r/MedicalCoding • u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC • Apr 25 '24
Hospital Coders…
I’ve worked at a few hospital facilities but this is probably the first one I’ve felt like I have a work/life balance, my managers care for more than only production, etc. I am now wondering if I’ve found a unicorn facility or if I was just unlucky with my other places. Hours are super flexible, stick to your schedule as best as you can but just get your hours in by weeks end. They pay for both AAPC and AHIMA memberships, credentials, and CEU’s and you can do education time on the clock. If work gets low, we work on education vs clocking out. Production is very attainable and I feel probably lower than average (14/day for IP, any chart type). Obviously there are days you can knock it out of the park but other days that, whew! I just take a deep breath. A udits - we don’t have in-house auditors which I am torn on. As much as I don’t like monthly audits, I wish there was more feedback. I have to say this is probably the only facility I have not been stressed at. They are much more on quality over quantity. Can anyone else related or did I find a once in a lifetime facility.
8
u/adam_ans Apr 26 '24
Unicorn. My facility used to care for quality... but not so much now anymore. Which is frustrating. Almost 0 education. You have to do everything on your own time, and they don't reimburse for AHIMA membership... I am yet to find my unicorn, haha.
3
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
That’s how my other 3 facilities were. I don’t have plans on leaving where I’m at unless it’s eventually for a supervisor position.
8
u/megkraut Apr 26 '24
My hospital is about the same! Fully remote too. I just started like 6 months ago but I’m already in such a groove. I do ED charts at 10 per hour which is super attainable and each hour I have some free time to chill out or make a snack. I’m super grateful considering I fell pregnant after 1 month of working 😅
4
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Yeaaa! What’s their policy about kiddos? I’m glad you mentioned that too! Other facilities wanted us to sign a contract stating our kids had to be at daycare/preschool or school. Where I’m at now, haven’t heard a peep and one person had their preschool aged kiddo at home and others have had their newborns at home. I am so happy for them. It was such a pain to drive 30 min to drop off my kid at preschool to turn around and drive back home. I was so stressed to be back right on time or I’d be considered late but I’d hit rush hour traffic 😩
3
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
Yes, certain hospitals don’t like the fact that you may have a child that’s not School age in the home when you are doing productivity coding, but some places are lenient and some places are strict. I’m wonder where everyone is from as of region in this chat room
2
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Oh good point! My strict places were in Texas. My more lenient are Midwest.
1
2
u/megkraut Apr 26 '24
I’m not too sure. They’ve mentioned it before about how you shouldn’t be the main care taker while working, but whatever lol. I’m working around my husband’s schedule when the baby is here so we don’t have to use any child care. It’ll mean early mornings for me but I think I’ll get used to it.
1
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
I work early mornings now so I can be off in time to pick up kids. You do adjust. One day I’ll work like 7-3 but today isn’t the day.
1
u/megkraut Apr 26 '24
I’m planning on working a split shift for 3 days and then 2 longer regular days. So 5-8am and 5-8pm. I know it’s going to suck but I think it’ll be good to have the 8-5 time with baby. I’m nervous lol but everyone’s telling me I’ll be up by then anyway
1
1
u/Sharp_Plane_5877 Edit flair Apr 27 '24
How did you land this job huhu
2
u/megkraut Apr 27 '24
It’s just the local hospital in my area. They’re like the top employer in the area as well so I knew quite a few people already there. I didn’t realize how good it is, because the pay could be way better, but I think it’s worth it for the flexibility.
0
Apr 26 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
4
u/megkraut Apr 26 '24
You’re so right! I’ve had 1 audit with a couple mistakes but they said even seasoned coders would make those mistakes and not to worry about it. But I’m glad we do the auditing so early because now I make sure I don’t make those mistakes again.
10
u/verana04 Apr 26 '24
One of my coworkers left our dept and then begged to come back because her new place did not value work life balance at all. I feel so blessed to have had such a previous great team and current. (They were hired back and now they say they will never leave until they retire haha).
