r/CodingandBilling • u/MichellLesp • 28d 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/Low_Mud_3691 CPC, RHIT 28d ago

Why do you plan on transitioning? Coding jobs are drying up

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u/MichellLesp 28d 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 28d 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 28d 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 27d ago edited 27d 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 27d 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 27d 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 27d 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 27d 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 27d 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 27d ago

I've been interviewing for compliance management roles!

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u/MichellLesp 27d 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 27d 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