Very thorough and informative. I am looking to switch fields and I greatly appreciate this video.. I wish I had seen this 5 years ago - it would have saved me a lot of grief and wasted time in the wrong academic track and trying to get up the ladder in an unfulfilling dead-end career. Thank you.
@All4Seasons I have not worked with anyone the was an RN then become a credentialed coder. I have worked with some RNs in clinical documentation who tried to "help" us code but they were not credentialed and was wrong in most instances. Sometimes I think it's hard for RNs to let go of clinical applications thought process and embrace the coding rules and guidelines, they don't always line up. But I definitely think they could be good coders.
I am confused about HIM. Is it HIM or HIT? Are they the same. I know HIM is health information management and I thought HIT was health information technician.
Hi I am so interested in being a medical coder I'm the last one in my school taking this course before it closes and it was told to me I'll need to get my bachelors just wanted to know what have you experience that is required. I wanted to get into this field fast, as well I already work in a hospital how do you use that to your advantage?
@pinkdes2ny Hello I have a BA in sociology and a certificate in medical office administration. I have been a cna for years and would love to get into health information. which would be wiser, to ge a in state associate degree online (more afforadable) or a out of state Bs degree in him (more expensive).my ultimate goal would be to get the bs since I already have a ba in sociology.Also to become a coding specailist. what do you think?
@mslic003 That's really a decision you'll have to make based on your lifestyle and needs. You can always work on an associates degree and there are other avenues to take in the field that you may be able to utilize your other degrees. I wish you lots of luck.
@pinkdes2ny I have a ba in sociology and a certificate in medical office administration. I have been a CNA for years and is now trying to get back into health care field. I love the paper nurse. I'm not sure about going back into hands on nursing. But I love a career working 9 to 5 in a medical setting helping medical professionals. two options get an 2 year hit degree online from an in state school or a bs in him from a out of state college more expensive. which make more sense?
I just wanna thank you for answering every question and concern I had about this field I will be starting school this fall knowing I can be sure what I what I want to do with this degree! Lucky for me an Accredited Associate HIM Program is at my local Technical College!! Thanks again and when I grow up I wanna be just like you lol!
thank you for this video it has really been helpful. i have been searching all over the internet and the info seemed to be vague and unclear on what HIM was about and what characteristics a person should have in order to be successful in the field.
Hi! I am happy that I found your video. Your video gave me more detailed information about HIT. Currently I am enrolled at a university that provides associates and bachelors degree in HIT. Do you believe having an associates degree in HIT provide me the same salary as a RHIT or should I try for a bachelors degree? Also, do you think the rate of pay is better working at a home health care facility or hospital? I look forward to your reply. Thanks. :)
@lgr9 Working from home pay also depends on the company you work for. But as a new graduate you won't be working from home because you won't have the experience. Coders that work from home have a lot of experience.
Pink destiny i am a health information technology student at devry university, and i only have four classes left. They are CAHIIM accredided so i can sit for my Rhit. I was wondering how do you gain a entry level position in the field with no experience.
I was looking into this... but then you said the pay was bad in Mississippi which is where I leave, but I live in the South... Would this make a difference with what you said?
It really depends on what kind of money you would like to make. Yes, MS does pay poorly compared to TX. Yes, pay is important, but also liking what you do for a living is important. Now you have to consider the entire picture when you make a career choice and HIM has a lot of other perks than just pay. You can consult, travel, working as a contract coder (big bucks) work from home and lots of other things. So the decision should be made upon what's most important for you.
Great information. I'll be graduating this May with my associate in RHIT. My question is: How hard is the exam through AHIMA? Any hints or suggestions. THANKS!
I enjoyed your videos! I do have a question. I have an Medical Office Specialist AAS degree, and during my internship decided that I want to pursue Medical Records and get an RHIT or RHIA. My MOS degree contains medical coding and billing, reception, transcription, and medical assisting..pretty much a little of each. Would it be in my best interest to study for an RHIT as well? And one more question: When is it best to get Coding certification..before work experience or after? Thanks!!
I think the RHIT would be good for you and the small background that you have will help you in your studies. When to sit for your RHIT really depends on how comfortable you are with you knowledge and skills. Jobs will hire you without it, knowing that you have to get it within a certain time frame from your hire date. So, that just depends on you. Good luck in your studies!