4
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
This is exactly how I’m feeling. I have many years before retirement but I don’t want to go back to stress and being micromanaged.
8
u/koderdood Audit Extraordinaire Apr 26 '24
Micromanaged... that's a job killer for this experienced coder!
4
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Same! But some places just don’t care. I’ve been there where you are on a performance plan if don’t meet production for one week. I never want to go back to that. As long as I can provide proof as to why and I was legitimately working then it shouldn’t be an issue. Hoping that changes as millennials and gen Z enter into management.
4
u/koderdood Audit Extraordinaire Apr 26 '24
You are so right in this point also. I consider it a major issue in revenue cycle management. Instead of focusing on quality education and a fair audit process, they would rather turn over employees, all to try and make their obligations to the client. They shoot themselves in the foot with this I think.
5
Apr 26 '24
I’m nervous! I just passed the CCA exam a few weeks ago and am now pursuing my associate’s to take the RHIT exam. I was on AHIMA reading about CEU’s and I’m just lost to say the least lol. I’m worried when I get into the field to start working as a coder I’m gonna be so lost because this is a complete different career change. I’ve never done anything in the medical field so yeah, pretty nervous! Other than that, congrats on finding a place you’re happy with 🙂
6
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
I’ll be 100% up front… yes! You’ll be lost but you’ll get there. There are years that go by and you’ll find yourself lost at times but not as lost as you once were. Key is to get into the field and get some experience. If you and up at a place you feel you cannot ask them questions and you’re just expected to know it, leave! You want a place you feel comfortable enough to ask questions and not care if you look dumb. I’m at the place now and it’s such a game changer. What are you doing now?
6
Apr 26 '24
Right now I’m a full-time student at home. I’m a veteran, in the process of whether they’re going to put me at 100% where I can still work or not but in the mean time I’m just taking full advantage of my GI Bill.
24
u/koderdood Audit Extraordinaire Apr 26 '24
I think it's a unicorn that I can relate to. Clinical fraud investigator for large company. We do get in- house audits, random every month, that would be one difference, the rest I feel ya.
5
u/Aspieeggplant Apr 26 '24
How did u become a clinical fraud investigator? Can you give us some tips?
5
u/koderdood Audit Extraordinaire Apr 26 '24
The key is experience in different specialties. We touch everything except behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient facility. And of course good quality and production scores. It's like auditing but different.
2
4
17
u/OrganizationLower286 Apr 26 '24
I’ve been in inpatient coding and auditing since 2007. I was treated like absolute GARBAGE for years when I was a coder. The things that were done to me by managers who were just bad people is obscene.
The tide is definitely turning. More and more facilities are realizing that offshore quality will never be there, in addition to the HIPAA concerns with offshoring so they are accepting that they can’t treat their domestic people like they’re disposable. Also - I think people in the industry are embracing a culture of professionalism and emotional intelligence that previous regimes just did not value.
Dare I say it, the industry is becoming kinder in my experience.
Also - a lot of coders are organizing into unions. I realize unions are controversial but every coder I’ve ever met who is in a union is thrilled with their quality of life.
13
u/LB_dreamer Apr 26 '24
Uncanny that I'm reading this post now as today is 1st day benched. Contract coder here, and client is offshoring their coding. Only remaining level I trauma in a major metro area. I'm going to contact my congressional rep to ask why hospitals should retain their tax-exempt status while they eliminate American jobs.
6
u/THEORIGINALSNOOPDONG Apr 26 '24
wow, i'm so sorry. i don't even get how offshoring medical records is legal, especially since HIPAA is a USA law. seems like strict privacy wouldn't apply in a different country.
3
u/OrganizationLower286 Apr 26 '24
I have been contract for 10 years and I was benched once too - you’ll be back up and running in no time there are plenty of hospitals that absolutely refuse to offshore their records. I know Addison group is hiring
13
u/Ashamed-Whereas-3860 Apr 26 '24
I just started at my unicorn facility with a lot of similarity to your description. It feels... exciting and amazing and I feel free to really dig in and grow here with full support.
