willing to work for 16, and would find the cost of a school like Andrews a bargain.

doh, still making 43K as MT. nm - L&L

[ In Reply To ..]
When I get fired, I'm thinking of taking the coding program at a local college.

Around here, if you can find an opening, about $9/hr. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

$9/hour for coding?????? Lowe's pays $9 hour here - East MT

[ In Reply To ..]
and I live in relatively small town. that is really sad :(

Coding - salary

[ In Reply To ..]
Interesting. I just started a coding job 5 months ago and make just over $18/hour. I am certified as an RHIT and a CCA.

You may be looking at jobs that are called coding - but are not tbe coding we do.

[ In Reply To ..]
Doctor's front office "coders" are often just billers. That is not what we do. The average starting pay nationally is much more.

THANK YOU for pointing that out. sm - RHIA

[ In Reply To ..]
There are an awful lot of people who think the doctor's office coders are the same as hospital inpatient coders.
I'm not even a coder and I get offended FOR the hospital coders who get compared like that!

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