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

Electronic medical records will be forced onto doctors - CTMT

Posted: Aug 03, 2012

The family practice I go to is using this. The doctor asks questions and constantly inputs into his PC tablet as we speak. Its not looking good for the MT field. Anyone else worried? I worked on a project transferring hospital charts from Legacy to Epic. Once they were done with using us for that project, we were let go with no notice. Just thinking my time is running out and I need to get to medical coding school fast! Then I am worried will medical coding too be forced onto the doctors as well!

My surgicenter is starting this right now also. - PAMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I expect that there will be no money to be made as this progresses on so possibly people that only want to make pin spending money and have other sources of income will be able to take the small amount of work that will be coming in if they dont get let go.

I loved doing OPs - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
So sad, they will be phased out. It won't be long until discharges, H&Ps, consults and progress notes go the same route. I know my days are numbered as MT. I have got to get to medical coding school!

Pushing the panic button - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
Discharges, H & Ps and consults are not being "phased out." I work on an Epic system and those are the reports that continue to be dictated. Some of them are only partial reports but many of them are detailed and lengthy. Patient histories are unique and can't be "canned." Exam findings are unique in many cases. The hospital course is unique. Medicare will not reimburse if there are too many errors in a report, MTs are still needed. Transcription has changed and there are fewer jobs available, but it is not going to completely disappear. Please calm down and look at the big picture before you head down a career path because it seems like an easy fix. Oh, and don't believe everything you read on MT Stars.

Thanks curious one - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
What your saying makes a lot of sense. I am 45 and have 2 children, exhausted thinking about working as an MT and trying to fit in coding school, but your right, I am panicking!

Definitely do not panic, but anyone at 45 should be retraining - for a larger and more dependable income. NM

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Here's more reality - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
After you retrain, you'll be approaching age 50 and hitting the job market and competing with people half your age. It's tough to get hired when a person reaches a certain age. I know because I'm 58 and did retrain to become a coder. I still have a good MT job but may take early retirement if/when it ends or try to find another MT position because I've had trouble landing my first coding job, and don't come back to me and say it isn't because I don't have a CCS, it's because there are no jobs where I live. Also remember that when a person enters any given field without experience, they start at the low end of the pay scale, so that larger income you speak of could be years down the road. For an experienced MT who is currently making a decent wage, it would merely be a lateral transfer or perhaps even a pay cut. It's not impossible to start over at 45+, but it's difficult, keep that in mind as you retrain for a new field.

If you don't have your CCS credentials, it makes it very difficult - Credentialed coders make employers lives easier

[ In Reply To ..]
Coders need credentials. It means everything. Not just a CPC, which is helpful to have, but also and especially a CCS. You really aren't going to do well without it no matter where you live.

I think you said there are no jobs where you live. If you live around hospitals and/or clinics, there are coding jobs. If they are able to find experienced credentialed coders, they will hire them first, unless something else is wrong, like personality, appearance, or work ethics. The credentialed coders with no experience are hired next. They have to have credentialed coders in order to be eligible to work with Medicare and Medicaid. They can't afford to be without them.

The key is to get a proper education that prepares you to pass those credentials tests. It's possible that whoever is hiring in your area might discriminate against you because of age, but in most cases they are smart enough to respect credentials when they see them. It makes their own lives much easier because they know you know what you're doing.

There has to be a job opening first - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
I live in a rural area with one small hospital, one large outpatient faciliy, and no independent practitioner's offices. There's very little job turnover and I'm unable to relocate to a metropolitan area, but thanks for the input.

Coding was a poor choice FOR YOU, but you are not everyone - Wondering why you cannot stop your negativity

[ In Reply To ..]
If, as you said in another of your posts, the CPC exam is offered in your area, there are enough coders to support an AAPC local chapter. Therefore, there are jobs.

You are uncredentialed and have no coding experience. You cannot expect to pass an exam because you seem to have taken an inadequate course. Even if there are jobs, you cannot expect anyone to hire you.

Your overwhelming negativity and near-malicious zeal for driving others away from viable, worthwhile careers says a lot about why you cannot get a job.

Its even more difficult when you have a family - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Even though I am a "young 45" I am still 45 and I have 2 kids, one 9 and one 11 and a husband and 2 dogs. My life is always like running a marathon. If I could go back to when I started MT school at age 33 and pick coding instead, I wonder if it would of been a better choice. Hoping MT evolves into something else. I have a part-time gig at night doing straight transcription. My husband is the main bread winner, but I am just worried about our future as older people. Thanks for your input, its really eye opening for me me :)

The problem is, there's no sign of real evolution. - We are basically medical typists at a time when SM

[ In Reply To ..]
most typing jobs have already been retired, outlasting typewriter repairman positions by a few decades, but that's all. I believe that

1. Medical-field employers with new positions to fill will accept applications from those of us who have taken the initiative to develop the skills needed for those future positions. In other words, our experience will be an asset, but that's all, and we'll be calling ourselves something else when we apply for those jobs.