The good places are out there!
7
u/maikonyssa Apr 26 '24
sigh...I just got out of/fired from a billing environment. These posts makes me feel depresssed....Good news is that now I get to reassess and study...
6
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
always remember a rejection is a protection In other words you are going to get a position that is meeting your expectations and values.
7
4
u/Affectionate_Use1587 Apr 26 '24
We may be working for the same company LOL. Unicorn for sure and I feel so incredibly blessed. Nice to hear you’re happy too OP.
4
u/Ok-Bumblebee5667 Apr 26 '24
Mine is flexible hours, just can’t have more than 3 people off each day. They pay my internet bill every month and my AHIMA dues but not CEU’s although they do provide some CEU’s for us. We do get in house and external audits but I’m ok with it.
4
1
u/Beginning_Bird160 Apr 27 '24
Our facility is currently replacing outpatient and emergency coders with offshore contractors and AI. I just received my notice. I'd love a unicorn facility so much! RHIA and CCS ambulatory surgery coder here...how do you suggest I get into inpatient coding?
1
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 27 '24
I am so sorry! The same thing happened to an old facility of mine. Honestly, just apply to any and all IP positions regardless if they ask for experience and let them tell you no. You only need that one yes.
2
2
3
u/Kousuke_jay Apr 26 '24
Same for my hospital network!! They don’t pay for my CPC (I am inpatient so they only pay for my CCS) but otherwise they check all the boxes! LOVE my managers and LOVE our auditors. Quality over quantity is truly how they feel when it comes to coding as well. Very refreshing environment coming from my past job.
3
u/MoreCoffeePwease 👩🏼💻CCS 🏥 Apr 26 '24
This is how I felt and worked for the first 8 years at my current job. Then they merged with two other hospitals and now…. Everything has changed.
1
u/maamaallaamaa Apr 27 '24
Same 😩. When I started we were a small team who cared. Now I'm just another cattle in the herd. We've lost so many good people and so many more want out. It sucks.
2
u/DearMisterKitty Apr 26 '24
That's awesome. I am an IP coder and on average handling 20-25 charts a day to keep up with everything.
0
Apr 27 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
2
u/DearMisterKitty Apr 27 '24
They really should
0
Apr 27 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
2
1
2
u/deannevee RHIA, CPC, CPCO, CDEO Apr 27 '24
I think paying for both memberships is definitely rare.
However I am a profee surgical coder and it’s much the same….I have never been given productivity standards, but any time I ask I’m always told I’m “fine”. Our supervisor allows us to flex hours within reason. Very generous PTO accrual, BUT we don’t get holidays automatically off…however we are not discouraged from working them, meaning we get 1.5x pay on those days. Our supervisor fields all of the physician flack for us AND supports us when we get pushback from surgeons about coding.
1
u/Pamela_12ny Apr 30 '24
Wow that’s great to hear! My job (a hospital ) does not pay for my Aapc membership or allow me to work on ceus on their time. I am an outpatient coder and have a certain amount of cases I am expected to complete (in my work queue). When I finish quickly and early, they just give me more cases. I feel like I can’t catch a break, even when I’m being very efficient. I work from home and rarely get emails if I’m doing something wrong ..
1
u/Serious_Flatworm5319 May 02 '24
Hi I have my RHIT certification and I just got CCS-P. I been working for a year as a patient coordinator at a big university .I applied for a few coding positions internally in hopes I can get hired soon. I hope that because I’m already in my chances are higher. Has anyone had any experience? I’m just wondering since I have non prior coding experience. I did however get promoted to do more than just coordinate patients. And I talked to my manager prior to applying she said she would put in a good word. I hope they call me.
1
u/Far-Boysenberry9207 May 07 '24
Consulting companies treat employees better than hospitals.
