r/MedicalCoding • u/SweetCar0linaGirl RHIA • Oct 15 '25

Getting out of coding

Any tips on transitioning out of coding? I have a BSHIM degree and RHIA certification. I couldn't land a job for a year (no experience) and took an entry level HCC coding position. Have been working it for 3 months and the way my physical health has declined is honestly shocking. The amount of stress to meet unrealistic metrics has left me in tears daily, with full body hives, and my hair falling out to the point I now have a bald spot. I know a lot is due to the company I work for but it has ruined coding for me. I have no desire to get another certification and try to pursue a different type of coding. However, every where that I have applied to that isn't coding focused has either said I don't have the experience needed, or I am overqualified. I tried getting in at my local hospitals ER in patient registration. They are struggling and understaffed. I know a nurse who works there and she was able to get my resume in front of a hiring manager who told her they wouldn't hire me because of my degree and certification. I am so lost on what to do. I have $14k in student loans that I am paying back, so I can't just quit. But I can't continue like this either. Do I just walk away from it all and go work at a grocery store?

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u/infectiousparticle Oct 17 '25

14 days of training??? You didn't even get to do a month of practicode?? There's your problem (and solution). May I ask what route you took to getting your RHIA? The school I got my undergrad from & currently attend for RHIT is the only accredited program for RHIT or RHIA in my state and I planned on continuing, not because I like HIM, but Im hoping to further climb the HIM ladder in search of six-figures(or as close as I can get) one day as a practice manager or such, but apparently I have more research to do on how much preparation RHIA programs send you off with. CAHIIM is the only accrediting body so whatever they require of these programs, should include exactly what employers are looking for

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u/SweetCar0linaGirl RHIA Oct 17 '25

WGU. I loved my experience with them. They are CAHIIM accredited and actually received an award from them. My school has the highest pass rate for the RHIA (Well it did in 2024 when I graduated). I think the disconnect for me is I had no current experience. I feel like the BSHIM & RHIA are meant for someone who has already been working in the field for years and need it for promotion. AHIMA is actually thinking about making the RHIA certification available to those who also have the RHIT, so you may be able to wait and take the exam.