I am a CPC and have worked at a CAH for nearly 2 and 1/2 years, in my first coding position. I code all of the facilities Ambulatory/Ancillary visits with 99% accuracy, all of their ER/ED for physician and facility charges with 98% accuracy and have been highly trained in ER/ED coding with accuracy between 92 - 98%.
To the best of my knowledge (only having worked with CAH), I agree with what debra-277 has stated.
On a side note.... I recently interviewed with an acute care facility , the Coding Supervisor and the HIM Director there were very impressed that I knew so many different styles of coding. After testing me they stated that my coding was excellent and that I was ready now to be an Inpatient Coder, which I believe I could be a good one. They offered me the position but, I think I'll keep looking.
Someone had stated elsewhere that it's a great place to start and I agree.