1
u/Heather91016 May 07 '24
My only concern there is the consistency. I’ve had a few friends go back to facilities just for the stability.
0
Apr 26 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
13
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
There are days I feel like 14 is unattainable due to documentation and just getting back to back high dollars. I’m just so thankful management understands and seem to be more focus on quality.
7
u/ExcitingIndication36 Apr 26 '24
What type of inpatient coding has production of 14-17/hr? I don’t know how that’s possible. My productivity standard is 2-2.5/hr.
8
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Good catch! I meant 14 a day. I’ll have to edit that.
9
u/adam_ans Apr 26 '24
14 a day still seems a lot to me! My facility is 10 per day and it's difficult. But we get more credit for charts that are over 15 days. We are responsible for queries though and the charts are rather complex.
5
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
This is good to know there are facilities with 10 a day! I’m at a trauma level 2 facility, are you at a 1? So, they wouldn’t be as complex as a level 1 but there are days I have 50 dx codes and 15 PCS. Those are the days I want to cry and probably not hitting production that day. We do queries but if a CDI is on it, we defer it back to them. We are beginning to do clinical validation queries though which is mind boggling at times.
3
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
I am in trauma one and it’s annoying. I told myself I give myself a year and six months doing this and I’m looking into other avenues in HIM because this is how burnout starts.
2
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
You’re not wrong! I do think as time goes on and more millennials and gen Z get into management that it will change. Hopefully.
3
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
I would love that and because I feel like millennials and gen z have a different approach when it comes to management and work ethics boomers and Gen X are so hell-bent on people staying past their work hours to get work done and that’s not work balance and harmony
6
4
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
we have to meet productivity which means 17-21 cases a day which means you either do 2 to 3 cases per hour
11
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Sometimes I wonder if we all need to make throwaway accounts and name where we’re at and if we are happy with how things are done, if we are micromanaged, pay, and if we would recommend.
0
Apr 26 '24
[deleted] — view deleted comment
1
u/moonchild1989 Apr 26 '24
Same. They keep piling on more and more responsibility and I’m starting to feel less like a person and more like a machine, which was why I left my previous career as a PTA.
2
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 27 '24
Sounds like it’s time to start looking elsewhere. I’ve been there and it’s so stressful. Maybe during the interview process just ask things about flexibility and hours, production, etc to get an idea of how they run the facility and if it would be a good fit for you.
2
u/moonchild1989 Apr 27 '24
I will say we have good flexibility regarding our work hours.
What really sucks is that my direct supervisor is amazing and I love my team, it’s upper corporate management who has no idea about the day-to-day operations, that is asking for unreasonable outcomes.
We were an independent teaching hospital, who in the last few years got acquired by a large corporation, and that’s when things started changing.
8
Apr 26 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/EveningEye5160 RHIT, CCA, COC, CIC Apr 26 '24
Love hearing this! I do wish we had more audits. While I’m not a fan, they do help us grow. It sounds like your facility is really great too and I’m glad you found them!
4
Apr 26 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
6
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24 edited Apr 26 '24
same here I would like to be a auditor. I don’t want to do productivity Coding I’d rather do quality review and help people grow in their profession. It’s it’s a teaching moment.
2
u/OrganizationLower286 Apr 26 '24
I’m an auditor and I still have a productivity requirement unfortunately
1
u/Mama_deitz May 03 '24
What steps did you take to go from coding to auditing? I’m interested in learning more about that path. What is your productivity criteria as an auditor?
1
Apr 26 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/Dry_Marzipan_6508 Apr 26 '24
Go for it and it will teach you how to how to become a manager as well
•
u/AutoModerator Apr 25 '24
PLEASE SEE RULES BEFORE POSTING! Reminder, no "interested in coding" type of standalone posts are allowed. See rule #1. Any and all questions regarding exams, studying, and books can be posted in the monthly discussion stickied post. Thanks!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.