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You will do great!  :)  Just remember to take deep breaths!

Keep us updated

Thanks Debby!  The tests are done and now just waiting for the next phase, whatever that may be. 

Good luck Terry! :)

Good luck!!! Praying for you!!!

Good luck!!! Praying for you!!!

Brand new coding student and brand new to the forum, but I wanted to wish you all the best in your job search, especially with regard to your testing this past week.

Thanks everyone for the prayers and good wishes.  I've got a phone interview with them tomorrow morning.  It's looking hopeful.

Good luck with the interview, Terry! Does TrustHCS have a separate site for job info?  

Good Luck, Terri!

Carmen, not that I've found.  I found them through AHIMA.

Ahhh! Okay. Thanks!

Color me employed!  Had a really comfortable interview/chat.   I'll be getting the acceptance letter next week, then will be set up with a laptop and program.  Flexible 40 hour week with full benefits after 90 days.  The company will train me in ICD-10 and pay for continuing education.  Had to stop doing the happy dance long enough to let y'all know.

Linda, Glenda, Debbie, Sue and everyone thank you for the rigorous course.  It made the testing seem like a practice exam.  :)  

Woohoo!!! Congratulations, Terry!!! Fantastic news!!!! You are really going to enjoy the weekend now, I bet. :D

Thanks Carmen!  I very definitely am going to have a great weekend.  We're going out to celebrate tonight and tomorrow I'm going to make an office spot in the studio.

Wonderful news! Congratulations Terry and enjoy your celebration! :)

Thanks Debbie, it's been a long row to hoe, but so worth it.

Congratulations!! Doing a happy dance for you!!! :)

Great News!

That's great news! Congratulations!!! Thanks for letting us all know!

Congratulations, Terry!!!  I couldn't be happier for you. I think it took you about a month to find the job aftre you graduated, right? That's awesome! I usually assume it will take several months of full-time job searching, because that's the way job searches usually work. Please e-mail me and keep me updated whenever you can! If you like it there and they like the work you do, they may decide they want more coders just like you. That's the way it has always worked with Andrews School graduates. I get a phone call that says, "We hired one of your graduates. She's terrific! We want more!" That is our goal for you and (blatantly selfishly) for us.

Congrats Terry.  So happy for you!  That sounds like such a good opportunity.  Did you have any experience in coding at all? (well other than the million hours you put in at Andrews - I am still working at that).   It seems all these job sites want experienced coders.  Just wondering.  Thanks for sharing your news.  That makes it so much more hopeful for us out here still hoping.  Will you email me at lrfrost777@gmail.com? 

Congratulations Terry!  Hoping you can answer a quick question, as I'll be finishing up the course within the next couple of weeks and hope to hit the job market soon after.  I saw the TrustHCS ad on AHIMA, and it says they require experience.  Of course, that's what everybody says.  Do you already have coding experience?  Thanks, Terry, and good luck!

It was just about a month from graduation.  I had been going through the AHIMA job area and even though they were wanting experience and CCS cert up front, I applied anyway and let them know I just finished the course, I had my CPC and will be sitting for my CCS in the next few weeks.  The HR person emailed me to take the tests and next thing I know, I'm offered an entry level job as an inpatient coder.

The lady I spoke with Friday was very laid back and encouraging, saying they like getting entry level people and that every one has to get that start somewhere.  I feel very, very fortunate.

And Linda, today in the AT&T store, I gave two people your name and the website address as they were both very interested and asked lots of questions.  I won't say I bragged about the course, but I...erm...bragged :)  One was one of the AT&T sales people, and the other was going to pass along to his mother who is retired Air Traffic Control in the Air Force.

I will definitely keep you updated - I should be getting the acceptance letter to sign this coming week, and they'll set me up with the laptop and get me started.

Lana, I don't have any coding experience other than our school work.  I would apply to everything that takes your fancy.  You'll never know until you ask.  And sure, I'll drop you a line.

