Any Currently Employed Medical Billers & Coders here?

Options
cramernh
cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
in Chit-Chat
Thought it would be great to see just how many of us are on MFP that are in the same area of healthcare.

Ive got the best of both worlds as a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist and am currently studying for the coding certification but work with the preliminary coding process here at work.

I work in a large provider-based AR department where we work with over 70+ specialties of medicine. We have a great group of AR reps and coders here with an amazing support system in place.

MFP was recommended to me from an Endocrinologist I work with and see as a patient.
«1

Replies

  • lm4680
    lm4680 Posts: 11
    Options
    I'm an outpatient (C)C) coder in a large multi-specialty clinic system. There's a lot I like about it and some things, not so much. Lots of changes, especially with ICD10 coming.
  • lm4680
    lm4680 Posts: 11
    Options
    When are you taking your exam? What state are you in?
  • OnionMomma
    OnionMomma Posts: 938 Member
    Options
    So you're the people who code things wrong and I have to try and track down to fix it.......LOL

    Just kidding. I had/have a medically complex kid, I ran down more medical coders than I care to count. Most if not all of the time it was the DRs fault for putting the wrong DX in the stupid box.LOL
  • ALW65
    ALW65 Posts: 643 Member
    Options
    Home health coding and chart review here - I'm detail oriented so I like it a lot. The best perk for me is working at home :)

    My sympathies to those who have incorrect codes on their records. One person mistakenly enters 250.00 and you're diabetic for the rest of your life. Try to get life insurance after that. I see so many records coded incorrectly it's really sad. Be sure to check your family member's records once they come out of a skilled nursing facility/transitional care unit!
  • LuneBleu85
    LuneBleu85 Posts: 217
    Options
    ICD 9? Or ICD 10? Is this what you use?
  • rextcat
    rextcat Posts: 1,408 Member
    Options
    i start schooling for them in oct:blushing:
  • MsTanya77
    MsTanya77 Posts: 357 Member
    Options
    I am an outpatient surgery coder, been coding for 7 yrs and AAPC certified since 2006. I code surgeries, ER visits, radiology, and interventional radiology. I'm also a part-time coding instructor and I have been teaching since 2009. Prior to coding I was an insurance biller for 4 years. :) I also work from home.
  • ErinRibbens
    ErinRibbens Posts: 370 Member
    Options
    I'm not working right now, but worked as a coder in a family practice clinic till my DS was born 3 years ago, and then over the winter went back to help them out as they were short-handed, and I have a feeling they will be calling me again to help out before too long! I really liked it, but yeah, ICD-10 scares me. :laugh:
  • ALW65
    ALW65 Posts: 643 Member
    Options
    ICD9 until October 2013....except the physicians will surely get there way and it will be postponed until at least October 2014.

    Cracks me up how they said "You have to get ready because it WILL NOT be postponed again!!!!" - yeah, right.

    I spent 1K on ICD10 training so I could train others and now there's no interest - frustrating!
  • kazoooo8
    kazoooo8 Posts: 71
    Options
    I've been in coding and transcription since 1994, currently transcribing from home. I'm not certified in coding though so I'm taking classes to get certified too (the hospital I worked for didn't require it but now everyone does) I'm hoping to code from home cuz they make more $$ than transcriptionists from home.

    Do any of you code from home? Transcription wages at home really suck. How are the wages to code at home?
  • ALW65
    ALW65 Posts: 643 Member
    Options
    I think the wages coding at home depend upon the area of coding and your educational background. Home Health coding generally involves review of all the admission documentation with feedback on OASIS documentation. I can get a better level of pay as a nurse than a coder without a medical background. I know some of the hospitals around me have all their coders working remotely, but they have tight requirements regarding work hours, etc. I love the flexibility most of all so that would be a bummer.
  • airangel59
    airangel59 Posts: 1,887 Member
    Options
    I-9 IP hospital coder here, HRIT since 91 I think, working at home for the past 8 years, started out at NYUMC in NY, now in Tucson,Az

    Hoping to win MegaMillions or Powerball before I-10 hits.