Thank you for the reply Pink! I think the RHIT or RHIA would be good too. I wanted to get into the Medical Records program, but the school counselor said it wasn't available..so I asked what took it's place and he said Health Information Technology. Now, do you have any good tips on getting in somewhere to do Medical Records? It's been 6 months now since I graduated and every app I put in isn't being chosen. :( ....I really like this type of work too.
I am focusing on the History & Physical, Consultations, Discharge Summary, physician orders, physician progress notes and operative reports. I'm putting all the pieces together that follow the disease process of the patient and finding the most accurate and comprehensive diagnosis available...along with some other things.
I'm starting my masters of science in HIM and will be getting my RHIA. But my Bachelors was in economics. Do you think RHIA without RHIT experience has a chance to find a job at a hospital?
Yes, RHIT and RHIA are levels of degrees. Associates vs Bachelors and you don't have to have experience on one level in order to go to the next. Thanks!
A medical secretary told me the other day that the position of Medical Coder is being phased out because now doctors are adding the code ahead of time. Kaiser is also bringing in health connect. Do you believe the position is being phased out? This secretary had 100% proof that the doctors were writing the code, she showed me a document on the spot in which a physician wrote the code.
I hate to say this but the medical secretary is COMPLETELY WRONG! I'm not sure what type of medical setting you were in but trust me when I say that 90% of doctors know nothing about coding. Yes, they may know a code because of superbills that they deal with in there office, but true coding they know nothing about. Plus coding occurs in every medical setting, doctor's offices, hospital, clinics, ambulatory surgery and so on. Most docs having absolutely NOTHING to do with the coding.
I have some docs here that like to put codes on stuff and they are wrong 90% of the time. Believe me, coding using ICD9CM has been done by professional coders for 30+ years and will continue to done by us. Docs may know some things but they would NEVER want to take on coding for all of their cases. Not even in a physicians office where it would be easiest for them to do. Please do your research before taking "hearsay" as the truth.
Thank you very much for the quick responses! I have been studying medical coding and when I heard what she said I was nervous I had been wasting my time. I was really hoping she was wrong.
I think AHIMA offers great online programs, esp if you already have some experience in the field. But my opinion is that classroom teaching is a must for someone new to the HIM world.
Wow, you have been very helpful! I am glad I decided to pursue this field. I live in Houston, TX would you happen to know any place that is hiring? It is so hard to break into this field. August 2009 I will sit for my R.H.I.T. and C.C.A. credentials as well as take a few courses for tumor registrar. No one seems to want to hire me without experience. But I know when I gain experience, opportunities will be very plentiful. Any suggestions????
This is very interesting. Pink thank you so much. I am currently majoring in Health Science at a 4-year uni and have the choice to concentrate in Health Administration or the Finance/Marketing side of it. I saw that there was an accredited distance learning school for an associate's in HIM in my state (CA) but I'm not sure how I can tie in my major to best fit with the HIM 2 year degree and/or bachelor's? Thanks in advance
pb9586-- The stress level really depends on your job. All jobs have some form of stress and you just have to adjust. Now do I cry and feel like pulling my hair out...not really. I am a little stressed right now, but it's b/c we are expecting a survey from JCAHO and I'm traveling on business. But then again, I'm the director of my department.
So again, it really depends on the job that you choose to have in the HIM field. I hope this helps!
This series is really great. I had never heard of this field before. I don't know if you answer this question elsewhere on your channel or blog but, how did you decide to pursue this field?
I was in nursing school and I didn't like the patient contact. I had another friend from nursing school that went into this field, so I talked to her. When I found out that you basically know everything that a nurse knows and get paid close to the same and you don't have patient contact, I was all over it. I love my career choices. There are so many different specialties you can get into. It's done well by me!
I wish I would have known about this while in school, but I finished and became an RN. Now after 6 yrs I am burnt out and looking to go back to school for either IT or HIT. I was wondering if I can still use my RN to an advantage of the HIT. Do you think the RN license will make it easier for me to get a job in any way coupled with the RHIT? Do you think it will affect my pay? I'm from GA by the way so I'm pretty sure it's comparable to Mississippi. Thanks for any help!