Great!  I love getting referrals from our students and graduates and their spouses and parents and siblings and neighbors.  I hope all of you talk about the program. Tell them that you had to work hard at it. It isn't that the work itself is that hard, but it takes hard work to get through it---or is that the way most of you see it?

I tell people up front that it's a very intense course, and you have to be self motivated to get up every day and hit the books.  But if I can do it, an artist with no medical background, anyone can, if they apply themselves.  

Oh, today I found in Barnes and Noble, a Medical Billing and Filing for Dummies book today.  I just walked away before I found one on Coding.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!   I'm so excited for you, Terry!

You applied even though the ad said "experienced only", impressed them with your knowledge and landed your first coding job. You even get to work remote.

Good job!

Congratulations!  Way to go.  I am not surprised you were able to get a coding job with no experience, because that's how Andrews trains us.

I am brand new to the coding program; my first day was 9/13.  I completed the transcription program in 2007.  With Andrews' reputation and everything they taught me, I was able to land a job with a large national MTSO working remotely from home in about 2 months, even though the ad said 2 years experienced required.  They all love Andrews grads

They know what they are getting when they hire Andrews grads. :)

And many congrats to you Maureen on starting a new job!

I would encourage everyone to apply for jobs, even if they say they want 6 gazillion years of experience.  What can they do?  Fire you?  :)  At worst, you won't hear back from them.  At best, you could get a chance to show what you can do.

Congratulations, Terry! I just finished up the coding course in August and will be taking the CPC (second time) in October and the CCS in November.

Could you please give me/us an idea of what coding-related questions you were asked during the interview when you have a moment? I am concerned I will have one of those "duh" moments when asked a question, although saying "I don't know, but I can find out" is usually a good answer in the workplace. During an interview, I'm not so sure. It's been a while since I have interviewed anywhere.

I too finished the Andrews transcription course back in 2007 and was hired within a week of graduating. I'm really hoping I can be coding employed by the end of this year, along with being credentialed.

Thanks and congrats again!

It was very much like taking the the CPC test, only easier, there wasn't a time limit.  I just logged into the website address the HR person sent me.  The first half of the test was all ICD-9, with mostly multiple choice and some fill in the blank.  The second half was ICD-9 and CPT.  The second test was mostly Evaluation and Management questions, which is not my strongest suit (I plan on working on that), but still easier than some of our exams.

The interview was very relaxed - in fact the lady could hear my parrot and asked all kinds of questions about him.  We mostly chatted about self-motivation and what courses I had studied.  Other than asking about my courses, no questions were asked about coding.  Naturally, your mileage will likely vary.

Good luck with your future job hunt - I'm sure you will do great. ~nods~

Received my acceptance letter last night.  On my birthday no less - I am positive I've never had a better present.  Once the paperwork is done, I'll be starting next week.  Hang in there my friends, there is a big, beautiful, bright light at the end of that Module IV tunnel!

Congratulations! So happy for you...so happy for my future! I'm almost through with Module 1. Your news helps me keep my eye on the prize. Thanks for encouraging the rest of us. Let us know how your first week goes.

Congratulations Terry and Happy Birthday! I so agree - there is a light at the end of Module IV! :)

Congratulations!!! What a nice birthday present.

Keep us updated!

Thanks, Linda.

Today is my first official day.  All the paperwork is done, background check passed, drug test passed, first orientation files and policy manual read and acknowledged.  Now I'm waiting to hear that the laptop and monitor is on it's way.  Not that I'm on pins and needles or anything.  No, no, no.

I have to say - I am totally loving my new job!  The people I am working with are super helpful and relaxed.  If I had one piece of advise for people working through the course  - ACCURACY, ACCURACY, ACCURACY!  

With my present assignment, I'm on initial review, which means I'm limited to coding 20 charts, until I have two days of 95% accuracy or better.  That puts a crimp in the hours I can log, but I started off at 91.95% last week while I was still learning to use the program, and had a 96.97% day yesterday.  If I do it again today, I can code till my eyes bleed and make up my hours.  I am stoked about that.

