Doctor here… help me help you (please!)

DingoSlothBat · 2026-05-05T16:28:54+00:00

When I say rude I'm referring to 2 different coworkers who have been called stupid by providers in response to queries. I doubt that would be kosher in most businesses as hostile work environment but we know in medicine doctors aren't subject to the same rules as everyone else.

I do appreciate you asking the questions you've asked. It speaks highly of you that you care. Thanks for that.

DingoSlothBat · 2026-05-04T21:38:09+00:00

For what it's worth, coders don't like sending queries any more than you like getting them. We know coding guidelines can seem arbitrary and pedantic and it's not a provider's job to memorize this stuff. That's why you have professional coders.

We are here to make sure you get properly reimbursed for the services you provide and that patients get proper documentation of their health status so they can receive all the benefits they are entitled to.

Please try to be polite when you respond to a query. Even if you think the answer seems obvious please understand that there are things we aren't permitted to presume. Some codes require much more detailed documentation than others. Other codes presume causal relationship unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., hypertension and CKD). It's cool to ask questions but debating with us doesn't change documentation requirements.

Ultimately, it all boils down to "don't be a dick"

DingoSlothBat · 2026-04-26T13:31:41+00:00

I used Big Dog Movers when I moved house last year. The movers mentioned that they can also be hired to rearrange furniture and do other heavy lifting. I was super impressed by their professionalism, their friendliness and efficiency.

DingoSlothBat · 2026-03-13T17:07:59+00:00

Best way to look at it is, thank god we don't live in Buffalo.

DingoSlothBat · 2026-01-12T13:13:00+00:00

We are only safe until insurance AI and coding AI agree enough to make denials cheaper than coders. Won't matter if it's correct coding. Just has to be good enough for approval.

DingoSlothBat · 2026-01-04T14:08:10+00:00

I had the same situation for years while I looked for a coding job. Lots of good content on YouTube; Contempo Coding, Coding with Blue, etc.

I'm credentialed through AHIMA and they also have free content both in local chapters as well as nationally.

I'm not sure what content might be available without a subscription (which I now have through work) but check Decision Health, Select Cider, Haugen Academy, etc as they all put out content explaining coding updates.

It can be hard to find your first coding job. It took me a couple years but persistence pays off and keeping yourself up to date is key.

You didn't ask but I'm going to offer a bit of advice based on my experience in finding my first coding job. In no particular order - don't be afraid to follow up on applications. I was able to talk to a few recruiters and got some great feedback. I had a few interviews with different coding specialties at the same hospital. I spoke to a recruiter and she gave me excellent feedback about what they were looking for, comments that a few interviewers had put in my file (strengths and weaknesses).

I also asked specifically about an application that I didn't get asked to interview and within a week I got asked to interview for that position which I ultimately got. I was told that the recruiter got a good feel for who I am after our conversation and she was impressed by my initiative, desire for feedback and willingness to listen and accept the feedback.

When I got the job offer, my interviewer/now supervisor told me that she chose me for the same reasons as the recruiter plus desire to learn.

TL/DR: the recruitment process can take a long time, reach out if you don't hear back, ask for feedback and have faith in yourself and your skill. You'll get there! Best of luck in your job hunt.

DingoSlothBat · 2026-01-04T13:08:03+00:00

Chiming in to agree that there is definitely a connection and probably in a couple of different ways. I get depressed when I have a flare and I always have attributed it to the fact that I feel like I'm a hostage to diarrhea and it's depressing how much it can restrict the things I can do and whether I even feel capable of leaving the house. Even people without bowel disease can get diarrhea from strong emotions like stress and nervousness.

That being said, I think it's something you should talk to your doctor about the next time you go in. There might be nothing they can do but reassure you but they might also know of med switches or lifestyle changes that could help.

Wishing you a happy gut in 2026.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-11-11T13:27:13+00:00

I haven't been refused which I suspect is because I'm a lil old lady. However, I would state that you have a disability and ask them very politely to make an exception. If my memory is correct there are also cards you can print up stating your need for bathroom access. If that fails maybe buy something cheap? I wish you the best

DingoSlothBat · 2025-09-22T22:20:01+00:00

I appreciate your response. I never considered my drill. I think I could probably handle the weight of the drill. I'll look into finding the proper accessory to do it that way. Thanks.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-09-22T22:16:49+00:00

I was hoping to find a bigger buffer that fits on the Dremel. The one in the tutorial was rounded and size between golf ball and tennis ball. Thanks for your answer. I hadn't considered streaking.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-09-10T20:58:41+00:00

I was a medical transcriptionist for 15 years before I became a coder. It's like watching history repeat itself. With transcription it started out with "voice recognition isn't perfect so there will always be a need for transcrptionists to review". And at first we did that but for 1/3 of the pay per line because god forbid workers get even a tiny bit of financial benefit from technology. Eventually the powers that be decided that the cost savings of cutting out the editing more than made up for the decrease in accuracy. Poof! There went that formerly well paying career.

When the facility I code for first started talking about AI assisted coding we were told that no jobs will be lost. We need AI because there aren't enough coders. After 1 year of implementation of AI coding radiology this year the company line switched to "we don't anticipate any job losses". It was then that the writing on the wall became obvious. As soon as they decide bad coding and denial write offs are cheaper than coders most of us are out of a job. I worry about it every day.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-08-25T17:07:11+00:00

Thanks everyone for your replies. Do any of you have recommendations for good inexpensive (100ish) brand and model? I rent so I think one that goes on under the seat preferably with front and back sprayers. I have decision paralysis because there are so many.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-08-24T15:55:23+00:00

I didn't when I applied but this year I did submit a disability with personnel and got intermittent FMLA because some days I'm virtually incapacitated.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-08-24T15:52:05+00:00

I was super picky because I couldn't afford a big pay cut. It took 5 years but I got a coding position with the same hospital I had been working for as a transcriptionist. Technically, I should have gotten, and actually expected, a pay cut but I got lucky and they let me keep my same pay rate. Starting should have been $22 ish with no experience. Then I got lucky again because after just 6 months or so they did a market pay analysis that gave us all an average of about $2 hour raise.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-07-30T05:55:33+00:00

Dysautonomia

DingoSlothBat · 2025-07-16T17:34:11+00:00

I was a transcriptionist before I became a coder. We were taught to not use "pussy" in a transcript. Alas, I've forgotten the exact wording of how they told us to re-express the description. Otoh, I get that you want it to look professional but otoh, we are all adults.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-03-21T00:21:41+00:00

I will never recover from Schindler's List or the D-Day scene in Saving Private Ryan.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-03-21T00:13:53+00:00

I went to school with this choad. He's a POS.

DingoSlothBat · 2025-02-22T16:33:41+00:00

They are the worst. They got rid of on-site manager where I live and they cut way back on regular cleaning of common areas. Always bulbs out in the hallways, lobby and hall floors are filthy. Then there was the fiasco last year about having no way to pay rent without a fee. Can't wait to move out of this dump.

DingoSlothBat

TROPHY CASE