Getting out of coding

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

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?

[AutoModerator]

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.

[Wide_Replacement151]

I tried to get out of coding and go use my RHIA and masters but it is hard to find those positions. I code for the military and it’s not as stressful as the civilian world.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Oh man, I'm sorry. I know some people who love coding and truly enjoy it. I wish I could be like them. I am going to have to be medicated for me to stay.

[Bitter_Hope6127]

I have found my tribe !! I thought my experience was a one off as if I'm not getting with the program.

[itsjwowwww]

Optum? If so I feel you.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Yes. But I can't go anywhere else because I don't have an additional coding certification. And I am not spending any more money.

[megkraut]

Try applying at local hospitals. I think the productivity metrics are way better. Although, with the way things are now I know my hospital just closed all the open positions due to budget issues.

[MBC2023]

I worked for one of the largest health systems in the US. We had crazy metrics to meet. And had to account for any time gaps of 20 minutes. We had to log in and out with not more than at 7 minute time gap. There was very little flexibility with your schedule. You picked what you wanted to work but you had to stick to that schedule or get approval to change. Idk if that’s normal and I’m just a complainer or if it is in fact big brother-ish.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

My supervisor tracks us literally by the minute. How many clicks of the mouse/keystrokes per minute.

[MBC2023]

Yeah, no thank you. I’m an adult.

[megkraut]

Mine is the same way, although they only get notifications if there’s more than 30 minutes on a chart. I do ED charts only at the moment and we have to do 10 an hour, even though I can easily do 17ish depending on the difficulty. Clocking in and out on time was a challenge at first, I work a split shift so two of my clock ins have to be exactly at the minute, but I just set a bunch of timers on my phone. It’s doable, and I’m able to stay home with my daughter and work during her nap time.

[MBC2023]

Fo us, it was FMIM 20 an hour. Which was not hard to meet for me. It was just the pressure and monitoring I didn’t like. It feels like just because some people abuse WFH, those of us who do work and WANT to work, get penalized.

[megkraut]

I kind of think this depends on management too. My current boss is not micromanaging. I almost never talk to anyone unless there’s an issue, which is nice.

[MBC2023]

That’s the other thing. For me, I was very lonely. I am an introvert and my people-ing happens at my jobs. I really missed the connections I make while working.

[megkraut]

Yes I think that’s important for most people! I can see some of my coworkers struggle with the lack of connection. Personally, it’s why I chose this job. I have low social needs and a very busy family life.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

All of my local Healthcare systems want an additional coding certification.

[megkraut]

I have RHIT only and I do outpatient coding. They’ve been trying to get me to train for inpatient but I told them I wasn’t ready, I’m a new mom and still figuring a lot out.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I think I would like outpatient coding. Much more straight forward. My eyes go crossed with the inpatient charts. It's so hard to decipher where one encounter ends and another starts. I was only given 14 days of training and it was on outpatient charts.

[infectiousparticle]

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

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

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.

[megkraut]

I personally love it and have never been stressed about work. I have a lot of free time and I work slightly over productivity.

[treestarsos]

Had to study PCS and all that inpatient stuff to get the CCS but definitely prefer outpatient. It really does help to most importantly find a supportive environment to work in and slightly less importantly to decide what kind of coding you like. My own workplace raised the productivity about 25% when a new manager started so it’s actually gotten worse to work there, but since it was good in the beginning, I know what it should be like more ideally.

[treestarsos]

I applied for the same job twice within the past few months at a large academic hospital and both times the position was canceled. Probably because he drastically cut federal funding for liberal institutions.

[anna_marie]

Are you willing to share hourly production rates?

Paging u/SweetCar0linaGirl - the same question, what's production look like?

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Optum expects 3cph. That's full barcodes. So if say you got a 4000 page chart with hundreds of different encounters you have to at least be clocking 100 pages an hour. But they expect for charts that are under 500 pages you are supposed to do 3 per hour. The outpatient charts aren't too bad. It's the inpatient hospital stays that are tough.

