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

Speech Wreck entering coding!?! Research and development phase - DJ

Posted: Oct 07, 2012

I am a coding student at Andrews. I have been looking at coding jobs tonight and came across this one that really got my attention... in a not so good way. Would like to hear your thoughts on this one my friends.

http://careerassist.ahima.org/jobseeker/job/10710369/Remote%20Experienced%20Coders/Healthcare%20Coding%20&%20Consulting%20Services%20(HCCS)/?vnet=0&t731=39387

HCCS Remote Coding R&D Specialists are working on the most advanced and exciting CAC project in the world. This project is developing software products to abstract medical data from dictated transcribed documents. Free-text narratives will be converted into discrete data that is coded to a specific medical terminology. Medical coding experts are needed to mark and code dictated-transcribed documents for extraction as problems, procedures, medications, allergies and lab results. A four-week training course will be provided in SNOMED CT, Rx Norm and the use of custom annotation tools.

Tasks

Using custom tools, insert, verify and edit manual annotations of test and evaluation documents such as History and Physicals, Discharge Summaries, Operative Notes and Consults for correct medical coding for extracted medical data including, ICD 9, SNOMED CT and Rx Norm.
Contribute to the development of (annotation) guidelines and (coding) standards, associated with medical data extraction and coding.
Perform quality assurance and verification of medical data extractions.

Hiring Process

Successfully complete an online coding test in your specialty.
Complete a 2 hour web based SNOMED CT course that covers the basics of SNOMED CT. The National Health System in the United Kingdom offers this free online course, which is very basic and received very positive feedback from our HCCS coders. Here is the URL: http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/elearning/snomedct/flash/
Attend WebEx presentation that will provide both more project information and also allow the candidate an opportunity to ask questions of coders who are currently performing the job. A short interview will also be conducted after the WebEx presentation.

Right on time with the Weekend Hysteria Show!!! - Surprised to see this coming from an Andrews stude

[ In Reply To ..]
DJ, you have a good resource available through your school . . . Redpen. She knows a lot about this and would have been happy to answer your concerns, I am sure. I think you can contact her through Linda.

Everything changes . . . all jobs grow and develop into new areas. Specific duties change. Years ago, accountants spent all their time adding columns of numbers by hand. Computers came along and changed the landscape of accounting. Accountants now do higher level work than addition and subtraction . . . they provide financial advice, oversee investments, and so forth. What is missing from accounting today are large rooms of entry-level people adding and subtracting. Did anyone want to do that forever? If they did and refused to change, well, the accounting field just moved right on without them.

Someday, it is likely that software may be able to identify diagnoses, procedures, lab results, etc. When it does, coders' jobs will change. Just like the accountants, they will move into higher-level work. Looking up codes is the coding equivalent of adding numbers by hand.

The job ad you found has to do with data mining and clinical terminologies for electronic records. Is that what you are learning? No. You are learning coding for billing and medical records more than that. You are not learning SNOMED or anything else they mentioned.

What you are learning now is necessary as a foundation for higher-level work in coding. You cannot advance into auditing, compliance, data analysis, or clinical documentation improvement without it. THOSE areas are where coding is going. Right now, the only way to get into those areas is through the coding you are learning right now. Accountants still need to know how to add and coders still need to know how to code.

Those areas pay more than straight coding, too, so this is a good thing.

We have said this all here before. I think I speak for several of us when I say that we are sick of explaining it over and over again every weekend when the "CAC" "coding is speech wreck" hysteria starts.

If this had been a valid concern, you would have asked Linda. Posting it here after we specifically requested that this nonsense stop makes it appear that your intention was pot-stirring. I am surprised to see it from one of her students. If you ARE one.

No kidding right? - browser

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't think this is from a real Andrews student either.

It's a sad attempt to add "credibility" to a dead-horse non-issue.

How is this a non-issue? - DJ

[ In Reply To ..]
Can you explain to us why we should not be even just a little bit concerned?