Yes, there is so much that you can do with your RN and a RHIT credential. I know from recent experience that a lot of hospital and insurance companies would love your expertise of being an RN coupled with HIM/HIT knowledge. My advice is to do a job search on careerbuilder and see what's out there and it you'd be comfortable with it. Yes the pay will be the same or higher! Good Luck!
Very thorough and informative. I am looking to switch fields and I greatly appreciate this video.. I wish I had seen this 5 years ago - it would have saved me a lot of grief and wasted time in the wrong academic track and trying to get up the ladder in an unfulfilling dead-end career. Thank you.
PussyWrecker 3 months ago
Hi,
Have you ever worked with anyone who'd been an RN before switching to HIM?if so,how well did they adjust?
and, what do you like most about working in HIM,and least about it?
Thanks
All4Seasons 5 months ago
@All4Seasons I have not worked with anyone the was an RN then become a credentialed coder. I have worked with some RNs in clinical documentation who tried to "help" us code but they were not credentialed and was wrong in most instances. Sometimes I think it's hard for RNs to let go of clinical applications thought process and embrace the coding rules and guidelines, they don't always line up. But I definitely think they could be good coders.
pinkdes2ny 5 months ago
I am confused about HIM. Is it HIM or HIT? Are they the same. I know HIM is health information management and I thought HIT was health information technician.
GangstaGirlFantasies 6 months ago
@GangstaGirlFantasies They are the same thing.
pinkdes2ny 6 months ago
Hi I am so interested in being a medical coder I'm the last one in my school taking this course before it closes and it was told to me I'll need to get my bachelors just wanted to know what have you experience that is required. I wanted to get into this field fast, as well I already work in a hospital how do you use that to your advantage?
intesivec0re 7 months ago
@intesivec0re You do not need a bachelor's degree to be successful in the HIM field.
pinkdes2ny 6 months ago
would it be a good idea to just get certified in this field, or is an associates or bachelors mandatory?
jelloshooter82 8 months ago
@jelloshooter82 You can take an approved coding course and get certified but I always recommend at least the associates degree.
pinkdes2ny 8 months ago
@pinkdes2ny Hello I have a BA in sociology and a certificate in medical office administration. I have been a cna for years and would love to get into health information. which would be wiser, to ge a in state associate degree online (more afforadable) or a out of state Bs degree in him (more expensive).my ultimate goal would be to get the bs since I already have a ba in sociology.Also to become a coding specailist. what do you think?
mslic003 6 months ago
@mslic003 That's really a decision you'll have to make based on your lifestyle and needs. You can always work on an associates degree and there are other avenues to take in the field that you may be able to utilize your other degrees. I wish you lots of luck.
pinkdes2ny 6 months ago
@pinkdes2ny I have a ba in sociology and a certificate in medical office administration. I have been a CNA for years and is now trying to get back into health care field. I love the paper nurse. I'm not sure about going back into hands on nursing. But I love a career working 9 to 5 in a medical setting helping medical professionals. two options get an 2 year hit degree online from an in state school or a bs in him from a out of state college more expensive. which make more sense?
mslic003 6 months ago
Paper Nurse.. that's what I'm taking about... I have worked in Medical Records/ Health Inforanion for more than 6+ years, and I love it.......
no1stunnindiva 11 months ago
Paper Nurse.. that's what I'm taking about... I have worked in Medical Records/ Health Inforanion for more than ^+ years, and I love it.......
no1stunnindiva 11 months ago
I just wanna thank you for answering every question and concern I had about this field I will be starting school this fall knowing I can be sure what I what I want to do with this degree! Lucky for me an Accredited Associate HIM Program is at my local Technical College!! Thanks again and when I grow up I wanna be just like you lol!
RaSheenaDreamer 1 year ago
thank you for this video it has really been helpful. i have been searching all over the internet and the info seemed to be vague and unclear on what HIM was about and what characteristics a person should have in order to be successful in the field.