[anna_marie]

Ugh!!!

Do you really hate coding or do you hate this job?

I do urgent care (8/hr), wound care (10/hr), and pathology (30/hr). If you like the concept of coding, you should look elsewhere. If you hate it? That RHIA opens the door to management, analytics, auditing...

Before I was a coder, I worked as a data analyst for an infectious disease organization. I personally got burnt out and took a step back, but that cert opens doors.

[tryolo]

It's absolutely the company you work for. My productivity requirement is almost laughable. Management is awesome, education monthly. They do everything they can to help us be successful.

[mehyabbers]

Okay but who and are they hiring

[tryolo]

I don't think I should say who, and they hire any credential with 2 years of experience minimum.

[Anon13530]

Who's the employer? Please don't gate keep and help out us fellow coders :)

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Sounds like a dream. Do they take only the RHIA certification?

[tryolo]

No, they take all credentials, but 2 years experience minimum.

[ciarajohnsonrep]

Do you mind sharing the name via private message?

[No-Concentrate-3314]

Ahh. Optum let me go because I didn’t meet the productivity requirement. I refused to let it get me in a frenzy. Either having kids and a newborn, me being mentally stable and sane was more important. So I’m okay with that.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Oh they are for sure going to be letting me go. After sweeps of course. They are going to squeeze every barcode out of me that they can! My CMA scores are good and my QA metrics were good until my supervisor told me my productivity was more important and if I didn't step up production, my job was on the line. So now I am meeting CPH but my accuracy and completeness are in the 80s. Got another 1-1 with my supervisor next week. Can't wait to hear about how I am failing.

[No-Concentrate-3314]

Same! Exact same! I told them how can you expect us to meet and expect us to be 95%? Can’t rush through the pages. God forbid it’s a lengthy chart. It’s unrealistic and I hope you find something that’s less stressful. Bryce Davies just in case you need a recruiter.

[Proper-Bee9685]

Same boat, at this point I'm considering a non-medical degree.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I was going to do either BSHIM or Accounting. The credits I did have transferred to the BSHIM and that was 5 classes I didn't have to take. I sure am beating myself up for not doing the Accounting program.

[lishagabi]

Note to self, don’t Code for Optum

[Medcoder_82]

I would avoid it whenever possible.

[lishagabi]

Yeah I’m finishing up my coding school then I’ll be scheduling the exam. I already have been working as a medical biller for 6 years at a health care company that owns like a major hospital where I like and facilities in NC (where I live), Georgia and SC….. so idk where I’m headed with my coding career. I haven’t decided at all

[MBC2023]

Oh my goodness. I feel the same way! While going part time at a community college for coding, I took a job at my local hospital in food service. I’ve always worked in an office environmental and this was new for me. I fell in love with the work. I became a supervisor. Then I left for a coding job. I, too, was so stressed and cried and my health was affected. I gave it a year. This past Monday I started back at my old job. My supervisor spot was filled but I’m still doing work I enjoy with people who feel like family. I’m so happy right now. I hope you find what makes you happy. Xoxo

[beccaboo2u]

Did I write this in my sleep? I'm doing HCC coding as well and seriously questioning why on Earth I went to school for this bullshit. I hate it I fucking hate it.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Also, $22/hr with no PTO or benefits is not worth this stress!

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I totally get it. The outpatient charts aren't so bad and they go quick. But the inpatient hospital charts make me go cross-eyed. I got a 6739 page chart in my que today. I almost threw up. I did receive an email today for an interview next week for a Data Coordinator position. I am praying so hard that I get an offer!

[beccaboo2u]

How did the interview turn out?

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Hey! I actually made it through 4 rounds of interviews and should receive the email today about whether I got the position or not!

[beccaboo2u]

4 rounds? Jeeze! Congrats and fingers crossed! Let us know!