Also, why do you not think a "real Andrews" student wrote the orignal post? As a successful Andrews student, I take my future very seriously. I take pride in getting the entire true picture and attempt to stay abreast of what is going on in coding. That is the only reason why I posted the job posting above. That posting is the first one that I have ever seen that reflects speech rec in the coding arena. To assume that I posted it merely due to hysteria is laughable.

The only mention of speech rec came from you, DJ. - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
That posting does not reflect "speech rec in the coding arena." There is not one mention of it.

Can we just have a discussion instead of your knee-jerk reaction of "hysteria"? - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I've said this before. The OP's question is the the kind of thing many come to this board to ask honestly. And it's going to happen more and more often as new information pertaining to coding comes up on the INTERNET. It's the nature of an INTERNET coding message board.

I truly am looking for a response such as: "yes, this is unfortunately happening, but it won't affect coding to the extent that it seems because of this...." instead of "hysteria" and YOU HAVE AN AGENDA BECAUSE YOU'RE MISERABLE IN YOUR LIFE or ARE FEAR-MONGERING or NEED AN EDUCATION or are ZOMBIES" (all verbatim words taken from prior self-proclaiming 'helpful' responses).

Could somebody who doesn't have an over-reactionary vested interest in coding explain things realistically. From what I've read on this board, it seems you can become more credentialed as coders if you go to a school like Andrews. Which is why it's the top of my list. But does this also mean you won't have a problem getting a job on graduating even without experience?

I've recently in my research been told that ambulance/emergency billing and coding is a good coding area to try to get into because it's highly specialized. Would love to know more about this also.

Please, I'd love to hear helpful information that isn't insulting, demeaning, or arrogant or pretending that nothing is changing in this field. I just want to know what to expect realistically in the next, say, two years in this field starting out. I have a degree, fortunately still have a lucrative position involving MT, and can afford the money to go back to school for coding at Andrews. I'm most interested in how hard it is, once graduating, to get a job with with no experience in this economy with so many with experience looking for jobs. Is coding one that is unaffected? This is a SINCERE question.

Good Karma! - DJ

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you an educated response. I figured that some peeps would throw out the negative responses, but also knew that the majority would offer some well thought out insights as well.

You raised a valid question, and one that I, too, ponder often:

'I'm most interested in how hard it is, once graduating, to get a job with with no experience in this economy with so many with experience looking for jobs. Is coding one that is unaffected? This is a SINCERE question.'

The uncertainty of our future is certain! :-) Yet, I remain confident that I WILL land a coding job after I graduate from Andrews and immediately get my CCS. I also know that finding that job will take effort (and time, which is why I have began my job search before I complete the program. Getting a feel for the requirements, companies, and searching gives me assurance that there ARE many jobs out there!

I have another SINCERE question in regards to credentialing:

Should I obtain the CPC before the CCS? (I will be ready to sit for the CPC before completing the program, as soon as November). OR should I forgo the CPC and just concentrate on completing the program then obtain the CCS?

I know there are several conversations about credentials on this board, but I am still on the fence about obtaining both credentials. Having 2 credientials would require more CEUs. In my research it seems that some of the remote coding companies require either/or. Without having the 2 to 3 years experience, the CCS is the ultimate goal.

Thanks all!

Why would 2 credentials require more CEUs? - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I am a little confused by that statement. Two from the same organization require more, but you were talking about the CPC and CCS.

The requirements for recredentialing are listed on each organization's website. I am assuming that you looked at that and determined exactly how many more would be required. What did you come up with?

Because - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
This has already been discussed ad nauseum.

You might find the search function helpful.

Coders might find serious online research on the subject - of offshored/automated coding to be an eye-opener.

[ In Reply To ..]
nmsg

Thank you for your highly condescending insights. - DJ

[ In Reply To ..]
I have been in the medical field for a looong time and I realize that all jobs evolve.

I appreciate your insights and was relieved to read your response regarding the CAC technology. I am not overly worried about CAC.

In the future, kindly add to our conversations without your insulting insinuations. I am pretty certain that I was not pot-stirring. As much as you seem to be.

