75 yr old BSN wants to become a coder

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It could be a great idea to become a medical coder! Your BSN background gives you a solid understanding of healthcare terminology and systems, which is a huge asset. As a 75-year-old, your wealth of experience can also work in your favor, as many employers value maturity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Possibility of Getting Hired

Medical coding is a growing field, and many employers are open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, especially if they have foundational knowledge in healthcare. While some coding positions may prefer candidates with prior coding experience, many are willing to train individuals with a strong understanding of medical terminology and healthcare procedures. Your BSN could give you an edge in understanding the medical charts and codes corresponding to diagnoses and treatments.

However, remember that certain roles may still require specific certifications, even if they don't demand prior experience. That said, plenty of entry-level coding positions are available for newcomers, especially if you can demonstrate your ability to learn quickly and adapt to coding systems.

Steps to Become a Medical Coder (Without Experience-Based Certifications)

Start by learning the fundamentals of medical coding, including:

• ICD-10-CM: The coding system for diagnosing diseases.
• CPT: Current Procedural Terminology used to document medical procedures.
• HCPCS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System includes codes for services and equipment not covered by CPT.

Many online courses are available, and as someone with a healthcare background, you should be able to grasp the basics relatively quickly.

Choose Your Training Program
Look for training programs that teach coding fundamentals without needing prior professional experience.

Industry-Respected Trainings

The most recognized and respected training options are typically from:

• AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). They offer foundational courses and are highly respected in the industry.
• AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) provides solid coding and health information management training and is highly respected by employers.
• The Coding Academy. They have courses aimed at beginners to help you get started in the field.

Study and Familiarize Yourself with the Tools

Get comfortable with coding software or platforms often used in medical coding. These might include systems like 3M, Epic, or Cerner.

Learn about the coding books (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS) and their structures. Many training programs will provide you with study materials and online resources for practicing code look-up.

Get Hands-On Experience
Once you've gained some foundational knowledge, look for internships or volunteer opportunities to give you hands-on experience. Even entry-level positions or shadowing a medical coder can be incredibly helpful in developing your skills.

Apply for Entry-Level Positions
Once you're comfortable with the basics and have completed a training program, apply for entry-level medical coding positions. Many companies are willing to train new coders, especially if they have a healthcare background. Focus on positions like:

• Medical Coder Trainee
• Medical Records Clerk
• Health Information Management Assistant

What Employers Look for in Job Postings

When reviewing job postings for medical coding roles, employers often list the following:

• Basic familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
• Knowledge of medical terminology (which you already have due to your BSN).
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills and communication abilities.

Employers also frequently prefer candidates familiar with coding software such as Epic, Cerner, or 3M Health Information Systems, but these skills can be learned on the job.

I hope this gives you a path forward! The key is to leverage your medical background while learning the coding specifics. 

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth