Clayton Said:

I'm interested in a career as a medical coder but don't know from who to get information...who should?

We Answered:

Go to you local community college, but just be aware that they can offer two different programs.
Some offer a certificate program that is like 3-6 months of classes, I know people who have taken this and cannot find a job--do this only if you currently work for a clinic or hospital and have a job lined up where (or if you already work in medical records) they do on the job training.

There is also a 2 year associate progran which is usually is called Health Information. This is good because you can usually get a job right away especially with a hospital (although they sometimes want experience also!). I used to work in a hospital and my friend was a coder and was making good money--he was doing coding and going to school for 4yr degree in hospital administration (so eventually he would be making even better money!)

Also check out the the Occupational Outlook Handbook--its on the web--will give you lots of information on different careers regarding job outlook, pay, schooling requirements etc

Hope this helps!!

Curtis Said:

LVN or Medical Coder as Career Choice?

We Answered:

I work in an Urgent Care. I prefer working with patients as opposed to coding and billing. Sure it's becoming harder to find work as an LVN in CA but it is becoming hard to find work as anything in CA. And the whole US for that matter.

Nora Said:

is a career as medical coder or biller a good stay at home job?

We Answered:

Unfortunately, there aren't supposed to be too many jobs for the medical coder or biller (or medical assistant) despite what those private $$ career/tech schools proclaim. With medical billing, a lot of companies are outsourcing to Asia/India leaving jobs more scarce. Regarding medical coding, most employers prefer applicants who've had a couple of years experience doing coding tasks, certification(s) in the field and preferably completion of an accredited program to possibly get the job.

If still interested in the field(s), please opt for the more affordable county vo-tech school or community college as long as the program is accredited within the industry.

With the schooling, please steer clear of those online, for-profit schools (may have 'bricks and mortar' buildings and may be 'accredited') such as penn foster, US career, devry, ITT tech, strayer, university of phoenix, career step, ashworth, stratford career, argosy, kaplan, ashford, walden, ashwood, capella, sanford brown, everest, remington and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit' (and course credits may Not transfer to other schools): http://www.ripoffreport.com and can type into search.

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

General career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'bill and account collectors' or such.

Rafael Said:

Why is a medical terminology course important to understanding words used in the medical coders career/?

We Answered:

It's all Greek to me.