2. Some of us will remain transcribing and editing, but it'll be a smaller and more limited field by the year, and correspondingly more insecure for those needing a job. There will always be a number of qualified applicants for every opening.

3. And everyone else will be out of a job. Those losing out will include not only the types who would inevitably be dropped in a shakeout but also good, hardworking MTs who are simply unlucky, or in some cases maybe just older or prone to using their health insurance.

BTW, I was lucky in that each time I've retrained over my life it's been by personal choice and I did it enthusiastically, with the sacrifices rewarded with good earnings in the end. I'm too old, fat and ugly to whomp up all that enthusiasm any more, but you kids (45's a kid), please choose something you can look forward to and get going. The first steps to commitment are the hard ones. Once you're actually working toward a better life, it actually gets much easier because you're once again happy about what you're doing, proud of it, and looking forward to what comes next.

The leaders of our only organization, AAMT/AHDI, were too busy - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
The old leaders of what was then AAMT and now AHDI, were too busy making money for themselves to care about the members. They were too busy filling their journal with all kinds of double-speak articles and holding seminars and webinars to keep members too busy to notice that they were working against us.

There are some better people involved in leadership now. They may mean well, but it's too late to fix what the old leadership has broken. They did not have our bests interests at heart. They saw money signs and went out enjoying traveling across the country lecturing all of us in what we should think. Too many people bought what they were selling. They were like snake-oil salesmen, always what they claimed was a newer or better idea or product coming out that we should buy into, trust them. I didn't and I don't. If I ran into any of those former AAMT leaders, I would go the other way. I believe they are selfish, self-centered, and only do what is good for their own pocketbook.

That pissant little org has nothing to do with it. It's - about technology and cost--tech that SM

[ In Reply To ..]
replaces us, big costs for our services that clients were always eager to cut if they could. Now they can and are.

Our little industry's problem is part of something BIG. Like gravity big. Like incoming tides big. Loss of jobs to changes in technology affects almost every industry on the planet and literally thousands of job titles held by hundreds of millions of people.

Don't like it? Vote your interests and for the future of your children. Our country has become enormously more wealthy over the past 30 years--by the labor of those of us who worked to create that wealth. Whose pockets is your share of that wealth in? And it could have been your share. Once it would have been.

Vote our interests? Not really an option. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry but neither party represents the "little guy."

They are all in corp America's back pocket. They all lie to our face and then stab us in the back. The House is in the perpetual state of running for reelection and do nothing but pander to their respective constituancies.

I always vote dem but haven't noticed them doing much for me lately. I won't even consider voting republican but have to respect that they don't hide that all they care about are the wealthy in this country.

So vote them OUT! It will happen. The question is, - how long until we have finally had enough? NM

[ In Reply To ..]
Vote for anyone on the ballot who has not been purchased by large donations. Refuse bought and paid for "representives." Those in office AND those newbies bought and presented as "alternatives" for fools.

Curious one, I am working for a surgicenter and all I do - PAMT

[ In Reply To ..]
are ORs so I dont know how that will do as they are starting Epic now. They are not all exactly the same so we shall see what survives Epic. These are my speciality but I can do all the Basic 4 and have done them for years so anyway.

Don't be too hasty - Curious One

[ In Reply To ..]
About getting to coding school fast, it's difficult to break into coding without experience regardless of what you read here. Even if you go to school, you're looking at 12-18 months before you're employable. If you're worried about the future of coding, why are you considering it? Weigh your options and make an educated choice.

I know its a long process - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
that is why I don't want to invest all the money and time to find out that coding will take the beating that MT has over the last 20 years. I am on here trying to weigh options and make an educated choice. Coding to me is the next best choice to make from MT. I don't want to go to work answering phones and working with public, I like to do my work and be left alone.

