I just wanted to post a note here for all the current students who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that is expected during the Andrews coding course.
At this time last year, I was working on Module 4. After finishing Module 3 and passing the CPC, I thought “the rest of this course is going to be a piece of cake!” But it wasn’t. It was difficult. Just like the rest of the Andrews coding curriculum. And there were plenty of times that I thought, “How am I ever going to finish this section?” or “I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing!” or “Really?!? I correctly coded diagnoses V, W, X, Y, and Z, AND I LOST POINTS ON THE EXTERNAL CAUSE CODE!!!” We have all been there, and it can be discouraging. But keep calm and code on. It only gets better!
This year I am working as a remote coder, and I love it! The Andrews course prepared me SO WELL that I am able to work remotely, even though this is my very first coding position.
I don’t have co-workers next to me who can answer my questions, so I have to research, read (and re-read) guidelines, and figure things out for myself. And that is the way I coded in school, so I am up for the challenge! I have a supervisor who I can e-mail at any time if I have questions, which is the same way I learned from my instructors. And I am SO grateful that the Andrews course taught me how to “defend” my codes. If I disagree with an audit, I know how to “speak up” and explain why I chose specific codes.
So thank you Linda, Glenda, Instructor Peggy, Instructor Sue, Instructor Emily, Instructor Debby, Instructor Adrienne, and all the instructors and staff who make Andrews a great place to learn medical coding. You all do a great job, and thanks to you, we succeed!
Thanks for sharing your story of success, Jennifer. What kind of coding are you doing? It's always good to hear and know that it DOES happen for Andrews grads. Thanks for the inspiration!!.
Thank you very much for your post, Jennifer! It is very encouraging :)
Thank you so much for coming back and posting this, Jennifer! I am in module 4 and feel like I will never finish. It has taken me such a long time to get here, and I do wonder if I will ever finish! So your post reminds me to keep pushing on, and hopefully someday I will be like you!
Melanie
Thank you so much for posting this! As a single mother of a handicapped child, working remotely is my dream!!! It is so nice to hear that it has worked out for others Andrews graduates.
What a great message. I'm just finishing up Module 1 and I've been hoping to read a message just like yours at some point to re-enforce I'm not wasting my time. Thank you.
Very inspiring, indeed. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing such an encouraging testimony!! :) This is exactly what I needed to hear!! I am continually a work in progress.. just trying to get thru the last half of Mod 3!!
That is awesome Jennifer! Thank you for sharing. It is very re-assuring to hear. I felt much like you. I am an RN with a BSN, and now a recent graduate of the Andrews School. I must humbly say it was a challenge!
I am also very thankful to Glenda and all the gifted Instructors who responded promptly and with clarity the many times that I reached out in need. This achievement has been one of the most interesting mindful thing I have done.
As I prepare to take my exams, I am learning a new language, Italian! It is good to change it up a bit. That is why Glenda chooses having us opt to watch delightful movies each month I think.
I wish everyone much success and a bright future!
Mary Regina
Thank you, Jennifer, for what you have posted. I feel like I can't even get through my first assignments without asking for extensions over and over. It is very overwhelming sometimes. And there are disruptions going on at home right now that make it impossible for me to focus as much as I want and need to right now.
Your post really helped me feel encouraged. I don't want to feel like this is just something I have to get through. So thank you!
Heather
WOW! Your words were encouraging and helps me to remember we're all struggling and it will only make us better for it.
Congrats on your position! That's awesome!