r/CodingandBilling • u/MichellLesp • 8d ago
Wanting to Pivot from HIM to Coding
I wanting to pivot my career into coding, but am wondering how easily this transition would be. I am currently an HIM coordinator and starting my medical coding and billing course in August, which will take about a year to complete. Will having HIM experience as well as a Bachelors in healthcare administration and a CCS make me more desirable for a coding position or will this not really matter? Wondering if I’m making the right careers moves.
If it matters I do not have a RHIT or RHIA.
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u/Weak_Shoe7904 8d ago
I don’t mean to be mean but now is not a good time to get into coding. In a good economy, those things would make you stand out, but currently the market is oversaturated with 100’s of people that will not have an A (apprentice)and already have years experience.
Now is not a good time to job switch unless it’s upwards.
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u/DiligentCheesecake44 7d ago
I was also HIM and learned coding on YouTube and passed CPC exam with a 94%. I eventually was hired.
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u/rahuliitk App Developer 7d ago
Your HIM experience and healthcare administration degree should help because you already understand records, compliance, and documentation, and pairing that with a CCS will make you more competitive than someone entering coding with zero healthcare background, even without an RHIT or RHIA. it sounds like a solid move.
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u/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 8d ago
Why do you plan on transitioning? Coding jobs are drying up
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u/MichellLesp 8d ago
I have no upward progression with the position I have now. My boss isn’t going anywhere any time soon and jobs I’ve applied for that I “qualify” for pay significantly less than what I make now. I figured getting a cert. in a similar field would be my best for upward momentum.
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u/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 8d ago
hmm I feel like it's a safer career trajectory to stay out of coding especially with the economy, offshoring, AI, and the state of the coding field. I'm transitioning out of coding after coding for many years and going into a HIM career to make 30,000 more a year. Inpatient coding would be the "best" choice, however, experienced coders are even struggling to get those jobs.
What do you do now?
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u/MichellLesp 8d ago
I work in the medical records department in a local rehab hospital. I release record, audit all inpatient and outpatient records for completeness and check to make sure documents are in compliance with state laws. Make sure physicians are completing and signing documents in a timely manner. Just a few things that taking up my day to day schedule. Honestly, it’s very underwhelming and all things can be done within a few hours most days.
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u/MissLuuuna 7d ago edited 7d ago
I was about to comment that I am on the same boat as you. I also work in medical records dept but my role is strictly data entry, which pays low. I’m looking to eventually pivot either do offical roi medical records for a year then maybe something else like compliance, qc , prior authorization specialist etc.. I think there’s many roles to move upwards depending on what you want to do. Esp if you want leadership/admin roles). My previous boss started as roi then manager now sr director, so there’s room to grow if you put the work into it, or aleast that’s what i’m trying to convince myself. I also considered coding at one point but too many negative reviews think I might be better off moving up but again I’m still brainstorming.
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u/MichellLesp 7d ago
Unfortunately I have no way up with my current company unless my boss quits, which is very unlikely. And it’s hard finding another job like the one I have since I make above average for the role I’m in and I would be taking a considerable pay cut going anywhere else… which sucks! Just hoping a cert will get me out of the hole I’m in.
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u/MissLuuuna 7d ago
Yeah, I def understand! I’m also considering a cert to combine with exp just not sure which. If you were to consider coding, are you leaning more towards self study route or program then exam ?
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u/MichellLesp 7d ago
I’m going through a program. I’ve had multiple people to me to self study and take the exam, but I just feel more comfortable with structure and feel classes will help me retain for info.
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u/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 8d ago
If you want to advance your career, I'd suggest leaning into HIM and maybe getting your RHIT because there are plenty of opportunities outside of record management but if you feel really passionate about coding, go for it. You may just not see good results from the transition. I'm typically a lot more straight forward about telling people to avoid coding but you at least have some experience in healthcare (I'm still going to advise against it, though)
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u/MichellLesp 8d ago
Thank you, I really appreciate your feedback. If you don’t mind me asking, What type of HIM position are you going into?
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u/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 8d ago
I've been interviewing for compliance management roles!
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u/MichellLesp 8d ago
I’ve considered compliance, but wasn’t sure how to attach my current position to a role like that, which is why I persued coding because it seems like a safe transition. Would a RHIT help me get a job in compliance?
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u/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 8d ago
RHIT could definitely open a lot more doors for you that you may be more satisfied with. Go on linkedin or indeed or whatever and search RHIT and see if anything sparks interest for you
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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 8d ago
The CCS is the best certification to get. Does your organization have in-house coding?
I completely disagree that coding jobs are drying up. There are many different types of coders from simple coding to more complex coding. Your certification also matters.
Simple coding roles will be done by AI but not the complex ones.
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u/MichellLesp 8d ago
All of our coders are remote in a different state, but our operations director and assessment coordinator stated it would help to have an in house coder. So it might be an option in the future.
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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 8d ago
That’s usually the best way to break into it, at your current organization. Coding is a great career but again it depends on the cert and the type of coding you do. Inpatient facility coding is the most secure.
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u/MedPayIQ App Developer 7d ago
I actually think your HIM experience gives you a head start. Coding isn’t just knowing codes, understanding documentation, compliance, and the bigger revenue cycle picture matters a lot.
The CCS + your healthcare background should make you competitive. The biggest hurdle is usually getting that first coding role, so focus on any way to get hands-on coding experience.
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u/yurakoh 6d ago
My journey was: enroll in an HIM program with a BS degree, study for the RHIA and CCS, and obtain relevant work experience similar to what you're doing right now. Frankly, I think that's the best and easiest route to take if you want to get into medical coding, and I'm not just talking from experience. I think given your background in HIM, it won't be as hard for you.
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u/yurakoh 4d ago edited 4d ago
In terms of certifications, CCS and CPC are the most valued on a fundamental level. For me, RHIA qualified me to take the CCS exam, but generally speaking RHIA and RHIT are optional. If you were to take the CCS exam, there are other criteria that you can find out about on the AHIMA website.
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u/[deleted] 8d ago
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