That's great - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
All I'm saying is that being an MT does not guarantee success as a coder, check it out first and decide that it's really what you want. Read the message boards at the AAPC web site and get a handle on what the job market is like and what new coders are facing in their employment search. By the way, coders answer the phone. Chances are your first job will be in a hospital or outpatient facility. You will take calls from staff (billing, business office) who have questions for you. You will need to interact with the physicians when a dignosis doesn't make sense or there is missing information on a record. You'll even be on the phone with transcription at times when they make a mistake or omit some information. As a coder, you will be responsible for your employer getting paid. You will not just be locked up in a room somewhere and "left alone." You may get to work at home, but it will probably only be after you have gained some experience. Even then, you will probably have to take phone calls and answer questions. Find out what it is before you decide if it is what you want to do with the rest of your life, that's all I'm saying.

You're assuming she would only have her CPC through AAPC - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Many people get a CPC by itself and have lots of trouble getting a job. The 'must-have' credential is the CCS along with the CPC for good measure.

Coders with just a CPC have very limited coding employment options.

PS - Curious One

[ In Reply To ..]
Please stop making people feel like losers because they don't carry CCS credentials along with their CPC. Those exams are pricey, and regardless of what you say, difficult to pass. Okay, I see it coming, it's because they didn't attend Andrews. Many coders with "only" a CPC are gainfully employed and successful. One thing keeping new coders from landing that first job is work experience, most employers want at least 2 years. If new coder walked in with 2 credentials but no work experience, chances are they would not get the job anyway. A lot of new coders start out as interns, billing clerks or HIM assistants to get their foot in the door because nothing else is available to them without actual coding experience. Please acknowledge that it's a tough job market and a tough field to break into, and offer something tangible besides the need to take numerous credentialing exams.

I'm not going to acknowledge what I don't believe to be true - As For Me

[ In Reply To ..]
I'll give you my own take on this. I believe credentials truly can be the difference. There are some pretty questionable courses out there turning out CPC candidates by the hundreds. That cheapens that particular credential, especially since the CCS credential is usually held to a higher regard in hospitals. That's just the way it is. A person can do as many have done in MT for years and say, "It's not my skills that are lacking, it's just the fact that nobody will give me a chance." That's just usually not true. It's usually the lack of skills. Medical coding is different. The credentials really do matter.

As was discussed earlier, if you are wise, you will get both the CPC and the CCS.

One more thing I noticed from watching this conversation, you say that

-you cannot get a job, so the conclusion is that there are no coding jobs, especially for unexperienced coders.

-you don't have a CCS and have somehow come to the conclusion that those who do have are no better off than you are as far as job options.

-you live in a remote area with very few medical facilities.

It would make sense that if you live in an area where there are no jobs, that you wouldn't find a job there. It has absolutely no bearing on the profession. You may have to move where the jobs are, or do something else. That may be the answer to your problem, but that may not be a problem for everyone else.

A little bit of common sense here, please.

If you are going to hope to compete with professional credentialed coders - A fast-track abridged approach is dangerous

[ In Reply To ..]
The idea that someone can take a fast-track, abridged course in a few months and be able to compete for a job with professional, credentialed coders, is ridiculous!

Some of these courses are fast, cheap, and pretty much worthless. Why would any quality employer hire someone who has taken the fast-food approach to learning to code? You're setting yourself up for failure if you don't take your training seriously.

Sounds a little like the Cliffs-Notes version of coding training - LOL

[ In Reply To ..]
That really makes sense.

More Curious Misinformation - Actual credentialed, employed coder

[ In Reply To ..]
It almost seems that Curious makes this stuff up to provide fodder for her anti-coding campaign.

CTMT did not seem to want a job answering phones. That is a far cry from answering the phone when someone calls YOU. Coders get phone calls but the job is not that of phone-answering.

We are pretty much left alone in many coding jobs. It depends on the type of job. Straight coding and auditing is "leave 'em alone so they can think." Jobs in compliance, documentation improvement, and training require more social interaction. Jobs in consulting and software companies require a lot of interaction. There is something to suit most personalities.

Do we call doctors about their documentation? When something is unclear or missing, do we phone them up? Maybe in a small office, but in a larger setting we would want or be required to use formal written queries. This is how we avoid the appearance of leading the doctor into documenting to get higher, yet possibly undeserved, payment. So, no, you are not going to be nagging doctors on the phone, CTMT.

How about calling up the MTs when they make a mistake or omit something? How would we even know they omitted something or made a mistake? We don't check your work by listening to the dictation. We also work from signed documentation. Once it has been signed, the doctor who signed it has to make any changes, not the MT. And we do not much care about spelling, grammar, and punctuation--that has negligible effect on us.

I hope this helps CTMT undestand what coding is. I don't want her to go away with misconceptions.

