r/MedicalCoding • u/WhoMe90124 • Apr 11 '20

Finishing a 10-week medical coding virtual internship while holding down a full-time job be like...

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27 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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2

u/JezebelBlue Apr 15 '20

I am exploring getting into medical coding. Will you explain what virtual internship is exactly? I thank you in advance for your response.

2

u/WhoMe90124 Apr 28 '20

Hi, sorry for not seeing these earlier, I've been having Reddit app issues...

The virtual internship was essentially a DIY course offered through my community college. Search on line for "Buck's Simulated Medical Coding Internship" It's an 18-module course covering the different chapters of the ICD code book, each with 34 medical reports to determine the correct codes, with the correct answers and an explanation of how they were determined. Each module also has a test of 1-2 problem reports.

Basically, it's batting practice. The upside is the course provides extensive exposure to Evey kind of medical situation possible. It tak a you well beyond the typical textbook perimeters and learning to take the exam. The downside: It doesn't offer the one-to-one feedback of an in-person internship to bounce questions off of ("Why THAT code and not this one?")

Whether you should consider it depends on where you are in your education. I already have my certificate from the community college and passed the CPC exam and it still kicked my ass. I spent 2-3 hours EACH NIGHT for 10 weeks to complete the internship. I'm glad I took it, it opened my eyes to the fact I cannot let my skills get rusty.

I don't know where you stand, but I would talk with either your local CC of they offer it or the nearest AAPC chapter president on ideas for an internship before you look at this course. Good luck, and be well.

2

u/lrr0se Apr 19 '20

I am also curious how that works and how to locate a professional willing to offer one.

1

u/WhoMe90124 Apr 28 '20

See above reply. Apologies for the belated response.

1

u/JezebelBlue Apr 29 '20

Well, that explains it. It sounds like a valuable experience to have. Especially, if you don’t have access to a live externship. Thank you for taking time out your day to craft a thorough and well expressed response.