NappilyEverAfter8 1 year ago
Also, I forgot to ask. Is your job a M-F 9 to 5 type job? Is most HIT jobs a 9to5 job
cwoods871 1 year ago
@cwoods871 It truly just depends on the facility/company that you work for.
pinkdes2ny 1 year ago
Hi! I am happy that I found your video. Your video gave me more detailed information about HIT. Currently I am enrolled at a university that provides associates and bachelors degree in HIT. Do you believe having an associates degree in HIT provide me the same salary as a RHIT or should I try for a bachelors degree? Also, do you think the rate of pay is better working at a home health care facility or hospital? I look forward to your reply. Thanks. :)
lgr9 1 year ago
@lgr9 The pay can be the same for both levels but that all depends on where you live and work.
pinkdes2ny 1 year ago
@lgr9 Working from home pay also depends on the company you work for. But as a new graduate you won't be working from home because you won't have the experience. Coders that work from home have a lot of experience.
pinkdes2ny 1 year ago
Do you know anything about working from home.
Chpearl 2 years ago
I have not personally worked from home but yes it is an option in this field. It depends on the company you work for but it is an option.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Pink destiny i am a health information technology student at devry university, and i only have four classes left. They are CAHIIM accredided so i can sit for my Rhit. I was wondering how do you gain a entry level position in the field with no experience.
etatslartnec 2 years ago
I was looking into this... but then you said the pay was bad in Mississippi which is where I leave, but I live in the South... Would this make a difference with what you said?
luvshelby27 2 years ago
It really depends on what kind of money you would like to make. Yes, MS does pay poorly compared to TX. Yes, pay is important, but also liking what you do for a living is important. Now you have to consider the entire picture when you make a career choice and HIM has a lot of other perks than just pay. You can consult, travel, working as a contract coder (big bucks) work from home and lots of other things. So the decision should be made upon what's most important for you.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Great information. I'll be graduating this May with my associate in RHIT. My question is: How hard is the exam through AHIMA? Any hints or suggestions. THANKS!
piggieNpoobie 2 years ago
I enjoyed your videos! I do have a question. I have an Medical Office Specialist AAS degree, and during my internship decided that I want to pursue Medical Records and get an RHIT or RHIA. My MOS degree contains medical coding and billing, reception, transcription, and medical assisting..pretty much a little of each. Would it be in my best interest to study for an RHIT as well? And one more question: When is it best to get Coding certification..before work experience or after? Thanks!!
spokanemom47 2 years ago
I think the RHIT would be good for you and the small background that you have will help you in your studies. When to sit for your RHIT really depends on how comfortable you are with you knowledge and skills. Jobs will hire you without it, knowing that you have to get it within a certain time frame from your hire date. So, that just depends on you. Good luck in your studies!
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Thank you for the reply Pink! I think the RHIT or RHIA would be good too. I wanted to get into the Medical Records program, but the school counselor said it wasn't available..so I asked what took it's place and he said Health Information Technology. Now, do you have any good tips on getting in somewhere to do Medical Records? It's been 6 months now since I graduated and every app I put in isn't being chosen. :( ....I really like this type of work too.
spokanemom47 2 years ago
When you say you read a patient's chart, what specifically are you looking for when you read it?
D3rion 2 years ago
I am focusing on the History & Physical, Consultations, Discharge Summary, physician orders, physician progress notes and operative reports. I'm putting all the pieces together that follow the disease process of the patient and finding the most accurate and comprehensive diagnosis available...along with some other things.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
I'm starting my masters of science in HIM and will be getting my RHIA. But my Bachelors was in economics. Do you think RHIA without RHIT experience has a chance to find a job at a hospital?
Rashus 2 years ago
Yes, RHIT and RHIA are levels of degrees. Associates vs Bachelors and you don't have to have experience on one level in order to go to the next. Thanks!
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
A medical secretary told me the other day that the position of Medical Coder is being phased out because now doctors are adding the code ahead of time. Kaiser is also bringing in health connect. Do you believe the position is being phased out? This secretary had 100% proof that the doctors were writing the code, she showed me a document on the spot in which a physician wrote the code.