Thank you employed coder - CTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
You are right I meant, I hate answering phones when you are trying to get a project done, that was my experience as a legal secretary, everytime you were really into something, had to stop and answer a phone. I love MT because I get my assignments and get to complete them from start to finish (when my family is gone, of course). Do you think being age 45 its too late to start schooling? A year ago an office manager offered me an entry level job of coding (basically checking what the docs put in on the computer) but I have to pass the exam first since they get paid by Medicare and Medicaid, who require everyone in the office to be certified. She said she is always looking for coders. She thinks with my MT experience I could pass the test by studying the books she gave me, but I feel I need formal training.

The fail rate is really high even for those who get training - Not the ACEC you asked but

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm not the poster you were asking, but I'll give my opinion anyway, for what it's worth.

You might be able to study and pass the CPC with those books, even though I certainly wouldn't advise doing it that way, but the CCS is tough. The fail rate is very high, even for people who have formal training. I think you would be very wise to do it right the first time, by getting the best education you can. You asked about your age. Age 45 is definitely not too late to start a career in coding. Just go into it seriously, not haphazardly, and include in your plan getting both CPC and CCS credentials. Taking shortcuts on your training will end up costing you time, money, and may possibly end your career before it starts, and it will have nothing to do with your age. I hope that helps a little while you are waiting for a response from the person you asked.

CTMT - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I am not the employed coder either. Just wanted to say that I'm 47 and I just enrolled in coding school, so in my opinion 45 is definitely not too late to start! Best of luck to you!

Me too! - Another middleager

[ In Reply To ..]
I look at it like I have a good 20 years until I retire and there is no time like the present to start a new career. I started training a couple of months ago and am so glad I did.

No, 45 is not too late. I was older than that. - More

[ In Reply To ..]
Coders tend to be more dignifed and mature. Unless you present a debilitated, scroungy, bag-elder appearance, go for it.

It is untrue that Medicare requires coders to be certified. There is a post about that on the coding board, so I won't repeat it except to say that providers need to have credentialed coders on staff for compliance reasons and to ensure optimal, accurate coding.

So, basically what you are saying is that you were informed of this opportunity and potentially great job a year ago but have basically not done anything about it because you THINK you would need formal education. And you did not do anything about getting it.

You could have been a credentialed coder by now.

I am not trying to be obnoxious here, but just want you to see the reality of this clearly.

Some people think they might want to try a new career and they just go take a course, read some books, and dive in. Maybe they decide they like it, maybe they don't. It is not a big deal to them. They enjoyed learning it.

Other people won't make a move until they have planned out an entire lifetime career, made sure there is no possibility they will not ever want to do anything else, made sure the job will never change during their lifetime, made sure that every job with every employer will be open when they are ready to work, and so on. They seem to go far beyond normal planning and into a kind of paralysis . . . no amount of planning and assurance will ever be enough. In fact, their planning seems to stop short of actual planning. It seems to get mired down in fretful thinking.

Other people are somewhere in between. Where are you? Perhaps if you can see that you can decide to take action even if the results are not guaranteed.

Yes, you might have been able to pass a certification test quite easily by studying on your own. That is how we learn . . . studying on our own.

That is another thing I see with MTs. They often have not had education which requires working on their own. In school, a teacher talked the material over and over until students got it. In college now, that does not happen. You are pointed in the right direction and YOU have to learn the material. Schools help you, but you have to do the work. Many students do not understand this and sit paralyzed because they do not know what to do if no one is talking at them.

You have the materials. You can do free training on the CMS website. Do that and see if it looks interesting. Then you will know if it is worth taking a class.

Using the phone - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
Is using the phone, whether someone calls you or you pick up the phone to make a call, isn't it? The person who said they wanted to be left alone all day is not going to find that in a coding job, you need to interact with others. What I'm getting is that some people are looking at coding as another job where they can stay at home and work while taking care of the kids, so that is one big misconception. Where I work, the coders are in contact with MT, not a lot but they do call at times if there is an incorrect date of service or other errors that might affect billing, it is not in regard to typos. They are definitely in contact with the billing department and physicians. Our coders read the entire record. I know this because I have shadowed them. I am not anti coding but I know that it is not an easy field to enter, particularly for those of us in our 40s and 50s who have been MTs all our lives. I just wish that one of the employed coders would come forward and explain the entire process, from training to certification to employment. Explain the costs involved and explain the competition that new coders are facing when they attempt to enter the job market. Explain what credentials are needed to work in hospitals and which credentials are needed to work in the outpatient setting, and let people know that the exams are tough and that there is a pretty high fail rate on first attemps. Explain that you have to maintain CECs. Explain that you have to join a professional organization. Many people are not interested in working their way to the top and having multiple credentials, they just need to find a job that pays the bills, and coding is not the quick fix that many are seeking. I am only speaking from what my experience has been and from what I have observed. I don't know everything and I never claimed that I did. Certainly none of you started at the top, keep that in mind when you post assuming that we're all on the same plane.

