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Discussion

Will coding experience help get a CM position?

Hello everyone,

Let me give you some background as to why I'm asking this question (this is my first post so please forgive me Im still learning how to do this)

I received my CPC-A certification in Dec. 2008 with the intent of finding a coding job. I was unsuccessful in doing so partly because of the experience they require to get a job and because I got into an RN program (AS). My plan right now is to finish the program and go into pediatrics, NICU, or L&D, work for a few years while I'm obtaining my BSN and eventually go into CM. The CM field really interests me. I have spoken to numerous CMs during my rotations at the hospital and everything they have told me has further fueled my interest for this field. As of right now I have a standing job offer to be a part time coder in an orthopedic doctor's office run by my close friends the office manager and her doctor brother. I'm reluctant to except the offer right now because not only am I in the middle of my nursing program, but Im also pregnant and don't want to push myself too much.

So, I am a person who likes to think ahead in the future and I was wondering if having coding experience will help me get a CM job later on? I don't plan on excepting the job offer (IF it would help me) until after I finish my program and have my baby.

I would appreciate any and all comments/ suggestions from you CMs already in this field. Thank you.

-jane521

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    Coding is a plus not mandatory to be a case manager. Sounds like you have a good plan, best of luck in school.

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    Coding would get you in the door for Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist position which is often withing the CM dept and is not a bad job in itself.

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    Thank you very much for your response. The more I know about this profession the better. Are you in Case management? For how long? Do you like it? Sorry for all the questions :)

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    I am not presently working in case management but I still maintain my CCM. Any knowledge that will help to reimburse the hospital properly would be helpful. Knowledge of the reimbursement is very helpful as a case manager.

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    Let me fill this out for you a bit: I am an RN, and have insurance case management experience, plus I worked at Blue Cross years ago where we learned coding. I also just started a new job this week for a hospital system case manager, which ties all my background together very nicely. I have intensive care, home care, mental health, and insurance experience.

    I do not think coding in of itself will do much, other than add a bit of understanding to the interplay of insurance requirements and case management. I would skip the coding job if I were you, as you will not really use that as a case manager. Get your RN, get some floor experience, then look at home care for a bit, which will tie in nicely as a new mom with young kids. Once you get a few years of varied experience under your belt, go for case manager. In this position, you have to understand what needs a person will have once they go home, and make it happen so they will not return to the hospital too quickly. The salary of an RN case manager is much higher than a Utilization Management tech or assistant in the CM department, which is where you would be if you just did the coding job. It is all what is important to cement your future. The only advantage to the coding job, as I see it, would be part time work while your baby is young, which is a benefit because being a Mom is stressful enough without doing night shifts in the hospital as a nurse.

    Don't worry, everything you do will add to the bank of knowledge you create for your future. And good luck!! I was where you are about 21 years ago

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