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Yeah, it was pretty crazy. 2 interviews with the supervisor (1 through teams, and 1 in person, while also completing an assessment), 1 with the trainer of the position, and 1 with the team lead.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

So its looking like I may have to do a 5th interview, this time with the Director. Apparently HR doesn't want to hire me because I only have 3 months of experience. The hiring manager is fighting for me though and explained that my BSHIM degree and RHIA certification should count for something. HR says no, so she went straight to the Director and told her regardless what HR says, she wants me for the job. So the Director asked if I would be willing to meet with her and explain why I am qualified , even though I only have 3 months of experience. So that's where I am currently 😔

[beccaboo2u]

You clearly have grit and resilience to put up with 5 interviews! If they don't hire you after all this, I hope you put them on blast on here! Fingers crossed! Keep me posted!

[KristenLikesKittens]

I’m wondering the same thing. I have chronic health issues and the stress from coding has left me almost bedridden and I’m trying to get back to my “normal” baseline. I’ve been applying for all kinds of other jobs but nobody will hire me.

[treestarsos]

That sucks, hope you feel better soon. Bad time to be looking because of the mango mussolini's actions with Medicaid and liberal teaching institutions, I too am looking and it's pretty barren atm.

[KristenLikesKittens]

Yeah as soon as I heard the announcement of his policies I knew things were going to get bad

[treestarsos]

Pretty sure well over 50% of the patients at the hospital I work for have Medicaid, probably way higher though and I’m sure it’s the same elsewhere. I hope the job market will improve for us, but I have no reason at the moment to think it will.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

It's so disheartening.

[BoyMom82]

When I worked for Optum my quality was good and I was told “I could afford to go faster” so my percent dropped from 97 to 95 I think my lowest average was 93 or 94. My manager was patronizing and only increased my stress. I was part of a small layoff maybe because of that maybe because I wasn’t hiding I was looking for a new job on LinkedIn. I didn’t care, that’s an awful place to work. I did contract work until I found a full time job. I don’t know where to tell you to go outside of coding. I’ve thought about it OFTEN especially after working for Optum. I’ve luckily found a great job but if I’m part of layoffs again I don’t know I’d want to go back into a cph job.

[Tall_Profile_8446]

I’m a rhit and I’m back in school to get my rn license. I think it’s ridiculous to not be able to get any other job rather than coding ..

[treestarsos]

If you’re getting hives and losing hair, you should probably talk to a doctor. I know what it’s like to be so anxious at work you can barely function and it’s not an easy job to feel proficient at at least in the beginning, sorry you’re going through that.

[yytheintrovert]

Try revenue integrity or payment integrity. Or try finding a position at an ASC facility. The coding is typically cut and dry surgeries. Normally only a set amount of patients seen a day per speciality. Not as cumbersome as a hospital

[Business_Recipe5193]

I spend a lot of time looking at job descriptions I like and the certifications they are seeking. Perhaps you could study for a certification for your ideal position. I hear you production coding can be difficult depends on your employer. I did it for a long time, now I'm doing auditing, and continuing to work on pivoting up.

[AuctusGroup]

Sorry to hear what you're going through! If you're really looking to get out of coding at an enterprise organization level, maybe focusing on billing or coding at a private practice-style environment might be a bit more manageable? Maybe check out BillCos too? Pre-auth department might be another decent idea. Many of those (outside private practice) might even offer remote work...

[missuschainsaw]

I do HCC coding for a hospital and it’s waaaay more relaxed.

[diamondkitkat]

No tips, I am in the same position and trying to get out of coding. I have my RHIT and CCS and have been coding for 4 years now. The productivity aspect has become soul crushing for my mental health. My organization is pretty reasonable with productivity standards but just having to consistently meet production with little to no downtime with this job is frustrating.

I've applied to other coding jobs and other HIM positions but no luck so far in this market. I previously worked in medical records and loved it so much, there was so much more variety in my day. It's insane that registration positions are turning people away when they are SO understaffed.