Medical Coding is not a quick-fix solution for burned-out MTs - As You Requested

[ In Reply To ..]
Medical Coding is a career for those who are seriously motivated. It is not a quick-fix for someone who wants to transition out of MT, grab a little training in how to code and be successful. It doesn't work that way. It's the equivalent to what we always heard about medical transcription, "You just listen and type what you hear, right?" We all are very tired of hearing that and many of us are just as tired of hearing about how 'easy' it will be for medical transcriptionists to just decide to be medical coders. No problem. Piece of cake!

Now that's just silly! Common sense tells most of us that if medical coding is a career worth having, it's worth doing well, not a quick-fix solution. There is a work ethic involved. The 'fast-and-easy' approach is great for fast food restaurants, but not much else.

*You probably won't work from home, at least until you get some experience on-site.

*You will need solid credentials, including CCS credentials. A CPC is also helpful, but not usually enough on its own.

*You will want to join a group of professionals and keep your credentials current.

*Continuing education will be important to you, because you will be serious about your career.

*You will not get proper training in 3-6 months, no matter what you would like to believe about how easy it is for a medical transcriptionist to transition to coding. That's the modern version of snake-oil salesmen who promote fast, easy, and besides, they tell you, you already know it all anyway, right? Others need very solid, professional training as you transition from one career to the next, but you don't. You are an exception. That's what they tell you. The truth is very different.

The truth is, if hard work doesn't appeal to you, medical coding is the wrong career field for you.

How's that, OP?

That was honest, thank you - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
And that is what I was trying to point out in my messages when someone told me I was anticoding. I'm sitting on the fence as to whether I want to continue to pursue it and I have completed a program. Even AAPC states on their web site that you'll be ready to take the exam in 4 months. I'm trying to find an externship/internship or someplace I can go to get some hands on real world coding experience but there are time constraints and other constraints and I'm finding very few employers willing to do that. In regard to wanting to join a group of professionals and keeping credentials current/CECs, it was my understanding that it wasn't a choice, but a requirement for certification. Anyway, thanks for the explanation.

That makes sense. Regarding the 4 month program though - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
While it is possible to get enough training in 4 months to pass the CPC exam, that isn't enough to consider yourself a proficient coder. It's a good start though. Good luck with your new career!

Get off the fence - My recommendation

[ In Reply To ..]
I think you have not really understood that you have been going on about how impossible this is in front of people who know better. We know because we already did it.

You are not posting to clear up your own issues about this. You are posting to validate those issues in your own mind and in so doing you discourage others from pursuing a perfectly fine career field.

They are not you. Your unhappy experience does not need to be their experience.

No matter what is said here, you come back with "yes, but" and your own mistaken views. You do this not just for yourself but on behalf of others as well.

This has been a pattern for months and on multiple boards. You seem to cruise the boards looking for opportunties to do your yes-butting.

You may not be aware of it, but a lot of your yes-butting appears to be a response to me or to Coder or someone else, but it is not really a yes-but about what WE said. It is a yes-but about what YOU said in a post higher up.

If you do not like coding, fine, but other people do. Others are successful even if you are not.

I do not believe that you are trying to make any decision about continuing in coding. From all appearances, you fell off the fence into a cow plop ages ago and you are looking for company.

You are totally mistaken - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
About my motives; this is the only board I post messages on. I think someone needs to be addressing some issues and point out to those who think they need to "go to coding school now" that there are other options in regard to career choices and it is not something to be entered into without researching the job market and taking the coders who post here at their word that everything is wonderful. I thanked you for your honesty and this is how you respond? What a professional attitude.

Not as mistaken as you think - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry, but you post messages on the coding board and other boards, as well. I am not the only person who has notied your pattern of contradicting anything and everything.

I think people intersted in coding already know they have other choices, don't you? Do you really think they have no earthly idea there might be something else out there? How stupid do you think they are?

And do you truly think you need to save them from coding? From a perfectly viable career field?

It did not work out for you, but you seem to have done everything wrong, or you have so many misconceptions and misunderstandings that you have been unable to get past them, or you are just one of those people for whom coding is a bad choice. Why you would think your experience is everyone's experience is beyond me.

Why you cannot see that your experience is an isolated one and largely due to your own negativity and disinterest is beyond me, as well.

There are thousands of successful coders. No one ever said it did not take work to get there. Most career fields do. You were not successful -- apparently largely due to your own efforts or lack thereof -- but that does not mean the career is unsuitable for everyone. I and thousands of successful coders can speak to that.

After reading this entire thread - My Conclusions

[ In Reply To ..]
The OP has been hurt by making poor choices. I believe she is sincerely trying to warn people so they won't make the same mistakes she made.

I agree with her. If others go about their coding career the same way, they will have similar results. I think this is a continuation of the same conversation that was held in length over on the coding board, spread over several months.

I've concluded that it most likely she -

Was not motivated to consider her educational options carefully before enrolling in a course that provided inadequate training. She is providing readers with strong evidence of the importance of doing your homework before you enroll, and not making your education choices because they are fast, cheap, having a promotional 'sale', or close to your house.

Either chose not to sit for credentials exams, unable to do so, or failed them.

Lives in an area where there are few coding jobs, and those there are would not consider her, most likely because she didn't have the CCS credentials they required.

Finally, she believes that because her situation was a disaster for her, she should warn others that if they do the same thing, they will also regret it.

I would conclude that this is a very strong argument to:

Do your homework before you enroll.

Don't shortcut your education.

Get an education that leads to not just a CPC, but prepares you for the CCS as well.

Do it right the first time so you don't waste your time and money and ruin your disposition, making it necessary to spend the rest of your life warning people of the evils of the coding industry.

Keep in mind that it's a grown-up world out there. Nobody is handing out jobs just because any of us just go in and ask for them. They don't owe you anything. You have to have skills and credentials that show you are worth interviewing and possibly hiring. When you do, it still isn't easy. It never has been. People have to look at the job search as if it were a full-time job. Jobs are scarce, but they are there for those who are prepared for them.

I can speak for myself, thanks - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
The reason that I chose to study coding was because I thought I was going to lose my MT job and needed to find other employment without spending a lot of time in school. Fortunately, I'm still with my employer of 18 years and doing what I know and love. I coded and abstracted when I was younger, so coding seemed a logical transition job. I chose a good school and did well. I work 40+ hours a week and studied coding in the evenings and on weekends, but it was tough. I still feel that I need some hands on coding experience. Having the CCS has nothing to do with any of this. Most of the employers in my area (and yes, it's a small town) recognize the CPC. In an outpatient setting, the CCS is not a requirement at all. I did plan to sit for an exam, but truthfully I'm not sure I want to spend the money and then make myself crazy trying to find a coding job. I suppose people do pass the CCS on the first attempt without work experience, but it's rare and those people are exceptional. Don't make it sound as if I am of sub-par intelligence or a failure, it was my choice not to pursue this any further. The reality of my situation is that I am 58 years old. You can sugar coat that all you want and say that I'm not too old, but very few people start over in new careers at that age. Another fact of life is that employers want people with coding experience, at least 2 years of it, credentialed or not. Even if you're fortunate enough to get hired, you'll be considered a "newbie" just like you were when you were starting out as an MT. As we all know, even the best educational environment was no substitute for what we had thrown our way in the real world. Nowadays, coders are paid hourly, but there are productivity requirements too, and accuracy counts evne more than it does in MT because thousands of dollars are at stake. If there's an audit, guess who's job is on the line? Yes, I am warning MTs about choosing a coding career. Please don't assume that because you were an MT in another life that it is a good fit for you and that you'll quickly become credentialed and coast into a new job. Make sure that it is what you really want, it's not an easy transition, and I do think that many on these boards have been led to think that it is. Take a lesser HIM job if you have to to get your foot in the door. Do an internship or find a mentor. Attend local AHIMA or AAPC chapter meetings and network. Clear your schedule of work and family obligations for a while because you are going to need all the time you can get to study. Lastly, don't make assumptions about me or my situation, I can speak for myself.

Your situation is what it is, but it isn't typical of others - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
The ability to pass a CCS exam has everything to do with a discussion about success as a new coder. There is an old Russian proverb which says, "We are not so rich as to buy cheap things." Too many people are taking the fast, cheap way, taking a way too casual approach to their coding education just as they have done for years in medical transcription. Again, my experience as a brand new MT was not the same as yours. The education I had was an excellent substitute for on-the-job experience and/or internship. Education means everything. If we hadn't had so many fly-by-night MT schools, many MT graduates wouldn't have failed so miserably. Many of us are determined not to let that happen to MTs who are thinking about switching to coding.

Thanks - Curious one

[ In Reply To ..]
Some people walk on water, while others dog paddle.

