So, does anyone work as a medical coder?

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Do any of you nurses (or anyone else) work as a medical coder and, if so, how do you like the work compared to nursing? How does the pay compare to nursing? I know coding probably pays less, but the hours are usually better. I did a seaqrch for previous posts on this topic, but they were all old and some of them seemed rather incomplete- people seemed very interested in the topic, but then never posted back with follow up. Thanks for any insight/experiences you can offer.

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Specializes in ER I/CCU Cath lab LTC.

I'm curious about this also. Anyone with any info?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I also wanted to get into this. I took some of the classes, ICD-9 and CPT and there was an RN in there, but I was never inspired enough to complete it. Now, I would like to re-enter or even start again.

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You can check this forum out. It sounds like a lot of people are having problems finding jobs, especially if they are starting out. Sure, it is harder for new nurse grads right now, but at least, many hospitals do still have new grad programs. Looks like you're pretty much on your own trying to get your foot in the door with medical coding. It sounds like the major attraction is being able to work from home, but you have to get experience before you can get those better paying "remote" jobs.

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

I currently work as a coder in addition to per diem nursing in LTC; honestly I was doing that type of work before nursing school ( 12 yrs to be exact). I'm not certified but I've had extensive on the job training. To compare one speciality/discipline to another is difficult. I think that I'm pretty burned out on the coding aspect and will hopefully be leaving ICD-9, ICD-10, HCPCS, and CPT behind for good in the near future and going into nursing full time.

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Blue note, thanks for the link. Who knew there was so much interest in coding? I haven't read all of the discussions yet, but I'm working on it. Segalpn, you do sound a bit burned out. I, too, have many years experience in coding and have been taking prerequites for nursing school. I thought I might go in to nursing, but now I have been offered a better (remote) coding job. It's hard to decide which road to take.

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