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I am a student too. All my instructors thus far said that we need to volunteer and network, network, network! Most places will only let you volunteer up to 2 days (16)a week, especially when they find out the field you're enterng. Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, etc. are almost always accepting to volunteers. You get the experience you are needing as well as get the inside scoop as to what depts. or openings they have coming up. Good Luck to you.

DeEtta LettJuly 31, 2009
Rio Rancho, NM

For all of you that are just starting out in the coding field- don't give up & keep applying. If you absolutely can't get a position as a coder due to the experience requirement try finding a job in billing or reimbursement to get some experience, and get a coding credential. It took me about 2 years to get a coding job after I graduated, but it did happen. Persistence paid off & I have a job that I really enjoy.

Maureen ,  CPC, CCA,  VAJuly 30, 2009
Milwaukee, WI

I am currently a AAPC student and future AHIMA student, and I too wonder about where to start, etc. Everything I read is like most...min. 2 yrs experience.

My question is this. Most coders I have spoken with say they were literally taken off the street and trained, so why are trained students, who I feel has a greater understanding of coding, not given the same consideration as on-the-job training individuals?

I realize that I do not know everything and will need to have some on-the-job training, but to what extend? Not as much as someone taken right off the street, at least that is my understanding.

On the days I am exhausted I remember my father saying (like most do), "It's not what you know, but who you know." Then the movie Cider House Rules comes to mine, then within that split second, I think but Dad, I know AAPC and AHIMA.

Judy Phillips,  StudentApril 29, 2009
Clemmons, NC

I would like to get a coding job but do not know where to apply since most jobs require experience. As a student at the VA Hospital I am not eligible for openings. They hire within the organization for people who are already regular employees. Where can a new coder get experience?

Gloria White,  Student Medical Data Clerk,  VA HospitalApril 09, 2009
Cincinnati, OH

I am taking a medical coding program and am really interested in a cancer registry career, which I did not even know existed until I started the coding program. Could anyone give me any information on how to approach getting into to field. I know in most cases a college degree is required. Any information someone might be able to pass along would be greatly appreciated.

Frances Smith,  studyMarch 25, 2009
Sumter, SC

I am just finishing up Tech class for Medical billing specialist. Please send any advice you have on how to become an advanced certification in this field. I also need to know what is a correct starting salary for this job. Where is a good place to begin the career office or hospital.
Thanks,
Juanita

juanita McGaugh NafusMarch 07, 2009
Commerce, TX

I found the article interesting when it stated it is hard to find coders as everyone goes to school for their degree and starts their profession. I know a number of people, myself included, who have AAS in coding and have NOT been able to find coding jobs. Everyone wants 3+ years experience and credentials now... how do we get the 3+ years experience if no one will hire w/o it?

Kris M,  CCAFebruary 24, 2009
Moose Lake, MN

I just started taking classes at the Miami Dade College medical campus to become a medical coding. I'm doing this as a carreer change and I'm very exited about

Harold January 27, 2009

Hi I am fixing to take my clinical class and graduate for medical coding. I have no idea where to start. Job outlook doesn't seem good since everyone wants experience. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Celia Joles,  coding studentJanuary 12, 2009
slidell, LA

I am currently working on getting my coding certification and I was excited to come accross this website.

Tracy HecoxJanuary 06, 2009
Lagro, IN

I was glad to see the 0-2 experience break down this time. Now I wish we could get it by what part of the country. I just finished my A.S. and was wondering what starting salary to expect.

I can tell that two of the people who say they are below the average are in Florida. I was just wondering if the South is the lowest paid, and if there is a HIT school in your area? If you live in an area with a school, it might bring down the salaries due to the competition.



Cathy Pearson,  studentDecember 29, 2008
MS

Hello Deb from Hudson, MI Could you please tell me the name of the company you work for so I could send my application in?
Thanks!

Deb December 26, 2008

Hi Judy,
The numbers don't include benefits and are gross wages. Thanks!



Lynn Jusinski,  Associate Editor,  ADVANCE for Health Information ProfessionalsDecember 18, 2008
King of Prussia, PA

Do the salary numbers include benefits, or are they gross wages?

Judy December 17, 2008

I started working for this company 2 months before I graduated from college.
I make over 40,000 a year, I love my job.... I code from home (remote).
Just keep your head up the jobs are out there.. you just have to keep sending those resume`s.
Good luck, Coders

Deb Lewis,  Outpatient Coder,  RRADecember 17, 2008
Hudson, MI

Would like to see what Charge Master Coordiantors salaries are. I have CCS and have coded over 10 years now. Was chosen for position due to knowledge of CPT, revenue and billing.

Linda ,  ChargemasterDecember 17, 2008
GA

survey result is very interesting and valuable.i hope please always i receive its in future.

Laxman Paudel,  MRO,  Regional HospitalDecember 16, 2008
Pokhara,Nepal, IN

I am fortunate to be above the average by 3K a year! For those of you below don't give up or become discouraged the field is improving.

Tanya ,  CoderDecember 15, 2008
GA

I'm surprised to see that I'm within the average, but I know I'm worth more. I've been coding 4 years as a CPC and I have a specialty certification in Anesthesia (ACS-AN) through the BMSC. Just last year my company realized that they needed to do something to keep their coders and they gave all of us a raise. We kept losing people to work-from-home coding positions and our competition was stealing our employees. I think they finally figured out how valuable their Coders really are!

Candy S, CPC, ACS-AN,  Lead Coder,  Billing CompanyDecember 15, 2008
Leawood, KS

still making lessthen 37,000.00 as a full time coder. RHIT WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE.

frederick bush,  lead in patient coder,  naval hospital pensacolaDecember 15, 2008
pensacola, FL

i have a rhit and ccs degree, work full-time for almost six years and i am $11,000 below the 2008 average. Wow!

bam December 15, 2008

I'm still making LESS than I was making in 1998 due to a series of buyouts and a "gap" in my employment due to medical issues and being on FMLA, despite continuing to work for "the same" company for the past 13 years. I had gone over 3 years without a raise until getting a 2% "cost of living" increase, which actually causes a deficit because inflation is higher than 2%. MTSOs wonder why they have turnover??? Try paying people what they are actually worth!

I guess since I've been at my current job over 10 years, it's time for me to get out of this business. Too bad the industry will lose one of its most knowledgeable workers.

Kim G,  CMT,  MTSODecember 15, 2008

I have not received a raise in 3 years. I am a Full time CCS-P and my salary is $9,000 below the 2008 average. I don't see where my experience or credentials have helped me in my job.

Noreen Bernard,  Health Info Specialist,  Child HealthDecember 15, 2008
Sarasota, FL


     

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