I also agree with you 100% that too many MTs are looking for an easy way out to - Coding

[ In Reply To ..]
MTs are looking for an easy way out. I get that. Some of us have worked for years as MTs and have income requirements that just aren't being met these days.

Enter the "snake-oil salesmen" as some have phrased it. You too can become a medical coder without investing too much effort or money. Let us morph your MT skills and turn you into a medical coder in 3 months! But wait! There's more. If you sign up now, we'll throw in a set of knives and some wash cloths. If you bring in a friend, we'll toss in a free laptop!

I think I get what you've been trying to say. Fast-Track coding training is the new fad. Plenty of people will get hurt before it passes and the snake-oil salesmen go on to something else to hoist onto the naive and vulnerable among us. I'm glad you started the conversation! It needed to be said.

I thought you thanked ME for my honesty - Are you getting posters mixed up? - scratching head

[ In Reply To ..]
I thought earlier you thanked ME for my honesty. Now you're taking that back and slamming me for saying something I didn't say, writing something I didn't write. You're getting confused.

You wish employed coders would explain things? - Speechless Employed Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
What the heck did you think we were? And what did you think those pages and pages of posts on the coding board were? All of those questions have been answered multiple times.

Perhaps you are just so focused on finding something to contradict that you miss the forest for the trees.

I did not start at the top. I started lower than the bottom, but made an effort and started climbing.

Similar Messages:

Sep 13, 2012

Would anyone who does EMR editing be willing to share their experiences with me? Is EMR editing enjoyable, how does it compare to traditional QA editing, what does the job entail, etc? Thank you! ...

Jun 27, 2013

What is electronic medical records? Goodwill is teaching a 3 month class starting soon. I have heard about a government mandated thing that doctors have to go electronic by Jan. 2014, but not much more than that. I know someone could shed some light. I am thinking of taking the class, but don't know if it would be worth it. Although, I think I could sleep through the medical transcription portions, LOL. ...

Dec 28, 2010

what is the status of EMR...is it going to impact MT industry ...

Jul 26, 2012

I don't see much talk about EMR taking over the MTs job. This has happened to me with my last three companies (small transcription companies) that I have worked for. With my last job we had an account with a large hospital that had a cardiology group we transcribed for. EMR came in and we were immediately out of a job. Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience...pretty much sucks ...

Dec 22, 2009

How many amongst you have used any of the popular EMRs like practice partner(http://www.practicepartner.com),infraware (www.infraware.com). EMRs have suddenly become very hot since they will become mandatory by 2014. I had read some where that there are some security issues with them.What do you think are pros and cons with EMRs? ...

Jul 30, 2011

I have heard and read that Obama is really pushing the EMR, and by the year 2014, he wants all hospitals/clinics to implement this or else be taxed. He also is supposed to be offering grants and incentives if they do also. So any hospital or physician office that doesn't will be taxed more and will not get incentives, grants, etc. So I think most will try it cause they don't want more taxes and want the incentives, etc. So where does that leave us? If you work for a hospital, what ...

Oct 24, 2011

Anyone out there transcribing directly into EMR? I'm wondering about using text expanders in EMR and, how are you counting lines in EMR? Or do you know of anywhere that addresses these issues? Thanks! ...

Nov 30, 2011

My sister has recently taken on the task of medical record compliance at her husband's dental office. They are electronic (just going that way), and she is trying to be HIPAA compliant. I know this doesn't concern transcription, but I though maybe someone has an MR person in their office who could direct her to a blog, or website where she could get information. Thanks! ...

Jan 05, 2013

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/copying-common-in-electronic-medical-records ...

Apr 16, 2013

Is EMR the same as voice reconigition? ...

Mar 02, 2011

I am contemplating going to school for transcription but wondering how the electronic records thing is going to effect the job market. Will there still be a need for transcribing? It seems a lot of offices are using the computer for all there notes. Any info on this subjest would be appreciated. ...

Apr 28, 2010

To: Current MTs I am considering entering the medical transcription field. I am trying to evaluate the pros and cons of this business to see if it will be a good fit for me. If anyone has reactions to the following statements/concerns, I will be glad to hear them. I am encouraged to hear from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states an expected growth of 11% from 2008 - 2018. --- This is great news! However, I'm concerned about the new law coming into ...

Mar 20, 2011

Dear medical coding students and medical coders: I am starting The Andrew's School of Medical Coding on April 1, 2011 and I have I am looking forward to it. I want to ask you your opinions. I was at the dog park with my pug Cruncher yesterday and I was telling my friends that I was looking forward to starting school and one my friends who is an oncologist at NIH was advising me that I should think twice about starting medical coding as a profession because the implementation of the electron ...

