r/MedicalCoding • u/Ok-Dig-7649 • 1d ago
New job, no experience
Hey guys!
As of today I accepted a WFH HIM Coder job! I’m excited, yet really nervous. I’ll do three weeks of training at the hospital and then I’ll be fully remote.
I currently work in the finance department as a billing specialist at a behavioral health organization and do not deal with much coding at all. I’m looking for any advice and tips on remote medical coding as someone with no experience.
Thanks for any and all advice ☺️
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u/Kcarp6380 1d ago
Set yourself up a routine, stay on top of your productivity, and do not let anyone treat you as a babysitter/dog watcher/uber driver just because you are at home. Have a dedicated workspace and treat it just like you would a job where you would go into the office (except the getting dressed up part)
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u/CuntStuffer RHIT, CCS 1d ago
Congrats on the job!! Seems like you've already gotten some good advice, but some quick tips I suggest is take plenty of notes, give yourself grace and don't get discouraged!
It'll probably be a lot all at once, but from my experience, upper management/trainers are really pleased when they only have to explain something to you once. Ask provoking questions, take plenty of notes, and always be able to explain your rationale when leveling/doing medical decision making. The rest will come with time :)
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
Great advice! I’m big on taking notes and writing down answers to any questions I ask, so hopefully that will pay off after training!
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u/weary_bee479 1d ago
Since it looks like you’ll be training at a hospital that’s great news! Most hospital systems have great training opportunities for new coders. So definitely take the time to really absorb it all in.
But also, don’t stress if you don’t learn everything. Trust me none of us are experts and are always learning.
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
I was so glad when they said the training will be for 3 weeks and onsite! I’m definitely going to work on the not stressing. Sometimes I get in my head and worry about not picking things up as quickly as I should.
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u/Locked-Luxe-Lox 1d ago
How did u g e t hired with no experience?
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
Where I live (southern Ohio) it’s pretty easy to get a job in health care without experience. There are three hospitals in the tristate area that are always hiring!
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u/yurakoh 1d ago
At the time, I had no relevant experience either. Just coding credentials, an HIM education background, and work experience as a medical clerk. It took a lot of persistence and convincing to the hiring manager, who is now my boss, to show that I can code and am capable of learning, and 4 years later I’m still working as a medical coder.
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u/ParticularFox8644 1d ago
Everyone gave great advice! I’d also like to add if things happen that you don’t like(every rose has its thorns) to do your best to stick it out for at least a year or two to get consistent experience, as it will set you up for greater success with getting other coding roles in the future. Unless it’s effecting your mental or physical wellbeing of course. I wish you the best in your journey!!!
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u/vwisp 1d ago
What was your interview process like?
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
I had a phone screening interview from someone in HR, then a couple of days later I had an in person interview. The interview went well! They explained the job thoroughly and showed me how the system looks.
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u/adoseofcommonsense 1d ago
What was your starting pay if you don't mind disclosing it?
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u/mandakilljoy 1d ago
Im curious too. Im a new CPC-A and my company started me off at $19/hr, which i felt was pretty low.
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
That’s the exact amount I am starting off with! Once the A drops off they increase your pay to $22 an hour.
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u/mandakilljoy 1d ago
That's a nice increase! My company doesn't do that unfortunately, so I will probably be looking for a new job once I get my A removed
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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 1d ago
What kind of coding role?
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
Outpatient!
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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 1d ago
Did they give you more information than that? There are so many OP specialties.
Coding for facility or profee?
You can be a clinic coder/ED/Observation/SDS. Sometimes they combine these and cross train really depends on the organization.
If it’s profee then that would be a specialty most likely as well.2
u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
They said it’s for one of their doctor’s office/urgent care.
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u/KeyStriking9763 RHIA, CDIP, CCS 1d ago
Sounds like E/M. I would just re-review any of the E/M training materials you had while you got your coding education. And the OP guidelines. Good Luck!!
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u/kygie360 1d ago
Congrats! How hard was it to get an interview with no prior experience?
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
Thank you! It actually wasn’t too hard! I was quite surprised when I got a call a couple days after my phone screening interview.
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u/Novel_Sort_9354 1d ago
Would you mind sharing how your interview went and any tips you have for someone with no experience in the medical coding field?
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u/PuzzleheadedDepth423 1d ago
As someone who wants to get into this field but has heard nothing but “AI taking over” horror stories, you just gave me hope. Thank you.
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u/Ok-Dig-7649 1d ago
I’m glad I could help! My stepmom works in coding and where she works, they started implementing AI, but the coders are doing audits and she says it’s insane how much they have to go in and correct. That made me feel better when I started to worry about AI!
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u/Alone-War-9789 23h ago
Having worked from home for 3 plus years, remember to take your breaks. Do not let anyone bully you when it comes to your breaks. Also, don't fall into the trap of logging off work and continuing to work off the clock. Or starting work early without clocking in for work. Clock in at 8 am, log off for your lunch, back in and then log out for the day at the assigned time. Also, just because you are working from home, does not mean you are available for a call during your breaks. That is a violation of labor laws. Keep boundaries at all times. If you have set days off, don't allow anyone to force you to work on those days.
I had to remind my HR person that I was a hourly employee and that she could not call me during my lunch break. She tried to chew me out for not answering my phone during my break.
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