Work at home: HEDIS + CCS = JOB?

[knurse8]

Please HELP! Nurse with 20 years experience that includes in/out patient clinical, case management and administration. Despite what I feel is an attractive resume, I'm finding it challenging to land a work from home position. I've omitted case management with insurance companies and instead really like the idea of chart auditing, data abstraction and coding. I have some experience with all this but get turned down because I lack experience with specific Core Measures. And for coding jobs employers want CPC or CCS cert with 1 year experience. So after some research I'm curious if I obtained my CPC OR CCS and then also took a course on HEDIS, would this combo land me a job???? Just want to find a niche that will create income of at least 50k. Greatly appreciate any guidance or insights

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I am not sure you're going to find that kind of salary as a coder without coding experience, despite your extensive experience as a nurse. If an employer could hire an experienced non-clinical coder for less than a nurse with no coding experience but some certs, it's not a tough choice from a business perspective.

One area you might look at that does value clinical experience is in working with trauma registries. Trauma registrars are sometimes hired for remote positions. Though you'd need to learn the particulars of coding for injuries and working with a trauma registry, this is one area in which clinical experience seems to be more valued for data abstraction purposes.

[knurse8]

Thanks for the information Pixie.RN! I found a Trauma Reg. job posting and applied. Will keep on my list of options in this competitive virtual RN market!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the information Pixie.RN! I found a Trauma Reg. job posting and applied. Will keep on my list of options in this competitive virtual RN market!

Awesome!!!

[empatheticRN]

I have only 4 years experience RN bedside experience and was looking into this area/ clinical improvement specialist jobs but they want experience plus certifications. Most jobs that will give you the experience are not remote. I am planning to to do/apply for inpatient jobs in this area and then apply to remote openings after a year or two.

[knurse8]

UPDATE to my original post. I did land an ICD coding position without earning my CPC. This company preferred nurses over non clinical coders (CPC' CCS). They provided in-house training that was very organized and structured. But equally designed to progressivly squeeze out nurses that did not meet thier high production quotas & standards. Im glad I did not invest in getting my CPC license because I learned even though I could do it, I REALLY disliked it. Most recently I took a on line HEDIS training course and combined with my QA/Admin experience landed a position for the 2019 season. Down side is it is non salary IC and pays strickly per chart/review. I dont respond well to the fear based whip cracking management and know Ill do well and be more productive utilizing internal motivation. Work from home positions are incredibly tough to land!!! Ill I can suggest to other nurses is keep throwing resumes, job search key words like RN "remote, virtual, work from home", dont just use one platform to search- i found many jobs that were off Indeed and really liked Simply Hired. Do alot of research on the various WFH niches that exist and are in demand and keep throwing resumes specifically tweaked for the job specifications. Read employee reviews of working for the company for good and bad insights, i like Glassdoor because i noticed some companies pay Indeed to supress reveiws cause they know it will scare away nurses. If your fortunate, eventually (4-6mo ave) you might find the a great company! You will still work work hard, but enjoy the perks of your dog laying at your feet while you sip coffee in your PJ's.