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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Health Care |
Is medical transcription/billing training worth it? |
I was thinking of taking classes for medical transcription/billing, but wonder if there are really a lot of jobs out there for it? I've only met one person who does it, and that was 15 yrs ago. Is on line better than taking classes at a college or trade school? I would just hate to spend the money and time and not be able to get a job, or be phased out by a new computer program. I live in northern Michigan, so I'm not sure if there would be a large job market here for a transcriptionist. I'd really love to do it out of my home. Your thoughts would be appreciated. I work as an at-home MT and I love it! It's not for everyone, though, and can be difficult. The US Department of Labor states: "Job opportunities will be good. Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. " From experience, I can tell you there is a great need for well-qualified MTs. As for being phased out by a new computer program... about half of my work involves editing reports produced using Voice Recognition software. Some will argue that VR technology is taking over the industry. I beg to differ. I have seen, first hand, what this software can do and I am not impressed. There will ALWAYS be a need for a human editor. Also, a computer will not be able to catch a mistake made by a doctor, such as stating a male patient is in for a hysterectomy (this should state vasectomy). I'm not worried about VR taking over my profession. I work for a national MT company. I live opposite side of the country from the hospital where my main account is. I don't think location is an issue, unless you plan on finding your own local clients. Most employers require experience or participation in one of the top AAMT approved schools. If your looking into Medical Transcription pay the extra in tuition to attend an 'approved' school. Many people have received training through inadequate programs only to find out that they are unable to find a job. Check out: http://www.mteducationonline.c... It is an affiliate site for Career Step. I attended Career Step and recieved a job (at-home) less than a week after graduating. Career Step is an AHDI approved program and they are partnered with many of the major MT employers. In other words, their graduates get the jobs. Many companies require 2-3 years experience, however, a lot of these companies will waive this requirement if you graduate from the right school. Attending your local community college will give you a good chance at a job in-house, but if you are wanting to work from home, an online 'approved' course is the way to go. They do offer financial aid and payment plans. :) AHDI is the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (formerly known as the American Association for Medical Transcription) Source(s): http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm#emp... http://mteducationonline.com http://www.ahdionline.org It can be especially if you're certified. But be prepaired to have the federal goverment to go over everything you do Transcriptionist get paid good money but in the long run and takes a toll on your fingers. As for billing, I mean there will always be a job for it cause there will always be fees, so it's really up to you as an individual whether or not you want to pursue either one of those careers. Are you referring to coding? Yes that is in demand. You can learn how to bill on the job, but not coding, you must get certified for that. If I were you, I would take nursing classes. This is the area to be in. Much, much better pay, more flexibility and good job opportunites all over the country. Will take about 2 years, but worth it in the end. I believe the average salary is about 50K to 60K a year. Worked at skilled nursing facility It depends on the hospitals around you and what their needs are. A lot of hospitals now have voice recognition computers that type for them. Some places do outsource their transcription services but I don't know the company names. (sorry) Also if the facility has gone to computerized documentation, many if those systems do the coding and billing without a person doing it. Check your local hospital's billing department and ask someone who works there. Most doctors offices can't afford these systems so if you wouldn't mind private office work it could work for you. Good Luck |
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