As far as contacting Redpen via Linda Great! From reading Redpens posts, she is very knowledgeable in the coding field and I feel I can trust her expertise, as well as Linda's. However, I have never felt it wise to get all ones information from one person. Or one school/organization for that matter.

Thank you.

Information sources - CCS, CPC

[ In Reply To ..]
Legitimate, realistic information about this issue comes from the American Health Information Association. You might try searching their website.

The AAPC might have something on it. HIMSS does address it, but in terms of the technology and EHR requirements, so it would not be useful. ACDIS might mention it, as well, from a clinical documentation improvement perspective.

Publications like For the Record consist of advertising and self-promotion disguised as articles, so take that into consideration.

I believe the reason for the accusation of pot-stirring was because there is considerable and repeated discussion week after week, extending back several months on this same issue. There were several requests that the few people who kept doing this stop asking these same questions and stop beating this dead horse, after which you asked the same thing in the same way.

you're not supposed to post that stuff here - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
now you know. Anything that indicates that coding might go automated is not allowed on this board.

You can post whatever you want - geez

[ In Reply To ..]
X

no you cant - not here

[ In Reply To ..]
anything like this is not allowed. Ask the coders they'll tell you.

LOL - You're kidding, right? - nm

[ In Reply To ..]

yes, I am - but

[ In Reply To ..]
the coders have made it very clear that these type posts are not welcome here on this board.

It's actually only the same two people, not all coders - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Somehow they seem to think this is their own private board, and have actually demanded people "stop" posting. How crazy is that? This is a coding board on a MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION website. Anyone is free to ask any questions they want; this is a public forum. The same question from different posters keeps coming up because it's never discussed or answered. The repetitive denial drones of "it's not happening" and "you're stirring the pot" are useless. Look what they did to this poor girl when she posted about losing her coding job:

http://forum.mtstars.com/384579.html

I should add that I was messaged by two different people that one of the coders who calls everyone a liar is actually involved in a coding school. Now I understand....

No coder said that - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It was an MT who said "you can't post here," not one of the coders, and none of the coders called anyone a liar.

As for there being only 2 coders here, you posted repeatedly this afternoon, making it seem like there were many MTs present when it was mostly just you. And aren't you the one who hates a certain coding school because they threw you out or something?

Wow - can't believe you'd make up lies like that! - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
..or maybe I shouldn't be surprised at all.

1: That was my first and only post today. Why you would fabricate a lie like that is completely bizarre.

2. I've never been to coding school. Again, a completely bizarre accusation.

3. Accusing posters of "making things up" is calling them a liar. Another example is right above - insinuating the OP is not really an Andrews student even though they stated they were.

4: Why you are fixated on anyone using the initials MT is completely strange. Ummmm...can't believe I actually have to point this out, but many posters simply use MT because it's the initials for Medical Transcriptionist.

They seem to want to close their eyes and cover their - ears. Maybe if they wish REAL HARD.....

[ In Reply To ..]
the reality that they need to protect what they have might just go away.

This is not the same "MT" who had been posting in this topic. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Impersonating others to make them appear to be posting inflammatory statements is inappropriate.

Oh you're right. Not intentional - call me something else

[ In Reply To ..]
and I'm just being facetious, really, but if you DO post this stuff here, the coders will bash you over the head. That's all.

BTW - this may be a coding board, but it's part of an - MT FORUM website. MTs CAN post here.

[ In Reply To ..]

Never said you couldn't - eom

[ In Reply To ..]
I believe it was the MT who wanted to coders to leave, not the other way around.

"Not allowed" by whom? There's nothing wrong with - that topic, only with those who - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
don't want to even THINK that offshoring and automation might happen to coding. If you want to delude yourself into thinking it just can't possibly happen, then you're already halfway there.

If VR can change dictation to text, then ABSOLUTELY - it can change the same into codes.

[ In Reply To ..]
The only thing that surprises me is why it took them so long to finally get around to it. I guess the MTSOs and VR vendors first wanted to be sure they'd squeezed every last dime and drop of blood out of the transcription industry.