    Dr documentation is the pits now, I doubt it will improve before 10 rolls around, will be querying every single chart. *shudder*
  • misstasharenee
    misstasharenee Posts: 95 Member
    Options
    Okay..... I have a quick question for anyone in the field whom cares to answer. I just started my HIT degree program and I have been receiving mixed reviews from coders and billers, some saying it's not worth getting a degree because employment is based more off experience and finding a job will be hard for a recent grad. On the other side a few have stated they're worked in their companies for years and someone comes with a AS or BS and is paid just as much. Can anyone help me with this and well as the best places for recent grad to apply. I'm in Georgia. Thanks guys!:flowerforyou:
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Options
    Okay..... I have a quick question for anyone in the field whom cares to answer. I just started my HIT degree program and I have been receiving mixed reviews from coders and billers, some saying it's not worth getting a degree because employment is based more off experience and finding a job will be hard for a recent grad. On the other side a few have stated they're worked in their companies for years and someone comes with a AS or BS and is paid just as much. Can anyone help me with this and well as the best places for recent grad to apply. I'm in Georgia. Thanks guys!:flowerforyou:

    I would suggest a discussion held with your Department of Employment Security to be honest. I have no clue what its like in Georgia. Would be interesting info to learn I would imagine?

    My test? I am rather lucky - there is a company that partners with my employer for some really awesome classes, some at extremely reduced rates, or in other cases, free. I just completed an Advanced Anatomy-Physiology course (12wk) that I did from home, and it was offered free to all employees where I work. That gave me 10 CEU's towards my CMRS certification for AMBA, and I can credit it towards my Coding endeavor as well. The test date wont be determined until I complete the rest of the courses, which are going really fast thanks to being abused with it....err....uhhhhh.... I mean, working in the field for as long as I have (LOL)... when Im ready to take the test, they will know as I complete the courses online and successfully score well on the tests.

    Im very passionate about medical records compliance. Nothing gets billed unless we meet records criteria. Im also extremely strong with the appeals process. I spent a good amount of time on the floor in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Cardio-thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Endocrinology and Durable Medical Equipment (Even got to experience what its like replacing a motor on a power wheelchair, THAT was COOL!)... I felt that to be a good biller and appeals representative, I need to be exposed to what our clinicians do. I learned about a rare intestinal condition called "Intussusception" or Invaginated Colon that is known amongst young vietnamese males... the poor 17 yr old boy... he was old enough to be my son - so cute too! LOL! He and his father gave me permission to be in the room while the colonoscopy was performed and when he had to go to surgery. I was so very humbled by their willingness to let me witness this because I knew I was going to need to really argue for medical necessity with their Anthem insurance. Lets face it, colonoscopy approvals on a 17 year old? COME ON! That took alot of coffee! LOL!

    Let's face it, who doesnt love being a royal witch on company time with insurance companies and get PAID for it! BWHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA
  • DefyGravity1977
    DefyGravity1977 Posts: 300 Member
    Options
    I am a medical transcriptionist but my current account is caseworkers and case managers in the state of Alaska
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Options
    I-9 IP hospital coder here, HRIT since 91 I think, working at home for the past 8 years, started out at NYUMC in NY, now in Tucson,Az

    Hoping to win MegaMillions or Powerball before I-10 hits.

    Dr documentation is the pits now, I doubt it will improve before 10 rolls around, will be querying every single chart. *shudder*

    Im already boning up on the ICD-10s now because of how complex it has become.

    Im actually fine with the whole 'upgrade' as there are too many anomalies out there that just arent broken down enough, even with the fourth and fifth digit.

    Im a patient with Stein-Leventhal Syndrome... but I have clean ovaries and my condition is all hormonal. Even the Endocrinologist hates the ICD-9's assigned for PCOS because there are many varieties of PCOS that just dont get broken down enough in a code - often yielding a need to appeal for medical necessity and justification in the use of what codes we have.... and I have to agree with her!
  • alerica1
    alerica1 Posts: 310 Member
    Options
    I'm in school right now for coding. I won't get into the program until fall of 2013. This semester I'm taking Human Diseases and Pharmacology. I'm currently a paralegal and have been for 33+ years. From what I understand I make more $$ as a paralegal than I will as a coder. I'm a little freaked out about that.
  • misstasharenee
    misstasharenee Posts: 95 Member
    Options
    Okay..... I have a quick question for anyone in the field whom cares to answer. I just started my HIT degree program and I have been receiving mixed reviews from coders and billers, some saying it's not worth getting a degree because employment is based more off experience and finding a job will be hard for a recent grad. On the other side a few have stated they're worked in their companies for years and someone comes with a AS or BS and is paid just as much. Can anyone help me with this and well as the best places for recent grad to apply. I'm in Georgia. Thanks guys!:flowerforyou:

    I would suggest a discussion held with your Department of Employment Security to be honest. I have no clue what its like in Georgia. Would be interesting info to learn I would imagine?

