need info medical coding

Mulan · Sep 2, 2011

Hi Rntrap
Many certified coders have self-studied for the coding exams. They did not have the money to spend on courses. So they purchased an introduction to coding textbook, and a study guide for the certification exam. This requies a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline, but many have passed the exam through self-study.
Do you have specific questions about books to purchase?
There has been an increase in employers preferring the CCS or CCS-P from AHIMA.

So it's possible to get certified and be employable without taking any classes/courses?

vlntrnurs · Sep 4, 2011

So it's possible to get certified and be employable without taking any classes/courses?

It's possible to get certified and self-study (without taking formal courses).

The above message was written in 2008. Its 2011, and a lot has changed with the economic climate since 2008.

Being employable depends on so many other things these days. Certification helps.

Mulan · Sep 5, 2011

I understand they are offering coding classes for nurses now.

I wonder if it will be like the LNC, all these nurses taking coding classes and then not being able to find work.

Provides a good income for those giving the courses though.

vlntrnurs · Sep 5, 2011

I understand they are offering coding classes for nurses now.

I learned coding on my own without taking courses. I didn't have the money or time to take courses. If I could learn it on my own, I'm sure any one could.

vlntrnurs · Sep 5, 2011

I wonder if it will be like the LNC, all these nurses taking coding classes and then not being able to find work.
Provides a good income for those giving the courses though.

Is that what is happening with LNC?

Have nurses complained about not finding work after taking LNC courses and certification?

Mulan · Sep 5, 2011

That's what I have seen, for years, complaints of very little to no work after taking the legal nurse consulting course.

I have been trying to find info on the net as to whether or not nurses are actually finding jobs as coders. Any info I can find on coding is 3 years old and not from nurses.

Ad after ad for places offering the courses though.

Sounds like a great alternative to bedside nursing, but no point in spending the money and the time if jobs aren't readily available.

vlntrnurs · Sep 6, 2011

That's what I have seen, for years, complaints of very little to no work after taking the legal nurse consulting course.
I have been trying to find info on the net as to whether or not nurses are actually finding jobs as coders. Any info I can find on coding is 3 years old and not from nurses.
Ad after ad for places offering the courses though.
Sounds like a great alternative to bedside nursing, but no point in spending the money and the time if jobs aren't readily available.

Well-said, Mulan. Hopefully, individuals will be cautious and weary of these ads that offer courses in fields where jobs are scarce. I hope they ask around (like you), search the internet for those particular jobs, and get first-hand knowledge of professionals (who have made the transition) before they consider spending money on those courses.