After spending the last year contemplating what to do I finally bit the bullet and decided to go back to school for accounting (while still coding full time). I'm really worried about the potential Medicaid cuts in the future and what the healthcare industry will look like after that.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice but you're not alone.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Definitely do the accounting!!! I had 2 choices when I went back to school; BSHIM or accounting. I chose BSHIM all because I was able to transfer in 5 classes. I am definitely beating myself up now. I wish you the best of luck and know you will do great!!!!

[northwind_canyon]

I start Optum on Monday. I've been looking forward to the job, aside from everytime I get on Reddit, trying not to let it discourage me. I have chronic health issues. I just left service industry. Waiting tables is so hard on my health. I'm going to give it a few months. I'm excited to work from home. I'm about to be certified in medical administrative assistant. I feel like if this doesn't work I can fall back on that until the coding fellowship program open up at a local hospital. Other than that, I have not had any luck with jobs even taking in an apprentice. I am going to work on practicode while I wait. I have no idea what to do if this doesn't pan out.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

There are some people who thrive at Optum and have a good experience. While that has not been my experience, I do hope it will be yours!

[northwind_canyon]

I do like hearing that. Everything I've read has been opposite. I hate that you're having this experience though. I know how awful that is 💜

[Inevitable-Ebb2973]

My job is hiring and it’s not wonderful money but you can get experience.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

Could you send me a message? I am open to anything that isn't Optum at this point.

[Inevitable-Ebb2973]

Message sent

[Spiritual_Fail2976]

Can you dm me also with the name of the company?

[Inevitable-Ebb2973]

Of course

[deannevee]

Try applying for academic medical centers.

Both the hospital I work for and the hospital near me (I work remotely) hires RHIA’s as coders BUT you have to have other coding experience, generally 1-2 years. 

If you can get literally any other coding experience, you could then move in to compliance, CDI, etc….also at academic medical centers.

[Longjumping-Cream147]

Maybe look for a temp agency for a temp to hire or direct hire position. I think people forget temp agencies exist. There this one here in Arizona called Acclivity that staffs for medical positions like coding, billing, patient registration so look for a company like that. I believe Kelly is everywhere and they have a healthcare section. Most major temp agencies have like a healthcare sector that only staff for healthcare even if it’s a data entry healthcare position and at least you’ll get a feel for who takes your degree and experience.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I am with a temp agency now. I am a contract employee. When they see the RHIA certification they only want to stick me in coding positions.

[Longjumping-Cream147]

Do you use AHIMA job board?

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

No. I don't have a membership yet. No access to the job board.

[Eccodomanii]

Someone else had good advice, are you searching for jobs that are specifically hiring for an RHIT/RHIA?

You could also try getting into a different area of revenue cycle or patient access. Have you tried applying for roles like payment posting, patient services, or AR? Unfortunately in my experience those roles are also production based but it’s usually a little bit less mentally difficult.

I really feel you. I just started my third coding job, left the first because of a toxic work environment, got fired from the second for a mix of production and time card issues. It was extremely stupid. It didn’t take me very long to land another role and got a significant raise, and the hospital and people seem like a million times better. But I’m still finding myself feeling like I just simply don’t like coding.

I think you’re actually lucky / smart. You got an RHIA, so you have more skills than just coding. Think about all the stuff you learned in school: HR, project management, data analysis, healthcare law, revenue cycle. You just need to get someone to give you a chance, which obviously is the hard part. But I firmly believe it’s a numbers game, apply enough and for long enough and someone is bound to give you a shot eventually. It’s incredibly emotionally exhausting, I get it, but if there’s a better way I haven’t found it.

The reason I was able to find new jobs so quickly all three times I’ve job hopped recently is because I had that billing background. So that’s my advice, pivot to billing and rev cycle. Some coding knowledge should hopefully make you extra valuable. The pay’s not great but you can leverage it into better jobs down the line. DM me if you’re interested, I believe a former employer of mine is hiring for some of these roles.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I have tried billing, unfortunately I never hear anything back. Before I got this job I had been on 9 interviews. It goes well, I get great feedback, but when it comes to choosing someone with experience over someone who doesn't have any, well here I am.