Awesome news, congratulations!!!!

Great news, Terry!  Keep us posted on your progress!  I'm almost done with Module 1 and have a long way to go but your posts have given much encouragement!

~Terry does the happy dance~  97% accuracy and I'm off initial review!   And thanks Sherry - there is a light at the end of your coding tunnel.

WAY TO GO TERRY!!!!!! :-D

It is great to hear your good news! I'm just starting Module II Coding. It is so encouraging to hear of your success. It helps me to believe I will be able to do it too. So happy for you!

Congratulations on your accuracy, Terry. That's wonderful news. I took my drug test day before yesterday and am just waiting, waiting, waiting. :D Passed background check and completed orientation paperwork. Start date was supposed to be this coming Monday but don't see how that's possible. I can't wait to get started though. I feel like I found my niche - finally!

Just got the laptop email. It should arrive Monday. Yippee!!! Need to hurry up and finish this course. Not much more to do. Final deadline is Sunday! Yikes!!! 

Mine was a brand new Lenovo, so I imagine yours will be the same.  We're supposed to get a large monitor as well, but I've not heard anymore about it.  I've got one, and it works just fine.  Having two screens really makes the job easier.

My biggest thing is learning to pace myself.  I know how many charts I'm supposed to code an hour on this account, so I work in hour increments, take a break, walk the dogs, have some coffee, check on the parental unit (she broke her hip my first day of training, and she's here at my house now, recovering), count up the chart number, set the timer for another hour and hit it again. Mind you, my supervisor isn't expecting me to do as many as the seasoned coders, but that's the goal I'm setting for myself.  Everyday I'm doing more and faster as I learn the Citrix program quirks and learning the more common codes by heart.

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your experiences Carmen! 

It sounds great, Terry. I'm so excited. I know I'm expected to be up to full coding within two weeks. That makes me nervous as you know what. Here's my email crlassiter@cox.net, if you want to email. I just hope I can get off checking pretty quick. My laptop won't be in until tomorrow. It's funny, I'm in Kansas, TrustHCS is in Springfield, Missouri, and my laptop went to Memphis, TN because it's shipping via Fedex. I do hope I get a new monitor soon because my monitor is having issues. I hope your mother is recuperating well. I'm just finishing up the Query Exam then i just have to code those four cases and I am finished!! I'm really nervous about working. I still can't believe it. :D And I cannot wait to start learning ICD-10.

How many charts do they ask you to code an hour?  I am curious.  My job as ER coder is a dream job.  I cannot believe I even get to do it.  I code straight ERs and am the head coder and will handle problems from the contract coders regarding our system so I am trying to learn it good. The stress level has dropped tremendously for me.  I find myself deep in thought instead of furiously hammering out the lines.  I am probably slow for now but have been told not to stress and to have fun learning my way around.  Heck, my trainers are the 2 nicest people ever.  But I usually try to set goals for myself and we are not on production yet but they are looking at it.  So I would appreciate knowing how much is asked of yall per hour.  That might help me set a goal.

I am having a tough time studying for my CCS.  I just want to rest after work and not study.  I dont know what is going to light my fire to get started.  I guess I could get the study guide and at least have something to go by.  I was also going to pick apart all those cases we coded in exam 23.  How are yall preparing for the CCS?  

We are already taking some swank courses in icd 10.  We have 120 hours lined up for us.  I have actually been thinking about specializing in interventional radiology/cardiology.  But like I said, I am tired of studying right now and dont know if I will ever get back on a roll.  

Glad to hear it is going so good for you both.   Awesome company you work for.  

Lana--I'm so glad you love your job. That is the best part and even though I have not started actually coding yet (still waiting on passwords and logon from hospital), I know exactly what you mean about worrying about the lines. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The only way I could make any money was more dictators and because of my experience it was always the ones no one else could do. I had to smile a little because not two days after I stopped transcribing I had a call on my voicemail saying the MT who took over my favorite dictator (esl but very very consistent, professional, and fast) could not understand him. No one could understand him. I just shook my head. What can you do.

