Need advice re RN medical coding

[txinny]

I am thinking of taking a medical coding course and have spent weeks reading various coding forums. The consensus of opinion is that even if you are certified, it is difficult to find work with no coding experience. I thought that being an RN would push me to the head of the line, but I spoke to an HR person at the local hospital today who told me that 3 yrs acute care coding experience is required and my 25 years of nursing experience doesn't matter (which I personally think is ridiculous) even if I take a course and get certified. Have any other RNs out there had any problems getting hired after becoming certified? I am mostly interested in remote coding. Thanks for any advice.

[Mijourney]

Not only is coding experience required for remote coding opportunities but your pay also is like that of a coder which is usually substantially less than an RN's pay. If you really think that you'll like coding as a full time job, then I suggest that you follow through with learning it and getting your certification. Possibly volunteer your services in a hospital to get your foot in the door to get some exposure to actual coding and to establish a reference. I would also consider joining reputable organizations such as AHIMA and AAPC for networking, resources, and support. I don't code fulltime but I work in a job that requires knowledge of coding and reimbursement. I desire to work remotely as well, but I cannot afford to take a large pay cut. I don't think that getting your certification will be a bad idea. It may open up some other avenues that require coding and working remotely.

[iamvickie62]

I was just wondering does remote mean work at home?? That is what I am interested in. I have triplet and can't afford daycare and would love to work from home. I still need to get certified. Looking at a junion college here in town. It would be weird to go back to a JC but it is cheaper than a private coding school. Do you think rn-coders make more money then RN-auditors? And does anyone can help me with how to become an auditor?? Thanks

[Mijourney]

Sorry, long time, no response. When you write auditor, do you mean coding or documentation auditor? I know nurses who audit documentation (this includes coding) and make a pretty good living doing so. Some of these nurses work for insurers, some work for private agencies, and some work as legal nurse consultants for lawyers. With some of these positions, you have an opportunity to work remotely (from home).

I don't know exactly what coding auditors make but I believe they make substantially lower than RNs. Compare salaries on PayScale - Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Wages and see what you come up with. Hope this helps.