JeffLongoria 2 years ago
I hate to say this but the medical secretary is COMPLETELY WRONG! I'm not sure what type of medical setting you were in but trust me when I say that 90% of doctors know nothing about coding. Yes, they may know a code because of superbills that they deal with in there office, but true coding they know nothing about. Plus coding occurs in every medical setting, doctor's offices, hospital, clinics, ambulatory surgery and so on. Most docs having absolutely NOTHING to do with the coding.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
I have some docs here that like to put codes on stuff and they are wrong 90% of the time. Believe me, coding using ICD9CM has been done by professional coders for 30+ years and will continue to done by us. Docs may know some things but they would NEVER want to take on coding for all of their cases. Not even in a physicians office where it would be easiest for them to do. Please do your research before taking "hearsay" as the truth.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Thank you very much for the quick responses! I have been studying medical coding and when I heard what she said I was nervous I had been wasting my time. I was really hoping she was wrong.
JeffLongoria 2 years ago
cca is just as in demand as ccs etc research your facts more...thanks
chynadoll182 2 years ago
I do pretty good research but thank you for your input.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
thanks for sharing your knowledge
loveharryalot 2 years ago
thanks for sharing your knowledge.
loveharryalot 2 years ago
Thank you for all your info. What do you think about the AHIMA online program
littlebit400 2 years ago
I think AHIMA offers great online programs, esp if you already have some experience in the field. But my opinion is that classroom teaching is a must for someone new to the HIM world.
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Wow, you have been very helpful! I am glad I decided to pursue this field. I live in Houston, TX would you happen to know any place that is hiring? It is so hard to break into this field. August 2009 I will sit for my R.H.I.T. and C.C.A. credentials as well as take a few courses for tumor registrar. No one seems to want to hire me without experience. But I know when I gain experience, opportunities will be very plentiful. Any suggestions????
htownyellowgrl 2 years ago
This is very interesting. Pink thank you so much. I am currently majoring in Health Science at a 4-year uni and have the choice to concentrate in Health Administration or the Finance/Marketing side of it. I saw that there was an accredited distance learning school for an associate's in HIM in my state (CA) but I'm not sure how I can tie in my major to best fit with the HIM 2 year degree and/or bachelor's? Thanks in advance
jacqulene 2 years ago
This is a great video. Is your job stressful? I am thinking about going into the HIM field, but do not do well in a stressful environment. Thanks!!!
pb9568 2 years ago
pb9586-- The stress level really depends on your job. All jobs have some form of stress and you just have to adjust. Now do I cry and feel like pulling my hair out...not really. I am a little stressed right now, but it's b/c we are expecting a survey from JCAHO and I'm traveling on business. But then again, I'm the director of my department.
So again, it really depends on the job that you choose to have in the HIM field. I hope this helps!
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
I don't know how I missed your HIM Videos! I am in the HIM profession also! I am a outpatient/inpatient coder. I went through an RHIA program!
bluebonnet67 2 years ago
This series is really great. I had never heard of this field before. I don't know if you answer this question elsewhere on your channel or blog but, how did you decide to pursue this field?
misstwists 3 years ago
I was in nursing school and I didn't like the patient contact. I had another friend from nursing school that went into this field, so I talked to her. When I found out that you basically know everything that a nurse knows and get paid close to the same and you don't have patient contact, I was all over it. I love my career choices. There are so many different specialties you can get into. It's done well by me!
pinkdes2ny 3 years ago
I wish I would have known about this while in school, but I finished and became an RN. Now after 6 yrs I am burnt out and looking to go back to school for either IT or HIT. I was wondering if I can still use my RN to an advantage of the HIT. Do you think the RN license will make it easier for me to get a job in any way coupled with the RHIT? Do you think it will affect my pay? I'm from GA by the way so I'm pretty sure it's comparable to Mississippi. Thanks for any help!
Memorie1920 2 years ago
Yes, there is so much that you can do with your RN and a RHIT credential. I know from recent experience that a lot of hospital and insurance companies would love your expertise of being an RN coupled with HIM/HIT knowledge. My advice is to do a job search on careerbuilder and see what's out there and it you'd be comfortable with it. Yes the pay will be the same or higher! Good Luck!
pinkdes2ny 2 years ago
Thanks! And I enjoy your videos. It's nice to see someone so happy with their profession.
Memorie1920 2 years ago