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


So I was just browsing the coding jobs - meggy


Posted: Aug 22, 2012

in my area.  A hospital here is offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for a FT inpatient coder as well as for a PT DRG validation specialist.  Just wondering if that is the norm or if, since this hospital isn't in the greatest area, they are having trouble finding people to work there.  Any thoughts?

That is the norm - has nothing to do with location of hospital - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
The bonuses have nothing to do with where the hospital is located. Chances are location wouldn't matter anyway, because the positions might allow working remotely.

It might have something to do with what kind of facility it is. If patient care there is highly complex, the coding will be more difficult and it will be harder for them to find coders who can do it successfully.

However, it is mostly due to the shortage of coders in general and to the extremely high value inpatient coders have to hospitals. DRG validation specialists are included in that and are harder to find, which is why the sign-on bonus for that PT position is about twice what they are offering for the FT coder.

Inpatient coders are in short supply. That's why the working coders on this board keep recommending that people make sure their coding training will enable them to pass the CCS exam. While that does not supply experience, it does indicate that you understand and can DO the coding. You have to DO it on the exam, after all.

Emnployers would prefer to have someone with 20 years of solid expeirence, youy know, but they aren't likely to get it. The bonuses are simply a reflection of that. They are trying to lure in highly qualified applicants.

Very helpful message! - Not the OP but Thanks!

[ In Reply To ..]
That's very helpful information. It makes sense.

Thank you! That's very encouraging to - hear. Meggy

[ In Reply To ..]
nm


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