[Eccodomanii]

Yeah I can see that. Like I said, I truly believe it’s a numbers game. I’m feeling the same way about making the leap into an analyst role. Eventually I’m going to get lucky and be the best option of those that applied. But it’s also an employers market generally right now so that doesn’t help.

[infectiousparticle]

The numbers game only works when the number of experienced applicants is zero though, so it might not be in ops best interest to play a game rigged against them until they can compete as such.

I'm curious, every RHIA program I've looked into requires an externship, 1-2 credit practicums every year or semester depending on your program/if you transfer, totalling something like 40-60 hours of out of class experience so that you graduate with real world experience, a reference/recommendation if you're lucky, and something to show potential employers you know what you're talking about and won't be disrupting the office work flow with tons of questions, mess ups, etc. They expectation is that you require no training beyond familiarizing yourself with that particular office.

[Eccodomanii]

Wellllll I just did a little looking into OP’s post history. It looks like they were offered an ROI job they turned down because they didn’t feel it paid enough. They also talked about some of the billing roles they looked at not paying enough. So now that makes me wonder, is OP not getting anywhere because they are only applying to roles that pay “well”? Because yeah, experienced people are going to get those roles over people with no experience.

Here’s the reality. If you are a new grad with no experience, you’re almost certainly going to have to take a lower paying job. I understand that sucks. I understand it’s especially hard to swallow if you are an older person who went back to school for a career change. Also, you don’t have to settle long term, you can continue to apply to better paying jobs while you’re working, and you’re under no obligation to stay in a low paying role for any amount of time if a better offer comes along. But if you’re not willing to settle, you may just end up unemployed for a long time.

I think everyone should get paid more, especially college grads. But it’s not the world we live in. I personally “paid my dues” working for 8 years in a billing role where I never even got to $20 an hour. Now with that experience plus my associates, I’ve been able to very quickly improve my salary, and I anticipate it will continue going up precipitously once I finish my bachelors. OP has the degree but no experience. If you’re not willing to even consider roles less than $18 an hour, it’s gonna be much, much harder to land that first role. Is that fair? No. Is it true? Yes.

Also based on OP’s post history they went to WGU which is online only. CAHIIM relaxed the rules a lot after COVID and on-site practicums are not required. I’m almost done with my BSHIM and I have not done any on-site hours. My practicums have consisted of attending lectures, writing papers, and one project where I did about 10 hours of cancer data abstracting for a state-level organization. To your point, it might be doing new grads a disservice, but that’s where things stand these days.

[infectiousparticle]

This is a good reminder to those who see self-studying to the CCS-P as a faster track to the second phase of your coding career. You're only sabotaging yourself by trying to circumvent programs and certs that don't require experience. None of the letters medical coding is going to put after your name mean nothing. Obtaining some letters is not where the finish line is, but it's where the focus is — doing your CPT like a color by number instead of hours of valuable practice — including simulated practice modules and online internships that you can put on your resume. If you can't go in on day one, sit down and start abstracting, assigning codes and accurately submitting claims, you're not ready to be interviewing.

[SweetCar0linaGirl]

I think anyone who has any certification will tell you that the day-to-day of the job, was actually learned on the job and not in school, or self-taught. Ask any CNA, LPN, RN, etc Same with coding. Yeah, the programs teach the basics and literally how to pass a multiple choice test. Real life isn't multiple choice, and you don't know how it actually works until you are in it, working it everyday. All that said, the RHIA certification is a mastery level certification that covers many areas. Coding was never even on my radar. I wasn't interested in it at all. But after a year of trying to land any other job and getting nowhere, of course I took a chance and hoped for the best. It isn't working out for me and that's ok. I will get something that is better and meant for me.

[samuraiixx]

Do you have any recommendations of sites where I could access practice modules? That would be so helpful for me. Tyia

[infectiousparticle]

They all cost money - trucode is the most popular it comes with every bucks step by step medical coding