    My test? I am rather lucky - there is a company that partners with my employer for some really awesome classes, some at extremely reduced rates, or in other cases, free. I just completed an Advanced Anatomy-Physiology course (12wk) that I did from home, and it was offered free to all employees where I work. That gave me 10 CEU's towards my CMRS certification for AMBA, and I can credit it towards my Coding endeavor as well. The test date wont be determined until I complete the rest of the courses, which are going really fast thanks to being abused with it....err....uhhhhh.... I mean, working in the field for as long as I have (LOL)... when Im ready to take the test, they will know as I complete the courses online and successfully score well on the tests.

    Im very passionate about medical records compliance. Nothing gets billed unless we meet records criteria. Im also extremely strong with the appeals process. I spent a good amount of time on the floor in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Cardio-thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Endocrinology and Durable Medical Equipment (Even got to experience what its like replacing a motor on a power wheelchair, THAT was COOL!)... I felt that to be a good biller and appeals representative, I need to be exposed to what our clinicians do. I learned about a rare intestinal condition called "Intussusception" or Invaginated Colon that is known amongst young vietnamese males... the poor 17 yr old boy... he was old enough to be my son - so cute too! LOL! He and his father gave me permission to be in the room while the colonoscopy was performed and when he had to go to surgery. I was so very humbled by their willingness to let me witness this because I knew I was going to need to really argue for medical necessity with their Anthem insurance. Lets face it, colonoscopy approvals on a 17 year old? COME ON! That took alot of coffee! LOL!

    Let's face it, who doesnt love being a royal witch on company time with insurance companies and get PAID for it! BWHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA


    Thanks!:wink:
  • barbaramitchell101
    barbaramitchell101 Posts: 360 Member
    Options
    hello...I have been in billing now for 22 years....I started out billing for DME and oxygen home care, then went on to billing in Mental Health/Substance Abuse outpatient, from there I came to my current position of billing in TRIBAL mental health/substance abuse outpatient billing (I have been here for 15 years)....I am self taught, mostly, and are pursuing education for Certified Professional Coder...my employer is paying for all expenses....it is a wonderful profession, pay is good, good benefits...while most of the codes used are chosen for me by the clinicians, I sometimes catch errors, and help them choose codes...the outlook for billers or coders, I understand, is very good...and job oportunities are growing...especially for anyone who gets coder training...it does take a special kind of person, with the ability to adjust to changes, sometimes every other day, with an eye for detail, and able to change gears at a moments notice, when supervisors suddenly ask for reports, etc...and still keep up the productivity.... also, to not feel overwhelmed and lost when, you get swamped with work....and this WILL HAPPEN, because clinics grow...and get busier.... but, if you are good, then you have JOB SECURITY.... which feels wonderful....good luck in your choices...and your endeavors...

    Oh, I live in Arizona, CAN'T work from home because of confidentiality laws, though I would like to...
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Options
    also, to not feel overwhelmed and lost when, you get swamped with work....and this WILL HAPPEN, because clinics grow...and get busier.... but, if you are good, then you have JOB SECURITY.... which feels wonderful....good luck in your choices...and your endeavors...

    Oh, I live in Arizona, CAN'T work from home because of confidentiality laws, though I would like to...

    Busy? Tell me about it! Last month alone, we hired 41 new physicians/surgeons/specialists - about to open multiple practices as well. We are also partnered with Massachusetts General - so the specialty Peds (GI, Respiratory, Nephrology, etc) are definitely a growing realm of medicine for us!

    Honestly speaking, I would never want to work from home. The liability involved (also the financial requirements, licensing, courier-status, etc), is just not worth it to me. I like the fact I can leave home, and go to work. When work is done, I leave to return home. There is a mental separation involved where I need that detachment from one in order to go to the next. I love the fact that our billing office has alot of freedoms to manage our work on our own. The perks we have are just incredible!!!!!

Categories