Yeah, but in coding that is a GOOD thing - MT2Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
We have already explained why, but you cannot understand because you cannot code and do not know what coding is or what coders do.

Funny... substitute "coding" for "MT", and we've all - been down that road, already.

[ In Reply To ..]
It's sad, but history is repeating itself.

CAC - New coder

[ In Reply To ..]
There are software programs available that search for keywords in dictated reports and assign codes, but they are inaccurate and do not tell the entire story in regard to a patient encounter or a hospital stay. Coders are needed to verify accuracy, make sure that the sequencing is correct, and assign secondary diagnosis codes and modifiers. Some people seem to think that coding is about slapping some numbers on a charge ticket and calling it good, but that is a misconception. Thousands of dollars ride on accurate diagnosis and procedure coding, it has to be accurate. Incorrect coding can constitute fraud, it's too important to completely automate.

So do you think coding is going to devolve into something - like

[ In Reply To ..]

.... coding EDITING? That would sure be like - watching paint dry, wouldnt it? ;D

[ In Reply To ..]

Some people think coding is already like - Watching Paint Dry

[ In Reply To ..]
Can't speak for everyone but it is not like watching paint dry for me. It's basically auditing. I still read the record, I still make the decisions, and I still solve problems, but I do it faster because codes are already there. I still read the record, but do so faster.

I recognize correct codes when I see them but do not enjoy looking them up.

Coding can be very boring in certain circumstances. When every patient gets the same thing for the same reason, there is no reason to waste coder resources on it. I do not want that kind of job.

My professional organization is an active participant in the development of this technology. It is necessary because there is a severe shortage of qualified coders. Any doors that may close because of it will be offset by new doors opening in related areas.

If that thought bothers you, coding is not for you.

I already have a job in one of those related areas. I already made the adjustment. I work with this new technology.

I got out of MT when MQ made my job miserable and my pay next to nothing, so I know what you are talking about and what you fear. Believe me, am not blind or in denial. Coding is just very different from what you think it is.

The only way to stop this - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I think the only way to stop this is by not responding to these inflammatory posts. That is what they are trying to do, stir the pot and make people angry. I know how hard it is, I have responded to some in the past and was sorry I did. It just gives them more satisfaction. Sometimes I type out a post and leave it and come back after I cool off and delete it, realizing I am just giving them what they want. They don't care what I think, they just want to make people angry and push our buttons, and we respond. When these posts come again next week (and they will) just let it go, no matter how hard it is.

Agree - No other choice

[ In Reply To ..]
I think you might be right. I've posted my last on this.

And now . . . and NOW . . . the same credential question that was answered just a few weeks ago. Like, what, she's hoping someone will appear who can tell her that we lied? And has she seen the strings of credentials after coders' names?

Think I might send a sympathy card to Linda. Maybe a bowl of fruit. A ham. Possibly a smoked turkey and a cheese plate. She must be some kind of saint.

We could pass a hat.. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Get her a GC for a massage or a day at the spa.... maybe a couple of bottles of wine too for good measure.

Excellent suggestion . . . - Send the hat my way

[ In Reply To ..]
. . . but it might take more than one day at the spa. A week, maybe.

No one is trying to be inflammatory. Instead, trying to - encourage you to be vigilant for - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
signs that this currently lucrative profession stays that way. Coders need to take steps to ensure that coding stays onshore, and preferably on-site.

they don't want to hear it - they do not want to hear it

[ In Reply To ..]
you are wasting your time and you are going to get bashed.

This whole coding issue - bleh

[ In Reply To ..]
Is akin to saying no one should go into contract law because Legal Zoom exists.

I hope I'm wrong? - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
But I've been laboring under the assumption that Redpen was no longer at Andrews? I read that somewhere on this board I think last year? Is she actually still there?

She had left but believe she's back now only working on curriculum - Not teaching anymore

[ In Reply To ..]
At least that's my understanding. She's no longer an instructor with Andrews but I had heard she was back just working on curriculum development or something

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