I have no idea on what is expected as far as coding quota per hour or any of that right now. I do know that I am expected to be up and running full steam ahead within two weeks. THAT makes me nervous.

As far as CCS, I have the PRG, CCW of course (although I am thinking about purchasing one with the answers so I can practice coding my butt off as much as possible prior to the CCS-I want instant feedback). I want to take it before the end of the year, January 2014 at the latest. I also have the AHIMA CCS study guide. I don't know if you're on Facebook but there is a private CCS study group on there and that's actually where I have seen some great info about the CCS. Here's the link.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/191868417545232/

I think the biggie will be the 12 cases we have to code. I know you get more points for having the principal diagnosis and principal procedure. So the key will be getting through those other questions pretty quick so as to spend time on the cases. Practice, practice, practice. I'm not in study mode either BUT after all this hard work we have put in on this course, we owe it to ourselves to study for the CCS and earn that certification, too. It will eventually reflect in our pay AND there's no A after it! Woohoo! 

The great thing for me about having a job now that pays me based on my skills and does not underpay me based on my skills and experience is that I don't have to cram for the CCS and rush through studying. I can reveiw the way I want to. Less pressure for sure. Good luck to all of us. :)

Lana, I think it depends on what account you are working on how many charts you are expected to code.  I'm assigned to an account that wants us to chart strictly from the lab orders and nothing else.  The target goal is 20 charts an hour, because it goes so fast.  (Blessed are the doctors that issue electronic orders.)

I'm not quite up to 20 yet - I clocked in last night at just under 17 chart/hour, so I'm getting there.  So much of it is learning to use the short cut keys on the program, getting the hang of 3m search engine (this hospital uses Citrix)  and learning the most commonly used codes. The post-it notes feature on my computer is a godsend - I've got them, right there in plain sight.

I too need to study for the CCS, but between the work and the parental unit, studying is right out the window.  It's all I can do to feed the critters and do supper stuff once I'm done for the night.

This may be my best thread EVER!  I love hearing about the interviews, new jobs, and updates.

Just a quick check in to say hi and see how Carmen is liking the job.  I absolutely love what I'm doing.  I'm working two for two different clients now and the day just zooms by.

YEA Terry!!! Glad to hear and I'm working hard to follow in your expert footsteps!

Hi Terry

I am loving the job. You are right! The day zips by. It's great! I LOVE this company and the people so much. I feel very very spoiled compared to my old job. :D On a big special project and learning Cerner.  

How are you doing? I saw your intro on the Shareboard. :) 

I'm doing good.  My first client is all labs.  My second is ancillary coding, which I like better because no two charts are the same.  Ever.  Everyone has been so encouraging and supportive.  I'm learning Cerner too, which I prefer to 3m.  You're right, we're spoiled :)

Someday when  you have time and inclination, here's what I would love to see some of you do. Go to our Andrews School Facebook page and just post something short and sweet that tells how you love (or don't love) your job, but doesn't give any specifics that can be traced back to your employer, because I don't think they like having their names and identifying information plastered all over social media, for good or bad really. They get bombarded with applicants who are inadequately trained, so they'd usually rather keep a low profile.

I'm thinking something like, "I'm an Andrews School graduate just checking in to say that I was hired (months, days, years) after graduation and (love, hate, am enjoying, despise) my new job! Before I enrolled I was (afraid I couldn't do it, excited and overconfident, hysterical, bored with my old job), but (your answer here).  I highly (recommend) (discourage) (your answer here)

Thanks! 

Congrats Carmen and Terry,

Regarding the background check, did they say that included credit as well?

Just curious how detailed they will get..

I have some interviews set up next week, so hoping to be prepared in advance.

Thanks Dustin.  I suspect it's more of a criminal background check than anything, since we handle sensitive personal information.  Good luck with your job search, let us know how it goes.

And Linda, I will definitely post on the FB page soon.

I think Terry is correct about the background check. They are typically screening out applicants with past criminal records.