WAHM Forums

I am finishing up my medical coding schooling. I hope to become certified sometime this year. I am currently working as a coder in a medical group office. I got into coding bc I was told I could do it from home. Now that I am in the business I am told its very rare that someone is able to code from home...and if they do code from home they must have 3-5 yrs office/hospital experience and be certified. Honestly, I know I could do this job from home and it would be fabulous. But my boss says "no" everytime I bring it up.
Any advice??? :confused:

It is hard to find a remote coding position. Most companies require 3-5 years acute care (hopsital) coding and a CCS certification. I am a remote coder and have been for the past 3 years.

Yes, it's not something that will be done at home, right out of school. It just does NOT happen that way. It is a MYTH. You need to learn hands on in an office. It's truly sad that so many people throw money away and waste time, thinking they will be able to work at home!!! I wish the tru and accurate information was more readily available to you.

what does your husband do for work?

There are some companies which offer remote coding postions, but one has to have at least four to five years of experiance. Companies offer remote coding positions because there is shortage of experianced coders and most of the employees in medical coding industry are womens who prefer to work from home ..

I searched for remote coding and found that there are companies giving opportunities to those who only have 1.5-2 years experience. How long have been a coder? You can post your resume to job sites and hopefully someone will contact you. Try Indeed.

Just wanted to say thanks to you and the others that posted replies to your topic. I was considering going to school for this very subject just so I could work at home as well. All of you have saved myself and my family loads of money, time, and....well...disapointment. Thank you again. :D

I've known two women who have tried medical coding and it was very hard for them. The companies wanted all kinds of experience and work history etc. Not to discourage, but I hope this helps.

I just graduated last October from an online school and have an associates degree in Medical billing and coding, I have done everything from applying to every hospital in a 150 mile radius, and cannot find anyone to hire me. I even went as far as wanting to volunteer. I really don't know what to do. Any advice I live in Iowa by the way.

Amphion Medical Solutions - I came across this, but I don't know if it is for coding or MT. Worth a shot. Good luck!!!

Amphion Medical Solutions - I came across this, but I don't know if it is for coding or MT. Worth a shot. Good luck!!! Here's another - Aviacode. I found these on pcworkathome.net

I think when you just have a degree, especially an online degree, volunteering to work is actually a very good idea.

See if you can get your foot in the door that way. This is particularly good because if you show that you have very good skills and show a lot of initiative, they may hire you after volunteering for some time.

As you have observed, most coding positions require experience.

Another idea is to try to get other entry level medical related positions (not coding) in facilities where they also do coding. Once you start working there, you can indicate that you have a coding certification and see if you can do coding as an apprentice under an experienced coder.

If you are really creative, several doors will open in front of you. Good luck.

By the way, I have a website which posts real-time work at home job openings (including coding jobs). If you let me know your general location and if you are interested in particular jobs, I can send those opportunities your way.

I just wanted to say, it is NOT a myth. I do know a lady who does it for a doctors office from HOME, yes from home. Honestly to get ANY real work from home job like that is is all about who you know. Network ask around, take a job in an office and if you are good they will let you work from home. Same thing for sales and customer service jobs at banks, call centers and more. (i know this because of my husbands job)They let some people take calls from home and the same with coding :) hope this helps.

I had thought about studying medical coding myself, as I do see work-at-home medical coding opportunities listed frequently at Careerbuilder and Monster. But after reading this, I don't think I will.

I'm already working from home as a transcriptionist, and can't imagine going back to school, then having to work in a hospital for 3 to 5 years before being able to work from home again.

I just graduated last October from an online school and have an associates degree in Medical billing and coding, I have done everything from applying to every hospital in a 150 mile radius, and cannot find anyone to hire me. I even went as far as wanting to volunteer. I really don't know what to do. Any advice I live in Iowa by the way.

I understand what your saying, it is not easy finding work after training. But job seekers have to keep on pressing forward. Try Monster.com, Career Builders, and join LinkedIn.com. Hope for you the best.

My friend wants to become a medical coder. Thankfully she is not intending to work at home. But it is good to know that eventually that would be a possibility.