Mar 06, 2015

link below ...

Oct 03, 2014

Ebola patient in Dallas went to this hospital when he first started having symptoms. According to news report, there was a "flaw in the electronic medical records, and doctors were not informed of his travel history." Patient came in from Liberia. Why oh why was this not caught the first time he came to the hospital???? IJS ...

Nov 29, 2011

I'm looking to purchase a good medical dictionary to incorporate into my word program. Anyone using one? You can email me since we can't name names here. Thanks ! ...

Jan 14, 2015

I have been corrected by QA twice on this one. The first time it was changed to capitals (Electronic Medical Record), so I started typing it that way. However, recently I had it changed to lower case (electronic medical record). Both times the sentence was the same... "Detailed in the electronic medical record." I had always typed this lower case until it was changed the first time. I never did understand why it should be capitalized. How do you usually transcribe this one? ...

Sep 24, 2012

Does anybody know of a good electronic medical dictionary on CD-ROM? Thank you! ...

Jun 26, 2014

Everywhere I turn I see nothing but EMR - No more dictation, no more transcription. At an eye appointment today when I told the technician I'm a medical transcriptionist, she responded with "DO THEY STILL HAVE THAT?" It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Transcription and even VR will not be needed by next year. Walmart please hire me! ...

Aug 01, 2010

A local hospital is hiring a medical records tech. For experience, all they ask is basic computer experience, knowledge of medical terminology, and a h.s. diploma. Hmmmmm...I've had the terminology certificate for a year, plus a completion certificate for MT and several specialty certs, and I passed the RMT exam. Think I ought to take a shot at this even though I have no prior experience with filing, records, etc.? ...

Jun 25, 2011

I've heard something recently about this and just wondering if it is a good parallel to MTing and if the pay is better? ...

May 07, 2012

I would advise EVERYONE to get a copy of their medical records and view them. I had to get copies from my PCP (cost me $15.00, but worth it), and I found soooo many mistakes. Some I know were the MT's, but most were the doctor's mistakes. For instance, they had under my family history in the last year of mother having diabetes. My mother NEVER had diabetes, and don't know where they even got that at, as I found earlier in my file my family history, which wa ...

Sep 26, 2012

Anyone go from being an MT to a Medical Records Clerk at a hospital? I was thinking with my experience in transcribing medical records and being familiar with the terminology and HIPPA, an MT would be a good candidate. Any thoughts on this? ...

Sep 13, 2013

Article from The Guardian. ...

Sep 27, 2014

Hi all, I have a job interview for a position as medical records clerk in an orthopedic center. I quit MT about 3 years ago and did a few things that didn't work out, and now I have an opportunity to interview for a medical records clerk. I had sent them a resume, most of which was transcription, and they called me to come in and see them. Does anyone know if I can transition to it that easily? My friends all think that just because I know medical terminology, that I can just trans ...

Jan 14, 2015

Since Septemer 2014, every visit with every provider has gone like this. 1) The medical assistant types into my record. 2) The provider types into my record. At the end of my visit, they hand me the summary of my visit that day. It goes like this 1) The medications are mostly right although some are wrong and way wrong. 2) My age is off by 10 years at one facility and they 'cannot correct it.' 3) My height and weight are off a whole lot at another facility and they 'cannot c ...

Nov 14, 2009

With HIPAA regulations tightening on who can get a carbon copy of a patient's medical record, MTs should NOT have the responsibility of sending any carbon copies at all. All carbon copy requests for a patient's records should go directly to the hospital's medical records dept for a signed release verification from the patient for that copy to be sent. Reports being sent from any outside provider without the proper signed release from the patient should be consider ...

Apr 15, 2011

My husband's father had a brain tumor many years ago (back when I first started dating him) and had surgery. Unfortunately, the surgeon never stopped the bleeding completely before closing him up and waited too long to take him back to the OR, so he remained in a coma for numerous months until he passed away. My husband's mother many years later also passed away. My husband is starting to have periods of extreme forgetfullness and completely not remembering something ...

Nov 26, 2012

nm ...

Apr 17, 2013

Did anyone else question that advertisement? First, they say that you can work at their locations, then later on they say that the candidates need to have internt access, that does not make sense. Also, the list of people they consider good candidates does not make sense. Coders and RNs to scan records? I'm not saying it's beneath them, but it's just seems a little strange that they would seek those type of people (as well as some others on the list) for an ...