I was looking into a career in transcription. I ended up looking at coding I feel this would be something I would quite like.

Having spent over the last decade working for veterinarians... I feel I need a change.
I love medical textbooks, journals, looking up info and learning new info.

I'm not sure if there are any coders here from Canada.... if so, I was wondering where you might have taken your training.

I've been looking on the net (for hours) and what I've come up with is that one may have to be certified through the CHIMA (was formerly known as the CHRA)... and only with courses they approve.

I've looked at medhunters and the few jobs I've seen posted for Canada wanted this certification. The courses that the CHIMA approves are few and far between. Two years full time, one year full time.. one place has the option of a one or two year online course and you must be employed in a medical records office or an admitting department at least 20 hours/week.

If anyone has info on how they got started in Canada ~ that would be great!
I haven't ruled out transcription, I'd have to enroll in some major typing courses... the wpm aren't happening ...

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions you may have.

[ 02-23-2004: Message edited by: tendervittles ]

Thank-you for your reply ! Being "nationally certified provides practitioners with professional recognition and portability across Canada."... from the CHIMA site. So you get to put a(C)after your title of CCHRA.

The courses I had mentioned were from their list of approved ones. There are very few.

As well, I found this, "the CHRA has been mandated to change this requirement from a diploma in health records to a baccalaureate
in health information management by 2010."

Oh boy and I thought the job title I found listed in two of the courses ( the two year ones) the "Health Information Practitioner" was more than what I was looking for.

I just want to learn to code.. not manage..
There could be something I am really overlooking here. Maybe there is something a bit simpler. Maybe not...

I shall carry on in the meantime ! I think I will call them to see if I am heading in the right direction ( is this the only way to do it!?!)

Thanks again for your response Linda

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