Nurse Coding

Hi,
Does anyone here know any specifics about nurse coding courses? Is it worth pursuing? Will they actual hire and pay what nurse coders are worth? Just seeking alternatives. Thanks!

Hi,
I don't think there are any nurse coder classes. a certified coder is a certified coder. Being a nurse helps. You can take the regular coding courses then must sit for the exam. I think but am not positive if you are a nurse you can just take the test, but let me tell you I've heard horror stories about the coding exam. You can do a search for the American Academy of Professional Coders.There website will give you some info and you can have them send you a catalog with info.From the nurses that I know who are certified coders the pay is the same for all coders they do not pay you more for being a nurse because I guess they figure they are not utilizing you in that way.I know coders also carry malpractice insurance, just like nurses. There can be a lot of legal situations if you do not code right ie: upcoding.

Right now I'm working as a nurse auditor. I do defense audits for the hospitals against the insurance co's and the business office will have me look at disputed bills etc...They want nurses for that, for sure and I'm only an LPN not an RN. I guess they require a nurse so when your reading the surgical reports and H+P's you can put the steps together and uncover charges that should be there or rather that are there and shouldn't be etc...

Good Luck
Cheryl